Summer 2016
To the wonderful CLASS OF 1954…
Greetings from the “Land of Orange” – construction warnings all over the FM area this
summer. In fact there is only one exit open to Moorhead when you come from the
East on I94. On campus we have the overhaul of the Science buildings and the replacing of the
roof on Brown Hall … plus the usual summer repairs and the care of the lawn, bushes, etc.
Renovating science facilities is a complex undertaking. The featured highlights will
include: Integration of science and math … Labs for both research and teaching … Glass walls
in the labs to bring in natural light and views into space … Flexible classrooms that provide
space for lectures and group activities … Informal learning spaces that foster the sharing of ideas
between peers and mentors … Faculty offices more conducive to student recruitment and
mentoring … Updated mechanical (air-handling) system… Sustainable design features that will
support certification.
“What we know we need to build is a home for a community of scientists who together – novice
alongside of pro – learn science by doing science, a place defined by shared inquiry.
–Dr. Eric Eliason, Dean of the College and Vice President of Academic Affairs. (He is a son
of Morton Eliason, a member of our class who now lives in St.Peter, MN.)
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Some of the stages of life: Infant ... Child... Teen... Adult... and ... "My, you're looking good for
your age".
Have you ever felt like Rice Krispies cereal in the morning... when you step out of bed your
body goes SNAP, CRACKLE, POP.
Yet our lives...and the life of Concordia's mission goes on!
Last year 43% of us (72 of 166) gave a total of $33,092 to the college! (The Class of 1959 led
our decade with gifts of $332,687.) Since our graduation, our class has given a total of
$2,224,322 to the college.
Concordia now as a new website: CobbersGive.org, which offers us a new approach to
philanthropy with specific project-based funding opportunities such as undergraduate research,
music or athletic needs, student initiatives, etc.
Shortly after graduation our class started "The Special Endowment Fund" in honor of Helen
Torgelson Olson and James Langaas, and in appreciation to others who have overcome special
physical challenges through education and service. The income from the fund is to used:
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To assist the college in providing assistance to students with special needs materials,
tutors, interpreters, visual or audio equipment, etc.
For scholarships awarded through the fund. A scholarship was awarded the last three
years to a student who is legally blind.
So thank you for what you are doing in this "stage of life".
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Here are some interesting things from our journey.
Events from 1932 (birth year):
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Congress sets up Reconstruction Finance Corporation to stimulate economy.
Veterans, known as the Bonus Marchers, march on Washington—most leave after Senate
rejects payment of cash bonuses; others removed by troops under Douglas MacArthur.
Charles A. Lindbergh 's baby son kidnapped and killed. (Bruno Richard
Hauptmann arrested in 1934, convicted in 1935, executed in 1936.)
Amelia Earhart is first woman to fly Atlantic solo (May 20-21).
World Series: NY Yankees defeated Chicago Cubs 4 games to 0.
Jazz composer Duke Ellington writes "It Don't Mean a Thing, If It Ain't Got That
Swing," a song that presaged the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s.
Physicists Sir John Douglas Cockcroft and Ernest Walton split the atom for the first time.
Events from 1954 (graduation year):
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Geneva Conference is convened to bring peace to Vietnam (April to July). The country is
divided at the 17th parallel, pending democratic elections.
Paris agreements grant West Germany sovereignty and admittance to NATO and Western
European Union (Oct. 23; effective May, 1955)
World Series: NY Giants defeated Cleveland 4 games to 0.
NBA Championship: Minneapolis Lakers defeated Syracuse 4 games to 3.
Movies: On the Waterfront, Rear Window, The Caine Mutiny, Sabrina, The High and the
Mighty
First children receive Dr. Jonas Salk's polio vaccine.
The USS Nautilus, the first atomic submarine, is commissioned at Groton, Connecticut.
Boeing tests the 707, the first jet-powered transport plane.
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Here is our own new connection to the Concordia family. Karl A. Stumo was selected as Vice
President for Enrollment and Marketing. He is a 1992 Cobber who began his career as a
Concordia admission counselor. He spent most of his career at Pacific Lutheran University (a
"sister college") in Tacoma, WA.
The reason we know him? His parents taught in the Truman, MN school, and Karl, their only
child, was born there and blessed by God in Holy Baptism at Waverly Church, Trimont, MN
where I (Lyle) was the pastor. What a joy to have this connection again with his journey along
with his wife, Nicole and their children: Bryn, Karsten and Maren.
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If you have any questions about classmates or Concordia events please contact the Alumni
Relations office by calling 800-699-9020 or emailing [email protected]. Also, I put out a weekly
devotion (September-May) by email called the “Rich Weekly” and if you would like to be on my
list, see my address below.
An Irish Celtic blessing: As you go on your way God goes before you to show you the
way...behind you to encourage you... beside you to befriend you ... above you to watch over you
... and within you to give you peace.
Concordially yours,
Joan and Lyle Rich
936 21st Ave S
Moorhead, MN 56560
218-287-1375
[email protected]