Hei, Hola, Hej, Hello!
June 2015
As Class Agent, a clear goal is for each class letter to help keep you all connected with Concordia on a more personal
and thoughtful level. With technology changes and the speed on how this information is disseminated, it is now more
likely that you receive much of your class information via the Concordia website, emails news snippets, or social media
channels. Many of you also maintain long-time Cobber relationships where happenings are discussed and shared, or
perhaps you have even made a personal stop by Campus just to say “Hello!” This changing environment makes putting
together a meaningful class letter more of a challenge with each passing year.
Over the past few weeks I’ve been thinking about what to prepare and share in this year’s class letter to try to keep it fresh
and relevant for each of you. The Alumni office has compiled and sent news that might be of interest. Life updates from
our classmates have been gathered and all the typically-provided information prepared. Naturally, all of that fantastic
information is summarized and provided; yet, what really sets us apart as Concordia Alumni? In pondering this question
for some time, I kept coming back to that unstoppable Cobber Spirit that all of us seem to share no matter where we are in
the world geographically or in our current life trajectory; this is what truly resonated deep in my soul.
No matter how we greet others, whether it is casually in passing, or while traveling abroad, Cobbers seem to excel in
saying “Hello!” with a genuine smile, spreading abundant cheer to everyone they meet. It is a special gift that fits what is
so special about Concordia and all who pass through campus—a true Cobber Spirit!
Why is that important? Why is that relevant? How is that fresh? What is so different about the people that attend
Concordia? It seems that all the right little things have miraculously come together during our time at Concordia and
helped to form genuinely good, caring, thoughtful and informed people. As people who in live in a world where bad news
is publicized each day, Cobbers, be they from a class of the 1940’s, our class, or the class of tomorrow, continue to make
a difference and share a Concordia experience. Cobbers change the world for the better!
I would like to take this opportunity to challenge each of you to help further expand that unique and special Cobber Spirit
into the world. Each day we touch those that crave an experience such as the one we have all shared. Please find it in
your mind and heart to seek out a young person whom you believe would be a good fit for Concordia, and Concordia for
them. Let us continue to “…influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and
women dedicated to the Christian life.” Let us take it upon ourselves to help continue such a great tradition. Help to
share the gift of the Concordia experience, remain relevant, and make the world a better place for all!
(Refer a potential student to Concordia Enrollment at ConcordiaCollege.edu/refer.)
Concordia “Kernels" (News & Updates)
It may be summer, a time full of long, lazy days, however, campus is still abuzz and the inner workings continue
to churn onward at a rapid pace. As many of you may have heard, this is a time of transition with regards to Concordia’s
budget. New enrollment strategies are being developed to ensure the vitality of this college. We are investing our
resources in people, our newly designed career initiative and integrated learning. In order to do this, we must focus,
innovate, and build.
With focus we are directing college resources where they will best enable us to flourish, drawing in where we need to in
staffing and operational costs, so that we can concentrate on our greatest strengths. We have reduced staffing and
operating expenses in areas of less demand in order to have resources for innovation and growth.
We innovate by fashioning the Concordia experience for all students in a way that enhances their capacity for innovation,
rigor and risk in a highly fluid economy and in a world that needs them to be agile of mind and generous of soul. Here we
would place the integrative learning, career readiness, and vocation/spiritual practice initiatives, each of which is authentic
for Concordia and highly distinctive, if not singular.
We build by creating and putting into practice new programming that increases academic range and the appeal to new
students. Here we would place the new finance major, data analytics minor, heritage and museum studies major that
builds off our Mellon digital humanities grant, and master’s in dietetics leadership. In addition, we are building our
endowment to its highest level and have begun the planned renovation of our science facilities.
Finally, please note the extraordinary expression of faith in Concordia revealed this year in the record breaking giving to
the college by our regents, graduates, faculty, staff and friends. This is a challenging time in higher education: we know
that, and we know that it is through faith and action that we guide Concordia to thrive.
A critical facilities project is starting in the coming year—the Renovation of the Science Facilities.
The College will begin renovating the Jones and Ivers buildings.
 The Board of Regents has approved the project.
 Construction documents will be prepared this summer.
 Total project cost is $45 million.
 Project includes totally gutting of Ivers and extensively remodeling Jones.
 Features include updated mechanical systems, flexible classrooms, t-search labs (teaching/research labs),
research labs, larger faculty offices, and social and informal learning spaces.
 Buildings will have lots of light and open space, similar to the new Offutt School of Business.
 Scheduled to be finished July 2017.
As the Cobber spirit and Concordia continue to grow, new hires of faculty and staff are part of that growing
process.
 Karl A. Stumo was selected as Concordia’s Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing. He will begin his
service on June 1, 2015. Karl is a 1992 Cobber who began his career as a Concordia admission counselor. He
spent most of his career at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash.
o As Cobber Alumni, we can help welcome him and ensure the bright future of Concordia by continuously
sharing our Cobber experiences with youth in our communities. In addition to telling students about the
college, please tell the college about potential students by completing the Refer a Cobber form online at
ConcordiaCollege.edu/refer.
 Carly M. Nelson, Class of 1996, began as the Executive Director of the Career Initiative on April 1. Ms. Nelson
comes to Concordia from Microsoft, where she was the Partner Services Global Go to Market Program
Manager. The Concordia Career Initiative was developed to create an innovative and creative plan of career
readiness for our students, grounded in the context of a twenty-first century liberal arts education and the
Lutheran concept of vocation.
 Linda Soderberg, Administrative Assistant for Alumni Relations, retired after 29 years of dedicated service in the
Advancement Division. Linda had acquired many different nametags – a testament to the multiple roles she held
over the years. Monica Stensland, formerly a Gift Accountant in Advancement Services, has taken Linda’s
position. She is a mother of four, including one current Cobber.
 Dr. Greg Cant, dean of Offutt School of Business, has been named the dean of the Business School and
Professor of Management at Montclair State University, New Jersey. He will continue his role at Concordia
through the end of June. The search is in progress to find the second dean of the business school with the goal
of placing someone by fall.
Music continues to be an integral part of the higher learning experience for many attending Concordia.
Expanding that experience means:
 The Concordia Choir will travel to the Northeast U.S. Feb. 19–Mar. 6, 2016 during its National Tour. They will
also perform at the newly renovated Ordway Theater in St. Paul, Minn. on Feb. 13 as part of their pre-tour.
 The Concordia Orchestra is headed to Colorado for their fall tour Oct. 31–Nov. 8.
 Plans are underway for The Concordia Band to tour Spain in the spring of 2016.
The Concordia Athletics Department continues to rack up the wins and take it to the next level!
 Concordia was one of two teams in the conference to advance to post conference play in all four winter sports:
men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s hockey.
 The wrestling team ranked in the top 10 nationwide for the entire season and nine athletes qualified for the NCAA
National Tournament.
 After placing multiple MIAC championships and multiple All-American awards on the shelves, Cherae Reeves
won the shot put at the NCAA National Indoor Meet to become the college's seventh individual national champion.
 The Baseball team won 26 games straight and is off to its best start since 1995, when Coach Coste was playing
at Concordia.
 Concordia women’s track and field moved into the top 20 in the Apr. 21 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country
Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division III national rankings.
 Concordia women's soccer player Laura Prosinski from Billings, Mont. has been named a recipient of the
prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship for the fall season. Prosinski is one of just 29 female NCAA
Postgraduate Scholarship award winners in all of NCAA Division I, II and III. She is the only athlete from the MIAC
to earn the award.
Of course, behind everything at Concordia is the extremely high standard of Academic excellence.
 Concordia was named one of the top schools in the nation at the American Forensic Association National
Individual Events Tournament (AFA-NIET) April 4-6 in Portland, Ore. More than 200 students from across the
country competed.
 Student Olivia Gear was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program English Teaching Assistantship scholarship
to Germany. Gear is the daughter of William and Debbie Gear, Appleton, Wis.
 USA Today highlighted the impressive work of two Concordia business students who traveled to Kazakhstan to
present their marketing plan for KazBeef, a company flies in North Dakota cattle to grow its beef-producing herds.
 Our annual Celebration of Student Scholarship took place on Apr. 15. This daylong event highlights student
research, scholarship, and creative experiences. Events included paper and poster presentations, music and
theatre performances, an alumni panel and an awards reception.
This year is a momentous occasion for the Concordia Language Villages.
ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org
This summer, the Russian Language Village, Lesnoe Ozero, will celebrate 50 years of providing a language
learning experience that encourages villagers to explore all things Russian. The official celebration will kick off on
July 10 in St. Paul, Minn. and will continue in Bemidji, Minn. on July 11 with a visit to Lesnoe Ozero and an
evening reception.
One of the greatest strengths of Concordia is its Alumni; in recognition, Alumni Awards are put forth each year
for deserving individuals.
 Called to Serve: On Nov. 16, Alumni Relations Director Eric Johnson traveled to Crookston’s Trinity Lutheran
Church to confer the first Called to Serve Award on Ardell Knudsvig ‘60. Ardell was honored for commitment to his
community as evidenced by his long teaching and coaching career, his leadership in faith development at his
church and through Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and his deep connections to the University of Minnesota
Crookston in support of science education and research.
 The National Alumni Board met in Jan. to vote on the 2015 Alumni Achievement and Sent Forth Awards. Their
purpose is to honor alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers and service to others, thereby
honoring The College. These individuals have profoundly influenced the affairs of the world through thought,
word and deed. Alumni Achievement Award recipients must be alumni of a minimum of 20 years, while Sent
Forth recipients are alumni of less than 20 years.
2015 Alumni Achievement Award Recipients
Paul Erickson ’74
Dr. Craig Lambrecht ’83
Dr. Alan Hopeman ‘42
Dr. Howard Nornes ‘53
2015 Sent Forth Recipients
Kristi Rendahl ‘97
Michael Solberg ‘95
Other Interesting News: Bonus “Kernels”
 The College surpassed its fundraising goal and set a fundraising record of $19,970,000!
th
 In 2016 we will celebrate the 125 Anniversary of the founding of Concordia College!
 Reconnect with classmates at Homecoming Oct. 2-4, 2015 (ConcordiaCollege.edu/homecoming).
The Loyal Cobber Program continues. This was mentioned in the class letter last year – please take a moment to
join, as it is a fantastic way to stay involved! ConcordiaCollege.edu/loyalcobber
Do you interact with Cobbers on social media? Are you wearing your ring? Then you just might be a Loyal Cobber. Being
a Loyal Cobber is about staying involved and giving back to future students, feeling a connection and proudly sharing it
with those around you. Let us know if you've taken these four steps and receive a prize!
 CONNECT: Stay Informed
Verify/update your contact information online or by phone to stay connected.
 ENGAGE: Get Involved
Participate in or host an event, mentor or provide a job shadow/intern experience for a student, volunteer on your
Reunion Team or consider other ways to engage.
 SUPPORT: Make an Impact
Give a gift of any size each year. Support student scholarships at Cord.edu/give or specific projects at
CobbersGive.org.

SHARE: Show Your Cobber Pride
Wear your Cobber swag, interact with us on social media using #cordmn or tell your Concordia story to a potential
Cobber.
Giving Makes a Real Difference
This year our class participation was 15.8% and giving totaled $16,798. Since the time we graduated, our class has given
$164,941! THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your generosity!
Traditional methods of giving are still quite important, however, as times change, so do ways to give. An alternative or
supplemental way to give, similar to KickStarter or GoFundMe has been setup by Concordia.
This summer, the launch of the crowdfunding website CobbersGive.org put Concordia on the cutting edge by offering
alumni a new and interactive approach to philanthropy with a specific project-based funding platform. CobbersGive allows
you to support projects that you’re passionate about and to see the results of your contributions. Project examples include
undergraduate research, music or athletic needs, student initiatives and CLV improvements. A little can mean a lot with
specific needs being addressed in a more timely fashion.
Cobbers for Cobbers
Concordia College provides an exceptional education that transforms lives and inspires students to BREW–Become
Responsibly Engaged in the World. With your support, we’ll continue to do so for generations. The Concordia Annual
Fund, driven by a mission-motivated and student-focused strategy, invites you to demonstrate Cobbers for Cobbers by
fueling the tradition of giving to support students and enhance excellence. Annual gifts are immediately put to work where
they’re needed most—to provide vital student scholarships and financial aid, academic programs, student services and
general institutional support for the current fiscal year.
However you choose to give, please consider making a gift to help keep the Cobber spirit alive and well for generations!
Class Notes
Some notes from a few of our classmates: It is wonderful to hear all of the news that transpires. Thank you for sharing!
Jim Jacobson
I would like to publish that I am entering my fourth season at Piedmont Elementary School in Duluth, MN as the Recess
Recreational Specialist. Life is good!
Britt Jacobson
In 2014, Nathan Kjelland purchased the Golden Valley Veterinary Clinic in Park River, ND, where he practices mixed
animal medicine. Britt Jacobson is currently the bookkeeper for the clinic. Their children Clara and Soren are the official
dog walkers.
Natalie Christenson
I will be making a shift out of the corporate world and becoming a financial advisor through Northwestern Mutual in
July. Big change for our family, but exciting!
Becky (Kearns) Sievers
My husband and I had a daughter (Eve Doris) on January 7th of this year. Two months later, we became grandparents
when my stepdaughter Isabell had a baby girl (Aubree Marie).
Also, I don't think I ever sent in info when I got married (July 11th, 2009) to Greg Sievers, or when I graduated from the U
of MN College of Pharmacy in 2013. I work now as a hospital pharmacist in Wabasha, MN.
Robyn Hoffman
In March 2015, I was promoted to Audit Manager for the Fargo Agency division with the North Dakota State Auditor’s
Office. I have been with the State Auditor’s Office for 17 years.
Once a year is far too infrequent to share exciting news! Please don’t hesitate to share notes from the happenings in
your lives on our group Facebook Page and at ConcordiaCollege.edu/classnotes!
“Lost” But Not Forgotten Classmates
Each year there are classmates that we are unable to contact. Should you be in touch with the “camouflage Cobbers”
below, please contact me so that I can update their information or let the Alumni Office know directly by calling
218.299.3734.
Classmates marked with an asterisk* have been on the list since last year. Thank you for your assistance!
*Darcy Thompson
*Anthony Athmann
*Caid Calloway
*Manuel Rosario
*Rachel (Selfridge) Sjostrom
*Ryan Alby
*Daniel Crary
*Kenneth Nelson
*Angela Flaaten
*Steven Sopko
*Ravi Asthana
*Maria Melville
*Tanya Taylor
*Levi Klaudt
*Amy Johansen
*Ann Kristin Marthinsen
*Jennifer Boeff
*Nicole Jones
*Todd Hull
*Karey Nienaber
*Sarah Miller
*Briana Lucas
*Angela Varriano
Kerry Nistler
Heidi (Engesser) Lee
Angela (Carlin) Johnson
In Closing
Thank you all for continuing to be strong Cobber Alumni and for the unique gifts that each of you share with the
world on a daily basis. Should you have any ideas for helping our class to stay relevant, stay in touch with each
other more regularly, or an improvement of any type, please do not hesitate to put it out there. Wishing you a
summer and year ahead full of joy, happiness, and continuing to light the world with Cobber Spirit!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Seth G. Thomas
Concordia Class Agent, 1998
[email protected]