Zielke Students of Promise

ZIELKE

STUDENTS OF PROMISE

2/8

CONCORDIA TEXAS

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.

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CONCORDIA TEXAS

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.”

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.

DR.. KRISTI KIRK

MATTHEW HEADLEY

CONCORDIA TEXAS PROVOST

FORMER STUDENT '92

“At my new student orientation at Concordia as

"He was a leader in his field, not just teaching

a student in 1992, there was a question about

math but also math education. He impacted

whether I was required to take a Math class

so many of us as future classroom teachers

and I was directed to find Dr. Zielke to talk

and embodied what it was to be a Lutheran

to him about it. I’ll never forget his response:

educator and servant-leader. We always said

'No, you aren’t required to take Calculus, but I

that he was the smartest man we knew, and

don’t know why you wouldn’t want to!' He was

he was also the kindest and most sincere. His

right and I took the class. I was privileged to

impact on me now as a math teacher can't

watch his passion and enthusiasm for math, for

be put into words. My sincerest thanks to his

learning, for Concordia and, most importantly,

family for sharing him with all of us. Well done,

for students over the next 25+ years.”

good and faithful servant."

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CONCORDIA TEXAS

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.

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 ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

INCREASED RETENTION & GRADUATION RATES

IMPACT ON THE REGION & COMMUNITY

By targeting students from households

Alleviating financial stress empowers

This investment transforms individual lives

earning $50,000 or less per year, we are

students to fully engage in academic and

and uplifts the community. Enabling multi-

widening the doors of higher education,

extracurricular activities, leading to higher

generational social mobility creates a skilled

dismantling financial barriers, and

levels of engagement, increased retention,

workforce and stimulates regional growth.

promoting inclusivity.

and improved graduation rates.

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.

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CONCORDIA TEXAS

STUDENTS OF PROMISE 32% OF TRADITIONAL STUDENTS

50% OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

40% OF STUDENTS OF PROMISE

are the first in their family to attend college

come from families with a total income of less than $50,000 (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.

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CONCORDIA TEXAS

STUDENT DATA

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS WELCOMES STUDENTS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS.

2298 674 STU D E NTS EN RO L L E D

90%

TEXAS RESIDENTS

GRADUATES

1889 UNDERGRADUATE 409 GRADUATE

74 66

165 STUDENTS REPRESENTING 37 STATES 35 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

98 98 285 285

693

641 0

641

693 66 74

5

1 of 20 Private, four-year, HispanicServing Institutions (HSI) in Texas

TOP 5 DEGREE PROGRAMS Nursing/Pre-Nursing Business Administration Masters of Education Kinesiology

63%

students of color

16%

students pursing a master's or doctoral degree

Doctorate of Education Psychology

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CONCORDIA TEXAS

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