Bert Rude Hometown: Madison, MN Current Home: Elliot City, MD Major: History, Political Science Additional Education: M.A., Political Science, U of SD; M.A., Journalism, U of MO Email: bert.rude3@gmail.com At one time or another I was or am a teacher, a newspaper reporter, a businessman, a real estate agent (briefly), a paralegal, a U.S. Capitol tour guide and now a retiree. I should add to those: a stepfather to a stepdaughter now enjoying a brilliant career as a professor and biographer. I learned from all of them. I’m still learning, proof that an old dog (or graduate) can learn new tricks (or concepts). Nowadays I’m seeing stars, literally. There are six institutions within easy reach of our house devoted to astronomy, astrophysics and space research (not surprising since NASA, the principal funding source for many, is also nearby). We’ve also joined our local astronomy club. Each presents regular free lectures and/or open houses. Ten miles from us is the facility where the New Horizons, the thing that blasted out to and beyond Pluto, was assembled and is directed. We’ve watched the new James Webb Space Telescope being constructed at the Goddard Space Center, an hour away. Perhaps the most spectacular thing I’ve ever witnessed in person: The nighttime launch at Wallops Island, Virginia, of a rocket propelling a satellite into lunar orbit, seeing each stage separate and ignite. But it is almost as thrilling just to go out at night and see the stars and planets. Back to earth. As a kid I loved listening to radio—nonfiction (news) and fiction (Our Miss Brooks, Suspense and the radio Gunsmoke among others). Still do. I’m president of our regional old-time radio club and have acted in several recreations and given club talks on broadcasts. Concordia gave me wonderful friends. Let me pay tribute to several who are no longer with us: Dr. Harding Noblitt, one of the most intelligent and sage persons I have ever met and a mentor and lifelong friend; Dr. Roger Spilde, another teacher who became another lifelong friend; Dr. Lloyd Svensbye who took the time to help a bewildered incoming freshman understand that rigorous academic examination of the Bible didn’t mean abandoning faith; and Marc Borg who was one of the first to welcome me on campus. His upbringing, as detailed in his Speaking Christian, matched that of mine. I would have loved to have had a conversation with him about it. He left us too early.
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