University News

TRAUMA AND RESILIENCE PROGRAMS LAUNCHED

CSP is responding to the need for professionals who serve people deeply affected by traumatic experiences with the launch of two graduate program offerings in summer 2021 focused on trauma, resilience, and self-care. This focus is made even more relevant due to inordinate stressors and traumatic incidents in society over the past 18 months.

For people who work in crisis-heavy professions, it’s essential to develop skills and knowledge to help them address the real-world challenges they face on the job. Professionals in criminal justice, mental health, public health, education, and other occupations that frequently deal with people in crisis will particularly benefit from these new offerings.

The first option is a 15-credit certificate program that includes five courses that can be completed in 10 months. It can be associated with many of CSP’s graduate degree programs in forensic behavioral health, criminal justice, law, nursing, and other human services fields of study.

The second option is a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in human services, trauma, resilience, and self-care. This program will encompass 36 credits of coursework completed over 22 months.

“It’s very rewarding to bring this kind of forward-thinking academic programming to CSP students so they can go out and be of greater value in their chosen professions,” said Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., assistant professor and program director. “Many of the professions we support see huge increases in issues related to complex trauma, toxic stress, and childhood trauma – compounded by isolation and confinement due to the current pandemic. The demand for such expertise is likely only going to increase.”

CSP MOURNS BELOVED PROFESSORS

Dr. Carroll "Pete" Peter

In a two week period in late winter, two long-time emeritus professors were called to their heavenly rest, Dr. Carroll “Pete” Peter and the Rev. Dr. Stephen Stohlmann, AA ‘62.

Pete joined the CSP faculty in 1955, teaching at the high school and junior college levels. In 1964, he became the registrar, faithfully serving in that role until his retirement in 1995.

After retirement, Pete stayed involved at CSP, leading communications efforts for the retired faculty group, namely as editor of the “Monday Memo.” In 2019, in recognition of all of his contributions, CSP awarded Pete an honorary doctor of letters degree.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Stohlmann

Stohlmann joined the CSP faculty in 1976 to teach theology and Biblical languages. High lights of his career include serving as chair of the religion division, chair of the pre-seminary program, and as the first director of the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach. He retired from teaching in 2008 and fully retired in 2012.

The CSP community extends its deepest condolences and prayers for comfort and peace to the Peter and Stohlmann families.

REINECK RETIRES

Dr. Marilyn Reineck

In 1980, Marilyn Reineck joined the CSP faculty in the communication studies department, and was named department chair in 1995. Serving in that role until 2009, she helped build the program and equipped students for a variety of career pursuits. In 2009, she was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

In 2011, she left CSP for a senior leadership position, and returned to CSP in 2015 as Vice President for Academic Affairs. In this role, she helped lead the university’s successful Higher Learning Commission re-accreditation effort, which was completed in 2018. She recently announced her retirement from Concordia after a tenure filled with growth and change.

“Dr. Reineck served CSP’s faculty, staff and students with extraordinary integrity, faith, wisdom, and grace. All that she did, she did very well,” reflected President Brian Friedrich. She had the gift of empowerment, consistently attracted outstanding faculty to the university and enabled colleagues to leverage all of their gifts and talents and serve our students with joy.”

“I love our mission and CSP’s commitment to students and helping them succeed,” Reineck said. Having colleagues with a strong commitment to helping students and providing quality learning experiences for them as well as the opportunity to learn from each other through lively discussions of ideas is priceless.”

In retirement, Dr. Reineck plans to spend time with her grandchildren, work on writing and research projects, and pursue volunteer opportunities.

CHURCH WORK RESET

Beginning this fall, full-time students enrolled in church work programs will pay no more than $6,000 in tuition each academic year in a bold new move to increase affordability and accessibility. Concordia St. Paul’s commitment is to prepare more workers for the church as the most affordable church work option in the Concordia University System of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

“When I was first told about the tuition guarantee, my jaw dropped,” recalled Christian Ministry major and Director of Christian Education program student Madison Patrow, ‘22.

Eligible church work students will receive a minimum of $17,900 in combined institutional financial aid each year. Scholarships and grants from a student’s home congregation, LCMS District and local communities may be stacked on top of this guarantee to further reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Chair of CSP’s Department of Theology and Ministry, the Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann, emphasized the impact of this move on CSP and its church work students. “Where you study matters, and we are confident that CSP is the best all-around choice for preparing for church work in the LCMS,” he said.

CSP President Brian Friedrich echoed the excitement surrounding this announcement. “We pray that this university-wide investment will be joyfully received by the church and again demonstrate CSP’s deep commitment to making known the Good News of Jesus Christ on campus, throughout the LCMS, and around the world.”

FINE ARTS PROGRAMS CREATIVELY ADAPT

Despite limitations brought on by the pandemic, CSP’s fine arts programs have found ways to be creative as they share their gifts with the community. In lieu of a multi-state tour, our Christus Chorus, led by Dr. David Mennicke, did just that by video recording a number of choral pieces available for use in worship services, including Lent, Holy Week and Easter. More than 50 congregations across the US have taken advantage of this opportunity to have their worship enhanced by our students.

Along with Christus Chorus and Jubilate Choir holding in-person and livestreamed concerts, Handbell Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble also held in-person performances. The spring music ensembles concert was presented both outdoors and indoors, with the Concert Band performing on the Knoll and the Chamber Ensemble performing in the Buetow Music Auditorium.

CSP’s Theatre and Dance programs also performed their art in nimble ways. Students performed the play Ghost Sonata, which was livestreamed in February. Spring Into Dance, the annual dance recital, was held with a combination of indoor and outdoor events to provide a safe environment for performers and the audience.

In April, the Tintypes Project was released virtually. Tintypes is a reworking of a musical revue of music and characters of the Ragtime era, set in the context of our modern cultural moment, featuring student research, choreography, direction, and scenic design.

Our students, faculty, and staff look forward to the hopeful return of in-person performances of all performing arts groups in the 2021-22 academic year.

RAMS DRAFT GARRETT

Chris Garrett signs his rookie contract.

Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Rams

Chris Garrett, ‘21 became the second player drafted in the history of Concordia-St. Paul football when the Los Angeles Rams selected him in the seventh round with the 252nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. A native of Milwaukee, he was one of the most feared pass rushers in NCAA Division II football during his Golden Bear career.

Garrett, drafted as an outside linebacker, set the CSP career sacks record with 36.5 over 28 career games—ranking 13th in NCAA DII history and second in NSIC history—and set the NCAA DII career record with 15 forced fumbles. He was a two-time All-American, and a preseason All-American entering his 2020 senior season, which was cancelled due to COVID-19.