Concordia
onnection
C
P O R T L A N D, O R E G O N
•
SUMMER 2008
TRANSFORMATION
ATeachable
Moment
“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”
Sir Isaac Newton wrote to his rival scientist, Robert Hooke,
the following great words: “If I have seen a little further it is by
standing on the shoulders of giants.” As Concordia University
looks toward its bright future this statement is most certainly
true for it as well. It has been my honor to know and serve with
outstanding individuals who provided the solid foundation and
erected the edifice that we know as our university today. F. W. J.
Sylwester, the founding president, Thomas Coates, our second
president, E. P. Weber, our third president, and Chuck Schlimpert,
our current president, all had one trait in common: the ability
to attract and retain faculty and staff members who cared deeply
for the students of Concordia, strove for excellence in academics,
and lived a life befitting one who imitates Christ. For as Christ
served the human race by humbling Himself to literally wash His
disciples’ feet, people like Art Wahlers, Dick Reinisch, John Scheck,
Hans Spalteholz, Frank Gebhard, Alma Dobberfuhl, Dale Fisk and,
many others daily took on the role of “little Christs” that Luther
suggested were an appropriate role for Jesus’ followers. As I view the campus today, bursting at the seams with eager
students, I continue to marvel at how God has blessed this campus
with faculty and staff members standing on the shoulders of those
founding giants and faithfully serving the students of Concordia.
Daily acts of caring are seen in every department. As a result,
students are transformed for service themselves.
Recently I was in an interview with a prospective full-time
faculty member who had served for several years as an adjunct
faculty member at Concordia and several other local colleges. I
asked him to compare his experiences at those schools. He made a
profound statement that reinforces my point. “All the colleges say
they care for students,” he responded, “but Concordia really does.”
Work has begun on our new library and learning center, which
promises to transform the campus. New programs in music and
nursing offer opportunities for different kinds of service. More
students will arrive this fall to expand our rapidly increasing
population. The excitement on campus is palpable. Through it all,
as it has been for the past four decades I’ve been at Concordia, this
common thread is retained: This is a place that demonstrates the
love of Christ by serving its students well and actually caring what
happens to each and every one of them.
Dr. Chuck Kunert, Dean
College of Theology, Arts, & Sciences
P O R T L A N D, O R E G O N
2
16
SUMMER 2008
Concordia Connection is published twice
per year by Concordia University in
Portland, Oregon.
Please address all correspondence to:
Concordia Connection
ATTN: Jeanie-Marie Price
Concordia University
2811 NE Holman Street
Portland, Oregon 97211
or email: alumni@cu-portland.edu
Editor:
•
SUMMER 2008
Campus Life. New developments on and off campus with a law
school on the horizon, the bookstore moving into the community, and a
one-of-a-kind throw center making its' grand debut.
The Dream Becomes A Reality.
10
Concordia, its' supporters, and the surrounding
community celebrate together as the university
breaks ground on the new George R. White
Library and Learning Center.
Current Issues. See how a typical construction project has turned
into an environmental and social manifestation of Concordia's mission.
18
28
33
Alumni Notes. More news and highlights of
life after Concordia.
Navy & White. Catch up on the latest news from
Concordia Athletics.
Nailed to the Door.
Lutheran heritage drives Concordia's mission and a new project focused on the needs
of the church in the northwest.
Jeanie-Marie Price
Contributing Editor:
Kassie Boehringer
Art Director:
Christine Dodge
Graphic designer:
Katrina Dinges
EDITORIAL BOARD:
Kassie Boehringer, Andrea Bruno,
Steve DeKlotz, Christine Dodge,
Jason Dormeyer, Johnnie Driessner,
Jeanie-Marie Price, Julie Rowland
Summer 2008
1
Campus Life
within the music department.
Dr. William Kuhn recently joined
Concordia University, Portland from
Concordia University, Nebraska,
where he served as director of Bands.
Dr. Walter Krueger, a Lutheran music
educator and a Fellow of the American
Guild of Organists with over 35 years of
professional experience, teaches organ
and piano. Dr. Jacqueline Schmidt leads
the String Ensembles and works with
students studying the violin and viola.
James Manuele teaches guitar; and
Lisa Mooyman, Darlyn Jablonski, and
Konstantin Kvach teach studio voice.
Music
Program
Established
Music and music ministry have a
long and storied history at Concordia
University. For decades students have
sung God’s praises on campus, and
spread the Word of God on the road,
traveling the nation and the world.
Starting this fall, Concordia continues
this tradition by offering a Bachelor
of Arts in music for students
seeking to refine their musical talent
in preparation for a rewarding
career. Under the direction of Kurt
Berentsen, chair of the Performing
and Visual Arts department and
director of Concordia’s choral
program, the music program focuses
on three areas of emphasis: music
education, church ministry, and
graduate school preparation.
Concordia has a dynamic group
of faculty members who provide
instruction and mentorship
CU Moves
Forward on
Law School
It is no secret that Concordia
University has been considering
adding a law school. Over the
past year, administrative and
board leadership have been busy
gathering information, meeting
with constituents, and managing
the onslaught of positive attention
associated with this initiative.
All of this work came to fruition
on Wednesday, July 16, when the
Board of Regents voted to authorize
the development of a law school
program in Boise, Idaho, subject to
the acquisition of startup capital and
approval of a dean.
Many are asking why a law school
and why Boise. Because of our
historic relationship with Idaho that
includes students, alumni and
« August 13
100% of the first class of
nursing graduates passes the
National Council Licensure
Examination (NCLEX). The
average pass rate nationally is 88%.
2
concordia connection
philanthropic contributors, Boise’s law
and business community approached
Concordia and shared the need for
law education in the state’s capitol.
This led the university to partner with
Boise, regional and national Lutheran
theologians, lawyers and legal educators
to examine whether Concordia should
establish a uniquely Lutheran law
school and meet this need for
Boise. The work
they did is
reflected in a
white paper that
can be read by
going to www.
concordialaw.
com. From this
work it became
clear that the
university’s
mission to
prepare leaders for
the transformation of
the communities in
which they work and live
would naturally extend into
both law and the Boise market.
The tremendous efforts in
which the university has engaged in
recent years to expand its role as a
premier Lutheran university, compels
the campus to look at stretching
into new academic and geographic
areas in ways that are consistent
with the mission. The law school
program will be focused on the
preparation of lawyers and other legal
professionals who are grounded in
Concordia’s core values and who have
a commitment to community service
that fits our mission.
»
August 24
1,700 students,
the largest class
in CU history, begin
settling in on campus.
Campus Life
It is also a great opportunity to
develop new private support from a
city with which Concordia has a
long-standing relationship. The
funding needed to both establish and
maintain this program will come
from private sources in the Boise area
– sources that have a vested interest
in this program and several of whom
would not otherwise make a large gift
to Concordia.
Track the progress at www.
concordialaw.com.
Bookstore
Steps Off
Campus
and Into
Community
As soon as classes ended for the
summer, the Concordia University
Bookstore packed up and moved out
of the Mary Neils building and into the
community. The new location of the
bookstore is on the corner of NE 30th
and Ainsworth, just two blocks from
campus. The larger space features text
books, Concordia merchandise, gifts,
sundries, and a coffee cart managed by
Sodexho Inc., Concordia’s food service
provider. It features coffee by Sisters
Coffee Company (read more
about Sisters Coffee's
connection
to Concordia
in the alumni
notes section of
this magazine).
«
October 24
Lyceum Series lecture
features riveting survivors from
the Dafur region.
Katy Lawson; Kristine Pugsley; Adam Leyrer; Zach Saltz; Rocky Esposito
Ethics Bowl Champions
On March 8, students from
Concordia University won the 3rd
Annual Ethics Bowl of the Oregon
Independent College Foundation
(OICF), defeating defending
champion, Willamette University.
Hosted this year by Lewis & Clark
College, the 2008 OICF Ethics
Bowl matched student teams from
the OICF’s ten member colleges
and universities in five rounds
of case debates over a variety of
contemporary ethical dilemmas.
Teams of three to five students
were paired in head-to-head
matches and judged by panels
of distinguished leaders from
across the region. Students
grappled with real-world
« November 2-5
Concordia students
hosted the 2007 Beautiful
Feet Conference with 200 participants
from all ten Concordia Universities across
the nation.
ethical questions that challenged their
thinking on issues such as: Is teaching
to the test unethical or an effective
way to ensure that school children
are properly prepared with important
facts that will help them in their
academic careers and future life? Is it
ethical to hold community voting in
faith–based facilities (i.e., churches
and schools)? Is it ethical for cell
phone companies to offer a service
to parents that tracks the location of
their children at any given time?
Concordia’s team was advised by
Professor Michael Thomas ‘93. The
champions were: Katy Lawson, Rocky
Esposito, Adam Leyrer, Kristine
Pugsley and Zach Saltz (pictured
above).
»
November 2
The women’s soccer
team makes their seventh
straight trip to the NAIA
National Championships.
Summer 2008
3
Campus Life
Catherine author, Sigrid Weidenweber
Concordia
University
Publishes Its
First Book
The Center for Volga German
Studies at Concordia University
has published its first book,
Catherine. It is the first volume in the
historical fiction trilogy The Volga
Flows Forever. Written by Sigrid
Weidenweber, author of Escaping
the Twilight, Catherine follows the
transformation of Princess Sophia
December 15
President E.P. Weber received an honorary
doctorate from Concordia University on
his 90th birthday, as a part
of the fall graduation
ceremony.
4
concordia connection
of Anhalt-Zwerbst
into Catherine the
Great of Russia.
The forthcoming
second volume
follows Vadim
and Svetlana to the
German colonies
along the lower Volga,
and the lives of the
Meininger family and
their friends who settled
in Norka and Schaffhausen. The
third book explores the hardships
of collectivization and deportation
in the early Soviet years, and will
finally reunite young Katharina with
the Volga Germans who immigrated
to the San Joaquin Valley of Central
California. Volumes two and three are
scheduled for release in December
2008 and April 2009 respectively.
Born in Germany in 1941,
Weidenweber remembers firsthand
the horrific aftermath of fascism.
At the end of the war, she found
herself living under communism.
Both of these totalitarian regimes left
indelible marks. After the Berlin Wall
was built, she finally escaped with the
help of friends and a French passport.
The Concordia University campus
in Northeast Portland is in the same
neighborhood where Portland’s
Volga German settlement began in
1882. Concordia’s Center for Volga
German Studies is the only one of
its kind in the nation and supports
research into and preservation of
the heritage, history, traditions,
and accomplishments of the
»
January 13
Dr. Steve Braun,
longtime Concordia
business faculty member, is
appointed the new Dean of the
School of Management.
Volga Germans. The Center seeks
knowledge and understanding of
the relevance of Volga Germans
yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Catherine retails for $29.95
(which includes shipping) and can be
purchased at cvgs.cu-portland.edu.
It can also be purchased in some retail
outlets [ISBN(13)978-1-934961-00-1
or ISBN(10)1-934961-00-0].
Outstanding
Teachers Join
Concordia
Faculty
Last fall, Concordia welcomed
three new faculty members to
campus who will continue to serve
students for the upcoming academic
year. Dr. Erin A. Mueller serves as
an associate professor of Psychology
in the College of Theology, Arts &
Sciences. She has a B.A. from the
University of Northern Iowa, a Ph.D.
from Brigham Young University,
and is doing her post-doctoral
residency at Oregon Health & Science
University. Dr. Michele Klich Wayte
and Dr. Wilson F. Zehr joined the
School of Management. Wayte is an
associate professor of Marketing.
She earned her B.A. and Ph.D. from
Purdue University, and her M.A. from
DePaul University. Zehr, associate
professor of Finance and Marketing,
holds B.S., M.B.A., and Ph.D. degrees
from Portland State University.
«
FEBRUARY 23
The CU Choir joins with Pastor Derrick
Traylor and the Rehoboth World
Healing Center Gospel Choir for
“Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers
– a celebration of African American
musical contributions”
Campus Life
Five new faculty members will
join Concordia this fall. Dr. Lori
Sanchez ‘94, M.Ed. ‘00 will serve as
an associate professor for the College
of Education. She is a Concordia
University graduate and completed
her doctoral work at George Fox
University. Dr. William Kuhn will
join the faculty of Concordia’s new
music program as a full professor. For
the past 15 years, he was an associate
professor of music at CU-Nebraska.
Dr. Joel Davis will join the College
of Theology, Arts & Sciences faculty
as an assistant professor of History,
taking the position previously held
by JD Wyneken. Davis recently
completed his doctorate at the
University of Missouri and taught at
Saint Louis University in Missouri.
Ronald Miolla, M.B.A. will take a
more permanent role in the School
of Management where he has been
an adjunct instructor since 2003. He
will begin as an associate professor of
Finance and Accounting, and comes
with an extensive background in
the field. At time of publication, the
office of the Provost expected to add
three additional faculty members.
Those individuals will be announced
in the next edition of this magazine.
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« April 3
The world’s largest convocation
of academicians and scholars
gather to share new research on
the life and works of the Elizabethan era’s premier
poet, playwright, and wordsmith at Concordia for the 12th
Annual Shakespeare Authorship Studies Conference.
Concordia
Says Viva
Italia!
➋
This May, 45
Concordia
students, alumni,
faculty, and
friends of the
university traveled
to Italy and Sicily
(Venice, Florence,
Assisi, Sorrento,
Island of Capri,
Taormina in
Sicily, Mt. Etna,
Palermo, Pompeii, and Rome) for a
historical tour led by alumnus and
faculty member, Michael Thomas
'93. Since a picture is worth 1,000
words, here are some highlights
from the trip of a lifetime.
PHOTOS: ➊ Associate Professor Michael
Thomas '93 overlooking Florence; ➋ Roman
Forum (Temple of Saturn; Arch of Septimius
Severus); ➌ The students take a classic gondola
ride in Venice; ➍ The Duomo in Milan.
➍
Summer 2008
5
Campus Life
Spring Break in New Orleans
Across campuses nationwide,
Spring Break is typically a time when
students flee for the sunny sands
of tropical destinations, or to their
homes for a final moment of rest
before gearing up for the end of the
term. Not so for a unique group of
Concordia students who spent their
Spring Break (March 24-29) in New
Orleans as a part of the Habitat for
Humanity Collegiate Challenge. Led
by Professor Julie Rowland and Scott
Ferguson, coordinator of Community
Engagement & Service Learning at
»
April 11
Hundreds of people gather
on NE Liberty Street to help
break ground on the George
R. White Library and
Learning Center.
6
concordia connection
Concordia, the eight students were
joined by 700 other college students
and descended on New Orleans
to lend a helping hand and to live
out Concordia's mission to prepare
leaders for the transformation of
society.
The pictures on the news and
reports from the ground all indicate
that many of the families whose
homes and lives were devastated
by Hurricane Katrina are still
financially unable to reconstruct their
lives. Habitat for Humanity, which
»
specializes in providing housing
for low-income families around the
world, brought their work to the
area of New Orleans, and is working
diligently to create some level of relief
for those who have suffered so much.
Concordia volunteers were
stationed at Camp Hope, a former
high school that was completely
flooded by Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita and converted by Habitat for
Humanity into accommodations
for staff and volunteers. The team
spent the week at 2701 Kenilworth
Drive where they worked to build
a new home for a family forced to
temporarily relocate to Kansas. After
the storm, the house was eventually
discovered more than four blocks
away from its original foundation.
At the conclusion of the five days,
Concordia’s team had contributed
over 400 hours of labor. Together
with a group of volunteers from
New York, they had framed almost
the entire home. It was a significant
contribution towards Habitat’s goal
of building 1,500 new homes in the
areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina
over the next 10 years.
“I can’t imagine working with
a more committed, right-minded
group of students,” Rowland shared.
“Our students were there for all the
right reasons, and both their hard
work and compassionate hearts were
a gift to experience. The financial
support and prayers of the Concordia
community were incredible.” The
university is hoping to make this an
annual Spring Break event.
April 17
Alter Wiener, Holocaust survivor
and author of From a Name to
a Number: A Holocaust Survivor’s
Autobiography, shares stories from his experience at
a Lyceum Series lecture.
Campus Life
Concordia
Cavaliers
Launch New
Identity
There are several iterations and
uses of the Concordia athletics
logo. The Concordia ‘Cavaliers’ logo
(pictured left) is the primary logo,
and will be seen on the gym floor,
merchandise, stationery, and more.
It communicates very clearly who
the Cavaliers are and is effective in
making Concordia’s name visible.
Two secondary, or spirit marks,
were also developed – a “C” and a
set of swords. The secondary marks
will show up on hats, uniforms,
and more. It is a great time to be
a Cavalier and these new marks
establish a new look and feel that
will make a stronger statement to the
public about Concordia athletics.
The new logo is not the only
change in the athletics department.
As was announced many months
ago, the university re-structured the
position of Athletic Director and
launched a search to fill this new
position. After a lengthy search, the
university has named Matt English
to this position. Matt is a native
Portlander and graduated from
Columbia Christian High School. He
has a B.A. in Business Administration
from Seattle Pacific University, and
an M.B.A. from the University of
Oregon’s Warsaw Sports Marketing
Center. Since 2001, Matt has worked
for the University of Oregon’s athletic
department in a variety of roles
starting as a graduate intern for the
Duck Athletic Fund, then as regional
As witnessed in the Navy & White
section of this magazine, this is an
exciting time to be a Cavalier and
a great time of transformation for
the university. As such, the athletic
department spent much of the past
year working with Portland-based
Sockeye Creative on the creation of
a new logo and identity system, in
hopes of more clearly articulating the
mission and values of Concordia’s
athletics program. Concordia
University athletics is a strong and
dynamic program and through this
new identity system, the university
hopes to put forward a more singular
and bold statement about the history,
tradition, and excellence of the
Cavaliers.
« April 22
CU hosts the 14th Annual CEO Roundtable Luncheon, presented
by KeyBank. Regional business leaders fill the ballroom at the
Governor Hotel to hear from Judy Peppler, President, Qwest
Communications, Oregon; Stephen P. Reynolds, Chairman,
President, and CEO of Puget Energy & Puget Sound Energy; and
Larry G. Miller, President of the Portland Trail Blazers.
»
May 5
Members of CU’s
musical ensembles
head south for a
12-day tour through
California, Nevada, and Oregon, providing
music and worship at more than 14 stops.
May 6
Concordia begins offering its Master of Education
program off-site in the Aloha-Beaverton area.
This fall, CU will expand the cohort
offerings to Gresham, Lake Oswego,
Milwaukie, and Medford.
Summer 2008
7
Campus Life
Concordia Previews
One-of-a-Kind
Throw Center
On July 2, close to 200 people took a
break from the U.S. Olympic Track and
Field Trials in Eugene, Ore. to gather
at the new Concordia University Throw
Center for an exclusive sneak peak.
Located on 10 acres of land near
the Portland International Airport, the
Concordia University Throw Center was
developed by Olympian and Concordia
Throws Coach, Mac Wilkins, to provide a
training ground for throwers from youth
levels, to collegiate athletics, to Olympic
hopefuls. The facility’s design features a large shelter at
the hub to allow all four implements (javelin, hammer,
discus, and shot put) to be thrown simultaneously in a
safe environment.
“The Throw Center will be a tremendous resource
for throwers of all levels by providing year-round camps
and clinics with expert instruction in all of the events,”
Concordia Track and Field Head Coach Randy Dalzell
said at the event. “It will also provide great competition
for all ages with a series of events including a throwing
summit, which will be a combination of instruction and
competition at the highest levels.”
director of development for the
fund, working his way up to associate
director of development for the fund,
and in June of 2007 took over as
interim executive director.
During English’s tenure with the
Duck Fund he helped to grow the
May 20
The women’s golf team begins play at
the NAIA National Championships,
their fourth straight trip to the
tournament. They finish 11th out
of 23 teams who competed.
In addition to Wilkins, other Olympians
and World Record holders attended with
their families in tow such as Les Tipton
(javelin, 1964), and Brian Crouser (javelin,
1988, 92).
“This is a resource for throwers around
the country. The participation programs
will bring in the local community as well as provide
opportunities for elite U.S. throwers,” Mac Wilkins said.
Concordia University’s track and field programs
have produced eight NAIA national champions in three
years of competition. Three Cavalier throwers captured
individual championships this past season, including
junior Annie Hess, who set the NAIA meet record in the
discus last season and qualified to participate in the
U.S. Olympic Trials this summer in Eugene, Ore. Hess
finished the season with the overall top collegiate mark
in the discus with a throw of 192 feet, 7 inches and is
ranked No. 8 in the country.
fund by more than 40 percent to
$10.5 million. In 2007, he directed
fundraising efforts for the athletics
department, generating nearly
$13 million in support. English
was instrumental in creating and
executing the private fundraising
«
plans for the University of Oregon’s
planned basketball arena. In
addition, he worked with coaches
and administrative staff to assist with
scheduling, strategic planning, and
other administrative duties. He
joined the Concordia staff in mid-July.
May 24
In only their third season of
competition, the Cavaliers’
Track & Field team crowned three
national champions at the NAIA
finale and produced nine All-Americans.
June 2
The Concordia Athletic Dept. hosts the
7th Annual Fore the Students Golf
Tournament. More than 150 alumni,
supporters, and friends play golf
and raise $50,000 to support
scholarships for student athletes.
Front to back:
A Gift That Keeps Giving.
A
ttending Concordia has become a DeWitz
family tradition. All five of H. Dale DeWitz’s
children are alumni. Recently, Mr. DeWitz decided
it was time to give back and support other families
who value the Concordia experience.
“I wanted others to receive the kind of education
my children experienced at Concordia.”
By giving through a Gift Annuity he was able to
increase his annual income for life, save on taxes, and
give back to students who would not have been able
to afford college without assistance.
To find out more about funding a Gift Annuity
call (503) 280-8505 or (800) 752-4736 today. For
H. Dale DeWitz
Carol (DeWitz) Brandon
Allison (DeWitz) Zimmerman
Brenda (DeWitz) Niman
Dalene (DeWitz) Agost
Not pictured:
Eric DeWitz
complete information on all of the estate planning
services offered by the Concordia University Foundation
view our website at www.cu-portland.edu/estates.
w w w . c u - p o r t la n d . e d u / E S T A TE S
(503)280-8505 / (800)752-4736
Feature Story
The
Dream
Becomes
Reality
A
s the first shovel hit the ground
with strains of “Ain'-a That Good
News” in the background, the
hundreds of alumni
and friends attending
the groundbreaking for
the George R. White
Library and Learning
Center realized they
were present for a
truly extraordinary
moment in Concordia’s
history; a moment that
was celebrated at a gala the previous
evening honoring the occasion, as
well as the 25 years of leadership by
President and Mrs. Schlimpert.
10
concordia connection
Feature Story
by Jeanie-Marie Price
Summer 2008
11
Feature Story
On the evening of April 10, Concordia dressed up the gym in navy
and white, struck up the band, and welcomed friends and supporters for a
celebration like none other seen on campus before. Under starlit trees, more
than 500 Concordia supporters toasted the start of the transformation of the
campus and the 25 years of service of Chuck and Patti Schlimpert. It was an
evening that kicked off the university’s comprehensive capital campaign –
From Success to Significance – a private fundraising campaign that will raise
more than $34 million for the campus by 2010.
The first project, and the cause for celebration, was the George R. White
Library and Learning Center. The $17 million project will increase academic
space by 75 percent and more than double the capacity for library volumes.
The development of the library also includes a quad and the Geri White
Campanile, enhancing the current campus environs. In addition to being
community friendly (the library has a community meeting room, a coffee
shop, and an entrance that is outward facing), it is also environmentally
friendly and is Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Developmental
Design) certified by the Green Building Council for environmentally
sustainable construction. The new building will also include a number of
key academic centers including the Center for Applied Lutheran Leadership,
The Shakespeare Authorship Research Centre, and the Northwest Center for
Children's Literature to name a few.
All of the great features of the building, as well as the accomplishments
of the campus were touted by Gala Chairperson, University Regent and
Foundation Director, Gloria Edwards. Portland Mayor Tom Potter was
a highlight of the event and presented a four-year, full-ride Concordia
An
University scholarship to incoming freshman Cinthia Hernandez (who, at
the time, was a senior at Portland’s Jefferson High School). Mayor Potter
remarked that, “Concordia is truly a partner in our community and is
EVENING
12
concordia connection
making a difference in the lives of others.”
Feature Story
“God has richly
blessed this
university and
its community
far beyond my
expectations—
something He
does regularly.”
» President Chuck Schlimpert
PHOTOS: TOP: Patti Schlimpert. MIDDLE:
Lois (Schmidt) Gogl ‘56. BOTTOM: President
Chuck Schlimpert. FAR LEFT: Portland Mayor,
Tom Potter. FAR RIGHT: Pastor Derrick Traylor.
At the close of the program, President
Schlimpert had the opportunity to
address the crowd, “Patti and I are
grateful for your partnership and the
very special opportunity to serve this
university for much longer than we
ever anticipated. God has richly blessed
this university and its community far
TO
beyond my expectations—something
He does regularly.”
ReMEMBER
Summer 2008
13
On Friday, April 11 the campus moved its normal chapel time outside of
St. Michael’s and onto NE Liberty Street for a special service to break ground
on the first new academic building on campus in more than 15 years. Hundreds
of students, Concordia community members, neighbors, civic leaders, and
philanthropic supporters of the university gathered together in prayer and
fellowship to launch the construction. The excitement and significance of the day
was symbolized with each turn of the soil. Years of planning and hard work were
bearing fruit at last—the dream is becoming a reality.
Northwest District President Warren Schumacher, student body president,
Zach Saltz, community member and President of the Black Parent Initiative,
Charles McGee, longtime friend of the university, Ross Edwards, and others
spoke of the importance of the George R. White Library and Learning Center and
the impact it would have on generations of Concordia students and community
members alike.
The library is named for George R. White, president of National Bark Sales
in Boise, Idaho, whose relationship with Concordia spans more than two decades.
He, along with his wife Geri, has given generously of time and talent to Concordia.
His nephew, Andrew White, now a Concordia University Foundation Director,
was on hand to place the ceremonial shovels into the ground with the Schlimperts.
With the leadership and generous support of Concordia friends and alumni,
the transformation has begun. Concordia’s expansion will soon allow the physical
campus to keep pace with the momentum of its programs, its students, and its
community.
To learn more about the Success to Significance Campaign, watch the construction
in progress, and to view our transformation video, visit the Concordia University
website’s Campus Expansion page, www.cu-portland.edu/giving/success. Come
back often to keep updated on the progress of the George R. White Library and
Learning Center through the LIVE webcam. Join the excitement as the next phase
PHOTOS: TOP: Concordia University Foundation Chair,
George Thurston. MIDDLE: Concordia University
choir members file into the groundbreaking celebration.
BOTTOM: Black Parent Initiative President, Charles
McGee. LARGE PHOTO: Rev. Dr. Art Wahlers and
his son, current provost Dr. Mark Wahlers HS ‘76.
BOTTOM LEFT: Northwest District President, and
Chairman of the Board of Regents, Warren Schumacher.
BOTTOM MIDDLE: University Regent, Foundation
Director, and Gala Chairperson, Gloria Edwards.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Asst. Professor, Keylah (Boyer)
Frazier ‘97, Dean Dr. Chuck Kunert, Executive Vice
President, Gary Withers, and Regent
and Foundation Director, Andrew White.
14
concordia connection
of Concordia’s future unfolds.
A
DAY
TO
CELEBRATE
ATE
Summer 2008
15
Current Issues
Old homes bring
new opportunities
by Kassie Boehringer
Matt Burton ‘97 stands outside one of the 47 homes he plans to relocate for use by
low-income families through his organization, Homes Worth Keeping and Burton
Property Holdings.
According to the Portland
Housing Authority, there are more
than 10,000 families and individuals
seeking affordable housing in
Portland, Ore., 1,000 of which are on
a waiting list and in direct need of a
place to call home. 88 of these lowincome families will have affordable
housing, more than 331,565 cubic
feet of materials will not see a
landfill, and 1,094 mature trees will
continue to live and grow thanks
to Concordia University’s efforts to
reuse its resources in the midst of
construction.
Concordia’s campus expansion
plan has become more than
new buildings. Through unique
partnerships, this once typical
16
concordia connection
construction
project is now an
environmental
and social
manifestation
of Concordia’s
mission
to prepare
leaders for the
transformation
of society.
In order to
make way for the George R. White
Library and Learning Center, quad,
new residence hall, and new athletic
complex, the University needs to
remove 47 homes that once served
generations of students and staff
as married housing. Instead of
demolishing the homes, Concordia
is partnering with alumnus Matt
Burton ‘97 of Homes Worth Keeping
and The ReBuilding Center to give
the old buildings new life while
helping others in the community.
Late last year as Concordia
University CFO Denny Stoecklin was
strategizing the best way to clear the
way for new construction on campus,
he happened to take a seat at a
dinner next to Matt Burton. Burton,
who has a business degree from
Concordia, was
at the dinner
to speak about
his successful
non-profit
organization,
Extraordinary
Young People,
which provides
mentorship,
education,
and support
programs
for Native
American
children, young
adults, and
their families
on reservations,
villages, and
reserves.
Burton also
heads Burton
Property Holdings, a company that
provides housing for low-income
families in Southwest Washington.
It was this chance meeting that
brought Concordia and Burton
into a partnership like no other. As
an extension of Burton Property
Current Issues
Holdings, Burton developed Homes
Worth Keeping. With a team of
nearly 30 people, Burton plans to
move and refurbish all but three of
Concordia’s old houses, converting
them to duplex units with two
separate living spaces. Working with
the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development, AccuTrust
Real Estate, ECONorthwest, and
NW Structural Moving, Burton will
rent the duplexes at a reduced rate to
working, low-income families.
A native Portlander, Burton
graduated from Mountain View High
School in 1985. He attended Warner
Pacific College and later Concordia,
supporting himself through college
in part by cutting onions for $6 an
hour. Led by his strong relationship
with God, Burton has dedicated his
life to serving the underserved. He
created Extraordinary Young People
and Homes Worth Keeping to help
disadvantaged children and adults
fulfill their potential.
Currently, Burton and his team
are looking for large plots of land in
Multnomah County where they can
relocate the houses. Once the land is
purchased, Burton will begin moving
the homes—three a day—through
the streets of Portland.
“This is a unique project,” Burton
said. “At least 27 of the houses have
to be moved by April 30, 2009. We’re
working hard to make sure we meet
the deadline.”
The three homes that cannot
be moved will be dismantled by
DeConstruction Services, a local
non-profit organization, and donated
to its parent organization ReBuilding
Center of Our United Villages. The
process can be more cost-effective
compared to the “wrecking ball
approach,” and up to 85 percent of
the building materials can be salvaged
and used for future projects.
The ReBuilding Center, located in
Portland on N. Mississippi, sells the
saved materials through its 52,500
square foot warehouse. It functions
like a thrift store for building
materials and donations are taxdeductible. The center is open to the
public and is a popular destination
for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers,
contractors, and artists, who enjoy 50
to 90 percent off regular retail prices.
Many of the materials that cannot
be reused for future building projects
become inspiration for one-of-a-kind
furniture pieces created by ReFind
Furniture, a department of The
ReBuilding Center, which creates
picture frames, tables, mirrors, and
other functional works of art.
The ReBuilding Center’s goals
include improving the environment
by reusing materials that would
otherwise be dumped into landfills,
providing livable-wage jobs in
an economically depressed area,
educating the community on the
benefits of recycling, and providing
quality and environmentally sound
building and remodeling materials at
affordable prices.
With ingenuity, hard work, and a
passion for improving the community,
Concordia University, Homes Worth
Keeping, and The ReBuilding Center
are turning old homes into vital
resources for local families. While
Concordia’s new buildings and
athletic fields will vastly improve the
university’s ability to serve, the homes
that once stood in their places will
also continue to transform lives well
into the future.
For more information about
DeContruction Services and The
ReBuilding Center, visit www.
rebuildingcenter.org.
Summer 2008
17
Alumni Notes
Alumni
otes
N
What’s new in your life?
Stay in touch and keep us posted on all of your news.
New baby, new job, new spouse, new house, great
vacation, milestone anniversaries, recent retirement...
send us an e-mail and give us the update on what’s
happening in your life. Feel free to include photos,
including high-resolution (300 dpi) wedding and baby
pictures:
EMAIL: alumni@cu-portland.edu
Or send mail to Alumni Notes, 2811 NE Holman St., Portland, OR 97211
60’s
Bill Berner is a senior vice president and
financial consultant with D.A. Davidson
& Co.’s Bend office and was recently
named to the firm’s President’s Club in
recognition of his strong professionalism
and commitment to clients.
Connie (Schwarzkopf) Nichols writes,
“After many years of not keeping up
with classmates, here is the perfect
opportunity to do so! I was a cop for 6
1/2 years, taught in a one-room school
for 15 years, had a landscaping business,
and was attacked by the dreaded Multiple
Sclerosis in 1999. I married John Nichols
in 1991 (he retired from Seattle Fire Dept.
in 1992) and we moved to Palisades,
Wash. in 2001. I would love to hear from
former classmates.” E-mail Connie at
nichols4gfarm@genext.net.
1971
1974
1963
Stephen Ude HS recently built a new
home in Ogden, Iowa and looks forward
to retirement in a few years.
1966
70’s
Grace Jewett lives in Battle Ground,
Wash. She is an administrator for
Vancouver Public Schools where she
continues to serve deaf people. Grace is
the mother of three (Margo, Amy, and
Michael), and grandmother to Margo’s
first-born, Ty Anthony Williams.
Dennis Morrison and Dolores (Fulton)
Morrison ‘71 are serving as missionary
teachers in Seoul, South Korea. Dennis
writes, “We have been here for 10
months and plan to be here a while. It
is wonderful to be serving our Lord
in this manner. If you are coming to
Korea, let us know.” E-mail them at
ddmorrison51@gmail.com.
18
concordia connection
Karen DuVal-Preuit is involved in cofounding a Christian Vocational College
with 12 charitable outreaches integrated
into the curriculum. As it develops they
will be seeking pastors, professors, and
lay workers. E-mail her at ZenasCenter@
solid.net.
Allan Rumsch is
teaching second
grade for a
Department of
Defense school
on Incirlik Air
Base in Turkey.
1977
John Nordling spent time this past spring
in Pretoria, South Africa, where he taught
at the Tswhane Lutheran Seminary.
1978
Maughn Hagel has been a Special
Education teacher at Corvallis High
School for 25 years. He and his wife, Joy,
recently celebrated their 20th wedding
anniversary, and they have three children,
Katelyn (16), Taylor (14), and Kallie (9).
Pamela (Beal) Knight moved from
Buffalo, NY back to Tacoma, Wash. after
23 years at the University at Buffalo as a
graduate student and then as a researcher
in the field of community policing. She
married Mark Knight on October 28,
2007 and works for the Seattle Police
Foundation.
1979
Richard Keegan writes, “A lot has
happened since I graduated with my A.A.
in 1979. I received my B.S.N. from the
University of Portland in 1981, I obtained
a M.Ed. in teaching from National
University in 2003, and completed my
M.S. in Nursing at CSU, Sacramento
where I now teach clinical part time. I
recently retired from nursing at UC Davis
Medical Center after 22 years, where I
started as a new graduate R.N. in 1981. I
am currently applying to the University of
San Francisco for a Doctorate in Nursing
Practice.”
John King lives in Spanaway, Wash. with
his wife Nikki (Ruff) ALND ‘79. Their
oldest daughter is an R.N., youngest
daughter is in the Army and will be
attending PLU ROTC
this August, and their
adopted son is 12 years
old. “Life has been
good and we’re looking
forward to retirement in a
few years.”
80
1980
’s
Jeff Kranich received the 2008 Lux
Christi Award from Concordia for
excellence in Christian Education.
Alumni Notes
Coach Brandt Helps Concordia
Bid Farewell to an Old Friend
Michael “Mike” Matlock is chairman
of the Northern California Officials
Association. This past fall he was
selected to officiate one of the three state
football championship games, an honor
that was featured in The Lodi News.
Mike is currently a fifth grade teacher at
Fairsite Elementary School in Galt, Calif.
and has three grown children.
Greg Williamson writes, “I’ve been an
active duty Army chaplain since 1986
and am now at Ft. Meade, Md. Jackie
and I celebrated our 25th wedding
anniversary this year. I’ve enjoyed
military ministry, and I will continue
to pray that Army beats Navy.”
1981
Liz (Richmond) Sedore and her
husband, Jim, were commissioned in
June, 2007 as missionaries to Mongolia.
Liz plans to work in women’s ministries
and Celebrate Recovery leadership,
and Jim will work in reforestation
and men’s ministry. Visit her blog at
LJMonGO.blogspot.com.
1982
Brian Brumsickle is currently the
high school principal at the American
International School of Dhaka. In
August he will move to become the
principal at the American School of
Warsaw.
Randy Zook was featured as the
Teacher of the Week in The Orlando
Sentinel. Randy teaches mathematics
at Orlando Lutheran Academy in
Orlando, Fla.
1983
Richard Wildhirt was named Minister
of Classic Worship at St. Luke’s
Lutheran Church in Federal Way, Wash.
following the retirement of former
Concordia faculty member, Ray Sievert.
Richard’s duties include worship
planning, organist, and choir director.
Daughter, Terilyn (CU-Irvine ‘06) is
a 7th grade teacher at the Concordia
School in Tacoma, Wash. Son, Phillip,
wed Tabitha Brauer (CU-Irvine
‘07), daughter of Doug ’86 and Beth
(Heiden) Brauer ‘85, in May 2008.
If there is one name that is synonymous
with Concordia athletics it is Dwaine
Brandt. He was the head coach of the
baseball team for 29 years, touching
the lives of more than 400 players,
coaching them in an estimated 8,000
innings. So you can imagine how it
felt when he bid farewell to the old
field at the closing ceremony after the
alumni games this spring, clearing
the way for the George R. White
Library and Learning Center taking
its place. For him, and the hundreds
of others in attendance who shared
moments of glory and camaraderie
on that field for more than 60 years,
the emotion was palatable.
Dwaine’s teaching career at
Concordia spans 40 years throughout
which he developed a number
of Humanities courses, chaired
the History and Social Science
Department, and served as head
and assistant basketball coach, in
addition to his time spent on the
baseball field.
1984
The accomplishments of Scott Aker, Wilson
High School athletic director and boy’s
basketball coach in Portland, Ore., were
recently featured in The Portland Tribune.
The article also mentioned Scott’s son,
In a recent interview on campus,
Dwaine said, “I didn’t come here to
make money. I didn’t come here to
get ready to go to another school. I
came here to spend my entire life at
the same place, and it was the best
decision I ever made.” And it was a
decision that has paid huge dividends
for generations of Blue Jays and
Cavaliers. Dwaine was inducted into
the NAIA District 2 Coaches Hall of
Fame in 1991. Although he retired
from Concordia in 1999, he continues
to coach the alumni team at the
annual alumni games and stays
involved in campus life.
When the university breaks ground
and subsequently dedicates the new
athletic complex and the baseball field
within it, you can bet Coach Brandt
will be in attendance. He may be
retired, but his dedication to Concordia
University continues to pave the way for
those who have come behind him.
Cody Aker ‘08, who was the co-captain and
the second-leading scorer of Concordia’s
men’s basketball team. His youngest son,
Gage, will be a freshman at CU-Portland in
the fall where he, too, will play basketball.
Summer 2008
19
Alumni Notes
1985
Kimberly Petersen was appointed by
Calif. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
as the community program manager
for the Northern California Re-Entry
Facility in Stockton, which is part of the
California Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation. Kim was also recognized
at last fall’s reunion with the Alumni of
Distinction Award.
1987
D’Norgia Taylor Price published a new
book, String Beans & Candy Canes: A Novel!
Wayne Johnson writes, “I retired from
full-time work as a police supervisor,
and aside from my Concordia degree,
I have also graduated from other
management trainings such as the FBI
National Academy, the Oregon Executive
Development Institute, and Executive
Police training at Portland State
University. After high school, I
served from 1961-1965 in the US
Navy, and visited ports in Japan,
Okinawa, the Philippines, Laos,
and Vietnam. I have been happily
married for 37 years to Joanne
Johnson ALJC ‘68, and we have
one daughter, Joan, a college
student.”
1994
David Burkhardt welcomed
his first child, Aryn Grace, on
August 9, 2006. Ayrn was born
while David was serving in
Mosul, Iraq.
1988
Karina (Savage) Strandjord MAT ‘02
recently moved to Big Fork, Mont. with
her husband, Joe, and daughters, Olivija
and Sofie. Joe is the pastor of Bethany
Lutheran Church.
1989
Dan Berg and Tressa (Little) Berg ‘90 live
in Shoreline, Wash. with their teenage
children, K.C. and Zack. Tressa is an
algebra teacher and cross country and
track coach at King’s High School in
Seattle, Wash. Dan teaches P.E. at King’s
Elementary.
90’s
1992
Daniel Clem was appointed director of
the Oregon Department of Aviation by
Ore. Governor Ted Kulongoski in August
2007. He and his wife, Debbie, have five
grown children and five grandchildren.
Robert Musfeldt and his wife, Alice,
welcomed their son, Blake Robert
Musfeldt, on November 8, 2006. Robert
is currently the assistant principal of
Murchison Middle School in Austin,
Texas.
1993
Tamara “Tami” Briggs MBA recently
joined Coca-Cola Enterprises as the
director of category planning.
20
concordia connection
Dawn (Grauer) Hooks and Michael
Hooks ‘95 have two daughters, Danica
(3) and Hannah (infant). Both children
were adopted from birth through Antioch
Adoptions, a Christian adoption agency
founded by Dr. Ken Hutcherson, pastor
of Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland,
Wash. After working at the Washington
State School for the Blind for seven
years, Michael started Next Level
Assistive Technology (www.nextlevelat.
com). His company provides software
and hardware technology to the blind
and visually impaired. Michael is also
an adjunct instructor at Portland State
University in the graduate program for
visually impaired learners. Dawn taught
K-3 education at the Washington State
School for the Blind and was an adjunct
instructor at Portland State University
in the graduate program for visually
impaired learners. She is currently taking
a sabbatical from teaching to stay at home
full-time with their daughters.
1994
Toni (Laue) Schimming is pursuing
a Master of Arts in applied theology,
specializing in pastoral and spiritual
counseling at Marylhurst University.
Toni, her husband, Paul, and daughter,
Margaret, have lived in the Concordia
neighborhood for the past 16 years.
Amy (Westland)
Zuckerman and
her husband,
Howard,
welcomed a baby
girl, Zoey Rae, on
April 2, 2008. Zoe
joins big brother
Zachary.
1995
Emily (Junken)
House is in
her eighth
year “walking
the journey of
adoption.” She and
her husband, Brian, have two children,
Abby (4) and Benjamin (2). She would
love to connect with her classmates.
E-mail her at emily.house@msn.com.
Dave Hurt is the facilities department
contract manager for the Port of
Vancouver.
1996
Amy Gehrke was recently named director
of Graduate Admission in CU’s Office of
Admission.
Kimberly Morton married Ethan Bench
on July 14, 2007. They live in Burien,
Wash. Kim is the book production
manager at Tape Ministries NW, a lending
library of Christian Audio Books for the
blind and disabled. She is a published
handbell composer, and is looking to
get involved in music ministry at a local
church now that she and her husband are
getting settled in to their new community.
Mike Nolan is serving on the La Center
City Council in La Center, Wash.
1997
Ilene Gilbert is the regional vice
president of Ambulatory Network for
Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in
Joliet, Ill.
Neill Twigg teaches elementary P.E. at
Eastwood and Groner Elementary Schools
in Hillsboro, Ore. Neill also coaches girl’s
basketball at Hillsboro High School.
1998
Luis Alcala MBA ‘07 is a senior solutions
consultant for BCSI in Beaverton, Ore.
Shane Bassett is the principal of Glenfair
Elementary School in Portland, Ore.
Diane Hill MBA ‘03 writes, “I moved
back to Seattle, Wash. in 2005, and
after 15 months as a Boeing project
manager contractor, I have landed back
at a university. Well sort of. I now work
for a company called SunGard Higher
Education, a contract services company
that provides information technology
services to approximately 1600 colleges
and universities. My client is Seattle
University and my office is actually
located on their campus. My mission is to
set up a project management office and
instill project management practices and
principles. I really am enjoying my job
and it is most enjoyable to be involved
again with faculty, staff, and academia
and not have any homework!”
Jenn Klotz was recently featured in the
Tigard Times for her musical endeavors
and volunteer work. Jenn is a member of
the musical group, Pressure Point, and
is an employee recognition specialist for
Oregon Health & Science University.
Joel McGinley works for Cox Communications headquartered in Atlanta, Ga.
Kristin (Scherer) Schuman lives in Elk
Grove, Calif. with her husband, Brian,
and son, Destry. She is completing her
degree and plans to pursue a career in
counseling/social work.
Jodee (Thickins) Smith and her husband,
Geoff, welcomed a baby girl, Ashlee Joelle,
on April 20, 2007. She joined older sister,
Ainslee Rae (born March 11, 2005). Jodee
earned her Master of Arts in Teaching
in special education at Pacific University
in 2002. She taught for three years in
the Hillsboro School District where she
specialized in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Jodee also coached varsity girl's basketball
at Hillsboro High School before hanging
up her sneakers for motherhood. Jodee is
a stay-at-home mom in Cashmere, Wash.
00’s
Chris Thurley MAT is the head
boy’s soccer coach and Health & P.E.
department chair at Jesuit High School in
Portland, Ore.
Alumni Notes
2000
Karen (McLaughlin) Bures and her
husband live in Saint Paul, Minn. and
have a two-year-old, Aiden. She would
love to connect with classmates. E-mail
her at karenmclaughlin2003@yahoo.com.
Koty Zelinka teaches English at Portland
Lutheran High School and was recently
featured in The Oregonian for her
creative use of MySpace.com to teach
Romeo and Juliet.
Chaplain Lt. Jones Ofuasia is the lead
pastor of the Tarawa Terrace Chapel at
Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in
NC. Jones and his wife, Dianna, have two
children, Benjamin (8) and Olivia (3).
Alicia (Hodnett) Robinson MBA ‘02 lives
in Mount Laurel, NJ and is pursuing a
Ph.D. in organizational psychology and
development.
1999
Scott Hutchins MAT and his wife, Kylee
(Wells) MAT ‘04, welcomed a daughter,
Sylvia Marie, in September 2007.
Jon Muhly along with his wife, Julie,
and their sons, David and Nathan, are
serving as missionaries in Moscow, Russia
through LCMS World Mission.
Eszylfie Taylor and his fiancée are proud
parents of a baby girl born in February
2007. Eszylfie recently finished in the top
one percent of brokers for New York Life
Insurance Company, and is involved in a
number of business ventures including
ownership in a LA bar/restaurant,
animation company (www.gigapix.com),
sports handicapping company (www.
priflex.com), non-profit youth basketball
camp (www.futurestarscamp.org), and
real estate investments.
Paul Rondema and Jen (Russell) ‘98
welcomed a baby girl, Anna Hope, on
February 14, 2008.
Jacob “Jay” Schmidt MBA ‘06 has joined
Silicon Forest Electronics, Inc., a contract
manufacturing company in Vancouver,
Wash., as the vice-president of Sales and
Marketing.
Jennifer Swisegood celebrated five years
of marriage in March and just completed
her master’s degree in Family Life from
CU-Nebraska. She writes, “I have fond
memories of my days at Concordia –
Portland, best of luck with the building.”
Lejla Zorlak lives in Sarajero where she
works for Coca-Cola.
Heather Vinal MAT is a secondary
science teacher in the Portland Public
School District.
Summer 2008
21
Alumni Notes
2001
Katie Kautz married Jesse Dill in 2001
and in 2006 they welcomed a daughter,
Amalia Hanley. Katie teaches Kindergarten
at David Hill Elementary School in
Hillsboro, Ore.
David and Beth (Vowels) Nickodemus ‘01
welcomed a son, Noah, on January 10, 2008.
Noah joins a brother, Jacob.
Shannin Zednik works for the Baker City
Police, and is the new resource officer for
Baker City High School.
Justin’s family started Sisters Coffee Company, based in Sisters, Ore., when he was
eight years old. For the past three years, Leigh-Anne and Justin have used their talents
to help the business grow. And while joining Sisters Coffee Company was always in
the back of Justin’s mind, Leigh-Anne was set on becoming a teacher and earned her
Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Concordia.
“I was convinced I was going to be a teacher,” said Leigh-Anne. “However, I have
learned that life rarely turns out like we have it planned in our heads. I was offered a job
in the family business, and my path turned.”
Both Justin and Leigh-Anne credit Concordia with helping them to develop the skills
to succeed in business and in life. “During my time at CU, my relationship with Christ
really developed, and for the first time in my life I earnestly sought Truth,” said Justin.
“I wouldn’t be able to help move our business forward were it not for the personal
growth I experienced at Concordia.”
Young Alums Brew Success
“I am blessed beyond measure to be able to use my
organizational and management skills to instruct and
mentor a staff of over 20 young people every day,”
added Leigh-Anne.
It was basketball that brought Leigh-Anne
(Stohl) ’04, MAT ‘05 and Justin Durham
bookstore, they knew it should feature Sisters Coffee. Their hard work and ongoing
‘03 to Concordia University, but it will be
relationships built while students at Concordia helped to make their dream a reality.
coffee that brings them back.
Leigh-Anne and Justin plan to help future Concordia students learn about business
Leigh-Anne and Justin both say that
When the Durhams heard that Concordia was opening a coffee cart at the new
through internship and management opportunities. “We fall short in our success if
what started out simply as the desire to
we do not teach others the skills we have learned,” said Leigh-Anne. “The greatest
play basketball for the Cavaliers, turned
accomplishment is to learn skills that make you successful, and then pass them on.”
into a complex and exciting journey that
For now, the Durhams look forward to reconnecting with Concordia and expanding
has led to personal growth, marriage, and
Sisters Coffee Company to Portland. “Concordia was so instrumental in our maturity
leadership roles in the Durham family
that it seems very natural to be involved in a project like this one,” said Justin.
business. That business—Sisters Coffee
Company—will bring Leigh-Anne and
Justin back to Concordia as their coffee is
featured at the new coffee cart opening in
the relocated bookstore.
Peter Kunert
and his
wife, Carrie,
welcomed
Brady Charles
on March 31,
2008. Brady
weighed 4
lbs, 12 oz. Dr.
Chuck Kunert, dean of the College of
Theology, Arts, and Sciences is now the
proud grandpa of six grandchildren.
22
concordia connection
Chad Van Demark was recently hired
at Resource Recycling Technologies in
Bellevue, Wash. as the resource allocation
manager.
Robert Walker MBA ‘04 is serving in
Iraq. He writes, “The people of Iraq want
what everyone else wants. They want
their families to live in peace, they want
their children to grow healthy, strong, and
educated, and they want to benefit from
the fruits of their own labor. Although the
religion may be different, the love of life
is the same.”
Alumni Notes
2002
Andrea Anderson is engaged to Patrick
McDonald. The couple lives in Las Vegas,
Nev. where Andrea teaches special education and is pursuing her master’s degree
at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Steven Colkitt married Brittany
Schumaker on July 7, 2007. The couple
lives in Roseburg, Ore., where Steven is an
eighth grade math teacher.
Bill Dash is a math teacher in the
Columbia County Education Campus
alternative program at St. Helens High
School in St. Helens, Ore.
Jennifer Hollis married Josh Pearce ‘99
on July 28, 2007. Jennifer works for
Concordia’s Office of Admission and Josh
is in sales for Fred Meyer.
Ada (Weicht) Frandsen welcomed
triplets, Daril, Dax, and Andee, on
May 30, 2007.
Heidi Brotche married Bradley
McCutcheon on August 11, 2007. The
couple lives in Lacey, Wash., and Heidi
is a real estate agent at Keller Williams
Realty in Olympia.
Correne (Schilke) Constantino is
expecting her first baby this August.
Kirsten Daniel MAT married Casey
Holden on July 15, 2006. Kirsten teaches
P.E. and Health, and is the Junior Varsity
basketball coach at Bend High School in
Bend, Ore.
Heather Donnan married Jeff Ballman
in June 2005. They welcomed a son,
Benjamin Michael, in May 2006. Heather
writes, “I am currently a membership and
marketing specialist for Girl Scouts in
Mankato, Minn. and enjoying the country
life on our family farm. I hope all you
west coast people are enjoying life!”
Jennifer (Kenyon) Letourneau recently
moved back to Portland, Ore. from
Phoenix, Ariz.
Lynda Stelzer was recently appointed to
head the Bureau of Land Management’s
National Operations Center in Denver, Colo.
2003
Wendy (Waldrop) Avery and her
husband, Todd, welcomed a daughter,
Aubree Grace, on May 11, 2007. Aubree
joins sister, Claire (2).
photo taken by: Holden onto Memories
Cassiday (Timmons) Hopkins is a first
grade teacher in Gresham, Ore. She and
her husband, Jason, have two daughters
born in 2004 and 2006. Cassiday is
currently pursuing her master’s degree
in education with a specialization in
reading/literacy.
Katrina Takalo married Chuck Morris
on March 31, 2008. Katrina is a teacher at
Pierce Elementary School in Pierce, Idaho.
2004
Kelly Allen MAT married Robert
Csepcsanyi on June 26, 2007 in Maui,
Hawaii. Kelly is a teacher at Aloha Huber
Park School in Beaverton, Ore.
Ian Ciccareli writes, “I have three kids
now, Isaac, Elijah, and Violet, and of course
have been married to Naomi for five
years. We are buying our first house and
recently opened ‘Ciccarelli’s Restaurant’
in North Bend, Ore. I am the head chef/
owner serving ‘Northwest Cuisine with an
International Flair,’ mostly a play on French
and Italian classics. Stop by and receive
a free piece of tiramisu for all Concordia
alumni.”
Jason Talley and Ashlee (Swett) Talley
‘05 recently celebrated their first
wedding anniversary. Jason is in the
doctoral program for PharmD at Pacific
University. Ashlee is working at Tuality
Community Hospital and plans to start
the Physician Assistant program through
Pacific University in June. Last September,
Ashlee and her friend, Amanda Larsen ‘05,
participated in Race for the Cure in
Portland, Ore. in honor of Amanda’s
mom, Debbie Larson, and Dana
Barbarick, wife of Concordia University
men’s basketball coach, Brad Barbarick.
2005
Judith “Judy” Blevens lives in Battle
Ground, Wash. where she keeps busy with
volunteer work. She recently returned
to campus and wrote, “What did I find
at CU…another campus and people
growing, all caring better for God’s
creation.”
Summer 2008
23
Alumni Notes
Charlotte May and Eric Bohlmann ‘06
are engaged and planning an autumn
wedding. Charlotte works in Concordia’s
Office of Admission.
Damian Pardue MBA ‘07 was sworn into
the United States Air Force by Brigadier
General Robert McFarlin, U.S. Army
(Ret.), partner faculty of the Concordia
MBA program, on February 17, 2008.
Damien is serving as a Medical Sciences
Corp. Officer.
Seth Johnson MAT was recently named
principal of River Mill Elementary School
in Estacada, Ore. He is married with a
1-year-old son.
Kiersten Krajcar was recently appointed
registrar for Concordia University.
Philipp Kupfer
and his wife,
Rachel, have
moved to
Boston, Mass.
Philipp is a
dental student
at Harvard
University.
Karlia Lindeke
lives in Kent,
Wash. and is a
staff analyst for
Boeing.
Carmelyn Mark returned to her reservation, Gila River Indian Community in
Arizona, after graduation and currently
serves as the Community’s financial
analyst. Carmelyn writes, “I give thanks to
my community for putting me through
college. That is why I want to stay here, to
give back to my Tribe what they have given
me, and that is a life that I can be proud of.”
24
concordia connection
Stacy Doering graduated this spring with
a M.S. in counseling psychology from Cal
State Bakersfield.
Brian Layton MAT married Sarah Miller
on August 25, 2007. Brian is a business
education teacher at Toledo High School
in Wash. and Sarah is a third grade
teacher.
William Lindemann MBA is a project
manager for the Port of Houston and
the West Gulf Maritime Association. His
position is funded by the Texas Workforce
Commission, and is the first economic
development grant awarded by the State of
Texas to the maritime industry for training
improvements and homeland security.
Shawn Farrens MAT married Janie
Hovda on March 24, 2007. The couple
resides in Portland, Ore.
Alissa Harris writes, “I got engaged.”
Scott Dickson married Stephanie Solarek
‘08 on May 17, 2008 at the Olympic Lodge
in Bremerton, Wash.
Kelley (Holleran) Piper and her husband,
Mike, welcomed a son, Landon, on
August 22, 2007.
Gina Pronesti MAT married Clifford
Lascink on August 14, 2007. Gina is an
elementary school Spanish teacher in
Portland, Ore.
John Runcie M.Ed. TESL is teaching
English as a Second Language at Clark
College and Portland Community
College.
Kelly (Stirling) Thompson MAT is a
second grade teacher at Happy Valley
Elementary School in Happy Valley, Ore.
2006
Thomas Bier and Melissa Smith ‘06
recently became engaged. A wedding is
planned for the summer of 2009.
John Blom and his wife, Deborah (Holts)
Blom ‘05, are relocating to the Kansas
City area where John is starting a job
as a historian/researcher at the Combat
Studies Institute in Fort Leavenworth.
Joanna (Hale) Curren graduated
this spring with a M.A. in counseling
psychology from Pacific University with
Summa Cum Laude honors.
Sarah Dickson married David Meyer on
March 29, 2008. The couple resides in
Boise, Idaho.
Kenna Maltman married J.W. Walker on
November 24, 2007, and now resides in
Merrill, Ore. Kenna is a teacher at Peterson
Elementary School in the Klamath County
School District.
Shay McDonald MBA and her husband,
Ryan, welcomed twins, Liam and Ella, on
December 29, 2007.
Alumni Notes
Nathan Moyal MBA has relocated to
Seattle for a new marketing position
in the Touch Screen group of Cypress
Semiconductor–Wireless.
Lorien Petersen was commissioned as
a Director of Christian Education on
January 20, 2008 and is currently serving
as the DCE at Trinity Lutheran Church in
Bend, Ore.
Alexander Platanias is a case manager
for Kampfe Management Services in
Portland, Ore. KMS provides brain
injury rehab programs to help people
who are brain-damaged as the result
of a traumatic accident. Alexander was
recently interviewed on ESPN’s “Outside
the Lines” for a segment on concussions
among high school football players.
Ashley Rowe received a master’s degree in
social work from the University of Denver
this spring.
Alex Hartman plays for the Vancouver
Volcanoes in the International Basketball
League.
Eric Herboth married Ali Lajoie on
June 30, 2007.
Darcy Madison recently joined the
Concordia University Foundation as an
administrative assistant. She also serves
as an assistant coach for the women’s
basketball team.
Carrie Mork MAT married Ben Palenske
on November 10, 2007. Carrie is a
kindergarten teacher in Jewell, Ore.
Kelli Moung M.Ed. teaches elementary
physical education at Lewis and Clark
Elementary School in St. Helens, Ore.
Michael Rowley MAT married Jacqueline
Pearce in July 2007. Michael is a middle
school math teacher in Atlanta, Ga.
Jyndia Schaible spent last year in New
York City where she volunteered with
pregnant teens living with HIV.
Brandon and Sarah Grace (Rondema)
Shewbert ‘01 will relocate to Seattle
in September 2008 where Sarah will
begin her Ph.D. in music history at the
University of Washington. She has been
granted a full tuition scholarship and
teaching assistantship and is sad but
excited to leave Concordia after five years
as assistant director of Theology, PAVA,
and Humanities. Brandon will continue
to pursue his career as a personal trainer.
Reunion
W e e ke n d i s
UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
Martin “Marty” Welch and Anna Everett
were married on June 15, 2007. Marty
is the director of youth ministry at
Community of Hope Lutheran Church in
Wilsonville, Ore.
2007
Danielle Denney is a math teacher in the
Cape Flattery School District in Neah Bay,
Wash.
Brian Gardner MAT is the assistant
principal at Waldport High School in
Waldport, Ore.
Paul Graslie MBA recently accepted a
position with the World Council of Credit
Unions working to set up microfinance
organizations in developing countries. He
and his wife have relocated to Madison, Wis.
Lori Weiss MAT teaches math and
accounting at Tualatin High School in
Tualatin, Ore.
2008
Jennifer Hart recently started working for
Concordia’s Office of Admission as the
administrative assistant.
Kari Mabe and Paul Jaques are
engaged to be married in July 2009.
The bulldozers and workers are
busy transforming the campus and
constructing the George R. White
Library and Learning Center and
a new Quad. All this work means
the campus will be a little messy
this year, so Reunion is also under
construction and will come
back in the summer of 2009
bigger and better.
In the meantime, don’t
miss this amazing
opportunity to
watch the
construction
take place. For
more information
and to view our
live footage visit:
www.cu-portland.edu
Summer 2008
25
2008
Alumni Highlights
1 - Women’s soccer players past and present at the annual Alumni Soccer
& Volleyball Games (Aug. 07)
2 - Coach Dan Birkey and alumni, Biniam Afenegus, at the annual Alumni Soccer
& Volleyball Games (Aug. 07)
3 - Rev. Dr. Dick Reinisch and Rev. Dr. Art Wahlers pose at Concordia’s
Founder’s Day Chapel (Sept. 07)
4&5 - Alumni and current players pose at the annual Alumni Basketball Games (Oct. 07)
26- Membersconcordia
connection
6
of the 50-Year Club
at Reunion (Oct. 07)
7 - Joe & Linda (Simsen) Borecki and Carla (Vahsholtz) Olson at Reunion (Oct. 07)
8 - Distinguished Alumnae Kim Petersen with Dr. Lynne Keyne-Michaels (Oct. 07)
9 - Dr. Dwaine Brandt and Dr. Joel Schuldheisz with Hall of Fame Inductee
Richard Schmidtke at Reunion (Oct. 07)
10 -Students and alumni cheer on the men's basketball team at UO (Nov. 07)
11 -Alumni attend the MAT TESOL Luncheon (Feb. 08)
12&13 -Baseball players past and present gather for the Baseball Legacy Event (Apr. 08)
Alumni Notes
August 23
Grand Opening of the
Bookstore
In Memoriam
Gavin Anderson ‘02 passed away on
January 28, 2008 from cancer. He is
survived by his wife, Maritza, daughters,
Kayla and Ashley, and son, Jared.
Daniel Harding ‘89 passed away on
November 7, 2006. He was a veteran of
the Vietnam War, and later became a real
estate broker for US Funding Group.
Dennis Bauman ‘06 passed away on July
21, 2007 at the age of 45. He was a loving
husband, devoted father to his son, Adam,
teacher, and mentor.
Jim Kern ‘94 MBA ‘03 passed away on
February 15, 2008. He worked for EPIC
in Portland, Ore. for more than 24 years
and most recently served as the marketing
director.
Associate professor of marketing, Gary
Blackton, passed away on September 12,
2007. Gary began teaching marketing
seminars at Concordia University in 1988
as an adjunct professor. He also served
as president of Blackton & Company,
Inc., a management consulting company
specializing in new product development.
Debbie Campbell ‘06 passed away after a
lengthy battle with cancer on July 1, 2008.
She served Concordia for nearly 15 years
and held many roles and most recently
as the nursing program coordinator.
She is survived by her husband, David,
two children, Annie and Des, and eight
grandchildren.
Allison Davee ‘97 passed away on
September 18, 2007. She was a teacher
at Walt Morey Middle School in
Troutdale, Ore.
Former Concordia librarian, Alma M.
Dobberfuhl, passed away on February
18, 2008. She served as the head librarian
for more than 35 years before retiring in
1988.
Cory Fleming ‘05 passed away in
November 2007.
The Rev. Paul L. Frank ‘69 passed away
on October 24, 2007. He attended and
graduated from Concordia High School,
College, and Seminary. As a Lutheran
pastor, he served churches in Fort Scott,
Kan., Moses Lake, Wash., and Portland,
Ore.
Gerald “Jerry” Gibbs ‘75 passed away on
August 22, 2007 after a long battle with
cancer. Jerry was the owner and CEO of
Northwest Machine Works in Canby, Ore.
September 11
Founder’s Day
October 4
Cavalier Family
Weekend
October 3-5
Adidas XC High School
Classic
Frank Koepke, longtime adjunct
instructor in CU’s Theology program and
pastor emeritus at Immanuel Lutheran
Church in Sandy, Ore., passed away on
May 18, 2008. He was able to attend the
university’s graduation ceremony on May
3 to see his granddaughter receive her
nursing degree.
October 18
Alumni Basketball
Games
Thomas R. Parker ‘68 died on March
4, 2008 and is survived by his wife of
nearly 40 years, Linda, son, Fred, and
daughters, Melissa King, Jessica Thurman,
and Megan Zazueta. He was also the
grandfather of nine grandchildren and
“surrogate grandpa to many.”
October 31/Halloween
Residence halls are
open to the public for
trick-or-treating
Richard Phillips ‘92 passed away on
November 14, 2007. Richard was a
respiratory therapist for the Portland VA
Medical Center in Portland, Ore. before
becoming an administrator for Lincare.
John Sternberg, a Lutheran pastor and
former Concordia University teacher,
passed away on November 23, 2007.
Martin Stuebe HS ‘29 passed away on
April 3, 2007. He attended parochial
school and high school at Concordia,
following in his father’s footsteps to
become a Lutheran pastor. He served
churches in Ohio, Wash., Idaho, and Okla.
October 26
Reformation Festival
at Zion Lutheran
Church - Portland
November 14-15
Preview Weekend for
high school seniors
November 16
CU Sunday at
Immanuel Lutheran
Church-Portland
November 28-29
Thrivent Northwest
Invitational Basketball
Tournament at PLU
December 5-7
Christmas Chorale
January 24
Lutheran Night
Deanne Vogel ‘69 passed away on
September 18, 2007. She lived in Albany,
Ore., and worked as a teaching assistant
in South Albany and Lebanon High
Schools.
February 12-14
Lutheran Elementary
School Tournament
Linda Wehrspann ‘70 passed away
on November 30, 2006. Linda taught
elementary school, and was a music
teacher in South Dakota, and in Roseburg
and Portland, Ore. before serving as a
literacy coach at Cedar Mill Elementary
School in Beaverton, Ore.
Stay in the loop at
www.cu-portland.edu
Summer 2008
27
Navy & White
Spring Sports Wrap-up
The spring semester officially concluded with commencement on May 3, but the Cavalier runners, jumpers, and
throwers were still on campus for several more weeks as the teams prepared to defend their Cascade Collegiate Conference
crowns and gear up for appearances at the NAIA Outdoor Championships held outside of St. Louis from May 22 to 24.
Annie Hess
For a complete schedule of games go to:
gocugo.com
28
After fighting for the final spot
at the regional tournament, the
Concordia baseball team once again
faced the powerhouse Lewis-Clark
State squad in postseason play. After
dropping a decision to the Warriors,
a Cavalier comeback bid against
British Columbia
came up short to
end the CU season.
Concordia finished
in second place
in the conference
standings with a
10-8 league mark,
trailing conference
Jason Grisham
champion The
College of Idaho.
The Cavalier softball team found
similar success on the diamond after
compiling a 16-8 record in the CCC,
second only to Oregon Tech, for a
place at the Region I tournament.
The two teams met in the opening
round, where the Cavs spotted the
Owls two runs in the first
and played even from there
on to fall 7-5. Once again
falling behind early, CU’s
season came to an end with a
10-7 loss to Simon Fraser.
Nicole Illias
Most notable, junior thrower
Annie Hess was given the NAIA’s
Outstanding Performer Award
after shattering the women’s discus
meet record with a 192-7 toss. This
record toss places Annie as the top
collegiate thrower in the nation, and
the eighth ranked thrower overall.
With this placement, Annie competed
in the U.S. Olympic Trials held in
Eugene, but was not able to throw
the distance needed to qualify for the
Bejing Olympics.
Overall the squads finished their
regular season with a pair of team titles
while hosting the CCC Championships
at Mt. Hood Community College.
The Concordia women cruised to a
229-point haul to runner-up Oregon
Tech’s 187-point sum while the CU
men gathered 238 ½ points for more
than a 50-point spread over second
place Eastern Oregon.
The CU women won 12 of the 21
total events and the men captured
seven titles. Leading the way were Field
Athletes of the Meet Nik Kay and
Annie Hess. The duo continued their
success at the NAIA Championships
with wins in the discus at the national
meet. The pair were joined by Greg
Schultz, who won the men’s hammer
throw after a runner-up result a
year ago. With the three victories,
Concordia now has eight national
championship performers in three
years of existence.
With the team’s success, Concordia
head coach Randy Dalzell was
honored as the men’s and women’s
NAIA Region I and CCC Coach of
the Year.
The Concordia golf teams also
made appearances at the NAIA
Championships with the women
recording an 11th-place finish,
and Tyler Austin representing the
men as an individual. Lindsay Aho
led the women’s
contingent, tying
for 13th place
and earning AllTournament status.
Austin finished the
tournament after
three rounds, just
missing the cut
despite a 2-under
70 in his closing
Tyler Austin
round.
Navy & White
Cavalier Awards
Concordia Team Finishes
Fall
Men’s Cross Country – 8th CCC / 12th NAIA Region I
Women’s Cross Country – 7th CCC / 14th NAIA Region I
Men’s Soccer – 1st CCC / NAIA Region I - Finals
Women’s Soccer – 1st CCC / NAIA National Championship – Quarterfinals
Volleyball – 6th CCC
Winter
Men’s Basketball – 5th CCC
Women’s Basketball – 5th CCC
Spring
Jesse Alvarez – Men’s Basketball
Rachel Cotter – Volleyball
Erin Forge’t – Women’s Soccer
Kelsey Green – Softball
A.J. Lightheart – Men’s Golf
Jen Marquette – Softball
Casey McLeod – Baseball
Tyler Peake – Men’s Soccer
Justine Pronovost – Women’s Soccer
Ben Rue – Baseball
Lisa Schmidt – Women’s Golf
Kim Tilton – Women’s Golf
Caitlin Verhofstadt – Women’s Soccer
Angie Woolhiser – Women’s Basketball
Matt Artau – Track & Field
Tim Badley – Track & Field
Lucas Egenwall – Men’s Soccer
Joe Givens – Men’s Soccer
Annie Hess – Track & Field
Nik Kay – Track & Field
Curtis Parrish – Track & Field
Alex Ponce – Men’s Soccer
Jackie Pronovost – Women’s Soccer
Justine Pronovost – Women’s Soccer
Jessica Ramback – Women’s Soccer
Paul Roshau – Track & Field
Erika Schmid – Track & Field
Greg Schultz – Track & Field
Lauren Sexton – Track & Field
Garrett Staples – Men’s Soccer
Caitlin Verhofstadt – Women’s Soccer
Paul Roshau
Jen Marquette
NAIA All-American
Baseball – 2nd CCC / 4th NAIA Region I
Softball – 2nd CCC / 4th NAIA Region I
Men’s Golf – 1st CCC / 5th NAIA Region I
Women’s Golf – 1st CCC / 3rd NAIA Region I / NAIA Championships – 11th
Men’s Track & Field – 1st CCC / NAIA Championships – 5th
Women’s Track & Field – 1st CCC / NAIA Championships – 13th
Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes
It was another banner year for the Concordia athletic department as the Cavaliers hoisted six Cascade Collegiate
Conference championships and continued to excel at the national stage. Out of 232 schools in the NAIA, Concordia
took 26th in the NAIA Director's Cup. Along the way, 56 student-athletes were recognized as All-Conference, 14 were
named NAIA Scholar-Athletes, and 17 concluded their seasons as NAIA All-Americans.
Caitlin Verhofstadt
NAIA National Champions
Annie Hess – Track & Field / Discus
Nik Kay – Track & Field / Discus
Greg Schultz – Track & Field / Discus Lucas Egenwall
Summer 2008
29
Navy & White
Birkey Bounces Across the Atlantic for
Unique Soccer Experiences
Last March Concordia Head Men’s
Soccer Coach Dan Birkey could be
found roughly 10 degrees north of
the equator, overlooking the Pacific
Ocean while kicking around a soccer
ball on a Costa Rican beach alongside
his Cavaliers. A few months later,
the same man was in front of 90,000
boisterous spectators as part of the
Portsmouth Football Club, a member
team of the English Premier League
best known for world-famous clubs
such as Manchester United, Chelsea,
and Arsenal.
From the sand of Central America
to the overflowing stadiums throughout
England, Birkey’s treks led to the
reception and donation of numerous
lessons on the beautiful game.
The first expedition took place over
Concordia’s Spring Break. With several
current Cavs in tow, the voyagers
combined humanitarian efforts with
their gusto on the pitch for a few short
days in Costa Rica sandwiched between
Nicaragua to the north, Panama at its
base, the powerful Pacific to the west
and the Caribbean caressing its trunk
from the east.
30
concordia connection
In between playing exhibition
matches against local all-star
teams from nearby towns Nicoya
and Nosara, the Concordia
contingent made appearances in
local schools, assisting with math
and language skills while playing
the role of life-size ‘show and tell’
specimens.
Along with exploring the
landscape and experimenting with
surfing, the group also participated
in a beach clean-up project where
the heat-weary numbers from
Concordia gathered a minimountain of plastics and waste
found alongside the once serene
shore.
“Half the group went north and
half went south,” Birkey said. “I
was impressed because they just
kept working. They would come back
some time later with massive black
garbage sacks filled with trash. It was
good to see the guys working hard.”
For most of the team, the
experience was the first outside the
country. Junior goalkeeper Garrett
Staples took the role of group
translator while junior defender
Tyler Peake may have received the
most direct cultural experience with
a 21-egg salute via a Costa Rican
birthday tradition of a cracked egg
on your head for each year you have
been alive.
As for the matches, Concordia
settled for a scoreless result against
the second-division professional
team from Nicoya and a 1-1 tilt
against the regional select players on
the Nosara team.
“The guys were tired, so absolutely
legless and spent from the heat,”
Birkey said. “The Costa Rican players
brought a very physical approach,
more so than what we’d see at the
college level. But the boys adapted
and represented well. They showed a
lot of pride and a lot of drive.”
Short of a full squad, the Cavaliers
picked up a few local players to
complete the roster, adding to the
curiosity of the local residents.
“The region is full of really smart
soccer fans and there was a lot of
interest from the town as to what we
were all about,” Birkey said. “At first
there was a language issue with the
additional players, but getting in there
and playing the game bypasses that.
There was definitely a mutual respect
back and forth between the players.”
From one coast to another, Birkey
next took the 5,000-mile flight across
the Atlantic, landing minutes from the
English Channel to serve as an invited
staffer for the Portsmouth Football
Club, one of the 20 teams comprising
the prestigious EPL.
With the team enjoying a
renaissance of success, Birkey arrived
with the squad on the cusp of its first
FA Cup final since 1939. From an
insider’s perspective, Birkey was able
to observe the structure and details of
a successful organization at the upper
most level of the professional ranks.
From the coaching staff to the
grounds crew to the dedicated
nutritionists or the public relations
branch, every segment of the
organization had a specific task to
perform and each was expected to
carry out that duty on par with the
team’s elite status.
“You are talking about an
organization that is measured over
time and has stepped up to the new
demands of a league that has gone
global,” Birkey said. “Watching
how they operate, you realize how
important it is to delegate and have
responsibilities assigned to certain
people.”
European cities like Portsmouth are
completely immersed in their sports
teams, more so than what we see in
the United States. Even sports-minded
American cities like Boston, Chicago,
and New York are no comparison.
“The history of football in England
is deeply rooted into the culture,”
Birkey said. “Portsmouth is not a big
glamour city. It’s a blue-collar shipping
town with a chip on its shoulder and
their football team is on a short-list of
things to be proud of. So when the team
does well, it amounts to an amazing
historical event for the area.”
The reason for the deep roots
starts with the Premier Club, and
trickles down throughout the club
system that includes youth and
women’s football teams as well as
the support of other activities such
as tennis and boating. The success
of the parent team means increased
exposure and funding for all of the
programs under the team’s umbrella,
meaning a championship win
directly touches a large sector of the
population.
Birkey was immersed in training
sessions and team meetings as
the Portsmouth squad culminated
its most successful run in 70 years
by capturing its second FA Cup
championship, an event that lured
the entire city to erupt in wide-eyed
bellowing merriments that would
overwhelm Super Bowl and World
Series celebrations stateside.
In completing the triangle tour
from Central America to Europe,
Birkey was able to witness the sport
he loves from the grassroots level to
the echelon of the ultra-corporate. In
each case, Birkey pointed out that the
same characteristic drives the success
of the task at hand.
“At the end of the day whether you
are out kicking the ball around on a
beach or in the Premier League, the
amazing thing is it’s about the quality
and commitment of the people you are
surrounded by,” Birkey said.
Join the Team!
Support Concordia
Athletics Year Round
At Concordia, we believe in shaping
leaders who will transform the
world around them.
By becoming a
Cavalier Club
member, you
provide scholarships,
equipment, and program support
to make student-athletes' dreams
come true. Join the team today,
or gift a membership to someone
special, at gocugo.com or email
cavalierclub@cu-portland.edu!
Coaches Sidebar
The Concordia athletic department has enjoyed an incredible run of stability
among its coaching ranks. The nine CU head coaches have totaled 81 seasons.
Check out their stats:
Brad Barbarick
Men’s Basketball 15th season
Christopher Duenow
Volleyball 7th season
Dan Birkey
Men’s Soccer 21st season
Ronn Grove
Golf 2nd season
Aaron Christian
Women’s Basketball 3rd season
07-08 Cascade Collegiate Conference Men's &
Women's Golf Coach of the Year
Randy Dalzell
Cross Country/Track & Field 4th season
07-08 Cascade Collegiate Conference and NAIA
Region I Men's & Women's Track & Field Coach of
the Year
Go Cavs Go!
Carrie Kosderka-Farrell
Softball 6th season
Grant Landy
Women’s Soccer 12th season
Rob Vance
Baseball 11th season
5 0 3 - 2 8 0 - 8 5 0 5 | W W W. G O C U G O . C O M
Summer 2008
31
Navy & White
Barbarick Invited to Hawaii
for Annual Basketball Camp
As an invited coach
at the 2008 Hawaii
High School
Basketball Exposure
Camp, Cavalier
head coach Brad
Barbarick gave
Concordia hoops
exposure of its own
while working with the best players
from the Aloha State.
Barbarick was one of six coaches
who worked the six-day camp held in
Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Along
with games, the players were exposed
to instructional clinics and sessions
to improve their individual skills and
understanding of the team game.
Away from coaching the camp’s
runner-up squad, Barbarick spoke
with the 53 student-athletes about
the recruiting process in terms of
continuing the sport at the collegiate
level, a vital message to the listeners
as many outstanding players from the
state are overlooked due to its remote
location.
“I got a chance to speak to the
players and had the chance to
really put Concordia and NAIA
basketball on the radar of several
good prospects,” Barbarick said. “The
kids were very appreciative of the
opportunity as most weren’t used to
playing in front of college coaches.
Not many coaches have the budget to
recruit in Hawaii.”
Starting at 8 a.m. and continuing
through 11 p.m., the campers and
coaches alike stayed motivated
despite the long hours and work put
into the project.
“Anytime you get a chance to
do something new you pick things
up from the experience,” Barbarick
said. “I came back very excited to
start our season.
It’s refreshing
to go into an
environment you
like and demand
excellence from the
young team and
receive it.”
2008 Champions of Character Banquet Award
Senior Athlete of the Year awards
Winners
were Cody Aker (men’s basketball)
Highlighting the evening
ceremonies for the 2008 Concordia
Champions of Character Banquet
were the winners of the University’s
Athlete of the Year, Senior Athlete
of the Year, Scholar-Athlete Award,
and Champion of Character. After
inspiring words from keynote speaker
Mark Speckman, head
football coach for
Willamette University,
CU announced and
honored the award
recipients.
Recognized as the
2007-08 Concordia
Scholar-Athletes of
the Year for their
outstanding work
Cody Aker
32
concordia connection
and Annele Huckins (softball) while
the school’s representatives for the
NAIA’s Champions of Character
program were Aker and Jenn Hart
(women’s soccer).
Tim Badley
in the classroom were senior Jesse
Alvarez (men’s basketball) and
Caitlin Verhofstadt (women’s soccer).
Concordia’s Athlete of the Year
awards went to the track and field
All-American duo of Annie Hess and
Tim Badley. Capturing the school’s
Jenn Hart
to the
Door
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF TERRY BLACKBURN, PORTLAND, OREGON
Nailed
Nailed to the Door provides Concordia staff, faculty, alumni, and students
a forum for editorial comment. This month’s guest writer is Jim Pressnell,
Director of Church Relations.
What does it mean to be Lutheran in the 21st Century
in the Pacific Northwest?
How can we, as Lutherans, live out our faith
meaningfully and effectively? How can our Lutheran voice
have a positive impact on the overall Christian witness
within our communities and our region?
These are important questions. Why? One in four
people living in the Pacific Northwest claim “none” as
their religious preference on surveys.1 Within this rich
mission field, challenges abound for the entire priesthood
of believers. Also, the Lutheran perspective is all but
missing in public discourse. A recent quantification of
religious web sites found the Lutheran presence to be
a fraction of other religious organizations. Concordia’s
mission is to prepare leaders who will truly transform
society. This includes the transformation of our ministry
and witness. As a Lutheran university in the Pacific
Northwest, we are responsible for engaging church
workers and lay leaders in wrestling with and finding
answers to these critical questions.
To this end, Concordia University and the Lutheran
Church–Missouri Synod Northwest District are
partnering to create The Center for Applied Lutheran
Leadership (CALL). CALL’s purpose is to provide
programming, leadership, and partnerships to create
vibrant congregations focused on their mission. We
are excited about this new joint venture. CALL’s vision
is to focus on three pinnacle programs: Leadership
Enhancement, Missions, and the Spiritual Formation of
Youth.
Leadership Enhancement
Building on the existing Leadership Advancement
Process, CALL will expand resources, programming and
partnerships to nurture the leadership gifts within the
priesthood of believers to enhance the effectiveness of
their ministries within congregations, schools, and church
agencies. Specific programming will flow out of the
critical ministry needs they identify.
Missions
Building on Concordia’s Missions Institute and
other ethnic ministry efforts, CALL will support local,
regional, and international mission activities, providing
students, lay leaders, and church workers an opportunity
to enhance their skills in establishing and implementing
mission activities.
Spiritual Formation of Youth
Building on Concordia’s Campus Spiritual Life
ministry and other youth ministry efforts, CALL will
provide meaningful and effective spiritual formation of
youth and young adults on our campus and throughout
the Pacific Northwest.
CALL’s vision is large! But I find it exciting and I’m
passionate about promoting it. My prayer is that you will
catch the vision, too, becoming a passionate promoter of
CALL. For, by God’s grace, CALL will have a significant
impact on our ministry together here in the Pacific
Northwest and beyond!
Jim Pressnell
Director of Church Relations
1 “Religion and Public Life in the Pacific Northwest: The None Zone,” edited by Patricia O’Connell
Killen and Mark Silk, 2004.
The None Zone,” edited by Patricia O’Connell Killen and Mark Silk, 2004.
Summer 2008
33
O
n April 11, something
amazing happened at Concordia
University. The University, located
in northeast Portland, broke ground on the
Transformation
[ under way ]
George R. White Library and Learning Center
that will become a hub for the campus and
community. The Center will provide community
meeting spaces, faculty offices, classrooms,
important centers of learning, a coffee house,
and a library card for neighborhood residents.
You will be a welcome guest when we open the
doors in the Fall of 2009.
Watch us grow. Be a part.
www.cu-portland.edu/campaign
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ORGANIZATION
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PORTLAND, OR
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