ZIELKE STUDENTS OF PROMISE
ABOUT DR. DONALD “DON” ZIELKE
Dr. Donald "Don" Zielke (Aug. 8, 1938 - Aug. 10, 2021), a dedicated educator and influential figure, taught mathematics for over 50 years at Concordia University Texas. During his time at the University, he left a profound impact on students' lives and contributed significantly to the institution's long-term sustainability through his philanthropic support.
Dr. Zielke began his vocation in Lutheran education as a math teacher at Long Island Lutheran High School. He later moved with his family to Austin, and in July 1967, he joined Concordia Texas, then called Concordia Lutheran College, as a mathematics educator. In his 54-year tenure, he embraced changes such as a rapidly growing student population, new programs, and campus relocation. Despite these transformations, he remained committed to being a faithful Christian witness while helping students develop their God-given potential.
One of Dr. Zielke's notable passions was instructing pre-service educators on effective methods of teaching mathematics at the elementary and secondary school levels. He kept all his grade books over the years, which serve as a visual testament to the impact God made through him on the lives of students he taught.
Dr. Zielke embodied the spirit of Concordia Texas’ mission and values, wholeheartedly and cheerfully supporting his students and colleagues in various leadership roles he was called to take on. Most significantly, within the classroom, he imparted not only a passion for mathematics but also the message of Jesus' love, inspiring countless generations of students.
STORIES FROM FORMER STUDENTS OF DR. ZIELKE
CHRISTY LEE SPIEGEL FORMER STUDENT '09
“He impacted so many of us as future classroom teachers and embodied what it was to be a Lutheran educator and servant-leader. We always said that he was the smartest man we knew, and he was also the kindest and most sincere. His impact on me now as a math teacher can't be put into words.”
DR.. KRISTI KIRK
CONCORDIA TEXAS PROVOST
“At my new student orientation at Concordia as a student in 1992, there was a question about whether I was required to take a Math class and I was directed to find Dr. Zielke to talk to him about it. I’ll never forget his response: 'No, you aren’t required to take Calculus, but I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to!' He was right and I took the class. I was privileged to watch his passion and enthusiasm for math, for learning, for Concordia and, most importantly, for students over the next 25+ years.”
AMBER M. SCHRAEDER FORMER STUDENT '95
What an amazing man of God. He was a phenomenal teacher who helped people understand math like never before. His patience and compassion for his students had no end. He has left a beautiful legacy, and I am so blessed to have been his student.
MATTHEW HEADLEY FORMER STUDENT '92
"He was a leader in his field, not just teaching math but also math education. He impacted so many of us as future classroom teachers and embodied what it was to be a Lutheran educator and servant-leader. We always said that he was the smartest man we knew, and he was also the kindest and most sincere. His impact on me now as a math teacher can't be put into words. My sincerest thanks to his family for sharing him with all of us. Well done, good and faithful servant."
ABOUT THE ZIELKE ENDOWMENT
ZIELKE ENDOWMENT FOR STUDENTS OF PROMISE
The legacy of Dr. Zielke as an esteemed educator and philanthropist lives on through the Zielke Endowment for Students of Promise. The endowment aims to bridge the gap between federal Pell Grants and the actual cost of a Concordia Texas education to allow determined and qualified students to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
In a typical year, 55% to 60% of Concordia Texas' students qualify for federal Pell Grants. Pell Grants are awarded only to students with great financial need, typically families with an annual income of less than $25,000.
INCREASED ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
By targeting students from households earning $50,000 or less per year, we are widening the doors of higher education, dismantling financial barriers, and promoting inclusivity.
Concordia Texas serves a significant portion of firstgeneration college students, with 32% of traditional students being the first in their families to attend college. Additionally, half of the undergraduate students belong to families with a total income below $50,000, and within this group, 40% have a total family income of $25,000 or less.
In the last academic year, Concordia Texas has dedicated $3,160,559 in financial assistance to support 711 Students of Promise. This commitment serves as a catalyst for significant future impact:
INCREASED RETENTION & GRADUATION RATES IMPACT ON THE REGION & COMMUNITY
Alleviating financial stress empowers students to fully engage in academic and extracurricular activities, leading to higher levels of engagement, increased retention, and improved graduation rates.
This investment transforms individual lives and uplifts the community. Enabling multigenerational social mobility creates a skilled workforce and stimulates regional growth.
A gift to the Zielke Endowment for Students of Promise ensures that capable, motivated, and deserving students from all backgrounds have access to a Christ-centered, Lutheran higher education at Concordia Texas.
STUDENTS OF PROMISE
32% OF TRADITIONAL STUDENTS are the first in their family to attend college
50% OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
come from families with a total income of less than $50,000 (Students of Promise)
40% OF STUDENTS OF PROMISE
come from families with a total income of $25,000 or less
Last academic year, Concordia University Texas awarded 711 Students of Promise* $3,160,559 in financial assistance.
IMPACT
Increase Access to Higher Education
Increase Retention
Increase Graduation Rates
Impact to the Region & Community
Multi-generational social mobility impact for the student
*Students who came from households who make $50,000 or less per year.
STUDENT DATA
2298
STUDENTS ENROLLED
1889 UNDERGRADUATE
409 GRADUATE
674 GRADUATES
90% TEXAS RESIDENTS
165 STUDENTS REPRESENTING 37 STATES 35 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
TOP
5 DEGREE PROGRAMS
Nursing/Pre-Nursing
Business Administration
Masters of Education
Kinesiology
Doctorate of Education
Psychology
CONCORDIA TEXAS MISSION & VALUES
OUR MISSION
Concordia University Texas empowers students of all backgrounds to lead lives of critical thought, compassionate action and courageous leadership.
As a liberal arts university rooted in the Lutheran tradition and aligned with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia Texas develops the mind, heart, soul, and body, preparing leaders for lives of service.
OUR VISION
We are the premier university where the adventure of faith, learning, and life-changing experiences leads to meaningful work.
OUR CORE VALUES
Christ-Centered Caring for People
Vocation
Life-Long Learning
Trust
Courage
BE IN TOUCH.
OFFICE OF PHILANTHROPY
Your support makes higher education more accessible and equitable—so learners of all backgrounds can experience community, encounter Christ, and explore their calling.
CONTACT
Phone: 512.313.4CTX
Email: Philanthropy@concordia.edu
Website: Concordia.edu