Concordia University, St. Paul 2016 Spring Magazine

Concordia St. Paul

magazine SPRING 2016

WE ARE

[CONCORDIA] Pages 2-9

ATHLETICS UPDATE Pages 10-11

CSP MINISTRY COLUMN Pages 12-13

CSP NEWS Pages 14-19

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

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Office of University Advancement Editor and Writer

Melissa Wolf Additional Editing and Writing Assistance Josh Deer (’04, M.A. ’07)

Tad Dunham Amanda Och (’14) Rhonda (Behm, ’88) Palmersheim Design and Layout

IN THIS ISSUE:

Jackie Nation

2 Cover Story: We are Concordia

Printing

Ideal Printers Inc. St. Paul, MN About Us

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.

© 2016 Concordia University St. Paul ALUM-0316-0749

Athletics Update

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Column: CSP Ministry Being People of God in our Broken Cities

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Alumnus Links Kids & Athletes

18 10 Years of CSP Honors Program

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.

Mission

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Class Notes

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Advancement Update

From the Archives

Dr. Burkart with students outside of Hyatt in the 1980s

Students in the 1950s

Thoughts

from the President

One of my greatest joys as President of Concordia University is meeting our alumni. Their stories are amazing and inspiring. Some are recent graduates and others have been out of school for a very long time. Our alumni include high school graduates from the days when Concordia Academy was on our campus, two-year college graduates, four-year college graduates, master’s degree graduates and, soon, doctoral degree graduates. They have pursued careers in education, healthcare, communications, law, business, ministry, science and technology, non-government organizations, and the public sector. You will meet a number of them in the pages of this issue of the Concordia St. Paul Magazine.

One of our university’s most valuable assets is the capacity to change. While our values remain the same as they were in 1893 when the institution was founded, many constructive changes have been made over the succeeding decades. This capacity to change has enabled the university to respond to the continually emerging needs of an increasingly diverse student population. At first, Concordia Academy and College (then a two year-college) enrolled only male students, most of whom were white. That was the pattern for the first fifty years. A culture of change began to emerge under President Poehler, who served from 1946 to 1970. During those pivotal decades, the campus footprint was expanded, a number of important new buildings were built and, more importantly, the institution took the momentous steps of becoming a four-year college and enrolling women.

In addition, the first significant numbers of African American students began to enroll to prepare for careers in education.

During subsequent decades, change has become integral to the institution. Academic program offerings have been broadened, cohort delivery systems developed, online courses offered, graduate degrees initiated, the racial and ethnic diversity of the student body expanded, and international students enrolled in larger and larger numbers. Today, thanks to the culture of change that exists at our university, we typically add one to two new academic programs a year and have strengthened our capacity to meet diverse student needs. At the same time, our reputation for quality continues to increase. The faculty and staff of the institution deserve the greatest credit for this culture of change, as they have responded to new ideas and possibilities in a manner which is envied by other institutions of higher education.

The ultimate end of all of this change is to produce the wonderful stories of our graduates, like those who are profiled in these pages. Enjoy!

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

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2016

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WE ARE

[CONCORDIA] Every graduate’s life - before, during and after Concordia - is a thread in the 122-year-old fabric of Concordia St. Paul.

The We Are Concordia project interviewed alumni spanning Concordia’s long history, ranging in age from 19 to 94. The lives of these CSP graduates tell the story of the university: a story of faith, knowledge, perseverance, family, and passion.

At the end of the day, I strive to know that the people I’ve come into contact with feel like I’ve done my best. The benchmark is to provide the type of service I’d expect for a family member or loved one. Being an officer is very unique in that we serve our community, but yet we only do so I was pregnant when I decided I had because they give us the authority goso. back school I wanted totodo Weto come intoagain. people’s lives a fordarkest my son, that and was therefore the ultimate atyard their hours goal.an I picked Concordia because have obligation to build trust initour was online, but relationships withI wouldn’t them. be where I am today if I hadn’t picked Concordia.

We haveArradondo our houseM.A. and’09] yard now.

[Medaria Deputy Chief of Staff, [Tage RunklePolice ’07, M.A. ’12] Minneapolis Dept.

Project Manager, Mayo Clinic

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I’m one of the few people who has been privileged to know every one of Concordia’s presidents.

I was 12 years old when I came to Concordia in 1941, and Theodore Buenger (CSP’s first president) was an old man but still teaching a Latin class. I chipped the ice off of the sidewalk in front of his home at Old Main and would walk him to class. (Martin) Graebner was president at the time and I knew him, then (Willy) Poehler came when I was in college.

I was a medium fish in a small pond at Concordia and had opportunities there that I wouldn’t have had in a large student body. I was student president in high school and college and was involved athletics. Before my quinta year (sophomore) was up, Paul Stor, a professor and athletic director, came up to me and handed me a baseball. He said, “Now during summer, find somebody who has a baseball glove. You take every opportunity you have, throw the ball to him.” He suspected I might have some latent ability. I did what he suggested and by the time I was a senior, I was playing for the college team.

[Rev. Arden Malotky Acad. ’45, J.C. ’47] Retired Pastor

SPRING 2016 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE

Cover Story

The We Are Concordia project shares full length stories of these graduates and others. Read more or share your own story at

[www.csp.edu/WeAreCSP] I grew up in war-torn Laos. My brothers were in the army and flew for the U.S. Air Force so when the communists came, we were known as a traitor family. We escaped by walking to Thailand, seeing dead bodies along the way. I got to the U.S. when I was 11.

I wanted to fit in but I spoke with an accent and had a name that teachers couldn’t pronounce. It made me feel ashamed of who I am.

When my dad died when I was a child, it further defined in my personality a sense of responsibility and empathy. I always push myself to do more and to prove myself in my life and career.

[Nicole Hanover M.A. ’06] Director of Client Support, Deluxe Corp.

I was like a lost duck in high school. My junior year, my mom passed away and my dad moved away from the state. I moved around with family members and was pretty much on my own. After high school, I enrolled at Concordia and felt right at home. I liked everything about Concordia - the professors, the coaches, the camaraderie of friends – they filled a void in my life. Concordia became like a family to me.

[Bounkeuat (Bon) Keomany ’94] Financial Planner, Raymond James

At the end of the day, I strive to know that the people I’ve come into contact with feel like I’ve done my best. The benchmark is to provide the type of service I’d expect for a family member or loved one. Being anI decided officer is Ivery in I was pregnant when hadunique to go back that we serve our community, but yet we only to school again. I wanted a yard for my son, do because they give us Ithe authority to do thatsowas the ultimate goal. picked Concordia so.

We come into people’s lives at their darkest because it was online, but I wouldn’t be where I hours and iftherefore have anConcordia. obligationWe to have build am today I hadn’t picked trust in our relationships with them. our house and yard now.

[Tage Runkle ’07, M.A.M.A. ’12]’09] [Medaria Arradondo Project Manager, Mayo Clinic Deputy Chief of Staff, Minneapolis Police Dept.

My junior year at Concordia, God clearly called me to ministry. I can only describe it as a moment of clarity - I thought I was going to go in one direction and suddenly I just knew that this other path was right. God was speaking to me. I was a pastor’s kid, so to anyone else looking in, they would say of course I was going to be a DCE. But for me, I had to receive my own calling.

[Patra (Pfotenhauer) Mueller ’90] Family Life Minister, Hope Lutheran Seattle

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2016

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I was quiet and analytical as a kid, but I found my voice when I was deployed. I was in my early 20’s and managing millions of dollars of inventory and assets. I was pushed to work harder, to do more, and was given the opportunity to excel. I came to CSP because of their intentional focus on veterans. Now my job is to make sure that public funds are spent with transparency and in an accountable way.

[Brian Cihacek M.A. ’13] Principal Contract Administrator, Metropolitan Council

I was a high school senior at Concordia when they first started admitting girls into the college. That changed the whole atmosphere - boys can be crude at times, and I think we started to function as gentlemen.

I can see the Holy Spirit guided my path throughout my whole career. Everything at Concordia was built around sports for me.

I taught physical education, coached and was a college athletic director before becoming a pastor. I eventually served in outdoor ministry for over 20 years, including being the first full-time director at Camp Omega.

[Rev. Karl Petzke Acad. ’51, J.C. ’53] Retired Pastor

968

alumni currently serving the LCMS

Rod and I met during orientation at the Como Zoo. Rod first dated my roommate, Ruth, who soon ended things because she thought he was a workaholic – how spot on she was!

I replied, “Well, I don’t think he’s too bad.” Soon after, Rod asked me out for a hayride on Friday the 13th. This summer we celebrate our 50th anniversary! Ruth and I still chuckle about that story. Rod and I are writing our life story, called “It All Began at the Zoo.”

[Phyllis (Foreman) Otto ’65]

[Rev. Rod Otto A.A. ’63]

Retired Dyslexia Aide

Retired Pastor

It’s not easy being a mother of three, a wife and a teacher. I try to make sure I spend enough time with my kids and husband, but I also work, volunteer and take professional development classes. It’s important to find the joy even in the busy and stressful times.

We try to keep a balance by living the model: God first, family second, work and play third. Our professors showed my husband and I the value of family by how they valued work, God and their families, and even welcoming us into their home.

[Beth Suelzle ’06, M.A. ’09]

[Rev. Michael Suelzle ’06]

Kindergarten Teacher

Pastor, Portland, OR

Cover Story

[CONCORDIA STUDENT BODY] Through the Years

The We Are Concordia project interviewed alumni spanning Concordia’s long history, ranging in age from 19 to 94. Their stories illuminate the changes that have taken root on campus and throughout the world. They also show that Concordia’s values continue to permeate throughout the student experience – Concordia graduates are highly motivated and driven in their faith and careers.

Most notably, the graduates overwhelmingly point to a deep sense of personal care and attention received from faculty.

In the early days at Concordia, boys came as young teens to Concordia’s 6-year school system – four years of high school followed by two years of college. German was the language of instruction in the early years, and the classical education structure required Latin and Greek for all students. Curriculum focused on preparing young men for ministry or parochial teaching.

Higher education slowly changed around the country by mid-century.

Concordia’s administration followed suit and pushed for reforms that allowed women to enroll, added four-year degrees, and diversified campus by race. In many instances, these changes were necessary to address the community and region’s need for more teachers.

Concordia opens, primarily as a boarding high school for young men looking to become pastors or Lutheran teachers. Two years of college are soon added to offer a 6-year program.

Concordia offered its first four-year degree in 1962 in elementary education, followed hesitantly by a continuous trickle of nonministerial or teaching degrees.

Concordia’s most recent student body growth came in the late 1980s when the university expanded its focus from traditional, on-campus undergraduates to answer the demand for higher education among working adults. Evening, weekend and off-campus programs were added, followed by master’s programs in 1991. Technological advances moved many degrees online in the early 2000s, allowing even more adults to realize their dreams of continued education without needing to put their careers on hold.

Graduates from every decade have testified to the ideals that have always distinguished Concordia from other educational institutions.

Throughout the generations and regardless of the delivery method (online, in-class, undergraduate, graduate), Concordia students have shown a desire to serve others. They also unequivocally state that the relationships built with faculty and staff were paramount to their educational experiences. It is proof that Christ’s love continues to inform higher education at Concordia.

4-year bachelor degrees first offered.

Initially only available to women in education, expanding to men in 1965.

1962

First adult degree-completion program offered. Highly successful from inception, adult and master’s students (first enrolled in 1991) now make up more than 50% of Concordia’s enrollment.

Concordia continues to expand its academic capabilities with the first offered doctoral degree.

2015

1985

1893

CAMPUS TIMELINE Student Body Changes 1950 Females are first enrolled at Concordia.

President Poehler was a longtime proponent of co-education. Additionally, there was a need to fill the demand for women teachers in parish schools.

1968 M-TEPS program launched, greatly expanding diversity at Concordia, which continues to be one of the most diverse private colleges in the Twin Cities.

M-TEPS enrolled minority students on scholarship each year to provide an ongoing supply of minority elementary education teachers in the Twin Cities.

1998 Athletics moves to NCAA Division II competition. CSP is the only DII school in the Twin Cities and the only private DII school in Minnesota.

This has been a big differentiator among competitors, academically and athletically.

I attended Concordia because my dad (Earnest Lussky) was a professor - he taught there for about 50 years. My older brother went to a public school, but I suppose maybe my dad thought I had a ministerial aptitude. By the time I finished, I was more interested in sciences. Later, I chose to go into teaching because I wanted to work with people rather than materials.

[Fred Lussky Acad. ’38 J.C. ’40]

I am really nobody. I came from a poor family; my parents didn’t finish school.

I’m not anybody special, but God gave me the privilege of serving Him in such unique ways. Some people have more accolades but I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s.

Retired Math Teacher

[Becky (Gimbel) Shaw ’76] Various roles, Chinese mission church

I joined the military after high school and served four years as a marine. I did well as a marine and wanted to reenlist, but it was 1990 and Desert Storm was starting.

I didn’t want my baby son to grow up without a father.

When I was in the program at Concordia, I’d sit around the table with my kids at night, all of us working on our assignments. I realized how important education is in today’s world and I just wanted to be a good influence on my kids.

[De’Andre King ’08] Former Alaska Juvenile Justice Superintendent, Heavy Equipment Operator

Since graduating from Concordia, I co-founded ClockNine, a digital advertising agency and software company. My goal is to revolutionize the industry by rethinking digital – I am pushing the boundaries and want to change the way people think about marketing.

[Travis Kragh ’07] Chief Creative Officer at ClockNine

Anytime someone allows me to come into their hospital room, they allow me to be a character in their story that’s unfolding. Most of the people I meet have had their story interrupted – the plot they had for their life has now been thrown out and they’ve been disoriented. In the midst of that, most people welcome the opportunity to process what that means.

My first introduction to the work I get to do every day was at Concordia. When I was an RA, a classmate of mine was going through some hard times. I went to one of my psychology professors seeking advice on how to best support this guy. Inevitably, it was the first therapy appointment I’ve ever had, exploring my own emotions.

Because I developed my own self-awareness, I could better serve him.

[Rev. Paul Galchutt ’92] Palliative Chaplain, University of Minnesota Medical Center

Cover Story

I went into the ministry because I was devastated over the loss of my good friend who was killed in Vietnam. After he died, I begged, “Oh Lord, let me know what I should do.” Everything pointed to going back to school and going into the ministry. What my Concordia professors showed me is that when you show love and passion to others, it becomes part of their persona as they go out into the world.

I was part of a big round of corporate layoffs in 2008. There were 950 of us standing in a room at headquarters being told the news. We were all caught by surprise and I sort of had this out of body experience. People around me were crying, but I kept thinking, ‘Now I can live my best life.’

I grew up a half a block away from Concordia but never thought I would attend. Now I have three degrees from CSP and seem to keep coming back because the format and instructors are great! I knew one day I would have my own business and my degrees from Concordia University have assisted with that process.

[Rev. Ken Kothe ’72]

[Adero Cobb ’02, M.A. ’07, M.B.A. ’12]

Retired Pastor

Life Coach; Payroll and Retirement Specialist, Children’s Specialty Healthcare Hospital

Concordia opened with

30 STUDENTS

& has now grown to

MORE THAN

4,500

I dream about wearing a white coat and helping people, especially little kids. My parents are so proud of me – my dad goes around saying, “This is my daughter, she’s going to be a pediatrician.”

My dad finished college in Somalia and wanted to work in agriculture, but the civil war made him leave before he had the chance. My parents had to leave everything behind when they fled – their books, clothes, everything, they just had to go. Now I think they want my sister and I to live out their dreams.

[Nasra Hussein ’17] CSP Junior, Biology and Chemistry

68%

OF CURRENT CSP STUDENTS ARE

ADULT UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE STUDENTS

I’m one of those people who just wants to make a difference in the world. I started college at age 50 so I could help kids by empowering and equipping adults with key parenting skills. I grew up with a very rich family heritage and think that the most important job I have in life is to be a role model for others.

[Jacklyn Milton M.A. ‘12]

FACULTY

114

& STAFF

Wilder Foundation Family Navigator

ARE CSP

ALUMS

It’s unique that we all played basketball at Concordia. We’re a competitive family, so when we all get together now, we trash talk a little bit about who’s the best. I (Cole) claim to be the best scorer, Kali thinks she’s the best three-point shooter, Clay is the best defender, and Candace claims she’s THE best.

[Kali Olstad ’10] [Cole Olstad ’16] [Clay Olstad ’15] [Candace (Olstad) Dudley ’09, M.A. ’12]

The most-awarded undergraduate major OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS (2011-2015) is

[Criminal Justice]

Where are [CONCORDIA ALUMNI]?

Concordia alumni are spread throughout the world, including representation in every US state.

The majority continue to live and work in Minnesota.

Connect on the CSP alumni facebook page to find alumni near you!

83 PERCENT OF GRADUATES

STILL

LIVE IN THE

MID

WEST

Outside of the Midwest,

CA

has the GREATEST #

OF CSP GRADS 8

SPRING 2016 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE

Cover CSP News Story

I had no idea that my thought of working in a Lutheran school was God’s plan of coming to Concordia and never leaving. Concordia has a legacy of being student- and service-centric. There’s the long history of church work prep, but even since the late 90s and 2000s when things started to change, the focus on service has remained.

Many graduates stay on as employees at Concordia – we give of ourselves in our time or what we could make elsewhere because we can serve here and make an impact.

[Jonathan Breitbarth ’97] Concordia St. Paul Director of Computer Services Head Cross Country Coach

My single most memorable event at Concordia was meeting and dating my wife, Diane (Harcourt, ’65). Within just a few weeks after our first date, I knew this was the girl I would one day marry. Within that first month we decided to ‘go steady,’ as they called it back then, and never looked back – only forward to the day we would one day be together for the rest of our lives.

[Rev. Les Kimball A.A. ’63] Retired Pastor

In 1991, I served a year of remote chaplain duty in Korea. No spouses or kids, just soldiers. Times like that really test who you are and how you behave. Some got into trouble with personal, marital or financial issues. But many others really latched onto chapel ministry and grew stronger away from home.

When I was in sixth grade, my grandma died of cancer.

At the time, she had mixed care in terms of physicians.

That experience really made me hate cancer - what it did to people financially and emotionally, how it changed peoples’ lives. I wanted to be part of a solution to stop that. I’ll never forget a patient who made a comment to our chairman that, when you have to wait 20 minutes in line to get checked in, and you’re dying of cancer and maybe have six months to live, 20 minutes is a really long time. As an administrator, I have the ability to work with families, to make sure those wait times are reduced as much as possible and that our staff connects with those patients on a personal level to make them feel supported and cared for.

[Elizabeth Gullickson-Tolman ’93]

[Rev. Ted Wuerffel ’62]

[Paul Reineck ’09]

South Dakota State University Communications Professor

Retired Air Force Chaplain

Cleveland Clinic, Director of Strategic Operations

Read more or share your own story at

[www.csp.edu/WeAreCSP]

I had such a positive experience as an undergraduate that I decided I wanted to become a communications professor. I love my kids and being a mom, but I’m also very motivated and driven in my career. Finding some sort of balance has been a more difficult task than I thought it was going to be, but is something I continue to look for each day.

Athletic Update

Athletics Update

Golden Bear Athletics New Director of Athletics Announced

Concordia has announced that Mark ‘Lunch’ McKenzie will serve as the university’s next Director of Athletics. McKenzie is currently in his 17th year as head baseball coach for the Golden Bears. See more on page 16.

Whiting Goes Pro

Anika Whiting (’15) is continuing her basketball career as a member of the Australian professional team, Ringwood Hawks. She is competing now, with the Hawks’ season running from Jan.-Sept.

Whiting is Concordia’s all-time leading scorer (1,982) and second for rebounds (863). Interim Golden Bear head coach Amanda Behnke (’08, M.A. ’14) also played for the Ringwood Hawks.

Goff Named 2015 Disney Sports Spirit Award Winner

Golden Bear lineman Hank Goff was named this year’s Disney Sports Award recipient. Goff’s story of using football to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from an Afghanistan combat tour with the U.S. Marines has been widely shared. Goff, a 28-year-old playing at the college level, has begun to counsel fellow veterans coping with similar post-war challenges and looks forward to expanding his role in veterans’ advocacy. View Goff’s moving award acceptance at www.csp.edu/GoffAward or watch an ESPN video with Goff’s full story at www.csp.edu/GoffVideo.

Alumna Auman Named Head Golf Coach

Taylor Auman (’13) has been named head men’s and women’s golf coach. Auman served two seasons as assistant coach at Concordia after a strong four-year playing career for the Golden Bears. “Taylor has been instrumental in the teams’ success the past six years and we’re excited to keep the continuity in place for the teams in a seamless transition,” said Concordia director of athletics, Tom Rubbelke.

Currier Returns to Head CSP Football Shannon Currier returns to campus in 2016 to lead the CSP football squad. Currier sat at the helm of the Golden Bears from 2000-2003 and is Concordia’s all-time leader in winning percentage (.727) with a 32-12 record.

Junior Tyler Naumowicz Junior Tyler Naumowicz is the NSIC’s 2016 indoor track and field champion for heptathlon (combination of 7 events) and has been named All-Region. Watch Naumowicz in outdoor action at Sea Foam Stadium on April 16.

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2016

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Being People of God in our Broken Cities Rev. Mark Koschmann

In cities across America, your fellow human beings are groaning. Do you hear the hurt and pain of people mourning the loss of life in our cities?

Over the last year and a half, news stories have covered a number of police-involved shootings and deaths of African Americans. When I served as a mission pastor in St. Louis and walked the streets of Ferguson after the tragic death of Michael Brown, I saw unspeakable pain, grief, anger, and mistrust. Since then, there have been several more police-involved shootings and deaths of African Americans in New York City, Cleveland, Baltimore, Chicago, and now, also in Minneapolis when Jamar Clark was fatally shot by two white Minneapolis police officers on November 15, 2015. These policeinvolved shootings and deaths have brought racism, racial inequality, and policing practices to the forefront of American discourse.

Are you listening?

It seems so basic, but do we actually listen to the hurt and pain expressed by others? Or do we dismiss the concerns of others because they are different than us? Have we simply become numb to the violence in our cities and nation?

Numerous polls have shown how divided the nation is on matters of race, racism, and racial equality. According to a survey by the Public Religion Research Institute, the vast majority of African Americans and black Christians believe police-involved killings are part of a larger racial problem in America. Meanwhile, many white Americans and white Christians think the issue of race is receiving too much press and the deaths of minorities by police are isolated incidents.1 There certainly are many dedicated and faithful police officers who serve and protect in our cities. But there are too many incidents where a black or brown life ends at the hands of a white police officer.

This is an important issue for the United States, but the problem is ramped up several notches when we consider the ministry of the church or university in the city.

Rev. Mark Koschmann prayed with a group outside of a building that was burned in a riot in Ferguson, MO.

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SPRING 2016 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE

Are you listening?

For us at Concordia University in St. Paul, our urban and multicultural location and our theological and ethical commitments as a Lutheran institution of higher education demand that we take these racial incidents seriously. How should we respond as conscientious individuals – and, especially, as Christian people – given the tragic loss of human life and the ensuing public protest?

Three actions are required of us. First, we must value all lives - not just those who are similar to us. Second, we must confess our sin. Third, we must take actions of faith, hope, and love as we go forth as God’s servants in the world. When we do these three things we will respond more compassionately and better address the ails and inequities of our cities.

Let us explore these three actions more closely.

First, we must theologically stress the value, dignity, and lives of all people as created and redeemed by God especially the lives of African Americans and all people of color. This also means that we must have conversations about America’s racist past and the ongoing impact of this racism on black and brown lives, even when such conversations can be awkward and painful. The point is for us to take seriously the problem that so many black lives have ended in tragedy. Yes, all lives matter, but if you ignore racism, you’re missing the point.

Second, we must confess our sin. We need to measure where we as Christians, as a Church, and even as a university, have fallen short in serving, protecting, and loving our neighbors. Too often we, as Christians, treat racism as a purely ethical issue to be dealt with in society at large instead of in the church. The violence suffered

photo credit: LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford

Column: CSP Ministry

by people of color in our communities, however, is not merely ethical but is deeply religious. We must ask ourselves: when have we ignored those who experience firsthand the consequences of America’s racist and violent past?

Third, we must take actions of faith, hope, and love.

Faith Perhaps the greatest action is to believe the good news that if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In Jesus, God has decisively taken on our guilt, our shame, and our injustice and inaction toward others in his death on the cross. Freed and redeemed by this atoning work of God, we are sent forth as God’s people to be God’s instruments in bringing healing, grace, peace, and love to all people in this broken world. We need to be people of faith.

Are you listening?

Given the challenge of racism in our cities and our nation, my prayer echoes the Lenten prayer: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. We pray this prayer, though, not as people who have no hope. We pray this prayer trusting in the Word of God, when Paul writes in Romans 5:1-5, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”

So let us be people of faith, people of hope, and people of love. And from the sure and certain promises of Jesus, let us work for justice, let us work for peace, and let us live as God calls us to be servants in our communities and cities.

photo credit: LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford

Hope There are formidable challenges ahead of us.

Incidents so complex, tense, and raw as Ferguson, or the shooting of Jamar Clark, or any police-involved death pull back the veil that too easily hides human suffering, inequality, and injustice. Yet, in these moments when we are stripped raw, it moves us as Christians – black, brown, and white – to turn to the one, sure and certain hope that we have of Jesus the Christ, our risen Savior and victorious Lord. We need to be people of hope.

Love Do you hear Jesus calling you to love God and love your neighbor? We show love by standing with those who are oppressed. We show love by reaching out to those who are different from us. We show love by listening to those who are mourning injustice and death. We show love by taking on each others’ burdens because our burdens have been carried by the One who goes to the cross out of love for us. We need

Rev. Mark Koschmann listened as a man shared his concerns at the police/protest line in Ferguson, MO.

to be people of love.

Rev. Mark Koschmann is the Fiechtner Chair in Christian Outreach and Instructor of Theology and Missiology at Concordia University, St. Paul. Previously, Koschmann served as mission and outreach pastor at Chapel of the Cross-Lutheran, a multi-racial congregation in North County St. Louis. In the aftermath of the crisis in Ferguson, MO, he and members of his congregation worked with community leaders, protestors, police, and fellow Christians to bring hope and healing to a bitterly divided city. Koschmann received his M.Div. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and is completing his doctoral work at Saint Louis University with an emphasis on religion, race, and U.S. urban history. His dissertation research examines how Christian congregations responded to urban and racial strife on Chicago’s West Side from the 1950s-1970s.

Robert P. Jones, Daniel Cox, Betsy Cooper, and Rachel Lienesch, “Anxiety, Nostalgia, and Mistrust: Findings from the 2015 American Values Survey,” Public Religion Research Institute, November 17, 2015.

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CSP News Alumnus Links Kids & Athletes Israel Lopez (’11) grew up in a tumultuous home in a poor neighborhood of Milwaukee. He spent his early years without a role model to look up to. Then, in eighth-grade, Lopez received a Christmas package that forever altered his life: Wisconsin Badgers football star Donnel Thompson sent a gift that included a personal note and autographed picture.

“It had a tremendous effect on my life.

Someone like that, someone who I watched on TV, believed in me for whatever reason… it changed my life,” Lopez said.

Lopez lived out of his car during parts of high school, showering and brushing his teeth from gas station and grocery store sinks while focusing on his grades and football.

Despite his limited possessions, the photo from Thompson always stayed with him.

Israel found a home at Concordia St. Paul where he played football and graduated cum laude with a 3.7 gpa. He started the IT nonprofit Chins Up during his second year of law school.

The organization is dedicated to fostering relationships like the one he had with Donnel Thompson, who now sits on the advisory board for the organization.

“Motivating the kids and inspiring them – that’s the number one thing that will always be at the core of what we do,” Lopez said. “The experiences I’ve been blessed with, they’ve given me the insight to help these kids.”

Israel first had the idea to start an organization like Chins Up when he was 15. He carried that notion through his years at Concordia, picking up valuable lessons along the way.

From Professor Matt Ryan he discovered the freedom of creative writing and finding an outlet for his experiences. Reading and writing skills are the biggest skills that the Chins Up program instills in participants.

Israel was also part of Professor Jayne Jones’ inaugural legal action team that lobbied the Minnesota legislature to pass the Kyle Herman Bill. The experience led him to regular conversations with lawmakers and lobbyists and taught him the importance of connections, especially in the nonprofit world. When later creating Chins Up, Israel was prepared for what was required of him in meeting with important donors, lawmakers and the media.

Israel’s experience as a student-athlete has also had a drastic effect on the letter-writing nonprofit. While playing football for CSP, Israel tried hard to volunteer regularly at the homeless shelter Mary’s Place and with after school programs. But with practices, games, classes, tests and more, it was hard to balance everything. That’s why the development of the software platform of Chins Up has been so important to Israel. Participating student-athletes can now easily connect with kids whenever it’s convenient for them through their smartphones. The web-based tool utilizes specially developed technology and allows Chins Up to connect more kids with college athletes than in its days of hand-written infancy.

Israel Lopez is a practicing attorney in the Madison, Wisconsin area.

If you wish to connect with Israel about supporting Chins Up, email him at israel.lopez@chinsup.org.

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CSP News

CSP Choir Travels to ‘Lutherland’ A group of 44 students, faculty and friends will present a choir concert tour in Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland from May 9-23, 2016. The Christus Chorus is the primary choir group, augmented by members of the Jubilate choir and alumni. Dr. David Mennicke and professor Shari Speer are leading the tour.

The tour will be exploring ‘Lutherland’ in anticipation of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The group will hold nine concerts in Eisenach, Leipzig, Wittenberg, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Czestochowa, Auschwitz and Krakow. The concert is titled Created in Christ for Good and is based on the Concordia theme of the year, Ephesians 2:8-10. Music from the Lutheran tradition is combined with a variety of American folk music, spirituals and Gospel music.

Concordia students enjoy international choir tours every four years. Recent trips took students to South Korea (2012) and Ghana (2008). The trips are an opportunity for CSP students to share their music and faith with international congregations that enthusiastically support their gifts, in addition to gaining cultural awareness of countries far from theirs. The trips are paid in full by the students, who fundraise through concerts at local churches to help defray the cost.

Students Collaborate On Aging Study This semester, around 80 Concordia marketing and biology students are collaborating on a unique study utilizing aging suits. The aging suits help young students understand the challenges of age – harnesses and bands that limit range of motion, strategically added weight, goggles that blur vision and more. The blended teams have been investigating the body changes that take place as we age as well as how our society can better adapt products and services for an aging population.

Something as common as reaching for a bottle on a store shelf is being seen through new eyes as students experience first-hand another generation’s daily challenges.

“Many students are saying that they are viewing older people with a fresh perspective and understanding some of the challenges that they face – difficulty maneuvering in homes, stores, malls and transportation. The students will also be making recommendations to businesses on how to best serve a global, aging population,” said marketing professor Nancy Harrower.

Renderings of Minnesota United FC unveiled designs

Minnesota United Joins the Neighborhood The Concordia St. Paul community will soon have an exciting new neighbor. The Minnesota United Major League Soccer team will find a permanent home just across the freeway from Concordia’s campus. A deal was reached this fall for the team to build a 20,000-seat stadium on the ‘bus barn’ property at Snelling and St. Anthony Avenues. The soccer team’s arrival gives Concordia students even greater access to out-of-theclassroom entertainment and student life.

“I’m excited for the stadium to be built so close to campus and home!” said CSP freshman soccer player Jordan RowanStafford. “We’ll get to watch the different styles of soccer that each team brings to the table and support the Minnesota United team.”

Minnesota United will break ground on the 25-acre ‘super block’ site this spring and plans to begin league play in the new stadium in 2018. The stadium will be paid for with private money by the team, which is owned by the Pohlad family and Glen Taylor. It is anticipated to come with a $120 million price tag.

Minnesota United is currently a member of the North American Soccer League (NASL) but will join the premiere Major League Soccer (MLS) as an expansion team in 2017 or 2018. The team’s fan base has been among the fastest growing in the nation, averaging just shy of 10,000 in 2015.

Additionally, Concordia’s Eric LaMott (COO) and Adrian Perryman (’07, Assistant Director of Academic Advising) were selected by Mayor Coleman to be representatives on the Community Action Committee (CAC). As part of the CAC, they will help determine the community needs and desires for the project and provide insight on major design elements and themes.

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2016

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Expanding Military Benefits Eligible active-duty students seeking master’s degrees can now receive tuition assistance from Concordia. It is the latest measure taken as part of Concordia’s commitment to providing excellent support and affordable tuition to those who are serving our country. Tuition assistance is already available at the undergraduate level. Concordia has been named a Top-Military Friendly School for four consecutive years. Three dedicated staff members are employed to support the needs of its active military students and families. Concordia also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

CSP Team Finishes 2nd at IT Case Competition A collaborative team of traditional, cohort and PSEO Concordia students placed second in their inaugural trip to the Traveler’s IT Case Study Competition in November. The competition asked teams to determine which emerging technologies would help Travelers achieve fast and fair claim resolution. Participating were Richard Marsh, Trent Anderson, Robert Epps, Corey Peterson and David Henke. They were led by professor Joel Schuessler.

“Truly, this was God’s grace in uniquely weaving individual strengths together into a team where each student stepped up and worked collegially for maximum productivity,” said Schuessler.

CSP Student Default Rate Drops Projections show continued improvement in Concordia students’ 3-year default rate, dropping to just 3.8%. Concordia’s rate has steadily decreased from 6.6% five years ago. Current national rates are not yet available, however last year’s national 3-year default rate was 11.8% and predicted to increase by at least 5%. This is truly excellent news for Concordia and indicates that Concordia graduates are good stewards of the resources provided to them by the federal government and are obtaining careers that allow them to faithfully repay their loans.

3.8% default rate

Improvement of

42.4% over 5 years

National rate:

11.8% and climbing

VESi Gives Teachers Online CEU Fulfillment Concordia has partnered with Virtual Education Software, inc. (VESi) to offer online continuing education courses for teachers. This arrangement provides professional educators a convenient and affordable avenue for re-licensure or career advancement by offering Continuing Education Unites (CEU).

More information online at virtualeduc.com/concordiaSP.

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Smithsonian Features Hmong Center Concordia’s Center for Hmong Studies was selected as one of a number of cultural institutions across the country to participate in the Smithsonian Institute’s Museum Day Live! This ‘special edition’ event was held on March 12 and offered free admission to encourage people, especially women and girls of color, to explore their nation’s museums, cultural institutions, zoos and more.

The Center for Hmong Studies is home to one of the nation’s largest collections of books, DVDs, embroideries, photographs, historical documents and artifacts relating to the Hmong experience. Included are a number of panels gifted to Concordia from the Minnesota History Center’s 2015 We Are Hmong exhibit. Concordia’s Lee Pao Xiong, Director of the Center for Hmong Studies, assisted the Minnesota History Center in its research for the exhibit.

McKenzie Named Director of Athletics After conducting a nation-wide search for Concordia’s newest athletic director, the hiring committee decided that the best candidate for the job was already on campus.

Mark ‘Lunch’ McKenzie will take over as Golden Bear Director of Athletics following the conclusion of the 2015-16 academic year. McKenzie is in his 17th year as head CSP baseball coach.

“Lunch is a natural fit for this position. Like Tom before him, he lives and breathes Concordia, has a dynamic personality, a great understanding for the operational details of our campus, has shown a strong fundraising background and has a reputation as an effective leader,” said Dr. Eric LaMott, Provost and Chief Operating Officer at Concordia.

McKenzie is Concordia’s winningest baseball coach in the school’s long history, entering 2016 with a 356-177-1 record.

He is the second-longest tenured coach in the department and following this year’s graduation ceremonies, all three of his children will be proud CSP alums (daughter, Kelly, is a senior on the softball team). McKenzie will continue to serve as head baseball coach through at least the 2016-17 academic year.

“This is the second time that Concordia has changed my life, the first when former A.D. Dan O’Brien took a chance on hiring me in 1999 as the baseball coach although I had no prior college coaching experience,” McKenzie reflected. “For whatever reason, the Lord has provided me with another great opportunity as He has done so many times during my life.”

McKenzie takes the helm from retiring A.D. Tom Rubbelke.

Rubbelke leaves Concordia this spring after 34 years of service to the university, including 12 years as Director of Athletics and roles as head and assistant softball coach.

CSP News

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

UNDERGRADUATE

2013-14

GRADUATE

2015-16

2014-15

ADULT UNDERGRADUATE

10 Years of Enrollment Growth Concordia University, St. Paul’s overall spring enrollment has increased for the 10th consecutive year with a reported total headcount of 4,224, an increase of 184 students from a year ago.

Several new and emerging programs have been launched to aid Concordia’s continued enrollment strength: seven traditional undergraduate, seven adult undergraduate and six graduate/ doctoral programs. Fourteen new full-time faculty members have been brought on board.

While growth has slowed since the boom of the 2013 Tuition Reset, Concordia St. Paul’s actions buck recent trends in higher education that have seen many colleges and universities eliminate programs and cut faculty due to enrollment and budget issues. CSP has recorded enrollment gains in nine of the last ten years, more than doubling its overall headcount during that same time span.

Campus Expands Across I-94 Concordia administrators were prompted to think outside the box when searching for space to accommodate the demands of the expanding university. With few suitable options remaining on campus, a solution was found on the north side of I-94 – Concordia is now leasing the fifth floor of the Central Midway Building. The building is conveniently located directly across the pedestrian bridge by the Holst Hall dormitory.

The 11,000 square-foot space opened to students in January 2016 and is now home to CSP’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. It is a state-of-the-art facility built out specifically to meet the DPT program’s needs. There are large classrooms, a research lab, student lounge, conference room and faculty offices. Most importantly, the expanded space allows professors to work more effectively with students in the program.

Concordia’s Kinesiology and Health Sciences programs also benefit from the Central Midway expansion, moving into the vacated facilities in Thompson Hall.

Prior to the move, the programs had been sharing classroom space with athletics in the Gangelhoff Center. Now, there are permanent lab spaces available for students to expand their research and programming opportunities.

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2016

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CSP

10 Years of Honors Program

The university honors program in litteris fidique is celebrating its 10th year of integrated faith learning. Through the program, new students become a cohort of learners who complete two years of rigorous general education together.

The courses are interdisciplinary and engage students in challenging intellectual and spiritual inquiry. Students are challenged with inquiry, debate, self-reflection, scholarship and service.

in litteris fidique 90% graduation rate from CSP 3.62 Average GPA Representing 25+ majors of study

94 students have participated in Concordia’s in litteris fidique program.

Weinkauf Retires from Criminal Justice Program Erv Weinkauf (M.A. ’08) is retiring from his post as one of Concordia’s leading criminal justice professors. Weinkauf has been with Concordia since 2009 and has brought more than 35 years of real-world professional experience to the students in his program. Erv launched his career with the Brown County Sheriff’s office and then served the bulk of his career with the New Ulm Police Department. He worked his way up through the ranks from patrol officer to chief of police.

Weinkauf is living proof of Concordia’s expertise in making higher education attainable for working adults. He completed his CSP Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership in 2008 and began teaching at Concordia as an adjunct professor. He was named chair of the Criminal Justice Department in 2010, where his extensive field experience and personal understanding of the needs of adult learners have made him a valuable asset to both instructors and students.

Baumgart Retires After 27 Years Jackie Wiebold (’14) Director of Christian Education DCE Family of Faith Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas “My honors program experience began as any typical program would. During my first two years at Concordia, my general education requirements were completed through the block honors classes with a cohort of students. The coursework itself threw me into new situations, such as volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and examining mathematical concepts in a non-Euclidian plane.

These typical experiences would have been enough to make the program worthwhile for me, but the ‘extras’ that came along with it are what truly set the program apart.

Memories of Christmas parties, late night trips to the St. Paul Cathedral, and designing program t-shirts together are the things that don’t really fit in a brochure but truly defined the program for me.

From the relationships I gained, I decided to attend the archaeological dig in Israel and even had the opportunity to present at a conference at Tel Hai College. At the end of the program my classmates and I chose to complete our capstone project in Rome, Italy and gained a lifetime of memories in just a few short days.

In addition to putting all of my academic skills through a rigorous boot camp, the honors program helped me lay a foundation for life beyond the classroom. The emphasis on both faith and learning taught me to appreciate learning about 18everySPRING 2016 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE any and field while finding its identity in Christ.”

Longtime Concordia faculty and staff member Jan Baumgart (’88), who dedicated her entire career to helping students achieve academic success, retired from her position as Coordinator of Learning Assistance in December 2015 after 27 years of service to CSP. During her time Jan also held roles as Coordinator of Special Services, Director of Academic Development and served as an academic counselor.

Jan helped develop and taught a number of classes specifically designed for students on academic probation, making a difference in these students’ lives by helping them improve their academic standing and ultimately graduate.

Jan championed the importance of getting to know each student’s story and remains in contact with many whom she helped. She plans to write a book about the various techniques and strategies she used to make learning fun and meaningful for those who initially struggled.

Introducing 3+3 Law Program Concordia St. Paul has partnered with the Concordia University School of Law in Idaho to offer a 3+3 law degree.

The program offers motivated students an accelerated track to earn both a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years, rather than the usual seven. The program reduces costs and saves students money on everything from books, tuition, and living expenses and allows them to start their careers earlier.

Under the program, students attend Concordia St. Paul their first three years and fulfill the requirements to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Credits from their first year of law school at Concordia School of Law apply both toward their Juris Doctor degree and as the elective credits necessary to complete their CSP undergraduate program. As an additional benefit, all Concordia St. Paul alumni (including the 3+3 program participants) receive a 20% scholarship for the duration of their program at Concordia School of Law.

CSP News

Faculty & Staff Highlights Dr. Oleg Levin, professor of piano, was awarded a $10,000 grant from Minnesota State Arts Board. The program supports artists’ development, nurtures artistic creativity, and recognizes the contributions individual artists make to the creative environment of Minnesota. Through the grant, Dr. Levin will advance the awareness of his work through public performances and by marketing his first professional solo recording of Russian piano music of the 20th and 21st centuries.

In September, Dr. David Mennicke was named the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) 2015 Choral Director of the Year. The award is given to one director each year from the 1,000-member organization.

“It has been my pleasure to serve ACDA of Minnesota as the organization has been like a family to me since I was in college,” Mennicke said. “It is a deep honor to have my choral work and my contributions to our profession acknowledged by dear colleagues whom I hold in such high esteem.”

Dr. Michael Walcheski (’83) has been selected to serve as a member of the National Council on Family Relations’ (NFCR) Certified Family Life Planner Academic Program Review Committee (CFLE-APR). The committee is charged with the review of academic applications, development of CFLE-APR policies, and promotion of the CFLE program.

Criminal justice instructor Erv Weinkauf (M.A. ’08) has been inducted into the Association of Training Officers of Minnesota (ATOM) Hall of Fame. Weinkauf is a retired Chief of Police with the New Ulm Police Department and former president of the ATOM. Erv has dedicated his law enforcement career to raising professional standards and teaching fellow law enforcement professionals.

Other News & Faculty Publications Dr. Sally Baas (education) spoke at the 9th World Congress on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders | Dr. Sally Baas (education) co-authored the article Using the NASP Framework for Effective Practice with Indigenous Youth, Families, and Communities | Dr. Amanda Brosnahan (biology) served as editor for a volume on superantigens, from the lab protocol series Methods in Molecular Biology | Dr. Cheryl Chatman (Associate V.P.; Dean of Diversity) delivered the 15th annual Poehler Lecture on Faith and Learning, titled We are All God’s Poiema: Can You See His Masterpiece in Me? | Dr. Bruce Corrie (government relations) co-authored an article for a prominent Chinese publication, entitled How Chinese Americans Overcome Racial Barriers and Succeed in Pursuing the American Dream | Dr. John Eggert (music) recently released a number of original compositions, including This Joyful Eastertide for mixed choir, organ and trumpet (Northwestern Publishing House) and Partita on ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’ for organ (Concordia Publishing House) | Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinde Fakuajo (education) joined the editorial team for The Journal of Curriculum and Teaching | Dr. Kim Flottemesch (communication studies) has been appointed to the editorial board for the Academy Educational Leadership Journal | Dr. Diane Harr (teacher education) co-authored a textbook chapter titled Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in The Criminal Justice System | Kelsey Harr’s (allied health sciences) article The Contribution of Tobacco Use to High Health Care Utilization and Medical Costs in Peripheral Artery Disease was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology | Rev. Mark Koschmann (missiology) spoke at the Stand Firm in the City conference, hosted by the LCMS in October | Dr. Jeanne Lojovich (DPT) presented her work, The Relationship Between Substandard Professional Behaviors in the Academic Environment and Clinical Affiliation Performance, at the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions Conference in October | Rev. Dr. Mark Schuler (theology) presented a paper on the Hippos of the Decapolis excavation at the national meeting of the American Schools of Oriental Research | Dr. Michael Walcheski (family education) co-edited the book, Family Life Education: The Practice of Family Science | Erv Weinkauf (criminal justice) co-authored the article, Subpoenas: An Introduction for Mental Health Professionals, with adjunct faculty members Jerrod Brown and Judge Anthony Wartnik | Dr. David Woodard (history) has been asked to be a recurring commentator on KSTP’s Political Insider segment with Tom Hauser

Faculty Fun Facts Always Creative

Nowhere lefse to go

John Roth (music) was a 1962 Duncan Spinning Top Champion.

Karen Anderson (math) traveled around the world in a single 10-week trip. She also makes a mean batch of homemade lefse.

Students, don’t mess with him!

Lee Pao Xiong (Asian studies) has been practicing and teaching martial arts for more than 30 years.

Ain’t it grand?

Get ready Rhoda…

Somebody test him…

Rhoda Schuler (theology) is a head election judge whose favorite elections are presidential years.

David Woodard (history/political science) can recite all the U.S. presidents in order – forward OR backward!

Podcast Pundit

Belt it out

Brian McDaniel (political science) co-hosts a political/comedy podcast called WRONG ABOUT EVERYTHING.

Peter Rundquist (DPT) trained as an opera singer for six months.

Debra Beilke (English) biked 1,000 cumulative miles in 2015. Keep going!

Class Notes News

1980s

Linda (Peterson, ‘89) DeRoode works for FILO Productions Inc. in St. Paul as their Director of Festivals.

She directs GermanFest, held at Schmidt Brewery June 17-19, 2016 (www.germanfestmn.org) and St. Paul’s Oktoberfest at Rice Park Sept. 16-18, 2016 (www.saintpauloktoberfest.org).

1940s

Allen Nauss (J.C. ‘42) recently published a second book on the implications of brain research, The Pastor’s Brain Manual: A Fascinating Work in Progress (Minneapolis: Lutheran University Press, 2015).

1950s

1990s

Bob Holtz (Acad. ‘50, J.C. ‘52) recently published the article

Cherice (Carrigan, ‘68) Kuseske shared this photo from a

Birds of the Old Arsenal Site in Ramsey County in The Loon.

recent reunion of the “girls” of the class of ‘68, held in Lake City and Red Wing, Sept. 15, 2015.

Clockwise from bottom left: Diane (Peter) Gerdts, Donna (Schultze) Burman, Kathy (Otto) Behnke, Lana (Becker) Schaefer, Marge Stein, Darlene (Tuttle) Lambert, Cherice (Carrigan) Kuseske, Dorothy (Wagner) Sutton, Kathy (Day) Freudenburg, Sally (Hoffman) Beckendorf.

Enith (Degler, ‘69) Bailey was honored at the North & Margaret “Peg” (Spomer, J.C. ‘54) and Jim (Acad. ‘52, J.C. ‘54) Johnson recently went on a bucket-list trip to Chile and Argentina. They were joined by Wayne (‘64) and Lois (Spomer, ‘64) Lehrer and Herbert Spomer (Acad. ‘50, J.C. ‘52). Their CSP stocking caps (seen in the photo) drew a

South Wisconsin District Teacher Conference for 47 years of service to Trinity Lutheran School in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

John Felton (J.C. ’61) played on the

gold-medal-winning Vintage USA basketball team in the 75-79 age category. His team also took gold at the Disney Wild World of Sports in August. “It was a blessing to represent the USA in this international competition.”

Ward Dennis Hodges (A.A. ‘62) has had a chapter accepted on high speed passenger rail, Are we there yet?: Perspectives of a Pioneer Visionary. The chapter will be published in the text book Emerging Challenges and Opportunities of High Speed Rail Development on Business and Society.

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Insurance Company of North America as senior director of the Contact Center in the Operations division.

2000s

Theresa FitzPatrick (‘01) presented a paper at the 24th Medieval-Renaissance Conference at the University of Virginia at Wise. It took place September 24-26 and she presented on the use of the supernatural in Arthurian narrative.

Rachel (Young, ‘02) Abijay is in her 14th year of teaching at

Harvey (Acad. ‘56, J.C. ‘58) and Norita (Willner, J.C. ‘58) Kath recently returned from their 10th trip to

1960s

Shannon Waite (‘98) has been hired by Allianz Life

Julie (Hamel, ‘01) Maas recently joined the software and services group of Intel Corporation as a product manager in the area of contextual awareness.

lot of attention and they were able to share the latest progress and highlights of the university with interested folks.

Papua New Guinea since retiring in 2002. Harvey’s first call was as a missionary in “New Guinea” 1964-1969.

Concordia University, Portland presented the 2015 Lux Christi (Light of Christ) Award to Amy (Vande Voort, ‘94) Schweim. The Lux Christi award recognizes outstanding Lutheran educators who have served the Lord and the LCMS with distinction.

Orange Lutheran High school in Orange County, CA.

Mary Lou (Schulz, ‘69) Kaelberer and five of her CSP friends celebrated 50 years of friendship with a week of fun Colorado activities in August 2015. The group met the second day of college their freshman year in 1965. The group (shown in the photo) includes Mary (Patten, ‘69) Marth,

Sarah (Wehr, ’02) Baker has been chosen as the 2016 Clark Scholar by Texas State University and the Ph.D. in Education School Improvement program. As a Clark Scholar, she will participate with leading educational leadership and policy scholars from across the country and globe at research seminars.

Joani (Miller, ‘67) Koerschen, Kathi (Likeness, ‘69) Myers, Lois (Meyer, ‘69) Voeltz, Mary Lou (Schulz, ‘69) Kaelberer, Judy (Maka, ‘67) Wachholz.

Melissa (Bauman, ‘02) Germain is in her 9th year of teaching (7th with her current district) in St. Croix Falls, WI. She teaches 9th grade English Language Arts, American Literature, and Response to Intervention.

1970s

John Mitsch (’02), a 6th grade math teacher in St. Anthony, MN, was nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

The 2016 Teacher of the Year, who will be named on May 15, 2016 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, also becomes Minnesota’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

Margaret (Vorwerk, ‘75) Harris is now a certified screener and diagnostician for Irlen Syndrome, a visual perception problem which is fixed instantly with color.

Huda and Hussein (‘04, M.A. ‘11) Khatib were

Ruthann (Dahl, ‘72) Miyamoto graduated from the Wartburg Theological Seminary and was ordained on June 28, 1997.

SPRING 2016 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE

honored and blessed to complete their pilgrimage to Mecca in September 2015. This is the trip of a lifetime and a completion of a fundamental pillar of their faith.

Class Notes

Jasmin Ziegler (‘06) is a poet who graduated with her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota.

She is an editor for Poetry City, USA, and she teaches English at Anoka Ramsey Community College.

Amanda Zupfer (‘06) has been at PTC Inc., a software

2010s

Sarah Stock (‘12) is an infant and toddler teacher at

Ashley (Marzolf, ‘10) Nelson graduated from Hamline

Pitter Patters Early Learning Center in Madison Lake, MN.

University School of Law in December. She currently works as a law clerk at Dart Transit Company, and also at the Office of the Public Defender for Hennepin County.

Wade Johnson (‘13) moved to Sejong City, South Korea,

development company, for 11.5 years and is a Senior Technical Writer. She started there as an intern in 2003 while a student at CSP and was hired on as a full-time employee after graduating.

Will Lange (‘11) is currently living in India where he

Christine (Tkac, M.A. ‘07) Harris has retired after 35 years as an Executive Director of a non-profit health and human services organization.

Victoria (Vasterling, ‘11) Mertz joined the United States Air Force the summer after graduating from college. She has been serving for three years alongside her husband, and is currently stationed in Valdosta, GA.

trains new hires for a translation company. In his role, he focuses on proofreading and business development when he is here in the U.S.

Tiffani Flynn Forslund (‘08) was one of 19 selected into the 2015 Roy Wilkins Community Fellows at the Hubert Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Flynn Forslund works as a Cultural Liaison at Laura Jeffrey Academy, a public charter for grades 5-8.

Jessica (Reller, ‘08, M.A. ‘11) Lewellen taught English for seven years at Eastview High School and resigned last summer to pursue teaching yoga and wellness. Jessica has also been in the Minnesota Air National Guard for five years as a broadcast journalist.

Joy (Sewing, ‘09) Greipentrog accepted a teaching position last fall at Lake Country Lutheran High School in Hartland, WI. Currently, she is teaching English 9, American Literature, and Poetry and Prose Workshop.

Natalie Nigro (‘11) is happy to announce that she just started an internship at Greywolf Press. She will be working as a development intern and hopes to use this opportunity to move forward in the publishing industry.

AB Wright (‘11) has been teaching 8th Grade Language Arts for the past four years at Best Academy in Minneapolis, where he is also an instructional coach in English. At the same time, he is completing the final semester of his master’s degree at Hamline University.

AB won the Mayor’s Peace Maker award last year, was nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year, and is a fellow in the African-American Leadership Form. promoted to Associate Registrar at Beloit College. She had previously been working at Beloit College for two years as an Assistant Registrar.

Michael Rokenbrodt (‘09) moved to Jinja, Uganda in

department at an electrical construction firm in Minneapolis.

August 2015 to assist in a biblical literacy program for 9 to 11 months.

Tim Sailer (‘09) is an actor at the American Shakespeare

Award Honors Football Mentor & Alumnus Joe La Buda (’84) will be awarded in April with the Margie & Dick Rundle Positive Influence in Coaching Award. A longtime football coach with a resume full of awards, this one is especially significant to Joe. “This award is not based off wins and losses. I am pretty sure when it is all said and done, God is not going care about how many games we have won, but rather how many young men’s lives have been affected by my coaching.”

Gabby (Martine-Demarre, ‘11) Wright was recently

Sheila (Hansen, ‘09) Murphy, MITGI Director of HR and Safety, has been honored as a finalist for a 2016 Community Impact Award from Minnesota Business Magazine, in The Paragon of Leadership Award category.

Center in Staunton, VA, traveling across the country performing Shakespeare plays.

where he is teaching English as a Second Language at Chungdahm Learning Institute.

Danielle Bredy (‘12) works in the marketing

Sam Campbell (‘12) started his MFA in Creative Writing at Boise State University in August.

Joe’s days spent playing and studying at Concordia in the early 1980s had a dramatic effect on his life. He changed his major from business to coaching because he witnessed firsthand how men like Robert Barnes and Stan Tischer (‘81) (former CSP coaches) could mentor young people to play hard, but to also grow as people and in faith. Joe has spent the last 27 years teaching and coaching at Menomonie, WI. He was nominated for the award by a number of his former players.

A portrait plaque of La Buda’s award will be on display at Lambeau Field and the University of Wisconsin.

Alumni and Friends Travel Program Alumni Association

TREASURES OF NORTHERN ITALY

EXPERIENCE EXPLORATION, ADVENTURE AND FRIENDSHIP AT THESE CAREFULLY SELECTED DESTINATIONS.

DISCOVERING FRANCE’S HISTORIC SEINE RIVER

ALONG THE VIKING TRAIL

SEPT. 2016

MAY 2017

Led by President Tom & Susie Ries

Led by Professor Eric Dregni

2018 Led by President Tom & Susie Ries

ALUMNI & FRIENDS TRAVEL COORDINATOR: Amanda Och

|

och@csp.edu

|

651.641.8728

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ave.csp.edu/travel

Cristy Molter (‘13) asks with a heavy heart for prayers and financial assistance for her mother, Ann, who has recently been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Ann was a non-smoker and was told that this has stemmed from radon in the home. Please visit: https://www.giveforward.com/ fundraiser/gfcb/support-for-ann-molter-s-cancer-bills.

Engagement/ Weddings 2000s

In fall 2015, Willie Nunnery (‘13) began his MFA in Creative Writing at California College of Arts.

Montana where she teaches 6-8 History and Literature at Trinity Lutheran School. She is also pleased to announce that she got married to Aaron Edgar on April 11, 2015.

Erin Rudolph (‘13) is currently the 5th grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Clinton Township, MI. She teaches both 5th and 6th grade English Language & Literature and directs the student handbell ensembles.

Bethany (Leroy, ‘13) Saros is currently working part time at the Dakota County Library as a shelving assistant.

She had a baby in 2014 and has a full-time gig raising three kids. In her spare time, she writes a blog called “The Tattooed Bibliophile.”

2010s

Rachel Urbanowicz (M.A. ‘13) has been named an

Shawna Young (‘13) graduated July 11, 2015 with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has accepted a position as a PA-C at Cambridge Medical Center in Cambridge, MN.

Hayley Bahnemann (‘14) is in her second year as a

Corey Ledin (‘14) is living in Orlando, FL, where he works as an entertainer for Disney, Universal Studios, and the Nickelodeon hotel.

Holly Schumacher (‘14) is working at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Minneapolis as a Portfolio Analyst.

Kyle Dalton (‘15), who majored in English and also played for the Concordia baseball team, has been hired to work at General Sports store in Edina as their “baseball guru.” He will be in charge of rejuvenating the baseball division of the store.

Anna Paulson (‘15) is working part-time for author Julie Klassen as her research and writing assistant. Her primary duties include researching and brainstorming for story development, critically evaluating manuscripts and providing feedback, and corresponding with readers on Klassen’s behalf.

Tara Rupiper (‘15) began her master’s degree in Publishing this fall. She is attending Rosemont College in Pennsylvania, and she is focusing on editorial, young adult, and children’s literature.

Seth Wehrs (‘15) started teaching at Wisconsin Valley

Toni and Nikolai (‘11) Gibbons were married on Aug. 8th, 2016. They honeymooned in Italy for three weeks, traveling around the countryside and eating some decadent food. Now they are in St. Louis as Nikolai completes his last year in seminary. They will find out on April 26th where they will be serving in ministry. God is good!

Births/Adoptions 1970s

At 3:43 p.m. on Aug. 19th, 2016 Truly Selah Breitbarth was welcomed into the world by parents Jonathan (‘98) and Heidi (M.A. ‘04) Breitbarth.

The eventful birth included Truly unexpectedly being born at home before emergency personnel could arrive. Truly joins the Breitbarth family which includes 6-year-old Reese and 4-year-old Liv.

2000s

Rachel (Young, ‘02) Abijay met and married the love of her life, fire captain Robert Abijay, in 2010. They joyfully welcomed their son, Kai, in November of 2014. Rachel and Robert are also ‘parents’ to cats Archimedes

Brandon and Emma (Dahl, ‘11) Bica were married on Sept. 12, 2015 at the Minneapolis Golf Club in St. Louis Park, MN. The couple lives in St. Louis Park, MN.

assistant professor of communications at Misericordia in Dallas, PA.

long-term teaching assistant/substitute at Cornerstone Montessori School. She will soon be taking classes to get trained as a Montessori teacher.

Stephanie (Roegner , ‘07) Edgar moved to Billings,

1990s

and Calliope Jane.

Marissa (Holcomb, ‘02, M.A. ‘06) and Joe (‘01) Austin celebrated the birth of their daughter, Reagan Lililehua, on April 29, 2015. For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. 1 Samuel 1:27 Bennett Christopher Breitbarth was born Nov. 13, 2015 to

Valentine and Timothy (‘03) Breitbarth. They reside with Bennett’s big brother James (b. 2013) in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. Luke Andrew Fitzner was born on Jan. 27, 2015 in Des Moines, IA to Amanda and Rev. Timothy (‘05) Fitzner. He was baptized (by his father) on Feb. 15, 2015, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair, IA.

Jasmin Ziegler (‘06) is quite enamored with Kingston Bunnie (Otto, ‘76) Schunck

traveled with her daughter, Misty, to China to help bring home two beautiful daughters, Aviya and Miriam. Bunnie’s son-in-law stayed home to care for their two older children and to teach at Manitowoc Lutheran High School.

Gilmore, her son, who was born May 2015.

Connie and Scott (‘08) Hanson welcomed their fourth child, Emily Louise Hanson, on Nov. 2, 2015.

Kayleigh (Klein, ‘09) and David (‘09) McCarthy welcomed Oliver Eugene, born April 3, 2015.

Lutheran High School in Mosinee, WI. He is teaching 9th-12th grade English and World Geography.

Share Your News

Submit your class note at ave.csp.edu/share

Class Notes

Pastor Jacob Mueller (‘09) and his wife Dalas (‘09) adopted two special needs children from Ukraine in 2014. One year later they are thriving and their adopted son has even learned how to walk!

2010s

Joshua and Rowena (‘14) St. George celebrated the birth of their son, Neven Anthony St. George, on Aug. 3, 2015 at 7:15 a.m. Neven was born 7 lb 8 oz and 20.5 in.

Deaths 1940s

Rev. William F. Siefkes (Acad. ’40, J.C. ’42) was called suddenly, but peacefully, to his heavenly home on Oct. 9, 2011 at the age of 88. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, William gave his entire life to the work of the Lord, having spent 65 years in the Lutheran ministry. He leaves behind not only family but Christian friends all over the country.

Rev. Carl Streufert (Acad. ‘44) died Nov. 10, 2015. Carl was pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Clarence, NY from 1966 until his retirement in 1992. Born in White Lake, S.D., he was educated at the Seminary of the Missouri Synod in St. Louis and ordained in 1951.

1950s

Janis (Kraft, J.C. ‘56, ‘94) Heintz passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 11, 2016. She served as a pre-school and kinder garden teacher for her entire career, including more than two decades at St. Paul’s Lutheran School until her retirement in 2008.

Robert Meyer (Acad. ‘56, J.C. ‘58) joined the Lord in

Audrey Otto (J.C. ‘56) was called to her eternal rest on April 15, 2015. In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker, she actively served in her husband’s churches as a Sunday School and Day School teacher, member of choir and hand bell groups, Bethel Series leader and teacher, Stephen’s Ministry, LWML officer and member, and a participant in many other organizations and activities of her husband’s churches. She was greatly valued as a sensitive counselor, a devoted friend, a wonderful teacher, and an energetic, inspirational and positive person with others, but especially as the endearing and marvelous wife and mother to her husband and children.

Rev. Eugene “Gene” Thiemann (J.C. ‘57) died April 22, 2015 after a long battle with melanoma. He was born Aug. 5, 1937 in Waverly, IA. Gene married Anna Belle (Allmann, J.C. ‘56) Thiemann and they enjoyed 56 years together.

1960s

Joyce (Schmidt, ‘68) Gilman passed away May 12, 2014.

Joyce was born April 8, 1948 in Hutchinson, MN. On Aug. 9, 1969 she married Tony Gilman at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Circle Pines, MN. Joyce was very artistic and loved all kinds of crafts. She was also extremely musical and loved to sing and play the piano and organ. Joyce also had a love of birds and a love of gardening. She enjoyed watching birds and had quite a collection of ceramic birds. Joyce was a friend to many. Most she met through her church home or her Bridge groups. She will be greatly missed.

Janet (Wuerffel, ‘69) Gullickson’s mother Thelma Wuerffel was called to her eternal rest on Nov. 6, 2015 at the age of 96. Surviving are her 9 children - including CSP alumni

Ruth (Wuerffel, ‘64) Rowley, Rev. Theodore (Acad. ‘62, A.A. ‘64), Rev. Jon (Acad. ‘64, A.A. ‘66), Mark Wuerffel (‘69) and Carolyn (Wuerffel, ‘75) Bayerkohler 31 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

1970s

Heaven on Nov. 10, 2015. He was born in Logan, Iowa on Oct. 28, 1938. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO in 1964 and spent nearly 50 years of ministry in Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and California. Upon retirement, he served congregations in Seattle, Des Moines, Bonney Lake and Graham.

Marcus Gilmore, the son of Joan (Kiecker, ‘77) and Chester Gilmore, died Sept. 4, 2015 after a year-long battle with nonHodgkins Burkitt Lymphoma. He is survived by his wife, Emily, and ten-month-old daughter, Neva, and parents Chester and Joan. He was a compassionate, funny, wonderful man who was loved by an army of family, friends and supporters.

Forever loved, forever missed, forever remembered.

Bob was a reminder of God’s abundant grace both in the words he spoke and for the direction of his life. He would like nothing more than to be remembered as an agent of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.

Ann Brauer (‘79) began the last leg of her life’s journey on Feb. 7, 2016. She is now living the life believers in Jesus long for, that eternal life with her Lord.

1980s

Rev. Phil Meyer (‘89) passed away on Feb. 15, 2016 due to ALS. Phil graduated with a BA Director of Christian Education Degree and a minor in Church Relations. His ministry began at Camp Luther in Wisconsin. He was ordained within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in 2009. Pastor Phil shared his love of the Lord Jesus Christ by serving at congregations in Idaho, North Dakota, and Minnesota, most recently for St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. Phil enjoyed writing and sharing music, including playing the piano and guitar. He enjoyed the beaches of Cozumel, golfing, and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings.

1990s

Linda Knappenberger (‘90) passed away Sept. 26, 2013 at her residence. She was born July 5, 1969 in Fort Wayne.

She was a registered nurse in the Family Birthing Center at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

Kay Herrmann (‘92) died on Nov. 28, 2015 at her home.

Thomas Sullivan (‘95) passed away on April 14, 2015.

Guy Parker (‘97) passed away on Dec. 16, 2016.

2010s

Terri Nichols (‘12) passed peacefully in her home in Kenosha, WI on Sept. 24, 2015. Terri had a lifelong love of teaching, spending nearly thirty years in education. She was a teacher in the Head Start program for more than a decade, helping kids in their formative years so they could be successful throughout their lives.

Robert Mandell (‘13) of Lakeville, MN, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sept. 10, 2015. Rob entered the arms of his loving Father and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, with whom he had a strong personal relationship. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Amy, and his loving daughters, Emily and Grace, who truly loved and enjoyed being with their daddy every single day of their lives. The happiness and love they received from their dad was above all measure.

Rob enjoyed his career in sports medicine physical therapy, which gave him the ability to combine his love of athletics and helping others. Rob enjoyed all sports, the outdoors, the North Shore of Lake Superior and the simple joys in life best.

CORRECTIONS: Fall 2015 Concordia strives to publish accurate information and to acknowledge and correct errors.

Correction: In the Fall issue, the maiden name of Lorna (Neumann, ‘55) Krogen (who went to her heavenly home May 26, 2015), wife of Pastor Richard Krogen (‘56), was misspelled “Newmann”.

CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2016

23

Upcoming Events Alumni

Music

Theatre & Dance

Corporate Alumni Luncheon – Mayo Clinic

Jubilate Easter Vespers

Spring Into Dance IV

Thursday, April 14 | 8 p.m.

Graebner Memorial Chapel

April 21-24 E.M. Pearson Theatre

Shades of Harmony Gospel Choir Concert

Spring Student Showcase

Thursday, April 14 | 11 a.m.

The Kahler Grand Hotel Regency Room, Rochester

Corporate Alumni Luncheon – UnitedHealth Group

Thursday, April 21 | 8 p.m.

Graebner Memorial Chapel

Thursday, April 21 | 11 a.m.

Jimmy’s Food & Cocktail, Minnetonka

Handbell Ensemble Concert

1966 Golden Reunion

Sunday, April 24 | 7 p.m.

Graebner Memorial Chapel

June 18-19 Concordia University, St. Paul

Percussion Ensemble Concert

Athletics Visit cugoldenbears.com to view all athletic schedules.

Monday, May 2 | 8 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Theatre

University Commencement Ceremonies Traditional Undergraduate Friday, May 6 | 7:30 p.m.

Gangelhoff Center

Tuesday, April 26 | 8 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Theatre

Adult Undergraduate

Vox 9 and Jazz Ensemble Concert Saturday, April 30 | Buetow Auditorium

7 p.m.

Student Juried Exhibition April 14 - May 4 Concordia Gallery

10 a.m.

Graduate Programs Saturday, May 7 | Gangelhoff Center

Spring Fine Arts Concert

Art

Saturday, May 7 | Gangelhoff Center

Sunday, May 1 | 2 p.m.

Buetow Auditorium

2 p.m.

Christus Chorus Bon Voyage Concert Thursday, May 5 | 7:30 p.m.

Graebner Memorial Chapel

1,377

24

SPRING 2016 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE

New Concordia Graduates This Spring

Donor Support: Creating Opportunities Responsive Partners

Matching Gift Opportunity

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

Our goal by the end of our fiscal year on June 30 is to raise $1,000,000 to empower our students. We have a long way to go, but we can do it. Thanks to two generous friends of Concordia, your gift to the Opportunity Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $50,000 by June 30.

Longtime benefactors Ken and Alix Behm have been generous supporters of Concordia. In November of 2014, they offered their first gift match to the Concordia community, and they’re at it again.

GIVE NOW AND HAVE YOUR GIFT DOUBLED!

WWW.AVE.CSP.EDU/MATCHING

Because of you…

Gifts from alumni and friends like you make stories like Holly’s possible.

Concordia freshman Holly Werning is taking advantage of every opportunity she has at Concordia University, St. Paul. But opportunity wasn’t always so obvious for the Chanhassen, MN native. On Aug. 14, 2010 everything changed for Holly and her family.

My dad, Gary, sustained a traumatic brain injury in a competitive cycling race in Colorado. My mom took a leave of absence from her job as a teacher to care for my dad as he learned simple things again like walking and grabbing objects. He is a hard worker and has recovered physically, but the strains of his brain injury have left him unable to work full-time.

After the accident, I had so much anxiety over money, even panic attacks from worrying how I’m going to pay for college. Then I found out that gifts from people like you could make Concordia more affordable than the larger universities I was researching. Empowered by your gifts, I have high aspirations. I may go into business, marketing or even politics, but I couldn’t do it without your support.

Holly Werning | CSP Freshman

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2016 Homecoming

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