Concordia St. Paul Magazine | Spring 2017

Concordia St. Paul

magazine SPRING 2017

Health Sciences Expand to Address Nation’s Challenges Pages 2-9

CSP SPOTLIGHT Pages 10-12

L ACROSSE 101 Pages 20-21

CL ASS NOTES Pages 22-26

Concordia University, St. Paul

1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104 651-641-8810 1-866-GROW-CSP ave.csp.edu facebook.com/concordiastpaul Publisher

Office of University Advancement Editor and Writer

Tad Dunham

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Additional Editing and Writing

Tom Brandes Amy Foster Heath Lewis Amanda (Och, ’14) Padula Rhonda (Behm, ’88) Palmersheim Design and Layout

IN THIS ISSUE:

The Lawlor Group Photography

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Justin Oakman: pg 21 Anna Rajdl: cover, pg 2,3,5,6,8,9 Reid Ridpath: pg 10,11,16,17 Mark Stickler: pg 20,21 Jordan Vredeveld: pg 19

Cover Story: Health Sciences

10 Q&A with Sharon Krueger Schewe 13 CSP Ministry 14 CSP News 17 Students Explore Hmong Roots

Printing

20 Lacrosse 101

Ideal Printers Inc. St. Paul, MN

29 Advancement Update

About Us

Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, a national network of 10 colleges and universities of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

From the Archives

Mission

The mission of Concordia University, St. Paul, a university of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity and for the enlightened care of God’s creation, all within the context of the Christian Gospel. © 2017 Concordia University St. Paul ALUM-0317

Group of Students at Homecoming, 1993

1957 Band Officers

Thoughts

from the President

I am often asked why Concordia University, St. Paul has experienced such strong enrollment growth during the past five years. One of the primary reasons for this growth is our university’s capacity to develop new academic programs.

Our tagline Responsive, Relevant, Real truly reflects our faculty and staff. They are amazingly responsive to the needs of the marketplace, with liberal arts-based preparation that is relevant to the career aspirations of students and grounded in the real-life needs in church and society.

The largest single area of program and enrollment growth has been the health sciences. Established pre-professional programs such as pre-medical and pre-dentistry are growing in enrollment as Concordia students in everlarger numbers realize greater and greater success in admission to prestigious medical and dental schools. New professional programs in nursing education and physical therapy are attracting new applicants by the hundreds.

Programs in the allied health careers of kinesiology, exercise science, and orthotics and prosthetics are preparing students for lives of service to others through the healing arts.

Less than two decades ago, CSP enrolled fewer than two dozen students who were preparing for some kind of career in health care. Today that number is nearing 900.

Driven by this exponential growth, the university last year established the College of Health and Science. Led by Interim Dean Dr. Katie (LaViolette, ‘08, M.A. ‘09) Fischer, the college has been extraordinarily successful in attracting highly qualified faculty for the highly specialized academic preparation it offers. The need for professionals in the health care field is ever-growing, and Concordia is ready to help meet that demand.

Our programs in the health sciences are grounded in the Christian Gospel, which is the dominant theme for all academic programming at Concordia St. Paul. Faculty see their professions as extensions of the healing hands of Christ. The spiritual depth of our nascent Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is so palpable that a member of a recent accrediting team made special comments on it.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is shaped by the faculty’s vision: Follow in the Footsteps of the Greatest Healer the World has Ever Known.

This issue of Concordia St. Paul Magazine is dedicated to these academic programs. Here you will meet many of the faculty and students who are part of our newest college. I know you will be amazed and delighted with their level of excellence, spirit of caring, and sense of dedication.

Also in this issue we are unveiling plans for our new Athletic Performance Center. This welcome addition will give our student-athletes much-needed new space for strength training and improvement in techniques of their various sports. The facility is being housed in a building the University purchased six years ago on a property adjacent to the western edge of our campus. It’s another example of how CSP so effectively reclaims existing spaces for new purposes. The CSP logo, which prominently features the cross of Christ, will be displayed on both the interior and exterior of the building.

Rev. Dr. Tom Ries, President Concordia University, St. Paul

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

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Health Sciences EXPAND to Address Nation’s Challenges The formation of the College of Health and Science at Concordia marks another new chapter in the University’s commitment to remaining relevant and empowering students to discover and engage their purpose for life, career and service.

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Cover Story

The 2016 election cycle highlighted what many people have known for a long time: America’s health care system is facing multiple challenges.

We pay more for our health care system on a per capita basis than any other country, with costs rising much faster than the overall rate of inflation. According to the World Health Organization’s 2000 ranking of its member nations based on the quality and equal distribution of their citizens’ health and the responsiveness of their health care services, the United States ranked 31st.

Like many developed nations, the U.S. has a population that is aging rapidly. Members of the Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964, began reaching retirement age in 2011. According to Pew Research Center, roughly 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65 today, tomorrow, and every day for the next 19 years.

Fortunately, Concordia University, St. Paul has taken a thoughtful, proactive approach to addressing many of these real challenges and expanding its program offerings in relevant new ways to meet society’s needs while carrying out its mission of service to others.

Concordia Steps In Several years ago Concordia’s Board of Regents considered expanding course offerings in the health sciences and conducted a market needs analysis. Convinced of the growing need for health care professionals and high quality health sciences education for those workers, Concordia began offering nursing as an online RN to BS (registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing) degree completion program and a doctorate program in physical therapy.

This massive group represents 26 percent of the U.S. population and will test our health care system like never before, requiring more health care services across the system’s spectrum—doctor’s visits, hospital stays, assisted living, memory care and hospice—and straining a system that strives to provide quality care to all of our citizens.

After careful consideration, Concordia realigned its College of Education and Science in 2016 to create a College of Health and Science. As home to the nursing, kinesiology and physical therapy programs, the new college unites professors who speak the same language of health and science. This allows them to collaborate more easily, sharing ideas, pedagogy and best teaching practices.

Yet as the population ages, increasing numbers of current health care providers will also be retiring, leading to expected shortages and adding further challenges to our health care system. In anticipation of these retirements, employers are scrambling to add well-educated health care workers to meet the projected needs of our citizens.

In addition to providing students with an excellent education that prepares them to find meaningful work helping others upon graduation, coursework in the health sciences at Concordia is designed to proactively respond to real marketplace needs and address some of our nation’s largest challenges in health care.

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

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Challenge #1 Shortage of Health Care Professionals During the Great Recession that began in 2008, many health care professionals delayed retirement. Now that the economy has recovered and much of the financial uncertainty of that time has passed, large numbers of these workers are retiring.

Meanwhile, the nation is facing a shortage of 46,000 to 90,000 physicians by 2025, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. As a result, the industry is in need of creative solutions to augment the number of health care providers and stretch their productivity.

Anticipating the need for sufficient numbers of well-trained health care professionals, Concordia made it a strategic priority to grow its College of Health and Science by adding programs.

“Concordia is one of the few private schools that are growing in the state. We’ve experienced an approximately 62 percent increase in enrollment over the last six years,” says Dr. Eric LaMott, provost and chief operating officer. “Educating students for a career in health care aligns with our overall mission and ties into the health and well-being of the population.”

The field of nursing is a prime example. Up to 40 percent of our nation’s nurses are Baby Boomers. While some of them will continue working into their 70s, as they leave the workforce, the demand for qualified nurses will grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a job growth rate of 16 percent for RNs between 2014 and 2024. According to the State of Minnesota, nursing is the number two in-demand position for employment in the state.

QUIZ HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW VARIOUS HEALTH CARE FIELDS? Each numbered item is a major, minor or graduate degree offered at Concordia. See if you can match the lettered item that best describes what students learn in each program.

Health Science 1. Community nce 2. Exercise Scie avioral Health 3. Forensic Beh 4. Gerontology Administration 5. Health Care d Prosthetics 6. Orthotics an rapy 7. Physical The Science 8. Pulmonary ence Leadership ci S ic g lo io d a R 9. ology 10. Sport Psych

a. Combines psychology, biology, family studies sociology and kinesiology to study the aging process b. Focuses on movement and how to help people live healthier lives through exercise, rehabilitation and nutrition c. Focuses on trends, events and business principles in the health care industry d. Involves studying how public health threats are spread, treated and prevented e. Focuses on mental factors that influence participation and performance in physical activity f. Involves designing and fitting braces, artificial limbs and other devices g. Focuses on health care studies for respiratory therapists h. Focuses on health care studies for diagnostic imaging technologists i. Focuses on the intersection of medical disabilities or disorders and the criminal justice system j. Involves graduate-level study of the preservation, enhancement and restoration of mobility

These Concordia health science programs provide career preparation for occupations spanning from personal trainer to hospital personnel director, from nutritionist to occupational therapist, and from wellness director to biomedical engineer.

Learn more about our programs at www.csp.edu/academics.

Answers: 1d, 2b, 3i, 4a, 5c, 6f, 7j, 8g, 9h, 10e

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Cover Story

To help meet this demand, Concordia expanded its nursing offerings in 2016 to add a pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing degree for students who are not already RNs. CSP is currently in an accreditation process with external regulators to obtain certification for the pre-licensure program and expects final approval by this summer.

The college also plans to add a Doctor of Nursing Practice program within the next five years.

The accreditation process is particularly important in the context of accountability in higher education. Students, as well as the lawmakers and government agencies that send tax dollars to colleges and universities, want assurances that their degree will be worth its cost and will allow them to find work in their field.

Concordia has been a leader in providing good return on investment in this regard. With a tuition reset several years ago that reduced the published price of a traditional undergraduate degree by $10,000 annually, the University has realized a 10 to 13 percent increase in four-year graduation rates. The tuition reset has allowed students to take on much less debt and to focus more on academics and less on how they’re going to pay for their education.

CSP takes quality just as seriously as cost. Each year, all academic programs are assessed and reviewed internally to ensure their relevancy. In the certification process, course content and quality are validated, and external committees provide insight into the curriculum.

Concordia’s strong performance and reputation allowed it to seize an opportunity when a Minnesota-based for-profit institution, Globe University, closed abruptly late last year due to pressure from regulatory agencies.

CSP was able to hire some of Globe’s nursing instructors and purchase some of its equipment in order to launch its own fouryear nursing degree.

“Globe University’s failures were unrelated to its nursing program, which was recently accredited through 2020,” explains LaMott. “Adding their staff and acquiring equipment allow us to get to market faster than building the program on our own.”

To meet space requirements for nursing and other health care programs like physical therapy, Concordia is leasing two full floors and two partial floors in the Central Midway Building across I-94 from the campus.

Other recent expansions in the health sciences at CSP include a partnership with Century College in orthotics and prosthetics. “Students can focus on one or both and can become a technician, assistant or practitioner,” says Dr. Katie (LaViolette, ’08, M.A. ’09) Fischer, dean of the College of Health and Science.

“The University’s strategic plan allows us to be successful by retaining market relevance and investing in new programs to serve students and the community in a Christian context,” says LaMott. “We partner with others where it makes sense, and we adapt and change to stay relevant. Our goal is to grow and maintain the university for the next 125 years, as well as continue to add value to our graduates’ degrees.”

“Starting about 20 years ago, our former president Robert Holst (Acad. ’54, JC ’56) wanted to add a nursing program, but the timing was never right—until now.”

Dr. Eric LaMott Provost & Chief Operating Officer

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

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INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IN PHYSICAL THERAPY To wrap up their three-year education to receive their doctorate of physical therapy, all graduate students complete a capstone project. Each project breaks new ground to understand injury and healing, as these three examples show.

Biomechanics A current study compares the biomechanics of throwing and non-throwing arms of Concordia baseball players to determine how they move. By establishing a baseline and tracking over time, physical therapy students will try to predict a player’s chance of injury.

The researchers compare mechanics of injured players and describe how to bring them back to biomechanic health, and they also help change players’ biomechanics to resolve a fault and prevent injury.

3D Motion Capture A second study involves Kinesio tape, a colorful non-stretching tape (as seen on the shoulders of Olympic volleyball players) that helps stabilize the shoulder joint and prevent injury. The study uses a 3D motion capture system to examine how the tape changes shoulder joint movement.

Researchers apply Kinesio tape to the shoulders of first-year student subjects and use the 3D system to examine their motion. Then the researchers capture their shoulder motion without the specialized tape and run a comparison. They plan also to compare those findings to the motions of Concordia student-athletes to discern further differences.

Vertigo Study A third study uses a series of balance and coordination tests to examine the balance and inner ear function in Concordia soccer players who have been medically cleared to play. The tests will determine if the research subjects have vestibular dysfunction (vertigo) in the inner ear.

These test results will be compared to age-matched non-soccer players among the student population. Ideally, because the student-athletes have been cleared to play, their balance and coordination should be normal in all tests. If not, the next step is to meet with coaches, trainers and the athletic director to present the findings and see if further work is warranted.

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Cover Story

Challenge #2 Managing Chronic Pain As Baby Boomers age, more and more Americans are dealing with chronic pain, which is defined as pain that lasts six months or longer. Common sources include previous injuries, back pain, joint pain and headaches. According to WebMD, 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain.

As diagnoses of chronic pain have increased, there has been a huge increase in opioid prescription and use. Patients seeking relief from their pain often overuse and may become addicted to these powerful medications.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine reports that 2 million Americans had a substance use disorder involving prescription pain relievers in 2015. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., with more than 52,000 lethal drug overdoses in 2015. Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, with more than 20,000 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers.

Given the opportunity, physical therapy could replace much of the need for opioids.

Physical therapists evaluate patients who present with chronic pain to determine the biomechanical basis of their symptoms.

The physical therapists then work to achieve correct joint alignment and build strong muscles so patients can accomplish their functional objectives and decrease their symptoms.

When Concordia conducted its health education needs analysis, the feasibility of adding a physical therapy program was clear, especially given the strength of CSP’s existing kinesiology and science departments. So when the Board of Regents approved Concordia’s expansion into the health sciences, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) was the first program added.

Concordia’s DPT program has three cohorts, each with 30 students, and has averaged 200 applicants each year for one of the 30 slots. The first cohort is set to graduate this spring.

The program focuses on training qualified physical therapists who can help meet the growing need for their services.

“One of the components of physical therapy training is being an expert in movement dysfunction,” says DPT Director Peter Rundquist, PT, Ph.D. “Can we identify what’s causing a patient pain? If so, we can treat the cause and resolve the symptoms.”

In response to the growing opioid epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released opioid prescription guidelines in 2016. The guidelines recognize prescription opioids as appropriate in certain cases, including cancer treatment, palliative care and end of life care. But for other pain management, the CDC advises physical therapy as a non-opioid approach when patients want to do more than mask their pain.

Physical therapists have always worked on evaluating and treating movement problems and have been very effective at what they do. Appropriately performed physical therapy works to address the underlying issue so pain is eliminated. The CDC guidelines recommend patients choose physical therapy when the risks of opioid use outweigh the rewards due to potential side effects, including depression, overuse, addiction and withdrawal symptoms when stopping opioid use.

“Physical therapists treat pain through movement while partnering with patients to improve or maintain their mobility and quality of life, so physical therapy is a service profession for which there is a great demand,” says Rundquist. “I’m proud to see our first cohort complete their capstone projects and prepare to move into the work force.”

“The focus of physical therapy has always been on injury prevention and treatment, and physical therapy can be more effective than going down the opioid path.”

Dr. Peter Rundquist, PT, Ph.D. Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

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Challenge #3 Palliative Care

CALLED TO A HEALING VOCATION “The biggest reason to enter the health care profession is service to others,” says Dr. Lyndsey (Gagas, ’04) Vandenberg, a faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and its director of clinical education. “Christian service is part of our cornerstone and is reinforced with students and faculty.”

As an alumna of the undergraduate kinesiology program at Concordia, Vandenberg sees the expansion of health care programs as a natural progression of CSP’s origins in educating students for service professions.

“Service is interwoven throughout our physical therapy program—service to advance the profession and service to the community.”

Dr. Lyndsey Vandenberg

An excellent example of Christian service can be seen in efforts by Jeanne Lojovich, PT, Ph.D., assistant director and associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, to help start a physical therapy program at the Université Abdou Moumouni in Niger—one of the world’s poorest countries.

Niger medical education lacks human cadavers that would normally be used to teach anatomy, due to Muslim requirements that the dead be buried within 24 hours. With Lojovich’s help, three CSP students working on their capstone projects developed a DVD to teach human anatomy.

Lojovich has fallen in love with the region and is returning to Niger for her eighth trip this spring, determined to see the vision come to fruition.

“Niger has only 10 or 12 physical therapists in the whole country, so there is a great need, especially in children suffering from birth defects. If they can be treated early, it can change their lives,” says Lojovich. “Changing one life is extremely important, but helping establish a school to train others will have a much larger impact than I can have during a two-week visit.”

“Nurses provide care across the lifespan and continuum of care by providing support, comfort, care and education and helping heal those with illness and injury,” says Nursing Department Chair Josie Christian, RN, PHN, MSN. Considering the broad spectrum of training that is required, Concordia continuously strives to improve its curriculum to ensure it is facilitating knowledge, skills and behaviors with nursing practice that is relevant and responsive to needs in the community. So when the American Association of Colleges of Nursing recently published competencies regarding care of the seriously ill and their families that focus on palliative care, loss and bereavement, CSP began updating its curriculum.

According to the Minnesota Palliative Care Coalition, palliative care is about improving quality of life by treating the person as well as the disease. It helps both the patient and family, and it is appropriate at any age and any stage of an illness. Palliative care provides an extra layer of support to relieve the pain, symptoms and stress of serious illness, and it can be provided alongside curative treatment.

As America ages, palliative care can help ensure maximum comfort and quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions such as cancer, emphysema, breathing difficulties and arthritis. Palliative therapies could include exercise aroma therapy, physical therapy, massage, therapeutic touch medications and other nonmedication options.

“Palliative care is less expensive than other treatment options, results in fewer hospitalizations and helps patients stay at home by improving quality of life for those with chronic conditions,” says Christian. “Palliative care takes into account a patient’s life and goals, their life journey and their values.

It helps patients meet their personal goals, and the nursing community is very aware of this evolution. It’s not cookiecutter care.”

“Nursing is a profession rich in blessings as nurses often participate in and witness the beginning of life with the delivery and care of a newborn and provide comfort at the end of life.”

Josie Christian Chair, Nursing Department

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Cover Story

Challenge #4 Technological Change Technology is constantly improving our world, with the power to improve processes and efficiency, reduce costs and enable more work to be performed with fewer people.

Thanks to the Internet, technology also enables patients to be savvy consumers, looking up information on their symptoms and potential testing or treatment options. But access to online information can be a double-edged sword, as patients may believe everything they read online even if it’s not true.

Patients may also push for unnecessary tests—and then, fearing potential lawsuits, health care providers might agree to perform them, further driving up health care costs.

Still, technological innovation holds great promise in helping to contain U.S. health care costs, and technological advances in health care are expected to grow significantly.

“That’s why we continuously strive to ensure our curriculum is facilitating knowledge and skills to optimize evolving processes and new equipment,” says Christian.

For example, telehealth (which uses telecommunications technology to deliver health information or services) can involve remote physiologic monitoring of chronic health conditions.

This allows health care professionals to identify patients with acute risk and prevent them from ending up in the hospital, where they would use more expensive health care services.

Other uses of telehealth include monitoring weight, breathing, blood glucose, chronic pain levels and information from implantable pacemakers and defibrillators. In hospitals with Intensive Care Units (ICU) that have a nursing shortage, ICU nurses from other hospitals can monitor patients remotely.

Similarly, e-visits enable patients to be “seen” remotely—in real time, after hours or whenever it’s convenient—in the comfort of their home via webcam. This option can improve the ability to provide ongoing care and reduce costs.

Electronic health records represent another facet of reducing health care costs by capturing accurate health care information and ensuring everything is billed correctly.

Having a portable electronic record of past treatments— that can be viewed across health systems and providers— improves quality of care and reduces costs by eliminating duplication of tests and procedures. Electronic records are also improving care by enhancing the ability to analyze data and identify trends.

Yet technological advancement raises issues about who has access to electronic health records and whether system safeguards to protect patient privacy are adequate. CSP has been proactive in addressing such issues.

“When the nursing program started in 2014, we included a Nursing Informatics course from the beginning,” says Christian. “Using technology to promote health outcomes is innovative, and the focus of the course is on having students understand the implications of entering information and how it affects privacy, patient care and reimbursement.”

Responsive, Relevant, Real In preparing students to take on some of the nation’s toughest health care challenges—whether it’s the shortage of qualified professionals, the overuse of opioids, the demand for palliative care, or the need to keep up with technological change— Concordia is positioning the health sciences to become a pillar of the university.

The health sciences are a good fit at CSP, where the curriculum integrates faith-based education, because the values of the health care professions align with Christian values.

Just as importantly, health care professionals benefit from a Concordia education because it develops their abilities to adapt and stay relevant, giving them real preparation for service to humanity.

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

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CSP Spotlight

Q

&A

WITH SHARON (KRUEGER, ’77) SCHEWE AS SHE PREPARES TO RETIRE Residence Life Manager Sharon Krueger Schewe—currently Concordia’s longest serving employee—will retire July 1 after 36 years of devoted service. We asked her to share some reflections of her time here.

Did you ever imagine that someday you’d be Concordia’s longest serving employee?

No, I didn’t. I feel weird, honored, and blessed about it. It’s unusual in this day and age to be somewhere for 36 years of devoted service to CSP and 40 years of service to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

When I started, the Student Life staff was really old—they were in their 50s and 60s. (Laughs.) Now I’ve become one of the old ones. I’ve literally never left college since I started in the fall of 1973. I’ve always been in this environment, and it’s kept me young.

Take us back to 1981, when you first started at Concordia. What made you want the job?

The job came to me. I went to Concordia as an undergrad, and I was in Missouri teaching at a boarding Lutheran high school. I was being considered for a residence job at Concordia Seward, and called then CSP Dean of Men Herb Treichel to ask for a reference.

He told me, “We have a position open here and I can’t give you a reference. You’re one of our own.” The next day Concordia Dean of Students Walt Sohn called and asked me to apply and send my résumé. That’s how it happened. I have no doubt it was meant to be. The ironic thing is, I had applied to be an RA at Concordia while a student but I didn’t get hired!

Approximately how many RAs have you trained?

An average of 20 per year for 36 years, so more than 600 RAs. I’ve had sons or daughters of RAs come to Concordia and be RAs. I’ve been an aunt to hundreds of students—I don’t want to be a mom to them; an aunt taps you on the shoulder and helps you gently. I never had children of my own, but I’ve had hundreds of nieces and nephews.

How do you feel knowing that many lifelong friendships are formed from the roommate assignments you’ve made?

It’s powerful, and I think about it every year when making student matches. Some have lived together for four years, and afterwards for more years until one of them gets married. I have to be careful not to take too much credit for the good when those matches work well, or I need to take more of the blame when they don’t.

But I hear more success stories than I hear the other way around.

How have students’ residential life needs or concerns evolved over the years?

Tools and technology have changed a lot, but students still long to succeed and know they matter. They want to know someone

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cares about them, and they want to make a positive difference in the world. When I started college in 1973, most students didn’t have TVs in their rooms, and there was one pay phone on the floor for 20 women; today, most students have TVs and the size blows you away, and of course everyone has a cell phone.

What are a few essential things you would now tell students they’ll need for their room?

Bring extra long twin sheets, a willingness to stretch yourself, and a willingness to move out of your comfort zone. You’ll spend time with people who are different than you, so be open and willing to be flexible. The vast majority of students today have never shared a room before, so it’s different and a challenge.

Roommate matches are made by hand, not a computer, and a lot of thought goes into it. How tidy someone is and whether he or she is a morning or night person are important, but music preference is probably the best indicator of compatibility.

What has sustained you in serving for so long?

This is a calling. For many years I was single, and these were my kids. Going to concerts, games and plays on campus was fun, and they were good things to do. I eventually married. My husband was laid off and came to work in the IT department at Concordia for seven years. He passed away five years ago, and it was a special blessing of love and support we received from this community. I’ve made a difference in people’s lives, not splashy, but in small ways. It’s been a ministry that endures.

What are your plans for retirement?

Travel. I’m taking a retirement kick-off road trip for two or three weeks next August. I plan to spend time with my aging parents who need more attention and support. I’m also looking forward to taking my great nieces and nephews on adventures like I did with their parents.

CSP Spotlight

MAKING A LIVING BY PURSUING A PASSION Every academic program at Concordia opens up career paths for students—no less so in the Department of Theatre and Dance than in the business, education or ministry departments.

Mark Rosenwinkel (’77) understands the challenges students face in finding stable work in theater. That’s why, as chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, he and his faculty colleagues pack the curriculum with hands-on opportunities to explore every angle of the performing arts—from theater history to playwriting, acting and directing to lighting, scenery and costume design.

Himself an actor for 35 years, Rosenwinkel shares his knowledge and experience to inspire students about their career possibilities.

With an undergraduate degree from Concordia, he has worked as a freelance theater artist with many jobs in different areas, including acting, playwriting, teaching and running summer camps for actors. These jobs provided a broad range of experiences that he draws upon to help students explore their many options for finding work in theater and dance.

Additionally, Rosenwinkel invites actors to campus to share their experiences with students and illustrate the many roads to success.

The Fall Audition Seminar provides opportunities for top juniors and seniors at CSP to audition and get vital feedback on their performances from three top directors. Many students ultimately get hired by, or receive referrals from, these directors.

Each spring when Concordia hosts the Twin Cities Unified Theatre Auditions, 30 to 40 theater companies come to campus and recruit actors and interns. Students volunteer, see auditions and discover what working in theater is like, as well as see the many non-acting jobs that go into successfully staging a production.

For example, stage managers play a vital role similar to a ship’s captain, directing the enterprise behind the scenes. Due to their responsibilities, they earn more than the actors. Many theater and dance graduates also pursue Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in areas such as directing, vocal performance and costume design.

“I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate with other Concordia departments and disciplines to enhance students’ artistic opportunities,” says Rosenwinkel. “We’ve done lots of things with the music department and choirs. For example, the Spring Into Dance Concert provides exciting opportunities for collaboration between student choreographers, musicians, choirs and ensembles.”

In addition to established local theaters such as the Guthrie and Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, many community theaters and non-profit organizations with theater components provide opportunities to produce and perform excellent original work that inspires actors and audiences alike. Rosenwinkel has also seen graduates use their theater experience in other jobs, like his former student who uses her improv skills in training new employees at the Mall of America. And there are many theater business majors who take courses in both disciplines to design their own major.

“I tell students, ‘Pursue your passion and figure out how to make a career in theater work,’” says Rosenwinkel. “Part of the fun is the variety of things a person can do around theater. Passionate people find a way to make it a career.”

“My career has been like a quilt— a little of this, a little of that.”

Mark Rosenwinkel (’77) Professor of Theatre and Dance

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CSP Spotlight

COMFORT DOGS FOR HUMAN CARE When Tim Hetzner (’78), president of Lutheran Church Charities (LCC), tells the story of the K-9 Comfort Dogs, it’s easy to see why they have become the most visible part of LCC’s ministry.

“It all started with our response to Hurricane Katrina,” says Hetzner. LCC is a recognized service organization of the LCMS with a mission of bringing the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. As such, LCC does national and international work in disaster response and assists congregations in their outreach ministries.

When LCC sent medical personnel to New Orleans in immediate response to Katrina, within two days the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approached them.

“I’ve got to admit, dog ministry was not on my radar. It’s interesting how God was working on that.”

Tim Hetzner

“They asked if we would do search-and-rescue for people who had pets. FEMA by law could not rescue pets, but there were many people who would not leave their pets and so were sitting with them on the roofs of their houses that were underwater,” says Hetzner. “In seeing how people would consider risking their life rather than parting with their pet, we realized there was a powerful healing effect to people being with their pets.

“It just so happened that a couple of our disaster responders had golden retrievers. So during our next response, I had them bring their dogs to our staging area where disaster victims can come in and sign up for assistance. It was very effective in helping people calm down.”

So Hetzner continued to arrange for the presence of golden retrievers that responders individually owned. Then disaster hit close to LCC’s Northbrook, Ill., headquarters with the February 2008 shooting at Northern Illinois University (NIU).

“One of our pastors of a Lutheran church in DeKalb was on campus when NIU went into lockdown, and he called me

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to ask for the dogs,” recalls Hetzner. “We got there, and the students flocked around them.”

He explains the dogs’ healing effect by noting, “First of all, dogs are lovers, and they’re confidential; they don’t take notes, and they show unconditional love. Secondly, when people pet a dog, their heart rate goes down. They tend to relax, and when that happens, they are able to talk about what they’ve been through. And an important part of the healing process is to be able to talk about what’s taken place.”

In May of 2008, NIU students petitioned the university to invite the LCC dogs back for their graduation ceremony. “So we came out that day,” recalls Hetzner, “and as I was walking across campus with the dogs that’s when God hit me on the head and said, ‘Don’t wait for a disaster or crisis. Start placing dogs in churches.’”

With that goal, Hetzner identified a golden retriever breeder who brought four dogs to LCC: two dogs it kept internally to respond to crises and serve in the community, and two dogs it placed in churches for pastors to take on shut-in calls, to nursing homes, and for other outreach.

Since then the dog ministry has grown to the extent that the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry now has its own trainers on staff and has more than 130 dogs in service at LCC or placed at churches or schools in 22 states. The dogs have responded to disasters including the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Dallas Police Department, and the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been featured on “Good Morning America,” and each dog has its own business card, Facebook and Twitter account. “The dogs have been one of the most effective outreach tools I have ever worked with,” says Hetzner.

CSP Ministry

Church Work Programs: Helping Concordia Reach “To the Ends of the Earth” Concordia University, St. Paul is proud to be an institution where workers are trained for service in the church. CSP was founded in 1893 to provide a Christian learning environment for young men entering the professional ministry of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). Indeed, training church workers is a part of CSP’s proverbial “DNA.” Today, CSP’s church work programs extend beyond training men who are planning to enter the pastoral ministry, preparing students for everything from parish music to outreach and more.

One of these programs, the Director of Christian Education (DCE) program, equips students to serve as Synodically certified, called and commissioned lifespan education leaders, prepared for team ministry. DCEs play an integral role in the ministries to which they are called. Since its inception in 1969, CSP’s DCE program has produced 514 DCEs, including 196 who are currently serving in LCMS ministries.

Concordia St. Paul is committed to continuing this history of developing workers for the church. As we work to re-invigorate and strengthen our church work programs, we have made a few notable changes to our DCE program. These changes have helped us address the needs of the church, while providing a top-quality education for our students.

In recent years, we have included more “real-world” experience in our DCE training. All of our students participate in a oneyear internship, either in a congregation or a non-profit

affiliated with the LCMS, during their course of study. Students also participate in two years of field work in a Twin Cities-area congregation. These experiences help students move beyond the classroom, turning theory into practice and broadening their understanding of what Christian education looks like in an actual ministry setting. On average, our DCE students engage in approximately 2,800 hours of hands-on experience prior to graduation.

We have also revised our DCE program curriculum to strengthen course offerings for our students. Our students receive ministry training through our Christian Education major, along with training in what the LCMS believes and teaches through our Lutheran Theology minor. This combination prepares our students well to serve in a variety of settings, with any age group, and is better reflective of the state of today’s church.

As our church work students graduate from Concordia, they serve calls around the world. There is truly no limit to where God can—and does—lead these young men and women. As CSP continues to “send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38, ESV), these church workers truly help extend Concordia’s reach “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, ESV).

Heath Lewis Instructor in Christian Education Director of DCE Program

Visit CSP Ministry Online! www.csp.edu/CSPMinistry

CSP Ministry

CSP Ministry

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LOCATION

CSP News Plan for Athletic Performance Center Announced Concordia University, St. Paul’s administration and athletics department announced plans for an aggressive fundraising campaign aimed at constructing an Athletic Performance Center on campus.

The university’s plans call for a $1.5 million construction project with various naming opportunities to fund the project. University administration has indicated a pledge to proceed with the project based on early fundraising success.

“Due to the growing number of athletic programs on campus as well as the competitive landscape within Division II, Concordia has made it a priority to provide our ever-increasing population of student-athletes with a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose training facility that rivals any in our conference,” Director of Athletics Mark McKenzie said.

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Located to the west of the current weight room with entry off of Marshall Avenue, the facility will contain a 5,320-squarefoot weight room with new equipment, a considerable upgrade from the under 3,000-square-foot weight room in the current location.

The facility will be more than just a weight room, as it will feature a nearly 7,800-square-foot training area with navy blue artificial turf and the CSP lettermark in gold.

The training area, a space large enough for physical training or individual skill instruction for all of Concordia’s student-athletes, will also consist of batting cages and a large video monitor.

The strength and conditioning staff will be infusing the latest technology in the training center, making it not just a place where student-athletes come to sweat, but also a comprehensive resource in achieving team and individual performance goals.

CSP News

In a move that is responsive to the competitive higher education marketplace, Concordia University, St. Paul is lowering its minimum graduation requirements for all bachelor’s degree programs from 128 to 120 credit hours, effective fall semester 2017.

The undergraduate policy committee unanimously voted for the reduction in requirements to align CSP with most public colleges and universities in Minnesota and nationwide, which have already adopted the 120-credit minimum. Concordia St. Paul is one of the first private universities in the state to make this change in credit requirements, reinforcing the university’s commitment to making higher education more affordable to students. Overall cost for completing an undergraduate degree will be lowered for some students as a direct result of this change.

“I am proud to be part of a faculty that responds quickly to the rapidly changing marketplace of higher education while maintaining high academic standards and a comprehensive support system for our students,” says Dr. Rob Krueger, chair of the undergraduate policies committee.

The reduced requirements only impact general elective courses and not general education or major requirements. Some degrees will continue to require more than 120 credit hours because of state licensing or program accreditation requirements. All returning undergraduates and incoming freshmen and transfer students will be affected by this policy change.

Already one of the most transfer-friendly schools in the Twin Cities, the reduction further eases the admission process for students looking to transfer to Concordia, while also reducing the time it takes to earn a degree. It is expected that retention and graduation rates will improve due to this change. The projected average cost savings of eight fewer credits for undergraduate students is approximately $3,000.

Concordia Introduces MFA in Creative Writing Concordia will roll out a new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing this fall, offering students the opportunity to develop the skills of aspiring fiction and creative non-fiction writers. The two-year, 36-credit, completely online program consists of five different components: workshop courses, literature courses, craft courses, a literary research course and a supervised thesis.

“This MFA program will give the English and modern languages department an opportunity to work with students

from around the world,” Department of English and Modern Languages faculty member Matt Ryan said. “Our goal for this program is simple: Teach students to become published authors. When this happens, this will raise our visibility in the arts community.”

One of the fastest-growing graduate degrees in the United States, the MFA has become the most common route for creative writers to achieve career success. After completing this program, students will have achieved a level of sophistication in their writing that will allow them to pursue a number of career options, including a published novelist or creative nonfiction writer. However, other career options are also available.

Spring Enrollment Trends Up for 11th Straight Year Spring enrollment at Concordia St. Paul grew for the 11th consecutive year, with significant increases recorded in traditional undergraduate, adult undergraduate and graduate student numbers. The 4,466 students enrolled (full and part time) represent an increase of 237 students (5.6 percent) from the 2016 spring semester. Broken down by student type, Concordia enrolled 1,354 traditional undergraduates, 1,212 adult undergraduates and 1,900 graduate students (includes doctoral programs).

The largest growth area came from Concordia’s graduate programs, as enrollment grew by a robust 126 students (7.1 percent). Many of these programs are offered fully online. Solid enrollment growth was also recorded for both the traditional undergraduate and adult undergraduate student types, with traditional programs gaining 55 students (4.2 percent) and adult programs gaining 56 (4.8 percent).

5.6%

CSP Moves to 120 Credit Hours

Generous Grant Aims to Help More Students Earn Degrees Concordia St. Paul is one of 14 colleges and universities nationwide to receive a College Completion Grant from the Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation and Affiliates. The grant gives schools an opportunity to focus on at-risk students nearing completion and explore ways to help them stay on track to graduation. A total of $2.6 million was awarded to the 14 institutions, with CSP receiving a grant award of $199,575. Concordia will use this grant to pilot a new comprehensive advising model this fall that is designed to help give these students additional hands-on support through increased contact with academic advisers and additional advocacy with faculty mentors. Dr. Bruce Corrie will serve as the coordinator of the program.

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CONCORDIA IGNITES LEADERS The Ignite Leadership Development Program ignites students’ leadership potential by fueling their passions. Open to all Concordia undergraduates, the program features comprehensive training, workshops and service activities that challenge students to become stronger and more well-rounded leaders. Three current participants share their stories.

Renee Cortez (’17)

Loc Luong (’17)

Communications Studies major

Communications Studies major

Renee transferred to Concordia in the fall of 2015 with a strong belief in making the most of her college experience. She has been a student senator, Communications Club secretary, Love Your Melon crew captain, copy editor for The Sword newspaper, student tour guide, student daycare aide, member of the Comet’s orientation crew for Welcome Week and International Services tutor.

Loc describes himself as being shy and timid before joining the Ignite leadership program, and he never thought he could be a leader whom people would look up to or respect. He credits Ignite for giving him the right tools and mentorship to help him grow, including in his involvement with the Concordia Hmong Unity Student Association (CHUSA).

“The Ignite program is fabulous because it teaches life and leadership skills. It’s free, looks great on a résumé, teaches you skills you’ll need for a future career and much more,” says Renee. “At the October camp retreat, with my friends having confidence in me and my trust in them, I was inspired to climb up a pole and jump off while they held ropes tied to a harness I wore. I’ll never forget the adrenaline rush and feeling of accomplishment in myself. It was Ignite that gave it to me.”

After graduation, Renee hopes to work for a non-profit organization in public relations or community outreach.

“You don’t want to stay the same person your whole life. The Ignite program developed me into a leader I could never have imagined myself becoming,” says Loc. “It’s hard to put into words what this program has done for me, but it has helped me find my leadership skills and abilities.”

After graduation, Loc plans to pursue a master’s degree in student affairs, envisioning a career in a college setting as an academic, study abroad or student life advisor.

Molly Vukelich (’17) Biology major Molly earned a degree in oceanography from the Naval Academy, spent six and a half years in the Navy, and was training to become a pilot when her service was completed. She believes leadership can be continually developed—and that the more learning she can do about the factors that go into making an inspiring and effective leader, the better prepared she’ll be in the future. At Concordia, she appreciates the diversity of the student body and thinks Ignite provides a great environment to ask questions and gain new understandings of students’ unique experiences and perspectives. “ Each leadership scenario presents new challenges, and how you react to those challenges will make the difference. The Ignite program familiarizes students with different skill sets that enable them to approach tasks from different angles,” says Molly. “That’s why this program is so unique. It teaches students about different aspects of leadership and how to implement skills in order to lead in different environments.”

Molly has many passions, including a strong interest in international relations, and plans to take a year off before attending graduate school.

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CSP News

Sports Management Grads Ready for Minnesota United’s MLS Debut

CSP Students Explore Their Hmong Roots in China

Minnesota United FC’s inaugural Major League Soccer season is underway.

A Concordia course in Hmong Studies, “People and Culture of China,” gave students a chance to study abroad for two weeks during the holiday break to view China through the lens of the 9 million Hmong living there.

For now, home field is TCF Bank Stadium. But that will soon change as construction on a new stadium—just across Interstate 94 from the Concordia University, St. Paul campus—is expected to be completed next year.

Two graduates of Concordia’s sports management program are on board with Minnesota United for its debut as an MLS expansion franchise.

Matt Rubbelke (M.A. ’14), an account executive with the club, says he has “an awesome face-to-face job reaching out to passionate soccer fans.” Arranging season ticket packages, group outings and company gatherings allows him to take all he learned earning his master’s degree at Concordia and apply it to front-office work within one of the biggest sport leagues in the nation.

Alex Eernisse (’16), a new business development representative for Minnesota United, agrees that working for an expansion franchise is exciting. “Just being able to see the behind-thescenes action at the ground level is unbelievable and extremely rewarding,” he says.

While Eernisse was an undergraduate at Concordia, he completed internships with the Minnesota Vikings as a marketing intern in the VIP hospitality tent during training camp and as a sales intern based in Florida for the nationwide Hurricane Junior Golf Tour.

As Eernisse neared graduation, one of his Concordia professors recommended he apply to the National Sales Center in Blaine, Minn., where the MLS runs a highly selective sales training program. He was accepted and performed well in the program, which led to his job with Minnesota United.

Both CSP grads are looking forward to the new stadium, and Rubbelke is already working to connect the many colleges in the neighborhood, including Concordia, with ticketing opportunities. “We have student ticket packages that work around their schedules, and they’re flying off the shelves right now,” says Rubbelke.

In addition to climbing the Great Wall and visiting the Forbidden Palace, for many students it was an opportunity to explore their own Hmong roots.

Cydi Yang (’17), a communications major and the student leader of the trip, considered it an honor to be able to stand on the same lands her ancestors once walked on.

“Visiting the Hmong/Miao villages opened my eyes to what it means to be Hmong,” Cydi says. “Actually being there physically took me to a whole other level of learning and understanding.”

Bert Lee (’17), a graphic design major, likewise wanted to explore his family origins. “I have always believed that knowing the roots of my culture will help me have a clear identity of who I am and where I came from,” he says.

After seeing what it is like to live in a Hmong/Miao village, how the people farm, what they eat and how they work to make a living, “the hospitality is probably the most memorable and amazing experience I had during the trip,” says Bert.

Julie Yang (’18), a psychology major, recalls the group’s first encounter with a Hmong/Miao village in an area about 10 to 15 miles north of the Vietnam border called Niuchangba, or Four Seal Hmong.

“I saw the children in their ripped clothes and ripped shoes, all covered with dust and dirt, but that didn’t bother them at all.

They ran around happily and played with what looked to be a scooter made from wood. The daughters helped the parents with cultivations and watched the children of the family,” she said. “I called home that night and cried to my parents. My heart was extremely happy and yet so broken.”

Julie believes the most meaningful message she can give as testimony of her experience is this: “Love one another and cherish everything and everyone that you have.”

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Faculty & Staff Highlights Dr. Thomas Saylor (History) is working with staff from the U.S. Army’s 34th Infantry Division to add photographs and documents to the oral history biography he worked on from 2012-2015 with General John W. Vessey Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1982-1985. In October 2016 he traveled to National Defense University in Washington, D.C., with a 34th Infantry Division team led by Major General Rick Nash and Colonel Kevin Olson (MA ‘09). The team searched various archival holdings and U.S. Army sources and added several dozen documents to the Vessey oral history project.

Dr. Rhoda Schuler (Theology & Ministry) completed two encyclopedia articles (Charles V; Anne Askew) that will be published in Encyclopedia of Martin Luther and the Reformation (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2017). Two students in her church history class (Christianna Eckstein and Keanu Mendez) served as research assistants for the project in lieu of writing a paper for the class.

Matt Ryan (English & Modern Languages) was the winner of the 2017 Minnesota Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. The grant program is designed for artists at all stages of their careers to support artistic development, nurture artistic creativity, and recognize the contributions individual artists make to the creative environment of the state of Minnesota. Ryan will complete his new literary crime novel, Mean Darlene. He will hold two public readings in greater Minnesota.

Rev. Mark Koschmann (Theology & Ministry) presented at the Lutheran Historical Conference Biennial Meeting at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, in October 2016. Koschmann shared how Lutherans in Chicago participated in the civil rights movement in the 1950s-1960s in his paper, “‘This is where we belong’: Taking a Stand with Martin Luther King, the Chicago Freedom Movement, and Local Neighborhoods.”

Dr. Nancy Harrower and Dr. Steven Manderscheid (Business & Technology) had a manuscript accepted for the Academy Human Resource Development conference in Morocco in November 2016. It is titled “Perspectives on Leader Transition and Polarity” a qualitative study.

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Kate Larson (staff ) was selected as one of two individuals to receive the 2016 New Professional of the Year Award by the Minnesota College Professionals Association (MPCA).

Coordinator of CSP’s Community Action, Leadership and Learning Center (CALL), Larson has helped grow the study abroad program by encouraging and supporting students from different backgrounds to get involved.

The award recognizes an ambitious and dedicated new student development professional who has provided outstanding service to one’s institution.

Retirements FACULTY

Mike Connor (M.A. ’05) retired from Concordia in December 2016. Most recently a faculty member in the criminal justice leadership program, Connor faithfully served a number of roles during his nearly 30-year relationship with CSP. He estimates he touched the lives of around 800 students during his time with the CJ program.

Longtime faculty member Dr. Alan Winegarden is retiring after 29 years of dedicated service at Concordia St. Paul. His tenure at CSP began in 1988 as an instructor in the communications studies program. His time at Concordia included servings as Chair of Communications Studies program, Chair of the Faculty Senate, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

STAFF Director of Human Resources Mary Arnold is retiring after 29 years of employment at CSP. Mary spent time in a number of different offices during her time, holding the titles of accounts payable specialist, business office manager and director of administrative operations before becoming Concordia’s first HR director in 1993.

Chief Engineer Greg Haug is retiring from CSP after 31 years of service. Known as “Chief,” he also served as the campus’ master electrician and locksmith. During his career he has been a part of a number of major building projects, including but not limited to the construction of the Gangelhoff Center, Library Technology Center, Holst Hall, E.M. Pearson Theatre, Sea Foam Stadium and Graebner Memorial Chapel addition.

Athletics Update

The Thrill of Victory!

Concordia won its unprecedented eighth national title in 10 years by sweeping Alaska Anchorage 3-0 in the NCAA Division II Volleyball championship match on Dec. 10, 2016. The Golden Bears finished the season with an overall record of 35-2.

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CHAMPIONS

CHAMPIONS

CHAMPIONS

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CHAMPIONS

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CHAMPIONS

2016 CHAMPIONS

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Lacrosse 101 Women’s lacrosse has joined the growing list of Concordia’s intercollegiate sports. As the team begins its first season, this lacrosse tutorial will help Bears fans discover the excitement of “the fastest sport on two feet.”

The Origins

The Equipment

French missionaries witnessed Native Americans’ lacrosse contests in the 1630s. At that time, players for each opposing village or tribe numbered between 100 and 1,000. These games simulated warfare and were major events, sometimes lasting up to several days.

The game is played with a long stick known as a crosse or lacrosse stick. The head of the stick has a small net that is used to carry or cradle a solid rubber ball. Other equipment includes goggles for eye protection, a mouth guard and light gloves.

Goalies also wear pads that protect their neck and torso from the hard rubber ball. For safety reasons, spiked footwear is prohibited.

The Objective The ball is passed to teammates as they run down the field, with the object being to score by flinging the ball into the opposing team’s goal. Defensively, teams try to disrupt their opponents’ attack and separate them from the ball. Players maneuver into position where passes can be deflected, stalling the opponent’s attack or pressing the attack themselves—all while running up and down the field at dizzying speeds.

Think of it as soccer meets basketball in the air.

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The Draw Lacrosse games begin—and resume following a goal—with a “draw.” One player from each team stands in the center circle with the back of their sticks facing their opponent. The referee places the ball between the two sticks, which are parallel to the ground and pushed together to contain the ball. Two middies, one attacker and one defender from each team stand on the edge of the circle, and when the referee blows the whistle, the centers lift their sticks over their head, launching the ball into the air, and the game proceeds.

Athletics Update

The Positions Each team consists of 11 field players plus a goalie. Four people typically play offense (or attack), four people play close defense, and three midfielders (or middies) play both attack and defense. A restraining line prevents the four attackers from going back to help on defense and the four defenders from going on the attack.

Only the middies have the luxury of roaming the field to follow the action, so they must be in excellent physical condition. If the other players cross the restraining line and are active in the play, they are offside and a major foul is called.

That’s Different!

A lacrosse game consists of 30-minute halves with the clock running continuously. Each team has two, 2-minute timeouts that can be called after a goal is scored or when one team has clear possession of the ball. During a possession timeout, players leave their sticks on the ground where they are so they can return to their exact places when play resumes.

The Golden Bears Head Coach Mo Dunnigan has recruited 20 talented young women, primarily from Minnesota, who embrace the challenge of playing for the first and only NCAA Division II lacrosse program in the five-state area. Although the closest competitor is 400 miles away, her players can’t wait to begin building a legacy at Concordia. “Everyone has been very supportive of our efforts to create a fun and exciting lacrosse program,” says Dunnigan. “We hope to see lots of Bears fans out there as we take the field!”

THE SCHEDULE

CONCORDIA’S SEASON SPANS FROM FEBRUARY TO APRIL. CHECK FOR UPCOMING HOME GAMES AT CSPBEARS.COM .

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Class Notes News 1930s Victor (Acad. ‘37, JC ‘39) and Irene Brandt live in Elmhurst, Ill., after 72 years of ministry in a variety of churches, primarily Good Shepherd in Palos Heights, Ill. The couple is in good health and regularly worships at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, Ill.

1950s

he completed marathons in 15 states this year at age 76. He says unless he’s asked to serve a vacancy, he hopes to finish in over a dozen states next year.

Barbara (Gehrke, ‘79) Hertling was diagnosed with breast cancer Feb. 28, 2013.

She underwent an entire mastectomy and seven months of chemotherapy. “I am currently cancer free and blessed by our God who had healed me, Jesus who Redeemed and saved me and the Holy Spirit the one who keeps me in this saving faith!”

Jayne Jones (‘97) released the third book in “The Official Adventures Series” on Oct. 21, 2016.

Bill Buege (Acad. ‘58, JC ‘60) has published a book of poems, “Stumble Into a Lighted Room.” In this collection, Bill surveys the nostalgic hopes and exposed illusions of one man’s long and varied life.

1960s Rev. James (Jim) Laatsch (JC ‘61) set a goal at age 75 to do full marathons in all 50 states. After finishing in 13 states last year,

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Samuel Rahberg (‘00) published the work “Enduring Ministry: Toward a Lifetime of Christian Leadership” in Jan. 2017.

1970s

1990s

Four former science faculty of Concordia St. Paul reunited to celebrate Leroy Young’s 90th birthday. Included in the celebration were (from L to R): Dr. Carroll Peter, Dr. John Buegel (Acad. ‘53, JC ‘55), Leroy Young and Dr. Robert Holtz (Acad. ‘50, JC ‘52).

2000s

Two sisters and alumnae of Concordia St. Paul found themselves on the stage of Carnegie Hall stomping, clapping, and singing with Kristyn and Keith Getty this past December. Amy (Schaffer, ‘99) Gundermann and Rebecca Schaffer (‘01) spent countless hours in the balcony of their church growing up with their mom on the organ bench and their dad directing the choirs. Now, they each serve as music directors of their churches about 1,500 miles apart from one another. They could not pass up this opportunity to sing together in the stage choir for the Getty Christmas concert in New York City and celebrate their lifelong loves: the gift of song and our Savior Jesus.

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Samuel Rahberg (‘00) published “The Gospel of John in Poem and Image”.

This collection of 56 reader’s poems, combined with 26 original pieces of art printed in full-color, offers an inviting first read to those new to the Gospel and fresh perspective to those long familiar with its themes.

Josh (‘06) and Mina Prigge have published a children’s picture book entitled “Ben”. Here’s a short description of the book: Waking up in a cold sweat after dreams of drowning, wishing there was something he could have done to save his son, the old man begins another day following a colder than usual winter. The old man finds a struggling bee with a torn wing on the side of the road, just as winter is transitioning to spring. As he sees the helpless bee dying, he also sees his son in him.

2010s Michael Fessler (M.A. ‘14) recently published the work “They’re Just Not Interested: Rediscovering Our Faith and Approaching Nonbelievers with the Faith of a Wrestler.”

Class Notes

Birth/Adoption Scott (‘78) and Karen Fiege welcomed granddaughter Sophie on Feb. 9, 2016. She was baptized into the Lord’s Kingdom on May 22, 2016 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Belvidere.

Staci (Christensen, ‘09) and Levi Poole welcomed their daughter, Marli Heather Poole, on Jan. 19, 2016 at 5:02 p.m. with a full head of hair, and weighing 8 lbs, 3 oz and 21 inches.

2000s

2010s

1970s

Eric (‘04) and Haidee (Kuehne, ‘10) Selle were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Elena Jubilee, on Aug. 11, 2016. Elena spent the first 124 days of her life in the NICU before coming home with her mom and dad on Dec. 13.

Carrie (Schierschmidt, ‘04) and Greg Boche are proud to announce the birth of their son, Hunter Allen, on April 20, 2016. Hunter weighed 5 lbs 9 oz and was 19.5 inches long.

Nick (‘07) and Lindsey (Nelson, ‘06) Weiler welcomed a son, Jack Thomas, on June 25, 2016. He was baptized on Aug. 14, 2016 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Jessica (Woeller, ‘07) and Zachary Lewis and big sister Zoey welcomed Morgan Delaney Lewis on Sept.

13, 2016.

Kelli (Jensen, ‘08) and Mark LaVoie welcomed their second daughter Hazel Pearl on Feb. 14, 2016.

Amanda (Kuchenbecker, ‘08) and Derek Arens celebrated the birth of their son Dean Joseph Arens on Aug. 24, 2016. He weighed 6 lbs 8 oz.

Sandra (James, ‘10) and Lonny Bisping and big brother John welcomed David James Bisping to the outside world on Oct. 19, 2016.

Megan (Revoir, ‘14) and Brock Spenningsby welcomed their daughter Meredith Catherine on July 29, 2016. She weighed 8 lbs, 4 oz and was 20 inches long.

Engagement/Marriage/ Anniversary 1950s

Ted (Acad. ‘55, JC ‘57, ‘59) and Elaine Strelow recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

1960s Rev. Roger (JC ‘63) and Jan (Jaeger, ‘65) Holland celebrated their 50th anniversary at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Minneapolis where Roger was the minister for 36 years. Roger and Jan met the first day of college at the college picnic at Como Park. They were married June 25, 1966.

Jan is a retired teacher from Minneapolis Public Schools.

Rev. Dr. Rodney (JC ‘63) and Phyllis (Foreman, ‘65) Otto celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary July 1-5, 2016. They were married on July 2, 1966. Their anniversary was celebrated at Serendipity Resort in Grand Haven, Mich., Phyllis’ hometown.

2000s Lisa (Jensen, ‘02) and William Krause were married on April 30, 2016.

The ceremony was held at Emanuel Lutheran Church, in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., with Rev. Tom Evans (’81) officiating the ceremony. Lisa is currently employed at Renewal by Andersen in Cottage Grove, Minn.

William is an electrician with IBEW Local 292.

The couple resides in Hastings, Minn.

Stephen Batcher (‘08, M.A. ‘13) and Katlynn Ulring (‘14) got engaged on March 7, 2016.

They will be married on July 23, 2017.

They recently moved to Winona, Minn., as Katlynn accepted a job at Verizon Wireless in Winona and Stephen was named Director of Athletic Communications at Winona State University.

Jacob (‘08) and Emily Thorson were married Sept. 24, 2016 in Minneapolis.

Maria (Steinhagen, ‘09) and Simon Sperl were married on Oct. 8, 2016 in Mound, Minn.

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2010s Kelsey Judge (‘11) and Tyrone Ruffin (‘09, M.A. ‘12) were engaged on Oct. 31, 2016.

Amanda (Och, ‘14) and Jordan Padula were married Sept.

10, 2016 in Stillwater, Minn.

Anna (Reincke, ‘15) and RJ Zimmerman were married Nov. 14, 2015. Anna was commissioned as a DCO at Bethel Lutheran Church on Sept. 6, 2015. She and RJ are expecting their first child on April 28, 2017.

Death 1940s Dr. Carl Johnson (Acad. ‘48, JC ‘50) passed away on Aug. 29, 2013.

1950s Eugene A. Tonn (Acad. ‘50) peacefully passed away Aug. 26, 2016.

parish ministry Vern served as chaplain at the International Center of the LCMS and at Lutheran Senior Services of Saint Louis.

Larrie Schulz (Acad.

‘55, JC ‘58) passed away Feb. 7, 2017 at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minn.

Richard Carlson (Acad. ‘56) passed away on Nov. 5, 2013.

Eunice Kohlmeyer (‘56) passed away Aug. 3, 2016 at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, Minn.

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Richard (Dick) Danowsky (Acad.

‘60) went home to be with the Lord Dec. 19, 2016 following an illness with congestive heart disease.

Rev. Raymond Wiebold (JC ‘62) died on Feb. 8, 2015.

Glen Lienemann (A.A. ‘62) passed away on July 15, 2016.

Janell Janhsen (‘66) died July 4, 2016.

1970s Elizabeth (Mueller, ‘73) Neal died Aug. 20, 2016 at her home under the care of her family and Hospice.

1980s Artin Dorau (Acad. ‘57) passed away Dec. 12, 2016.

Randolph Brooks (‘84) died Dec. 12, 2015.

Our Lord called his servant Lois (Tesch, ‘57) Paul home to be with Him on Dec. 5, 2016.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, and friend to all she met. She would share her wonder and joy with us all.

Drawing our appreciation to the beauty of life and to the moment, reminding us all to treasure every tree and child and smile.

Joseph Brinkman, teenage son of Rev. David Brinkman (’97) and Liane (Bade, ‘97) Brinkman, died in an ATV accident on September 5, 2016. Joe is survived by his mom, dad and sister, Ella.

John Wiebusch (Acad. ‘57) passed away on Aug. 1, 2014.

Rev. Paul Klemp (Acad. 57, JC ‘59) found peace with his Lord and Savior on Sept. 28, 2016.

Rev. Gary Thompson Schubert (Acad.

‘55, JC ‘57) doughnut locavore, explorer, car enthusiast, man of the people, and man of God passed away on June 27, 2015.

Rev. Vernon Gundermann (Acad. ‘55, JC ‘57) went to be with his Savior Jesus on Sept. 16, 2016. Vern was a loving husband of 55 years to his wife Betty (Lorenz, JC ‘58) and a proud father to Peter Gundermann, Mary (Michael) Williams, Sarah (Michael) McCarthy, and Thomas (Amy Schaffer, ‘99) Gundermann. Vern served as a faithful pastor for his entire career in congregations in Arcadia, Iowa, Madison, Wis., New Hope, Minn., and Kirkwood, Mo. After retiring from

1960s

Rev. James Plackner (Acad. ‘59, JC ‘61) passed away on the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2017. Pastor Jim founded the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, Ohio, then served at Bethany Lutheran Church in Charlevoix, Mich., St. John Lutheran Church in Northbrook, Ill., Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Winfield, Ill., and Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wis.

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1990s

2000s Robert Edenfield (‘02) passed away Aug. 27, 2016.

Ryan Gregory Ewald (‘06) passed away Sept. 28, 2013 as a result of an ATV accident near Aurora, Minn.

Class Notes

2010s Kathleen (Ellis, M.A. ‘12) Hofacker, of Inver Grove Heights passed away peacefully from cancer on December 31, 2016 surrounded in love by her family. The sparkle in her eyes and radiant smile will be remembered by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, and students.

Career 1960s On Dec. 31, 2016, Rev. Bill Otte (Acad.

‘64, A.A. ‘66) retired from serving as the Minnesota South District Chaplain at the Mayo Clinic hospitals in Rochester, Minn.

1980s Andrea Alleva (‘84) has played the organ and church accompanist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) for the past twenty years. She also plays the organ at the First Presbyterian Church. She participates in her church choir, and is a cantor, lector and Eucharistic minister.

1990s Tom Hanna (‘99) has returned to St. Paul’s Lutheran in Osseo, Minn., as Director of Music. He was DPM there previously from 1991 to 1999.

2000s Jake Hollatz (‘00) works principal of St. John’s Lutheran School of Orange, Calif. St. John’s is the largest preschool-8th grade Lutheran school in the United States with over 820 students.

Marissa (Holcomb, ‘02, M.A. ‘06) Austin has accepted the position of Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Williamson County, Texas beginning Sept. 2016.

Kristina Guiffre (‘08) was hired to teach music in a full-time position at Community of Saints Regional Catholic School in St. Paul, Minn.

Susanna Mennicke (‘08) is a professional singer with The Singers-Minnesota Choral Artists, a soloist at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Hopkins, Minn., and was selected for a full-time internship at Riley Hayes Advertising in Minneapolis. Her graphic art work was chosen for the AIGA Twin Cities chapter juried show in June 2016.

2010s Annette (Helmerick, ‘12) Wanchena has joined Principal Financial Group as a financial services representative and principal securities registered representative. She will be working with individuals and businesses to build plans and strategies to help achieve financial goals.

Domonique Gilmer (‘12) accepted a position as an Administrator at Oltman Middle School with South Washington County Schools. In September 2016, he completed his PK-12 Principal License/Certification from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Austin Ertelt (‘13) works as the lead music technology teacher in a middle school with the Rosemount-Eagan-Apply Valley School District.

Anna Schwartz (‘14) is a toddler teacher at KidsZone Child Care in St. Louis Park, Minn.

Rachel Vogt Lee (‘14) was chosen for an international music composition workshop in Italy in July 2014.

Resa Schier (‘14) was a student and performer at Disney University in Orlando, Fla., in 2015.

Casey Stage (‘15) was hired as a high school math teacher at Heritage Christian Academy in Maple Grove, Minn.

Michelle York (‘16) has been hired at Preston Kelly as a designer. She will be working on Weather Shield®, Catholic Health Initiatives and Gundersen accounts.

Courtney Erlien (‘16) excitingly accepted a position at the Willows School in the Avanti Center for Girls in Blaine, Minn. as the main English/Language Arts Teacher. There, she will be using her degree to help girls ages 13-18 keep up with their education in English/Language Arts during their stay at the Avanti Center. With Courtney’s help, they will be right where they need to be for their age/grade and ready to transition back into mainstream schooling upon completing their individual programs.

Christina Cayer (‘13) is working as an ECFE Teacher at Faribault Public Schools ISD 656.

Samantha Quant (‘16) has established a private piano teaching studio of 24 students (giftofpiano.com) in the Twin Cities.

On July 13, 2016, Kristi Loobeek (‘13) started as the Statewide Social Media Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Latisha Thomas (‘16) began her teaching career as a 9th and 10th grade English teacher with the New Ulm, Minn., school district.

Phil Hinz (‘14) now works for Target Corporation.

Kathy (Strothman, ‘03) Sauke is serving as a Reading Corps tutor this year.

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

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Ordination/Installation 1990s

Katie (Wareham, ‘03) Rolf plans to finish the choral conducting Master’s program this coming year. She has been accepted into the choral conducting Doctor of Music Arts (DMA) program at North Dakota State University, and will be taking a combination of DMA and master’s classes this academic year. Her goal is to eventually teach and conduct at the college level.

Cathy Jo (Mauro, ‘05, M.A. ‘10) Banas earned her Master’s in Family Life Education from CSP in 2010.

Scott Strohkirch (‘95) was ordained and installed as pastor of Abiding Grace Lutheran Church in Gillette, Wyo., on Nov. 20, 2016.

Abiding Grace is a church in the American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC) which is in altar and pulpit fellowship with the LCMS.

2010s

Alex Heetland (‘09) completed a Master of Music in conducting at the University of Minnesota in May 2016. He is the director of music at a church in Edina, Minn., and works professionally with theatre, opera and choral performances throughout the Twin Cities.

2010s Laura Mews (‘11) completed her MBA at Indiana University Purdue.

Jonathan Kuehne (‘11) was ordained into the ministry and installed as a pastor at Woodbury Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Minn., in April, 2016.

Brittany Pitts (‘12) completed a Master of Music in vocal performance at the University of Minnesota in May 2015 and is moving to Oregon to set up a private voice studio.

Rev. Vue Lee (‘12) was ordained and installed at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minn., on Dec. 18, 2016.

Katie Halvorson (‘16) is currently at George Washington pursing a Masters in Sports Management. She is also currently a development intern for PeacePlayers International.

Education

Honor/Award

2000s Bonnie Laabs (‘01) earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Curriculum & Education from the University of Minnesota. She was hired as Adjunct Faculty in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Concordia University, St. Paul.

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1970s On Dec. 11, Pastor Kelly Chatman (‘73) was presented the John Steinbruck Leadership Award. The John Steinbruck Leadership Award honors individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership expressed through an ability to imagine how church can build community that acts for the sake of the world; effective leadership that leads to impact within the community; and courageous leadership marked by innovate thinking and a willingness to take risks to achieve results.

SPRING 2017 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE

2000s Christine Eid (M.A. ‘01), DCE at Cross View Lutheran Church, Edina, Minn., won the 2017 NADCE Master DCE Award.

2010s Ben MacInnes (‘13) was selected for a composition workshop in France in 2014 and for the Twin Cities-based Nautilus Composers/Lyricist workshop in June 2016.

Rachel Gratz (‘16) won first place at her first powerlifting meet called Women of Steel in Maplewood, Minn. She broke four state records and qualified for raw junior nationals in Atlanta, Ga., in October 2016.

Mariah Hoffman (‘16) took first place in the Upper College Women’s Division in Musical Theatre at the Minnesota National Association of Teachers of Singing Annual competition in November 2015. She also was named to the NSIC Spring 2015 All Academic Women’s Track & Field Team, the NSIC Winter 2016 All Academic Indoor Women’s Track & Field Team and won the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award for Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track. She was the recipient of Concordia’s 2016 Community Building Brick Award for service learning. She has also been offered the positions of assistant music director for ComMUSICation, a communitybased children’s choir program based in the Frogtown Neighborhood of St. Paul and as a music teacher at Trinity First Lutheran School in Minneapolis.

Class Notes

C oncordia P lanned G iving

A Flexible Plan with Solid Results Russ (‘83) and Suzanne Schwichtenberg decided years ago they wanted to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting legacy with Concordia. For Russ, Suzanne and many alumni like them, Concordia is a core part of their lives. Accordingly, they want to be part of the University’s future. To express that feeling they chose to include a gift to Concordia (and other ministries) in their estate planning.

Yet, as much as he cherishes Concordia, Russ wanted to first ensure he provided for his wife and family. Having been a planner all his life, Russ knew there were many ways he could care for his family’s future while also supporting the missions and ministries of Concordia.

Russ chose to amend an existing life insurance policy as a key part of his plan. His wife still receives most of it (which is why he created it years ago), but now a percentage will benefit Concordia’s Department of Theatre and Dance and other beloved causes by funding two Charitable Remainder Unitrusts. Each offers tax benefits that could result in more funds available for the family.

At the end of both unitrusts, remaining funds go to Concordia and the family’s charities. The best feature of the plan is its flexibility, because the gift does not start until Russ passes away. Until then he can change any part any time.

The Schwichtenbergs are a close family, and Concordia is the thread that runs through all their lives. But as passionate as Russ and his family are for the University, they are equally eager for others to know it is possible to provide for your family while also creating a charitable legacy.

Russ found joy and peace of mind with his plan that benefits so many so flexibly. Russ calls it “giving and receiving,” and he encourages everyone to see how rewarding it can be. If you want to learn more about your possibilities, contact Matt Steiner at 651-641-8243 or steiner@csp.edu or visit ave.csp.edu/plannedgiving.

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

27

Upcoming Events Alumni

Art

Theatre & Dance

Recent Alumni Serving Together

CSP Student Juried Exhibition

Spring Into Dance V

Saturday, April 22 | 12:30 p.m.

Bridging, Roseville

April 18 – May 3 Concordia Gallery

April 27-29 | 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 30 | 2 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Theatre

Kinesiology/Health Sciences Alumni & Student Event

Thursday, April 27 | 4 p.m.

Concordia University, St. Paul New Alumni Graduation Receptions

Friday, May 5 | 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 6 | 11:30 a.m.

The Knoll Alumni & Friends Travel 2017: Along the Viking Trail

Music Christus Chorus Home Concert

Friday, April 21 | 7:30 p.m.

Graebner Memorial Chapel

Spring Student Showcase

Monday, May 1 | 5 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Theatre

University

Handbell Ensemble Concert

Sunday, April 23 | 7 p.m.

Graebner Memorial Chapel

Shades of Harmony Gospel Choir

May 13-24 Iceland, Norway & Sweden

Thursday, April 27 | 7:30 p.m.

Graebner Memorial Chapel

Bears at the Zoo

Jazz Concert

Baccalaureate Service

Friday, May 5 | 4 p.m.

Graebner Memorial Chapel Commencement Traditional Undergraduate Programs

Saturday, June 10 | 9 a.m.

Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley

Saturday, April 29 | 3:30 p.m.

Buetow Auditorium

Friday, May 5 | 7:30 p.m.

Gangelhoff Center

Golden Reunion – Academy ‘67

Percussion Ensemble

Adult Undergraduate Programs

June 23-25 Concordia University, St. Paul

Athletics

Sunday, April 30 | 7:30 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Theatre

Saturday, May 6 | 10 a.m.

Gangelhoff Center

Spring Fine Arts Concert

Graduate Programs

Thursday, May 4 | 7:30 p.m.

Buetow Auditorium

Saturday, May 6 | 2 p.m.

Gangelhoff Center

Visit CSPBEARS.COM to view all athletic schedules.

Reformation 500 CELEBRATE THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION! | OCT. 29, 2017

For more information:

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CSP.EDU/REFORMATION500

SPRING 2017 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE

Donor Support: Creating Opportunities Opportunity Fund Update: The Power of Your Generosity Concordia donors have been a tremendous blessing to our students this year. Since July 1, 2016 (the beginning of our fiscal year), CSP’s alumni and friends have given over $600,000 to the Opportunity Fund. That’s fantastic!

While 100% of our traditional undergrads rely on financial aid, over 90% of them rely on aid directly from Concordia.

That means you really can open the doors of opportunity for Concordia students with your Opportunity Fund gift.

Our goal is to raise $1,000,000 by June 30 to empower our students. We have a long way to go, but with your help, we can make it.

OVER 90%

90%

of traditional undergrads rely on aid directly from Concordia.

Gifts can be made online at www.ave.csp.edu/matching or by mail...

Concordia University, St. Paul | Attn: Advancement 1282 Concordia Ave | St. Paul, MN 55104 Become a Responsive Partner by establishing a recurring gift.

It’s easy and convenient for you, and cost effective for Concordia. Your recurring gift provides dependable funding for scholarships while minimizing administrative costs, meaning that more of each gift goes directly to supporting students! www.ave.csp.edu/responsive

GIVE NOW AND HAVE YOUR GIFT DOUBLED!

WWW.AVE.CSP.EDU/MATCHING

Watch Your Gift Double in Impact!

Today I have wonderful news to share that impacts not only Concordia, but you as well.

Last fall, we experienced our largest gift match in the history of Concordia. Alumni and friends from all walks of life came together to empower students with their generosity, and they actually exceeded the gift match amount!

Longtime friends of Concordia Ken and Alix Behm were so inspired by the support of alumni and friends that they have decided to match $50,000 in gifts to the Opportunity Fund between now and June 30. Your gift of $50 would become $100. A gift of $250 would become $500, and so on, up to a total of $50,000.

I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. Our mission at Concordia is ongoing. As God continues to bless us with students, the need for your partnership continues. I ask you to prayerfully consider making your gift today.

Then watch your gift and impact double.

Thank you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Tom Ries | President

Your gift to the Opportunity Fund will be matched dollar for dollar to empower students like Blair!

Read Blair’s story at www.ave.csp.edu/blair

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CONCORDIA HOMECOMING

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