Concordia St. Paul Magazine | Spring 2008 by Concordia University

What fuels Board of Regents membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; passion for CSP 19 CSP volleyball team captures NCAA DIINational Championship 12

Concordia St. Paul magazine is published by the Office of University Advancement Concordia University 275 Syndicate Street North St. Paul, MN 55104-5494 www.csp.edu 651-641-8230 1-800-333-4705 Publisher Heather Riddle, Vice President for University Advancement Editor Lindsey Brown Contributing Writers Mark Hequet, Jill Johnson, Tim Sailer ’09, Nathan Leckband ‘09, Jen Foley Design and Layout Hil Albuquerque Photography Stephanie Olson ’08 Greg Helgeson Address changes should be directed to Sarah Erkkinen ’02 Director of Alumni Relations, Concordia University 275 Syndicate Street North St. Paul, MN 55104-5494 or via e-mail to erkkinen@csp.edu. Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, a national network of 10 colleges and universities of The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. Concordia University, St. Paul admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin. Mission Statement 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. © 2008 Concordia University St. Paul DEV-0108-002

What’s Inside

Table of Contents 4 CSP News � Donations enhance chapel � Criminal justice alumna honored for work in field � Graduate students explore Shanghai’s business practices � Volleyball team captures national title 14 CSP Sports � Head volleyball coach makes team and family one � Save the date: All-alumni football reunion 16 Cover Story: Top Thrivent Exec Takes Lead of Board of Regents Get an inside look at the University’s top leaders 22 Faculty Notes 25 Class Notes 30 Contributions of alumni recognized by College of Business and Organizational Leadership 32 Alumnus Cooks Up Unique Career Alumnus and professor says CSP degree allowed him to start up his dream business

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Concordia St. Paul

President’s Letter In this national election year, citizens of the United States will think deeply about leadership. People in many nations envy our opportunity and responsibility freely to elect our next national President. Leadership stands important not only in our national life but also in our individual lives and the function of our institutions. This edition of “Concordia St. Paul” will inform and hopefully inspire you about the leadership given by the members of our Board of Regents and by many other people involved with Concordia University, St. Paul.

in many ways, God has placed the future of Concordia University, St. Paul, in their hands. They often sacrifice personally by leading with time, talents and support; they receive no monetary remuneration. They lead by sharing the gifts that God has given them and by inviting others to find joy in supporting Concordia’s mission of preparing “students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity and for the enlightened care of God’s creation, all in the context of the Christian Gospel,” as our Mission Statement proclaims.

Present and past Board members remind me of Jesus’ words, “Whoever would be a leader must be a servant just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”

Concordia Blessed by Servant Leaders As President, I begin by publicly expressing my personal and professional gratitude for the time, talent, commitment, prayer and care that past and present Board of Regents members have given and continue to give to Concordia. I watch them in board meetings visualize grand opportunities as well as agonize over hard practical issues. To be a member of the Board of Regents requires appreciation of the past, understanding of the present and a realistic, strategic vision of the future. Paraphrasing Matthew 20:27-28 under the theme of leadership, present and past Board members remind me of Jesus’ words, “Whoever would be a leader must be a servant just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” We are proud to introduce present board members in this issue and I ask you to remember them in prayer. Thank God that they have accepted the opportunity and responsibility to be servant leaders. Having been blessed for a decade with almost continuous membership service on the board, because of term limits, Concordia is now blessed with many new members. Three relatively new members serve on the board’s Executive Committee, i.e. Chairman Brad Hewitt, Vice Chairman, Tom Evans ‘81, and Secretary Darlene Johnson ’55. LCMS Minnesota South District President Lane Seitz continues his long term service on both the board and the Executive Committee. Ask that God will guide and bless the whole board because,

Each Board of Regent member has an impact and leaves a legacy. It may be unfair to single out any member because each, in her or his own way, gives exemplary servant leadership. Nevertheless, today at Concordia, we celebrate our women student athletes winning the NCAA II National Volleyball Championship because The Gangelhoff Center stands not only as a testimony of Ron and Doris Gangelhoff’s service but also as an example of the servant leadership of other Board of Regents members as well. I think that you will enjoy getting to know more about our present Board members. They are outstanding people – blessings to Concordia. Concordia stands embraced by talented leaders – students, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors, friends, and, in the forefront, members of the Board of Regents. May this issue of “Concordia St. Paul” give praise to God and show gratitude to all of you who serve the Lord, care for Concordia and thus, in your own way, serve as a leader in the world and in Concordia’s mission in education. In Christ,

Bob Holst President

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Letter to the Editor

Dear CSP Community, At the end of the 2007 Golden Bear volleyball team’s season, a national championship trophy was hoisted in the air. On behalf of the team I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all the many fans and supporters who joined us on this journey. From the season’s first game at the Ganglehoff Center, to the exciting trip to the Elite 8 in Topeka, Kansas, we had a great ride. It was even more enjoyable because of those who followed the team, and made possible in part by their support. The road to the finals began way back in August when we first came together as a young, inexperienced team. We were prepared for the road to get bumpy, and at times it did. However, we learned from these experiences and grew. Every member of our team wanted everybody else to be successful, a trait which is actually rare. Our chemistry off the court led to success on it. The North Central Region Finals in Duluth was an important stop on our journey. This is where our confidence grew. We felt like we could not lose. Two wins brought us to the regional championship. The gym was packed, including many of our “Superfans”, friends and parents. We relished in our victory that avenged two previous loses to UMD, and sent us to Topeka. Our confidence traveled with us to Kansas, along with incredible support from the Concordia community. It was great to hear from our friends back in St. Paul, that they were following along, whether sneakily on their laptops during class, on a huge screen in

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the Union or even while enjoying the choir’s Christmas concert. We received personal emails from students while we were waiting impatiently to play. A large contingent of “Superfans” drove down for the matches and celebrated after each win. Another group of fans and family drove through a wicked snowstorm to get to the title match. We really appreciated that daring effort. Having screaming fans in a neutral site was energizing and vital. When a match of great volleyball ended with our final kill, our fans joined our celebration on the court. We remained there for a long time, enjoying every minute. We carried the celebration to our hotel. After being scolded by security for enjoying ourselves too loudly, we had a pizza party courtesy of Tom Rubbelke. It was a chance to unwind, savor the moment, and celebrate our team and what we had accomplished. We returned to campus on Monday, and were welcomed home by a large crowd at the Ganglehoff, where Tom and President Bob Holst had kind words of congratulations, and Coach Starkey thanked the faculty and fans for their support. The many personal relationships we’ve developed on our relatively small campus allow us all to share in the moment. The unveiling of the championship banner was a proud moment, not only for us, but for the whole Concordia community. As we said in Topeka, a bonus for getting to the Elite 8 was a chance for us to spend a few more weeks together. That is what community is all about.

Dear Readers, Concordia has confidence in its alumni and the impact they have on the business world. Do you have a story (or know someone who does) about how the Concordia experience translated to becoming an entrepreneur and/or business owner? We’d love to hear about it! E-mail me for possible inclusion in the summer 2008 issue of CSP magazine. As always, I also invite you to send a letter to the editor for publication to brown@csp.edu or visit www.magazine. csp.edu to give your feedback on particular stories, photos or anything else about the magazine. I look forward to hearing from you! God Bless, Lindsey Brown Editor, CSP magazine *We reserve the right to condense and print letters.

Maria Steinhagen Junior, Middle Hitter

Concordia St. Paul

CSP News

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Chapel Cross Honors Memory of Young Alumnus

It was 1996 when freshmen Max Noell ’00 and Matt Woodford ’00 became neighbors in Walther Hall. They were involved in student senate together and Matt was an accomplished student-athlete. They took late-night breaks from studying and played Tetris quite competitively on the Nintendo. They quickly became best friends and eventually roommates in Hyatt Village their senior year. Max fondly remembers the night he, his girlfriend (now wife) Amanda and Matt were doing homework on their laptops in Hyatt. Max received an instant message from Matt, who was sitting directly behind him, that said he’d just bought an engagement ring for his high-school sweetheart Lora (Wroge) Woodford ’01. Max turned around and Matt was smiling and shaking his head yes. A week later, Matt proposed to Lora and she said yes. When Lora and Matt graduated, she began her teaching career and Matt entered graduate school to become a physician’s assistant. They married on Dec. 30, 2000 and gave birth to their first child Madalyn three years later. By December of 2004, Lora and Matt were expecting their second child. On their four-year anniversary, Matt’s extended family was gathering at Matt’s brother Lucas’ house in Cedarburg, Wis. for Christmas. Travel conditions weren’t ideal. They were on the interstate when Matt hit a patch of ice and their car struck another vehicle. Matt was killed instantly. Their baby, Logan, who was due in June was also lost while 1-year-old Madalyn was in the backseat unharmed. Max wanted to do something to keep Matt’s memory alive so he approached Concordia. The plans for the Graebner Memorial Chapel renovation and Cross

of Christ Fellowship Center addition had just been unveiled. When Max saw the cross penciled on the outside of the chapel, he knew that was the ideal memorial. “That was perfect because Matt was so strong in his faith,” said Max. Max wrote a letter to college friends, fellow churchgoers and others Matt knew and asked for donations. “A lot of people wanted to do something (for Matt) but they didn’t know how,” said Max. “This gave them a way.” Eighteen donors helped Max surpass the fundraising goal by raising $12,000. The cedar cross was dedicated to Matt at the chapel dedication during homecoming 2007. “I’m sincerely grateful to Max for his labor and love throughout this entire project,” said Lora. She continues to teach and raise Madalyn, now 4, in their Mayer, Minn. home. She said she keeps Matt’s memory alive through stories, shared photos and open dialogue. “Maddie proudly tells others that her daddy lives with Jesus in heaven and when Jesus says so, she will go to heaven too,” said Lora. “Maddie can confidently know that her daddy ran his race and met Jesus at the finish line.” The love and support of others has sustained Lora through the most difficult times. “God has blessed us with an amazing support system of family and friends,” she said. The experience has been a life-changing one for Max. “You tend to hug your wife and children a little bit more and a little bit longer and realize how quickly it can be taken away from you,” he said. “Obviously I’d rather have Matt here but given the circumstances, I’m glad we have a reminder of how good of a person he was. This gives something for Madalyn to look at and say, ‘That’s because of my dad.’”

Concordia St. Paul

Former Faculty Member Says Gift Embodies Christianity

天安门 Music Fills Campus Air Thanks to Herb ’46 and Dorothy Graebner, music now fills the Concordia campus air. One of the finishing touches on the Chapel enhancement project was a set of electronic chimes donated by the Graebners.

The memories of the Concordia Christmas Choral Vespers performances run deep for former choral director Bob “Jake” Leininger who retired in 1998 after 33 years of service. He reminisces about performances that gathered faculty, staff, students and community members, often overflowing the chapel. “The worship brought people to the depth of the Christmas message,” said Leininger. Leininger made many contributions to Concordia, most recently in the form of artwork. He and his wife, Phyllis, donated two works by He Qi, the world’s foremost modern Chinese Christian artist. The colorful paintings flank the entrance to the chapel from the fellowship center, what Bob considers to be the entrance to heavenly peace or in Chinese, tian an men. “The Risen Lord” hangs on the right side of the archway and “The Nativity” hangs to the left. The paintings illustrate the two most significant concepts of the Christian church—Christ’s birth and resurrection.

For Leininger, the paintings also represent and honor the chapel choir and other musicians who have served Concordia. Every year the processional was “Once in Royal David City” and the first and last stanzas of this hymn speak of Christ’s birth and resurrection. “It is a most beautiful and profound Christian message,” said Bob. Leininger has become good friends with the painting’s artist. Qi’s paintings are highly sought after throughout the western world where his works hang in many prestigious locales, including Yale University and Oxford University in England. “It is a very big honor to have this man’s works displayed in our chapel,” said Leininger. “The paintings aren’t there just because they’re beautiful paintings,” said Bob. “The most important part of this gift is the meaning that I wish to bring to worship at Concordia.” z

For more information on the artist He Qi, visit www.heqigallery.com

The chimes can play 1,800 different pre-programmed music selections as well as recordings of Music Department performances. They chime on the half hour and can be heard from all corners of campus. Herb, son of the University’s second president Martin Graebner, was born and raised on Concordia’s campus until his graduation from Concordia Academy and his father’s retirement in 1946. After serving in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II, he graduated from the University of Minnesota and went back into combat in the Korean War. After the war, Herb started his business career, and in 1956 he founded Arcadia Health Care in Detroit. The company quickly grew to have offices in more than 40 cities. Herb and Dorothy sold the business to a large public company in 1997 and began to indulge their love of philanthropy. They were generous donors to various educational, arts and performing arts groups near their Detroit summer home and Florida winter home. “Our friendship with [President] Bob Holst and our gift to Concordia’s Library Technology Center 10 years ago were the high points of our charitable giving,” said Herb and Dorothy. When Concordia began drawing up plans for the Chapel enhancement project, President Holst and the Graebners began discussions on contributing to the Chapel named after Herb’s father. Because of the couple’s love for music and the arts, “The minute [President Holst] said chimes, everything else went out the window,” said Herb. “I hope that it gives the people on campus pleasure,” said Herb. “I hope it gives people pride to be a part of Concordia.”

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

CSP News

Alumna Honored as Top in Her Field Officer Lisa Davis ’05, a recent graduate of Concordia’s M.A. in Criminal Justice Leadership program, was named the Officer of the Year by the International Association of Women Police. The award is given annually to an officer who, by her overall service and accomplishments throughout her career, distinguishes herself in all areas of leadership, community service, mentoring and excellence in performance. A 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department, Davis is currently assigned to the Minnesota Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force, which is a collaboration of agencies led by the FBI to arrest violent fugitives in Minnesota. She has held several positions on the department to include patrol, narcotics, community crime prevention and the gang unit. She is also an original member of the Minneapolis Police Honor Guard. Prior to her service with the MPD, she spent four years in the United States Marine Corps serving with the Military Police in positions including the SWAT team, patrol, and prisoner transport. She has taught at the Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement for the past 18 years on defensive tactics and use of force, and is currently co-authoring a text on the subject.

Concordia Returns to Hippos Site for Seventh Excavation This summer, the Department of Religion and Theology will again participate in the Hippos Excavations led by the Zinman Institute of Archaeology of the University of Haifa at the Hippos/Sussita National Park above the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee at Ein Gev, Israel. The 2008 season of the Northeast Church Project is scheduled for June 29-July 24. The team will continue work on conserving the church complex and its mosaics. Participants will dig several deep probes to explore for structures under the church that are thought to be part of a Roman temple complex. This year’s dig features two optional trips. The second week, Dr. Mark Schuler will lead a tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Schuler will also lead a three-day tour of Jordan, including Jerash, Mt. Nebo, Petra, Amman and Gadara. If you’d like to volunteer, you must have excellent health and be able to do the heavy work this project requires. The registration deadline is April 1, 2008.

For more information please visit http://hippos.archaeology.csp.edu/currentseason

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Concordia St. Paul

CSP News

Graduate Students Study Global Business First-Hand Sixteen Concordia graduate students recently toured Shanghai, China to learn about international business practices. The trip wrapped up the students’ Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management (MAOM). The trip was assisted, in part, by Rick Gabrielson ’04 with Target Corporation. Dr. Richard Brynteson, professor of organizational management and his students toured Chinese businesses, distribution centers and factories such as Sunjoy Industries, a company that manufactures gazebos for various retailers. “Workers make about $3,000 a year, which makes them wealthy in the outlying provinces they return to,” said Brynteson. “After seeing how they were manufactured I’ll never look at a gazebo in a store the same way. Workers work straight to lunch—no break—where they bring a bowl to get their rice and pork and then go on working into the evening.”

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

CSP News Photos: Top: A strip of shopping centers called Nanjing Road. Bottom left to right: Night view of the Pedestrian Mall- the largest shopping district in Shanghai. MAOM students on their Best Buy visit. A view of People’s Park which was across the street from the students’ hotel. Students were able to stroll around the Buick factory’s showroom and ask questions before touring the factory. Students were allowed into the control tower at one of the sea ports.

The group also spent time taking in the sights and sounds of Shanghai. Their hotel overlooked People’s Square—a Central Park of sorts in Shanghai. They also spent time visiting the Urban Planning Museum and the Shanghai Museum. Brynteson noted the challenges facing the Chinese people in the midst of their industrial revolution. The Concordia group said they fought their way through crowded subways, witnessed abject poverty, and experienced the hazards of unregulated development. “The air quality was awful,” said Brynteson. “You could see the smog hanging in the air. China is going through its own industrial revolution and there’s almost no government controls on pollution.” Despite the crowds and pollution, students and Brynteson described the trip as invaluable to their educational experiences. “The purpose of the trip was to give the MAOM students an exceptional business experience in China,” said Brynteson.

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Sue Battles, a graduation specialist in the Concordia registrar’s office, saw many benefits to the Shanghai trip. “The planned events engaged our group in the cycle of business from marketing, retail strategy, and legal issues, to manufacturing and import and export processes,” she said. “Understanding how culture ties to business relationships is a must in our global economy.” Erin Perrault, a MAOM student appreciated the experience. “This trip has truly been the highlight of my educational experience,” she said. The College of Business and Organizational Leadership is planning another trip to Shanghai with a new cohort in late March. This trip will have a similar itinerary and will also be the capstone course for the MAOM degree.

For more information on the MAOM degree, visit www.csp.edu/academics/graduate/om

Concordia St. Paul

Friends of University Indulge in Food and Stories of Travel

Opportunity Strikes Sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time. Third-year CSP student MaryLynn Mennicke can attest to that. As part of the professional ensemble, the Mila Vocal Ensemble, Mennicke had the opportunity to sing a solo in the animated fantasy-action movie “Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight.” Renowned travel expert Rick Steves’ travels brought him to Concordia on Friday, Nov. 9 for convocation. This gave Concordia and President Bob Holst special occasion to serve as dinner hosts to a few friends of the University. Six couples enjoyed a European inspired gourmet dinner prepared by Organizational Management and Communication major Dan Ritter ’08.

Rhine River Cruise CSP’s School of Continuing Studies invites you on a romantic Rhine River cruise from May 24 – June 1, 2008. This seven-night cruise will take you to Amsterdam, Holland, Switzerland and Basel and can be taken for academic credit. An itinerary and pricing is available online at www.csp.edu/scs. For more information, please contact the School of Continuing Studies at 651-641-8724.

Ritter has been cooking since the age of 15. He began as a prep cook in his brother’s L.A. restaurant and has since graduated from the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, studied and worked in France, Italy, and South Africa, and formally apprenticed under famed chef Julian Serrano of Picasso Restaurant at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. In 2007, Ritter was elected to sit on the New England Culinary Institutes’ Alumni Association Board of Directors. After the meal, President Holst shared accounts of his world travels. The couples also attended Steves’ presentation giving an overview of his extensive European travels over the last 25 years. Using those experiences, he has authored 30 European travel guidebooks and hosts the PBS-TV series “Rick Steves’ Europe.” His lessons have helped millions of Americans not only enjoy maximum travel thrills per mile, minute and euro, but become better world citizens.

Opportunity struck at a restaurant after one of the ensemble’s performances. Their impromptu singing at their table was overheard by an impressed man who approached and asked if they would sing for the movie’s soundtrack. Seven months later, Mennicke and the group found themselves in a Minneapolis recording studio. The 12-hour day was split up by a lunch break in which Mennicke offered to stay back and record the solo. “Everyone in Mila Vocal Ensemble still says, ‘What the heck was that?’ And laughs about the weirdest day we ever had,” said Mennicke. The straight-to-DVD movie, featuring the voices of Lucy Lawless and Keifer Sutherland, was derived from the comic strip and book “Dragonlance.”

See a clip of the movie where Mennicke and Mila are singing! www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Ure_45SSw

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

CSP Helps Organizational Management Students Find Niche Concordia recently launched its first cohort for a new master’s degree in Organizational Management with a sports management emphasis. The practitioner-based program meets online one night per week allowing degree completion in 18 months. Students develop proficiency in areas such as effective decision-making, leadership, finance, and human and facility resource management as it pertains to sports management. “There is a growing need for managers and leaders in the rapidly expanding field of sports management,” said Tom Berkas, graduate faculty in the Department of Organizational Management. Christine Kudelka, term faculty in the Department of Marketing Management, said although many students in the program are aiming to become coaches, career possibilities for those with this degree can reach far beyond coaching and education. Kudelka sites positions in sales, corporate marketing, ethics, sports management, promotions, private and public recreation, and event and facility management as areas graduates can go into. “This program is for people who combine a passion and love for sports as well as the ability to use their management skills in order to leverage the property,” said Kudelka. This degree has afforded three coaches in the athletic department the opportunity to coach and go to school. They know this degree will allow them to take their careers to the next level.

Tim Klingbeil, football graduate assistant, has his sights set on becoming a head college football coach and feels this degree puts him on the right track. Klingbeil said the program is perfect because it allows him to focus more specifically on his interest in sports than the Organizational Management degree without the emphasis. Klingbeil enjoys the personal attention from professors and that they are so accessible and willing to help. “You almost have to try to be a bad student,” he said. Football defensive coordinator and athletics strength and conditioning coach Oliver Soukup enrolled in the program in hopes to have doors open for him with his coaching career. “You can do a lot of things inside the sports field you couldn’t do with just a management degree,” said Soukup. Another big motivation to get his graduate degree was a promise he made to his late mother who worked in education for 32 years.

CSP News

Tim Klingbeil

Oliver Soukup

Bobby Meier

Soukup enjoys the flexibility of the program because it allows him to travel to recruit Concordia football players and take classes at the same time. Baseball graduate assistant Bobby Meier hopes one day to be a professional baseball administrator or a head college baseball coach. He knows this degree is the key to that. Meier said he appreciates the accessibility and knowledge of his professors. He knows that will translate to future personal growth and career success. While not in class, Meier is scouting for the major league baseball team Tampa Bay Rays and helping Concordia’s baseball program.

For more program information, please visit www.csp.edu/Academics/Graduate/ SportsManagement/

Concordia to Host International Hmong Conference Concordia’s Center for Hmong Studies will be hosting the 2nd Biennial International Conference on Hmong Studies April 11-13, 2008. The conference will attract scholars who will present their research on Hmong studies in an effort to encourage students to do scholarly research. It will also offer the opportunity to share and receive recognition for their scholarly work. Hmong scholars from China, Thailand, Germany and the United States will be presenting at the conference. Presentation topics include Hmong culture, history, leadership, politics, business, language, religious beliefs, health and more.

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Concordia hosted more then 500 attendees at the 1st Biennial International Conference on Hmong Studies in the spring of 2006 and 30 scholarly papers were presented. There are an estimated 10 million Hmong worldwide. Most of them reside in China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Burma with an estimated 350,000 in the United States. St. Paul, Minn. has the largest urbanized Hmong population in the United States. Concordia is the home to the Center for Hmong Studies, the Hmong Archives and the Hmong American Institute for Learning, which publishes the

literary journal “Paj Ntaub Voice.” There are more than 100,000 books, videos and artifacts relating to the Hmong people at the Center. The Center offers a Hmong Studies minor and frequently collaborates with scholars, universities, students and Hmong worldwide. z

Visit www.csp.edu/hmongcenter/ Conference_Web_Page.html

Concordia St. Paul

Concordia St. Paul Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Volleyball Earns

DIINational Championship!

2007 Concordia womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volleyball team (Front row left-right) Kasey Woodcock, Rachel Knutsen, Meghan Ellis, Mary Slinger, Kate Bennett, Whitney Meierotto (Back row left-right) Maggie McNamara, Blair Murphy, Sadie Kessler, Emily Palkert, Maria Steinhagen, Raina Hein, Krista Erickson

Team Accomplishments NCAA Division II National Champions NCAA North Central Region Champions (3rd time in five years) NSIC Regular Season Champions for fifth straight season Tied 2006 school record with 36 wins

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

CSP News Individual Honors and Awards in 2007 Maggie McNamara AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) First Team All-American AVCA First Team All-Region Daktronics First Team All-Region First Team All-NSIC NSIC Setter of the Week (five times) NSIC All-Tournament Team NCAA Elite Eight All-Tournament Team NCAA North Central Region All-Tournament Team CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors Association) Second Team Academic All-District NSIC All-Academic NCAA single-season assist record (2,093), breaking her own record from last year (1,979) NCAA assists per game leader (second straight year) averaging 14.54 assists per game

Emily Palkert AVCA National Freshman of the Year AVCA Honorable Mention All-American AVCA First Team All-Region AVCA Region Freshman of the Year Daktronics Second Team All-Region NSIC Newcomer of the Year First Team All-NSIC NSIC Player of the Week (twice) NCAA Elite Eight All-Tournament Team NCAA North Central Region All-Tournament

Maria Steinhagen AVCA Third Team All-American AVCA First Team All-Region NCAA Elite Eight All-Tournament Team NSIC First Team All-NSIC NSIC All-Academic

Mary Slinger AVCA Honorable Mention All-American AVCA First Team All-Region NSIC Libero of the Year First Team All-NSIC NCAA Elite Eight All-Tournament Team NCAA North Central Region All-Tournament Team NSIC Defensive Player of the Week (Aug. 27) NSIC All-Academic

Whitney Meierotto AVCA National Player of the Week (Aug. 27) First Team All-NSIC Daktronics Second Team All-Region NSIC Player of the Week (Aug. 27) NCAA North Central Region All-Tournament Team

Brady Starkey, head coach AVCA Division II National Coach of the Year AVCA North Central Region Coach of the Year

Governor Tim Pawlenty invited the team to the capitol as a gesture of congratulations and thanks on behalf of the state for bringing national attention to the city with their championship. The team toured the capitol and talked with Pawlenty about capturing the title. They presented the governor and his staff with national championship gear.

For DIINational Coach of the Year

Team and Family Become One

At the rate coach Brady Starkey is going, he will soon need a bigger office. In five years as Concordia head volleyball coach, his office has quickly filled with plaques and trophies; the newest of which is a DII national championship trophy and the National Coach of the Year award. Starkey said he doesn’t define himself by what hangs on his walls. For him, it is more about making volleyball a family affair. Of course, nothing bonds a family like winning a national championship. “Seeing how happy they are when they do things well is really rewarding,” said Starkey. “They become your family and you live vicariously through them.”

Starkey attributes the team’s success to their talent, work ethic, defensive game, competitiveness, refuse-to-lose attitude and young energy. “When your team is as tight as ours, little things don’t get in the way of being able to compete,” said Starkey.

Daughters Teagan Shea, 5 and Kayli Jade, 3 ½ often lead the team cheer after victories. Starkey said they’re always playing with a volleyball and their competitive nature is already evident. He joked that they’ve both already verbally committed to playing at Concordia.

Starkey said his family is just as passionate about his work as he is. His wife of 10 years, Penny, is the youngest of six girls—all of whom played college volleyball. Penny was a two-time volleyball AllAmerican and is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame at the University of St. Thomas. Since Penny has coached volleyball, Starkey said she really understands what he goes through on the job. “It’s a nice thing to come home to,” he said.

He said his daughter’s role models are him, Penny, and the team’s 13 girls. “What more could you want,” he said. “They (the girls on the team) are very smart, work super hard and are nice kids. If my daughters turn out anything like the players we’ve had at Concordia, I will know we did a great job as parents.”

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

CSP Sports

Student-Athlete Spotlight Katie LaViolette | Senior Manitowoc, Wis. LaViolette has been a leader on and off the basketball court. This season she became the school’s all-time leader in assists with 727. She leads the NSIC and is third in the NCAA in assists per game (8.56). Last season she became the first Academic All-American in women’s basketball and looks to repeat in 2008 with a 4.0 GPA in kinesiology. She is also the president of SAAC and is leading the school’s breast cancer awareness campaign.

Craig Heiman | Sophomore Marshall, Wis. Heiman is the basketball team’s leading scorer and is second in the NSIC in scoring this year with averaging 17.4 points per game. He was twice named the NSIC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week and has scored in double-figures in all but two games. Heiman had a career-high 36 points against Upper Iowa and has led the team in scoring in 13 games.

Kawaskii Bacon | Junior Minneapolis, Minn. Bacon has begun the 2008 indoor track season in a strong fashion. In 2007, he became the first Concordia athlete to qualify for two NCAA championship events (100m, 200m) during the outdoor season and has already provisionally qualified for the NCAA indoor championships in the 60m dash with a school-record 6.85. In two seasons at Concordia, Bacon has set four sprint records and is a member of three relay record teams.

Fall Highlights The football team ended the season with a 4-7 (3-6 NSIC) record. Kole Goodchild (West Bend, Iowa) set a single-season passing record with 3,027 yards. Duy Huynh (Apple Valley, Minn.) and Chuck Miesbauer (St. Paul, Minn.) were named all-NSIC second team. The soccer team finished the season with a 5-14-2 (3-6-0 NSIC) record. Hillary Johnson (Andover, Minn.) and Krysta Briese (Waddell, Ariz.) were named to NSIC all-conference teams. Johnson’s name can be found throughout the Concordia recordbook. The women’s cross country team finished 5th, while the men finished 6th at the NSIC Championships. Shae Wallin (Big Lake, Minn.) and Emily Stanzyk (Carroll, Iowa) earned all-NSIC honors. Dan Schield (Two Harbors, Minn.) led the way for the Golden Bears with a time of 27:15.3 to earn 13th place. The men’s golf team finished 4th at the NSIC Championships. Alex Timm (Hopkins, Minn.) earned allNSIC honors with a 6th place finish firing a 79-72=151 on the par 72 course. Kyle Lewis (Forest Lake, Minn.) led the team in scoring average with a 75.1 per 18 holes. The women’s golf team has been ranked #23 by the “Golf World”/ NGCA Division II Coaches Poll. The team is currently 2nd after the fall NSIC Championships that will conclude during the spring season. Carley Paulseth (Moose Lake, Minn.) is in 3rd place in the NSIC Championships with a 78-80=158.

Football Reunion Gather with all your ol’ Concordia football buddies! Concordia is hosting an all-alumni football reunion during homecoming weekend. Mark your calendar for

Saturday, Sept. 27.

Spring | 2008

Concordia St. Paul

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Top Thrivent Exec Takes Lead of Board of Regents

What kind of leader is Brad Hewitt? “A reluctant one, usually,” the new chair of the Concordia University Board of Regents said with a grin. “I really don’t seek leadership.”

The University is in a diverse urban community. Its faculty and staff truly care about students. And the institution is continuing to grow beyond its roots as a school for church workers.

Leadership, however, seeks Hewitt — onetime CEO of a Minneapolis pharmaceutical firm, then chief administration officer for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, now a senior vice president at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Hewitt calls Concordia St. Paul “a very good microcosm of the world that most people are going to live in. That’s a strength if you’re going into ministry or if you’re going into business or if you’re going into education.”

Hewitt’s leadership exemplar is the guy who guided a motley crowd of desert wanderers across the Jordan into the Promised Land — the Old Testament’s Joshua.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls math major remembers his quadratic equations—they have more than one solution. So do organizational challenges.

Hewitt thinks the model is apt for present circumstances. “Leadership,” he said, “is about being courageous. And trust in God.” Thereafter, Hewitt added, “you figure it out as you go.” At Concordia St. Paul, Hewitt knows what he wants — courageous leaders who inspire courage in others. He wants to see people “take that leap of faith, believing in themselves and believing in the institution.” These courageous leaders can draw upon Concordia’s great strengths, Hewitt said: place, people and progress.

Hewitt also graduated from Harvard University’s Program for Management Development and received an honorary doctorate in law from Concordia St. Paul. Not being a Concordia alum has this advantage: “I don’t have to unlearn a bunch of things about how it used to be,” said Hewitt — and yet he can draw freely on experience and ideas from the school’s legacy. His own family, meanwhile, has deepening Concordia roots. Son Matt, a Concordia student nearing graduation in 2009 and heading for seminary, turns to Dad for financial guidance — and Twin Cities directions. His father grew up here.

He wants to see people “take that leap of faith, believing in themselves and believing in the institution.” Spring | 2008

Concordia St. Paul

Cover Story

Dad always comes through. “If he doesn’t know the answer,” said Matt, “he’ll find out.” Susan Hewitt ’06, Brad’s wife, has a Concordia St. Paul master’s degree in Christian Outreach. One day while researching an assignment, Matt found his Mom’s capstone thesis, “Motivating Christians into Service.” Her phone rang. “He wanted to know,” Mom deadpaned, “if I thought it was a credible source.” Susan, as Metro St. Louis mission coordinator for the Missouri District of the LCMS in St. Louis, has helped reinvigorate two churches there. Christ Lutheran reinvented itself as Christ in the City — a coffeehouse, day-care center and worship center serving a St. Louis University neighborhood. St. Stephen’s Lutheran, meanwhile, adapted itself to younger worshipers. Those projects model what Susan hopes her husband already knows in his new role. “My encouragement for him,” she said, “would be to help the University to see the future in today’s culture.” The family moves to its new home in Medicine Lake, Minn., in June, after daughter Melissa graduates from high school in St. Louis. If Concordia St. Paul changes course while crossing the Jordan, the redirection will be gentle.

“People have told me,” Hewitt said, “‘I’ve never felt better about being told I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to do.’” A growing Concordia can keep diversifying while still affirming its roots, Hewitt said. Martin Luther’s priesthood of all believers includes people doing godly work in all walks of life. Not only church workers have callings. “We help people figure out their call,” mused the brand-conscious businessman. “Why wouldn’t we want that to be our brand?” If he’s mixing business and church — maybe both can benefit. The challenge now for Concordia and its alumni, said Hewitt, is to build fundraising to keep pace with opportunity. That won’t take a miracle — but a miracle wouldn’t surprise Hewitt. Here’s why: His business friends wonder how churches can manage on voluntary contributions. “I would describe that system,” Hewitt responded, “as a miracle. It really doesn’t operate except on that basis. “On the other hand,” he continued, “I could point out to them that the church bodies have lasted a lot longer than any business.”

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

An inside look at whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Concordia.

With many new Board of Regents members, we thought it would be a great time to give you a little inside look at who they are, what they do, and why they love Concordia. Spring | 2008

Concordia St. Paul

Ken Behm

Darcy Dilly-Cooper Paul Crisler

Eric Kendall Banks

Christopher Dodge

Eric Kendall Banks

Darcy Dilly-Cooper

Kansas City, Mo. Kutak Rock, LLP “I have been active with the Lutheran Church and its institutions for over 35 years. Being able to be involved with CSP is a blessed extension of my lifelong interest. God continues to bless me in countless ways. Service to others is my way of showing our Lord how much I appreciate my blessings.”

Chaska, Minn. Associate Director, Dairy Queen Operators Association and Cooperative “Deciding which college to go to can be a difficult decision and it’s important that students not only have a chance to receive a good education, to have diligent leaders being careful with their tuition dollars but also have a place where they have the opportunity to nurture a Christ-centered life.”

Ken Behm Willmar, Minn. Chairman/Owner, Home State Bank “Being on the Board of Regents allows me to help promote the newly created College of Business and Organizational Leadership—to provide Christian leaders for tomorrow’s business community.”

Paul Crisler St. Louis, Mo. Principal, Lutheran High School South “After looking at our Concordia University System, Concordia University, St. Paul was the school that was ‘walking the talk’ in terms of significant diversity within the student population. Concordia’s interest in maintaining an urban setting and working with the community is to be applauded.”

Tom Evans

Rev. Christopher Dodge Bloomington, Minn. Pastor, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church “I have a deep desire to equip Christians to actively live and share their faith in a culture that increasingly has wandered from its Christian roots.”

Rev. Tom Evans ’81 Mound, Minn. Pastor, Mount Olive Lutheran Church “It’s a strong University that has diverse courses but remains solid in helping people become better leaders through their faith in their Lord Jesus Christ.”

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Cover Story

Gregg Hein ’82

Ed Kuerschner (not pictured)

Rev. Dr. Lane R. Seitz

Billings, Mont. Owner, Abco Supply, Inc. “A clear part of what the Lord Christ has given us to do is teach everything He told us. Concordia’s historic and potential stature as a Lutheran institution of higher learning fuels my passion for it.”

Blue Springs, Mo. Administrator of School Ministries, Timothy Lutheran Church “I think it’s important to prepare young men and women for a vocation of ministry to our God within professional church work or public service.”

Mrs. Darlene Johnson ’55

Charlotte Malotky

Savage, Minn. Minnesota South District President, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod “The unique setting of Concordia, St. Paul and its ability to provide a quality Christian education to students and potential church workers who will live and work in a technology-oriented, urban, cross cultural world is what fuels my passion for the University.”

Brooklyn Center, Minn. Retired “The concern and care shown by everyone on the campus for the students is just great. The Christian influence they receive as they prepare to serve the peoples of the world in so many different ways is what makes me love Concordia.”

Waconia, Minn. Retired “The mission statement for CSP really states why I am a cheerleader for the school. It is a wonderful achievement for an inner city institution to keep its vision of Christian hope and still offer programs of high academic quality at a cost that is affordable.”

Lori Utech ’79 (not pictured)

Louis S. Johnson ’86

Roger Roberts

Alicia Winget

Bloomington, Minn. Financial Advisor, U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. “Continuing the mission of providing a Christ-centered environment for young men and women to learn and grow is what excites me about Concordia.”

Bonita Springs, Fla. Retired 3M executive “The mission of Concordia and its Christian influence is what fuels my passion for the school. I also like the fact that the school is not only an educational institution, but has a strong mission presence in the community.”

Leonard, Mich. Self-employed in real estate development and construction “Concordia is intentionally positioned to provide access for willing students to prepare for a life of service to the Lord and to those whom He places in their paths. It is the life-long impact the CSP experience will have upon the students that invigorates me.”

Gregg Hein

Louis S. Johnson Darlene Johnson

Ballwin, Mo. Family Physician, Westglen Family Physicians “Concordia was a significant influence in my life. I appreciated the examples of Christian living in the Concordia community on a daily basis. I desire that others have a chance to experience what I experienced for many years to come.”

Roger Roberts Charlotte Malotky

Alicia Winget Lane R. Seitz

Faculty Notes Dr. Steve Arnold, dean of the College of Vocation and Ministry, served as the keynote speaker of the Iowa District West Retreat. The retreat entitled, “Saints Alive!” was held at Camp Okoboji in Northern Iowa, and featured Dr. Arnold’s sessions on renewing the body, mind and spirit. Dr. Arnold also conducted a spiritual assessment and renewal seminar focused on developing a healthy spiritual life at the Iowa District West LCMS Director of Christian Education Conference. Sally Bass, director of the Southeast Asian Teacher Licensure Program, presented a workshop at the Minnesota’s School Based Children’s Mental Health Training Initiative in Orlando, Fla. on the early warning signs of children’s mental illness. The workshop also included interventions for responding to children in schools and resource mapping for children with mental illness. Dr. Jeffrey Burkart, associate dean of the College of Vocation and Ministry, presented two workshops at the Plum Creek Children’s Literary Festival at Concordia University, Nebraska. His first workshop, “Poetry for and by Children,” focused on resources and techniques for writing poetry, making poetry exciting for children and teachers, as well as oral interpretation of poetry for and by children. The second workshop was

Dr. Steve Arnold

about dramatic storytelling through the use of puppets, pantomimes and other dramatic presentations. Dr. Burkart also had his devotion “The Play’s the Thing” published in “Splashed of Grace” and in a Devotion Book being published by Concordia Publishing House. Dr. Lynn Gehrke, assistant professor and chair of the Department of Child and Family Education, conducted a faculty training session for early educators in Northeast Ohio. The training session centered on the use of early learning standards in planning curriculum, instruction and assessment. Kevin Hall, director of the Director of Christian Education Program, coauthored an article with Dr. Steve Arnold entitled, “Christian Faith Formation for the 21st Century: A Renewing Way.” The article was published in the quarterly newsletter, “Christian Education Leadership.” Dr. Carol Rinkoff, chair of Organizational Management and Communication Department, along with instructors Jean Rock, and Renata Mayrhofer, presented on the topic “Distance But Not Distant: Creating Community Online” at the Sixth Annual Beyond Boundaries Conference held at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

Kevin Hall

Dr. Dale Trapp

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Faculty News

Dr. Frederick Bartling, professor of Education, presented at this year’s annual Minnesota Adult Continuing Education Association fall conference. His presentation, “If You Build It Will They Come: Rethinking the Education of Tomorrow’s Workforce,” addressed emerging trends in workforce development and promising best practices research in adult and continuing education. Conclusions and recommendations regarding how the adult educator can bridge these two disciplines through effective classroom practice were shared and further research was proposed. Kris Bransford and Michele Pickel, along with their students, have been selected by the National Youth Leadership Council to present at the National Service Learning Conference in Minneapolis, April 10-12, 2008. CSP professor, Rev. Dr. Richard Carter, serves on the NYLC board and will be presenting with board members. The office of Service Learning is involved with the service project committee for the conference and hopes to mobilize students to help with the teen driver safety service project at the convention center. For more information about the conference, go to https://programs.regweb.com/metro/ NYLC2008/index.cfm

Christine Kudelka, professor of Marketing and Innovation in the College of Business and Organizational Leadership, presented at this year’s national conference of the American Public Health Association in Washington, DC on November 7, 2007. Her presentation was part of a panel discussion entitled, “Tech-Based Approaches to Health Education” focusing specifically on “Tobacco Addiction Prevention: Using Technology to Reach Teens.” This scientific session was focused on how the media and technology are increasingly part of children’s daily lives and present new opportunities to engage and educate our youth about healthy lifestyles, particularly healthy eating, leading tobacco free lives and physical activity.

hours to building rain gardens in St. Paul’s Lake Phalen Regional Park. These rainwater gardens improve water quality, introduced science students to bio-infiltration water conservation technology, and created a partnership between Concordia and the City of St. Paul that has saved the city more than $2,000 in maintenance costs. (See story on page 24)

Dr. Michael Walcheski, chair of Graduate Studies in the College of Education and Dr. David Bredehoft, chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences, presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Meeting. They provided an update on their ongoing research on the topic of overindulgence and were featured on the front cover of the 85-page conference program.

Dr. Carol Rinkoff, chair of the Organizational Management and Communication Department, received her Ph.D. in Organization and Management from Capella University. Her dissertation topic was “Learning Styles Diversity: Implications for the Organizational Culture of University Student Cohorts.”

Dr. Dale Trapp, chair of the Natural Sciences department, has been named the Ramsey County Outstanding Conservationist of the Year. He and his science students have donated more than 100

Osmo Vänskä and the Minnesota Orchestra’s recording of Beethoven’s Ninth Choral Symphony earned a Grammy Award nomination. CSP faculty were a part of the choir singing for that award-wining recording, including Dr. David Mennicke, chair of the Music department, Shari Speer, term faculty of Music, and Barbara Prince, voice instructor.

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Governor Pawlenty presented President Bob Holst with the Spiritual Dream Keepers award for his spiritual commitment to education and social justice educating Minnesota’s communities.

Pastor and Professor— Dr. Thomas Trapp Serves Dual Role This past fall, Rev. Thomas Trapp, Ph.D., professor of Religion and Theology was installed as pastor of Emmaus Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn. where he served the four previous years as interim and mission pastor. Trapp said the transition from interim pastor to pastor will give him the opportunity to see sustained ministry and growth. He continues to serve as tenured professor at Concordia University. Trapp said being a full-time professor and a three-quarter time pastor is quite the balancing act. “I still do get time to relax and be with my family,” he said. “But

Spring | 2008

it is admittedly a full load. I truly believe the Lord opened this unique arrangement and it is a joy to know the Lord desires me to continue using my gifts in his kingdom.” Trapp received his education from Concordia Junior College in Ann Arbor, Mich., Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. He had a Fulbright Grant for two years and earned his doctorate from the University of Heidelberg in Germany. Trapp was ordained at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Mich.

on November 4, 1973 and has served in various capacities at many churches since his ordination. “I deeply love to tell the story of salvation in Christ,” said Trapp. Trapp and his wife Kathy have three grown children and live in the Midway area of St. Paul.

Concordia St. Paul

Rainwater Garden Work Lands Professor Conservationist of the Year Award

After hundreds of hours of research, planning, and flower planting, Dr. Dale Trapp, professor of Geology and Physics, was honored with the “2007 Conservationist of the Year” award by the Ramsey County Conservation District for his work on the Lake Phalen rainwater garden.

with county and park officials, Trapp began the garden’s restoration.

Trapp’s interest in rainwater gardens first piqued at “Waterfest,” a family-friendly event at Lake Phalen Regional Park. While Trapp browsed information about preventing water runoff-based pollution, he saw a sign for what was supposed to be a rainwater garden. Instead of seeing an aesthetically pleasing garden that naturally filtered rainwater, all Trapp saw was a hole in the ground.

“He gets really excited to see students working in the garden,” said Kelli Jensen, a Concordia student who worked on the rainwater garden with a geology class. “He’s very passionate about what he does and you can tell through his work with Lake Phalen and the rainwater garden.”

The Lake Phalen rainwater garden was meant to be a demonstration rainwater garden, but the county failed to maintain the garden, and allowed it to be taken over by invasive weeds. After researching and consulting

Between July 2006 and June 2007 Trapp and several of his classes removed debris, cleared weeds, and planted more than 1,000 native plants.

Trapp’s work also inspired another Concordia professor to get involved. Rev. Dr. Richard Carter, professor of Theology, brought a first year seminar class to do work on the rainwater garden. Carter said he was impressed with how prepared Trapp was and his ability to facilitate the students’ learning.

“I found him cheerful, knowledgeable, and extremely competent,” said Carter. “I was grateful for the special opportunity he gave us to be taking care of nature.” Since July 2006, Trapp and his students spent more than 100 hours working at the Lake Phalen rainwater garden. Ramsey County reports that Trapp’s efforts have saved the City of St. Paul more than $2,000 in maintenance costs and introduced the science of bio-infiltration water conservation practices to students and future conservationists. Trapp plans to continue work with the garden this semester with his geology class and possibly for the next couple years. “Five years from when the garden was planted,” he said, “the garden should become self-sustaining.”

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Alumni News

Class Notes Many alumni from the College of Arts and Sciences responded to a mailing from Dean Amy Gort with updates on their lives. We want to hear from you too! Watch for a mailing that will give you the opportunity to let us know what you’ve been up to! In the meantime, you can always connect with the University and classmates through the online community at ave.csp.edu. Edgar (Dick) Nachtsheim ’35 passed away on July 22, 2007. He enjoyed coming to CSP reunions and being highly involved on campus as an Alumnus. Nachtsheim is survived by wife Margaret and daughter Susan (Nachtsheim) Steinhorst ’67. PastorHenryC.Mueller ’55 and Jean (nee Krueger) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 4, 2007. Their four daughters (Miriam, Mary, Julia and Amy), two sons-in-law and six grandchildren enjoyed several days in Duluth, Minn. Henry’s career includes Lutheran school teaching, being a parish pastor and a pastoral counselor for Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. Jean has been a teacher, social worker, homemaker and has an antique business.

Harvey ’58 and Norita (Willner) Kath ’58 returned May 3, 2007, from Martin Luther Seminary, Lae, Papua New Guinea. This was a repeat trip from their first stay at MLS in 2005 when Harvey taught courses in “Isaiah” and “Matthew.” They boarded the plane on January 26, 2007 (which just happened to be the 50th anniversary of their first date at CSP). The Kaths lived on campus without air conditioning in the 90-degree heat with 90 percent humidity from the end of January through April. Norita renewed friendships and kept the “home fans turning” and food on the table fresh fruit and vegetables from the open-air market. Harvey and Norita also lived and worked in the Paiela River Valley in Papua New Guinea from 19641969, and visited there in August 1998.

Spring | 2008

Noreen (Benjamin) Sampson ’67 and Chuck Sampson were married on August 11, 2006 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Spokane, Wash. Noreen is an elementary principal in Aberdeen, Wash. Living close to the Pacific Ocean has provided Chuck and Noreen many hours for clamming! 1 Just as the fall colors were becoming beautiful in Minnesota, 11 life-long friends from the CSP class of 1968 gathered in Lake City, Minn. to remember and celebrate all the blessings God has given them. Friends came from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Georgia, Colorado, and Hawaii. Pictures and stories were shared, sights in the area were seen and friends unable to attend were remembered. The weekend ended as the friends worshiped together. The next gathering is a few years off! Seated left to right: Cherice (Carrigan) Kuseske, Sally (Hoffman) Beckendorf, Dorothy (Wagner) Sutton, Donna (Schultze) Burman. Standing: Kathy (Day) Freudenburg, Marge Stein, Darlene (Tuttle) Lambert, Lana (Brecker) Schaefer, Kathy (Otto) Behnke, Mary (Hahn) Reppun, Diane (Peter) Gerdts. Missing from photo: Cleo (Splinter) Lienert

Pastor Roger Dramstad ’68 and wife Melissia announce the birth of their first grandchild, Marlie Sophia, on August 8, 2007. Parents are Greg and Alena Clark of Fort Collins, Colo. Pastor Roger baptized Marlie on September 23 at Eternal Hope Lutheran, Brooklyn Park, Minn. Katie Messer ’71 works for the Internal Revenue Service as a Revenue Agent. She resides in Eden Prairie, Minn. Mark Rosenwinkel ’77 wrote the play “Wellstone” for which the lead actor, Kris Nelson, was honored with an Ivy Award for acting. The Ivy Awards are the annual Twin Cities theatre community awards. “Wellstone” was performed at the History Theatre in St. Paul in 2006.

Condolences to Susanne (Petrick) Thorson ’79 and her family for the loss of her husband Roger who passed away on Sept. 1, 2007 from cancer. Susan (Krentz) Ackerman ’86 has been enjoying 17 years of wedded bliss with husband Lowell Ackerman and nearly 20 years as a preschool teacher. Through it all, Ackerman loves to sing and dance. Also along for the ride is the couple’s golden retriever, Buddy. Tammy (Kopplien) Hurley ’90 and Scott Hurley ’90 adopted two sons from Korea. Ryan in May of 2005 (age 3) and Kyle in November 2006 (20 months). 2 Michael Joseph Sauter ’92 Amy and Justin Sauter celebrated the birth of their first child, Michael Joseph Sauter, on April 19, 2007. He was a healthy 6 pounds, 15 oz. and 20 inches long.

Sheryl Trittin ’95 married Chuck Urbanczyk on June 30, 2007 in Saint Paul, Minn. Among those attending the ceremony were CSP alumni

Sandra Trittin ’93 and Erica (Wentzel) McClellan ’95. Sheryl and Chuck reside in St. Paul, where Sheryl works as a copyeditor. On September 21, 2007 Rev. Daniel Burns ’97 and wife Esther (Finkel) Burns ’99 welcomed a daughter to their family. Emma Lero Burns now joins big brothers Ethan and Zach Burns. Burns now serves at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Walker, Minn. Joshua Schunk ’97 accepted a call as an Associate Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, N.D. Alison and Andrew Bicek ’97 announce the birth of their son, Simon John Bicek, on October 16, 2007 at 1:22 a.m. He weighed

Concordia St. Paul

Alumni News

8 lb., 2 oz. and was 21 inches long. He was born by emergency c-section, and all are doing well. His older brother Elijah, 6, is super excited to have a younger sibling. Andrew also successfully defended his dissertation entitled “Origin and consequences of microtubule bending in living cells” in September 2007, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Andrew is currently a postdoctoral associate at the University of Minnesota and is searching for employment at a medical device company. 3 Heidi (Souba) Lewerenz ’98 and husband Eric thank God for the healthy birth of their third baby, Isabelle Liberty, born at home on April 20, 2007. She is adored by her big brother Zachariah (4) and big sister Emily (2). The Lewerenz family currently resides near Wausau, Wis.

Fidelity National Real Estate Solutions promoted Todd Voge ’98 M.A. ’02 to the newly created position of Manager -

Enterprise Business Solutions. In this new position, Todd will focus on the integration of back office technology to provide seamless operations for sales, accounting, shipping and end-user support. After completing both an M.A. in Philosophy and Religion through the California Institute of Integral Studies and the TESL certification through the University of California Berkeley, Jessa Walters ’99 has accepted a position teaching English at Yeungnam University in Daegu, South Korea. 4 Jon and Heidi (Bierlein) Wuggazer ’99 got married at Grace Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Fla. on Sunday, May 6, 2007. They honeymooned in Italy. They met on

eHarmony.com (“Yes, really,” said Heidi). He is a lifetime LCMS Lutheran, originally from Iowa and works as a web developer for an insurance company. 5 Jim ’99 and Angela (Fulbright) Bargmann ’01 announce the birth of their son, Nathan Frederick Bargmann. He was born on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. He weighed in at 8 lb., 9 oz. and measured 21 inches.

Rev. Brenda (Froberg) Legred ’99 is the pastor of discipleship and outreach at Servant of Christ Lutheran Church and resides in White Bear Lake, Minn with her husband Joel.

Christine Peterson-Borscheid ’00 accepted a position at University of Minnesota Fairview as a staff pharmacist on solid organ transplant and general medical surgery units, after completing a pharmacy residency in kidney transplant and nephrology in June 2007. She Monica McClain ’99 is a probation officer for resides in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation and an adjunct Chad Robert Nelson ’00 and Nikole Dawn professor at Metro State University in the Decker-Larson were married May 17, 2003 at Social Science Department. She resides in Central Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, S.D. Minneapolis, Minn. Chad joined Nikole and her two daughters Rachael and Christina Larson as a new family! Amy (Klein) Mederios ’99 serves as an intern They celebrated the first birthday of their for Counseling Intern Associates, a large daughter Janessa Delaine on September 24, Christian private practice with 15 therapists 2007. Janessa joined her big brother Evan and psychiatrists, in Columbia, S.C. She and David, born June 8, 2004 and her sisters her family reside in Blythewood, S.C. Rachael and Christina on this special day.

Michael Rademacher ’99 works as a senior Jennifer (Trapp ’00) Caquelin works for database administrator for Target Corp. and Quest Diagnostics, Inc. as a Cytotechnologist resides in Savage, Minn. and currently resides in Minneapolis, Minn. Shari (Baumgart) Kropp ’99 resides in Owatonna, Minn. She works in business process and quality management for United Healthcare. Shari also has her Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Adam Schutte ’00 is a regional manager for Primerica Financial Services and resides in Elk River, Minn. with his wife Rachel (Noenning ’99).

Joseph Zimmerman ’00 and his wife Katie Joanne (Chudzik) Koenig ’99 works for (Anderson ’01) own and run a coffee roasting Retail Employees Credit Union as a marketing company, New Roots Coffee Company LLC, specialist and resides in Circle Pines, Minn. based just outside of Wausau, Wis. Meghan (Langley) AuBuchon ’99 6 Joseph Austin ’01 was announced resides in Apple Valley, Minn. and the 25th head coach at Hanover College in works for Carlson Companies, Inc. as a Hanover, Ind. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, communications specialist. Austin comes from the University of Dubuque

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Alumni News

(Iowa) where he served as offensive coordinator for a unit that set 33 school records.

officer for Metropolitan Airports Commission and resides in Rosemount, Minn.

Elise Williams ’01 married Jeffry Mademann of South St. Paul on September 21, 2007. Jeff and Elise are police officers in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area. The couple currently lives in Rosemount, Minn.

Kjellgren Alkire ’01 is a self-employed artist and serves as a faculty associate for Arizona State University. He lives with his wife Amy (Cohrs) Alkire ’99 and their daughter Ada in Chandler, Ariz. Amy teaches at Christ Lutheran School.

Sarah (Klemp) Berwald ’01 is a manager of office administration for a Coldwell Banker Burnet office and her husband, Brian Berwald ’03 works for Berwald Roofing. The couple resides in White Bear Lake, Minn. with their son, Bradley and daughter, Isabelle. Theresa Fitzpatrick ’01 is a graduate assistant and tutor for the English department at Western Kentucky University as well as the director of contemporary worship at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minn. She currently resides in Roseville, Minn. Elise (Williams) Mademann ’01 is a police

Joel Erkkinen ’01 is an art director and animator for Ghost Productions in Roseville, Minn. He and his wife Sarah (Pieper) Erkkinen ’02 reside in St. Paul, Minn. 7 Bobbie (Koppinger) Fischer ’02 and husband Brice welcomed a healthy baby boy named Karsten on November 2, 2007 at 7:25 a.m. He weighed 8 lb., 10 oz. and was 21 inches long. 8 Mary Metzger ’02 (pictured with Rev. Daniel Burns) has accepted a call to teach at Immanuel Lutheran School in Walker, Minn.

She will be teaching kindergarten and first grade as well as computer technology for the K-7th grade school. 9 Rev. Christopher Martin ’02 and wife Lindsay accepted a call to serve as Pastor of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Audubon, Iowa in August, 2007.

Pastor Martin was installed at Our Saviour’s on September 9, 2007. Prior to moving to Audubon, he served as Mission Development Pastor for North Iowa and as Pastor of the North Prairie Lutheran Mission, rural Leland, Iowa from 2005-2007. 10 Sarah and Jesse Stremcha ’02 became parents on October 17, 2007 to a beautiful baby girl, Matilda Mae Stremcha. “Tilly” weighed 7 lb., 3 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches. The Stremcha family resides in St. Paul, Minn.

Kim (Fischvogt) Lauer ’02 has accepted a call to be minister to children and middle school

Friends Forever Rachel Young ’02, Jocelyn (Redemann ’03) Riggert, Heather (Sandberg ’02) Thrasher, and Tara Otto ’02 gather once a year and stopped by the Concordia campus this year to check out the building changes. z

Submit a class note online at www.ave.csp.edu

Spring | 2008

Concordia St. Paul

Alumni News

youth at Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. She served at her first call as Director of Christian Education in Elgin, Ill. for 5 years. Timothy Garrels ’02 teaches high school English in USD 259 and resides in Park City, Kan. Daniel Thrasher ’02 is a sales and marketing manager for Thrasher Basement Systems in Omaha, Neb. On October 13, 2007, Tim Breitbarth ’03 married Valentine Woods at the Woods’ Farm in Yanceyville, N.C. The couple resides in Washington, DC, where Tim serves in the Economic Analysis division of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Valentine is a development officer at Bread for the City, a local non-profit organization, and is working toward a master’s degree in public health at George Washington University. Trisha (Beauvais ’03) Abel works at Monticello High School as an Art Teacher and resides in Osseo, Minn. with her husband, Andy. Jason Cooper ’03 is a student at John Marshall Law School, serves on the Diversity Affairs committee and as secretary of the Black Law Student Association. He resides in Detroit, Mich.

Cynthia and Rev. J. Christian Strickland ’04 announce the birth of their son, Benjamin Andrew Strickland, on March 27, 2007. He was born at 2:02 p.m., weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. Matt and Jen (Wilson) Smith ’04 welcomed the birth of a daughter, Miriam Helen, on April 28, 2007. She weighed 7 lb., 5 oz. and was 19 inches long. She was welcomed home by her big sister Abby, 3 1/2. Margaret Gohman ’04 is an organist for Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn. and resides in Rosemount, Minn. where she also teaches private piano lessons. Ryan Beam ’04 is an assistant archivist for University of Minnesota and resides in St. Paul, Minn.

Church in Convoy, Ohio after serving there as a DCE for two years. Ann married Chad Horrmann ’01 in October 2007. Eric Cannedy ’05 is the director of eCommerce and design for Signature Media Group and resides in St. Paul, Minn. Amanda Busby ’05 works as a freelance makeup artist for Aveda doing training, fashion shows, and events, teaches theater camps for the Old Log Theater, and does modeling for various agencies in the Twin Cities. She resides in Minneapolis, Minn. Dane Maxfield ’05 is a graduate research assistant at the University of Utah, Marice Laboratory. He resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jennifer (Mills) Johnson ’04 was recently promoted as account executive for Imagewerks Marketing. She and her husband Andrew Johnson ’05 reside in St. Paul, Minn. Andrew works as a land analyst for Commonwealth Solutions.

Officer Lisa Davis ’06 was named the Officer of the Year by the International Association of Women Police. The award is given annually to an officer who, by her overall service and accomplishments throughout her career, distinguishes herself in all areas of leadership, community service, mentoring and excellence in performance. (See story on page 7)

Ann L. Burnside ’05 was officially installed as a DCE in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007. She left Redeemer Lutheran

Michael Morgan ’06 was appointed the new creative director for nParallel, an international brand, communication, merchandising and

Snapshot of Success Xeing Thor ’07 has always considered himself a “numbers guy,” but it wasn’t until he came to Concordia that he really began to imagine himself in the kind of career he now has. As auditor of local governments in the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor, Xeing combines two things he enjoys—numbers and travel—visiting city and county government offices throughout the state to examine their financial records. Concordia professors were a valuable resource. Xeing tapped into their knowledge and real-world experience and made the most of networking opportunities by staying active in Concordia’s Business Club. Club activities also helped him explore possible careers and “try on” options to see what might fit him. Now, Xeing looks forward to someday mentoring others coming up through the ranks. “To know that I can grow professionally and become an expert and pass that knowledge on is a goal I wish to achieve,” he said. “Success to me is not about money or things, but being able to surpass your own goals, being satisfied with the results and still looking forward to new challenges. It is not the results that matter; it’s what you overcome that counts.”

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

display agency. Morgan sets the strategic direction of projects with clients and guides the agency’s creative talent. Morgan was previously employed at Lipson Alport Glass & Associates, Chicago, Ill., where he was a senior brand consultant as well as ten years with Best Buy, Co., Inc., where he held senior level positions in graphic design and visual merchandising. Ka Vue ’06 is a self-employed financial coach and resides in St. Paul, Minn. Nicholas Koewler ’06 works for Land O’Lakes Inc. as a college recruiter and resides in Clara City, Minn. Michael Zimmerman ’06 is pursuing a Ph.D. in bioinformatics at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. MaryEllen Hildenbrand ’06 works in customer service support for Verizon Wireless and resides in St. Paul, Minn. Emily Reller ’07 is the program director for St. Paul Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) and resides in Lindstrom, Minn. Rebecca (Becky) K. Opatrny ’08 will be marrying Joshua Hoffman ’08 on May 24, 2008 at Southshore Trinity Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, Minn. May 7, 2008 Rebecca’s parents, Gene and Lisa (Hagerman ’73) Opatrny will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. 11 On Saturday, Jan. 19, Criminal Justice graduate student and Police Commander Myron Wieland ’09 of the New Ulm Police Department received the J. Edgar Hoover Gold Medal Award from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars at their annual MidWinter Conference at the Minneapolis Marriott Convention Center. He was recognized at the evening grand banquet which was attended by 450 veterans and their families. Commander Wieland received the award for his exemplary service to the New Ulm Police Department and his volunteer contributions to the community of New Ulm. The New Ulm Chief of Police, Erv Weinkauf, is also a Concordia criminal justice graduate student.

Spring | 2008

Flynn Called to Work at Concordia Seminary Mike Flynn ’75 was set to study architecture at Iowa State when his pastor, John Ramsey ’49, encouraged him to attend Concordia University, St. Paul. Not knowing the many years of service he’d eventually give to Concordia, Flynn thought he’d give it a shot so he enrolled. After completing his first year, Flynn transferred out of Concordia, but returned for his third year of undergraduate study. That year his father died and Flynn was amazed by the incredible support the Concordia community offered him. “It touched my heart in a big way,” said Flynn. After graduating with a degree in education, Flynn’s first call was to be an admission counselor for the University. He moved on to be director of financial aid, director of development, vice president for development, vice president for advancement and vice president for special gifts.

Through his work, Flynn has enjoyed witnessing the joy people experience when given the opportunity to share their financial blessings. “I truly love people…I become totally enamored by who they are,” said Flynn. His work could be considered “a transfer of blessings.” These transfers have led him to serve as the senior philanthropic advisor for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. While he still lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Ruth, Flynn travels regularly to St. Louis, Chicago and Arizona to meet with individuals who have intentions of sharing their financial gifts with the seminary. Flynn says his encounters with the generous supporters of the University and the seminary are about “the blessing I get from people—their commitment to the organization and their faith.”

Tour Eastern Europe University President Bob Holst and wife Lynne invite you to tour Eastern Europe as they host a 13-day trip making stops in Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. Depart from the Twin Cities on November 6, 2008 and spend 11 nights in first class hotels and touring international land in deluxe private motor coaches. The tour will arrive back in the Twin Cities on November 18. For a full itinerary and more information, please contact Sally Cordes ’55 at 651-641-8728, alumni@csp.edu or visit www.ave.csp.edu.

Concordia St. Paul

CBOL Honors Alumni Contributions Where Faith and Learning Meet For Funmi Fadirepo ’06, smiles, hugs—and recess—are a few of the perks of her job. After a rewarding year teaching full-day kindergarten in Eden Prairie, Minn., Funmi enjoys teaching second-grade at Longfellow Elementary in St. Paul. The learning needs differ between the grades, but the desired outcome is the same— to educate students to become thoughtful and productive citizens—just the way she was educated at Concordia. “I love being able to change lives and watch students grow to become the best they can be,” Funmi says. The Elementary Education major also was an accomplished student-athlete at Concordia and active in Student Senate, United Minds Of Joint Action (UMOJA), Student Alumni Council and Shades of Harmony gospel choir. Juggling it all taught Funmi to be organized and focused. “It got me ready for the real world and what I would have to face, like answering to a boss or principal and working with others in a group setting toward a common goal,” she said. “Coming to Concordia kept me grounded and in the Word. It helped me make the right choices by relying on God.”

The College of Business and Organizational Leadership honored one outstanding alumnus with the annual Loma R. Meyer Award for Purposeful Leadership. The award recognizes alumni contributions in their respective fields as ethical and visionary business leaders who represent Concordia’s mission. Richard Gabrielson ’04 was presented the award during the Alumni Awards Banquet on Sept. 21, 2007. Gabrielson is currently the senior manager for Import Transportation for Target Corporation. His responsibilities include the management and movement of all imported products for Target Stores, AMC Sourcing and Target Direct. He is responsible for the negotiation and management of all overseas consolidation operations, ocean carrier contracts and relationships, port operations, deconsolidation operations with third party providers, and the logistics. operations at Target’s Import Warehouse network. He has held a number of positions with Target that include regional transportation operations, domestic inbound transportation operations, and responsibility for Target’s transportation field operations. Rick is a founding member of the Waterfront Coalition and currently serves as president. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the GMATS program for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point and is the Vice Chairman of the Marine Transportation System Advisory Council (MTSNAC). Rick has a B.A. in Organizational Management from Concordia University. The Alumni Distinguished Service Award recognizes Concordia University, St. Paul alumni for outstanding and exceptional professional achievement. Recipients have distinguished themselves in upholding the ideals of the University in their profession and in service to the community and the church. Up to five awards are presented biennially Recipients were presented the award during the Alumni Awards Banquet on Sept. 21, 2007. Capt. Rev. Jonathan Frusti ’76 is a LCMS minister, currently serving as an active duty Navy Chaplain. He graduated in 1980 from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind., and was called to serve as pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Award Profile

in Pipestone, Minn. He remained there until he was recalled in 1985 to the Sea Services chaplaincy. Captain Frusti’s active duty billets have included the USS SLYVANIA (AFS 2) home ported in Norfolk, Va; Second Marine Division, Fleet Marine Forces, Camp Lejune, N.C.; Naval Support Facility, Thurmont, Md. (Camp David), Naval Station Rota, Spain; Basic Training Officer, Naval Chaplains School, Newport, R.I.; USS CORONADO (AGF 11)/ Third Fleet, home stationed in Pensacola, Fla. and Newport, R.I. He currently serves at the Pentagon as the executive director of the Armed Forces Chaplains Board. Additionally, Captain Frusti received a Master’s of Theological Studies degree in Ethics from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. Captain Frusti married Fern (Schleicher ’76) in 1976 and they have two grown daughters, Teresa and Kathryn.

Mr.CharlesNuernber ’56, Academy ’53 joined the State Bank of Young America (now called KleinBanks) after graduating from Concordia College. In 1966 he became the president of the bank and served that position until his retirement in 2000. In 1971 he graduated from the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wis. Charles has also served on the Concordia Alumni Council, Minnesota South District Board of Directors, and Chairman of Lutheran Church Extension Fund Board of Finance for nine years. He has also served many positions on boards of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Norwood Young America, Minn. as well as other community positions. He is married to Joyce Nuernberg, and they spend their retirement in Mesa, Ariz. and at their lake home in Annandale, Minn.

Mrs. Darlene (Osladil) Johnson ’55 currently serves on the Board of Regents for Concordia University (see page 21). She has an active history with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, serving as president of the Minnesota South District, a member of the nominating committee for the same district as well as the national level for LWML. Darlene is also a member of the National Committee for Young Women Representatives. Additionally, she serves as Chairman of Registration Committee for the Great Commission Convocation. Darlene and her husband, Ernest Johnson have been married for 51 years, and have four children: Rev. Jeffrey Johnson (’88), Phillip Johnson (’82), Kathy (Johnson ’84) Schlecht and Kimberly (Johnson ’80) Pieper. Darlene and Ernest also have 15 grandchildren— many of which have attended and/or graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Stohlmann ’61 was born in Norfolk, Neb. After graduating from Concordia he attended Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind. and received his Master’s of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Later, he received his doctorate from Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. In 1976, Dr. Stohlman began teaching at Concordia University; he was granted tenure in 1983. He has been published and given numerous presentations during his service. Most recently, he was chosen as the designated speaker for the 6th annual Poehler Lecture series in April 2007. Rev. Dr. Stephen Stohlmann is married to Jeanette (Zabel ’71); they have five children: Naomi Christine ’97, Seth Patrick Christian, Mary Kurvilla, Micah Stephen ’03, and Philip James ’06.

Spring | 2008

Homecoming ‘08

Saturday, September 27 Schedule will include Reunion Class of ’73 & Academy ’58, All CSP Football Reunion, Comet’s Carnival, Alumni Art Show, Football, Volleyball and More!

Attending the LEA Convocation? Join us for an alumni reception

Friday, April 25 at 8:30 p.m. Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Minneapolis Questions? Contact Sarah Erkkinen ’02 Director of Alumni Relations

alumni@csp.edu 651-641-8223

Concordia St. Paul

Alumnus Cooks Up Unique Career Whatever unexpected turns life takes, Criminal Justice professor Mike Conner â&#x20AC;&#x2122;05 finds support and encouragement from Concordia University.

Concordia St. Paul Spring | 2008

Profile

Conner began working with Concordia in 1987 as regional manager for ServiceMaster, the company that provided onsite management of the University’s buildings and grounds operations. When his former spouse, Lonnie, died of cancer in 1996, he was comforted by an outpouring of support from the campus community. His personal experience was “just one example of this university ‘walking the talk’” of its mission. He stepped down from his position as regional manager so he could care for his sons, Eric and Brian, then age 8 and 13. He became the director of operations at Concordia and oversaw areas including custodial, maintenance, grounds, security and risk management. Conner pushed the institution to implement strategic changes that reflected the critical role of a security office in a growing urban campus. “They demonstrated the confidence in me to entertain the idea of the change,” Conner said. Under his leadership, the department began restructuring to include full-time professional security officers. He decided to pursue a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership for new perspectives as he continued to integrate organizational change in the University’s security department. He was especially apprehensive about the program’s online format, but in 2003, at age 52, he overcame his fears and enrolled. “You talk about sweaty palms on day one!” Conner said. “As a student, I had always been reluctant to express my thoughts for fear of embarrassment or being wrong,” he said. As it turned out, online

learning alleviated his fears. “None of those barriers existed anymore because I was sitting at home in my hunting room chatting online. My confidence was growing by leaps and bounds.” The degree program opened Conner to a realm of new possibilities for his life and career. For his Strategic Leadership course, Conner read the book, “Play to Win! Choosing Growth Over Fear in Work and Life” by Larry and Hersch Wilson which exposed him to powerful ideas on change. “Right behind the Bible, that book has had the greatest impact on me,” he said. He was inspired to set aside his fears and pursue his dream of opening a catering business. His professor for the course, Sue Stanek also was supportive of his business plan and encouraged him to further develop his ideas using class assignments as the framework. Conner’s daughter, Brenda, helped him decide on a name for his business and in April 2006, Conner officially launched “Unique Dining Experiences,” a catering venture focused on outdoor cooking. Since 1980, Conner had been roasting pigs without pay just for the enjoyment of the cooking and dining experience, but now it would be his livelihood. With a $25,000 initial investment, he rented a grill and pulled it behind his 10-year-old truck, using his garage as his supply warehouse. Advertisements in local newspapers landed him his first assignment – a pig roast for a graduation party. Since then, Conner has developed a website, joined three chambers of commerce, increased his print advertising, implemented direct mail advertising, and even delivered fliers door-to-door.

Profits for 2006 exceeded Conner’s business plan projections and the number of events he catered in 2007 nearly doubled. Now, his challenge is how to manage the rapid growth and expansion of his business. He recently invested in a new truck and trailer with plans to purchase a second rig soon. He also built a catering facility and anticipates hiring staff in addition to the help he receives from his sons. The success of the business is both frightening and exhilarating. “As scared as I am, I enjoy the challenge of taking this business to places I never dreamed possible,” Conner said. A year post-graduation, Conner fulfilled his life-long desire to teach by becoming an instructor in the Criminal Justice department. He also works as Criminal Justice Institute recruiter and credits department chair Scott Harr as an important mentor whose encouragement has been instrumental in his success. Conner continues to oversee the pig roast at Concordia’s annual fall picnic. It’s his way, he said, of trying to repay the University for all it has done for him, particularly during some very trying times. “I fondly tell people that my coming to CSP and getting my M.A. degree changed the direction of my life,” Conner said. “My mother still giggles about the idea that my master’s degree provided me the opportunity to roast pigs.”

Visit Conner’s website www.uniquediningexperiences.com

“As scared as I am, I enjoy the challenge of taking this business to places I never dreamed possible.”

__________________ Non-profit org. U.S. postage

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275 Syndicate Street North St. Paul, Minnesota 55104-5494

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Spring 2008 Calendar Alumni Events

Jubilate Easter Vespers

Pirates of Penzance

Lutheran Educators Association Conference Reception

Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. Graebner Memorial Chapel

April 25, 8:30 p.m. Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis

The 3rd Annual Choral Arts Finale

April 24, 25, 26, 7:30 p.m. April 27, 2 p.m. E.M. Pearson Theatre

Sunday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis

Commencement Week

Senior Send Off

Instrumental Ensembles Concert

Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m. O’Gara’s, Snelling and Selby Ave, St. Paul

Thursday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. Buetow Music Center Auditorium

May 8, 7:30 p.m. Graebner Memorial Chapel

Golden Reunion: Junior College Class of ’58, Academy ’56

Vocal Ensembles Concert

May 8-9 Concordia University, St. Paul campus

Monday, April 28, 4 p.m. Graebner Memorial Chapel

Vocal Jazz & Jazz Band Concert

Art

Thursday, May 1, 7:30 p.m. Buetow Music Center Auditorium

April 10-30 Reception Thursday, April 10, 5-7 p.m. Award Presentation at 6 p.m. Concordia Gallery

Baccalaureate Instrumental Service

The 6th Annual High School Honors Exhibition

Friday, May 9, 3:30 p.m. Graebner Memorial Chapel

May 7-30 Reception Wednesday, May 7, 5-7 p.m. Concordia Gallery

Theatre

Juried Student Exhibition

The 4th Annual St. Paul Central High School Exhibition May 30 – June 13 Reception Friday, May 30, 6-8 p.m. Concordia Gallery

Music

Handbell Ensemble Concert Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. Graebner Memorial Chapel

Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. Graebner Memorial Chapel

Christus Chorus Bon Voyage Concert

Tickets for theatre productions can be purchased through TicketWorks at (651) 209-6689 Monday-Friday 11 a.m.7 p.m. and weekends from noon-4 p.m.

Baccalaureate Service

Ceremony: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Vocation and Ministry, College of Education Award recipients: Gary Yia Lee and Robert and Marge Trapp May 9, 7:30 p.m. Gangelhoff Center

Ceremony: College of Business and Organizational Leadership Award recipient: David Walsh May 10, 10 a.m. Gangelhoff Center

Ceremony: M.A. degree recipients Award recipient: James Kielsmeier May 10, 2 p.m. Gangelhoff Center

Sports

Put Me In Coach IV

Vox 9 Coffee House

A benefit dinner and silent auction for Concordia athletics. Saturday, April 26, 5 p.m. Buenger Education Center For tickets, contact Brian Jamros ’05 at jamros@csp.edu or (651) 603-6314

Thursday, April 3, 8 p.m. E.M. Pearson Arts Center, Westlund Theatre

Visit the athletics website at www.csp.edu/athletics for sports schedules, scores, news, and statistics.

Seascape March 7 and 8, 7:30 p.m. March 9, 2 p.m. E.M. Pearson Arts Center, Westlund Theatre