10,705 Number of degrees awarded during Holst’s presidency
Holst enjoys connecting alumni and friends with the wider world. In conjunction with the Alumni Office, the Holsts have led international tours to places like Egypt, Greece and Russia and will lead a group to New Zealand this fall. To engage and get perspectives from those outside the University, Holst sought experienced leaders with varied backgrounds. In 2002, he formed the President’s Council—an important source of guidance and support throughout his tenure. Much of Concordia’s recent growth and outreach has been made possible through the support of the Council and other benefactors who strongly believe in Concordia’s mission. Since 1991, Concordia has conducted two multimillion dollar comprehensive campaigns supporting capital projects, growing the endowment and moving from a denominational support system to one of individual benefactor support. With significant benefactor contributions, Holst led the University through several renovations, acquisitions and major construction projects that considerably enhanced the campus to accommodate a growing student body and enhanced Concordia’s academics, spiritual life, athletics, fine arts, student life and its presence in the community. “He has really invested in facilities that are core elements to the academic experience,” said Eric LaMott, Vice President for Administration and project lead for multiple campus building projects. “That investment has been crucial in the very competitive environment we are in.”
The 70,000-square-foot Gangelhoff Center, named after benefactors Ronald and Doris Gangelhoff, was completed in 1993 and gave the University a state-of-theart athletic facility. The building also serves as a tool to raise awareness of Concordia and is a place where the Concordia community can provide Christian witness to various groups from the greater community that utilize the facility.
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The Concordia Theatre Arts Center, which is connected to the Buetow Music Center, was completed in 1994. The facility, utilized by the Theatre Department and various community organizations, has elevated Concordia as a key player in the Twin Cities performing arts scene.