Concordia College Journal
Concordia college Alabama
Spring/Summer 2014
Celebrating Success: 88th Commencement
H
undreds of family, friends, and CCA
faculty and staff celebrated the
capstone achievement of the Class of
2014 at the 88th Commencement ceremony
May 10. Sixty-four degrees were awarded, as
CCA scholars became alumni.
Students from Haiti, Trinidad-Tobago, and
Ethiopia graduated, along with students from
small towns around Selma and from Mobile,
Montgomery, Memphis, Miami, and in cities
of Michigan.
The Reverend Dr. John Arthur Nunes, from
Valparaiso University (Ind.), delivered the
commencement address, telling students to be
willing to stand up and make a difference, to
sacrifice their own needs for those of others,
and to be rich in the Lord and in faith.
Education graduate Jazmyne Harris hopes to realize her dream of teaching in a Lutheran school, which
she loved attending as a child. Her pastor, Rev. Steve Wiggins, a CCA alumnus, recommended she
attend CCA.
Lady Hornets are National Champions
From the president’s Desk
W
CCA Lady Hornets won the 2014 USCAA Women’s
National Basketball Championship, the second time in
three years they have brought home the trophy. Entering the
tournament on a seven-game winning streak that followed
an uneven start to the season, the eighth-seeded Hornets
upset #1 Iowa Wesleyan College and then won a hardfought victory over perennial contender The Apprentice
School before finishing their season holding the National
Championship title.
hat a great joy it is to congratulate our graduates
on reaching their hard-won milestone: a college
diploma! How wonderful to celebrate the Class of
2014 and their hard work, deep dedication, and most of all, their
love of the Lord as they walk into their future, knowing He is
with them every step of the way!
Many of our graduates came to CCA with me four years
ago, when I became president of this historic institution. I have
watched them become intellectual, spiritual, and moral leaders
dedicated to serving the Church, the community, and the world.
It has been an exciting school year, with our Lady Hornets
winning the national championship, our first Honda Campus
Challenge Team performing well academically, our first choir
tour to Southern District churches and schools, and our first
international mission trip, along with significant campus updates.
You make this all possible through your loving prayers and
generous gifts. Thank you for your support! Now may the Lord of
peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be
with you all. 2 Thess. 3:16 .
—Rev. Dr. Tilahun M. Mendedo
Page 2 Concordia journal Spring/Summer 2014
Students Shine
CCA Senior Sees Success in School, Work
CCA Senior Lekeshia Beasley knows only one way to success—complete commitment
to work and education. A full-time student, she also works full-time as office assistant at a
local law firm. This summer, she will also start an online paralegal course before finishing
her bachelor’s at Concordia in May 2015.
Beasley has a passion for everything she does—in the classroom and in the office. She
enjoys the criminal justice field and brings her dynamic personality, knowledge, and work
ethic to her work.
“Working with an attorney, you have to use common sense as well as legal sense. Juries are
everyday people, not lawyers, so you have to talk to them in terms they understand. My job
gives me people who teach me what I need to know and how can I make better life choices.
From Opelika, Ala., Beasley plans to stay in Selma after graduating next spring, working
as a paralegal.
Cadet Makes History
ouse
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Student peeredicine initiative in Al health issues
School of M drug use and menta r grant, Project
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Pathways, wr. Angela Sullivan.
member D
Cadet Malashia Chandler is the first cadet in
the CCA Army ROTC program to commit to
ROTC advanced studies and receive a $25,000
scholarship for her continued studies at CCA.
Chandler took the oath of office and received
the scholarship during a special contracting
service this spring. A sophomore business
student from Atlanta, Chandler was selected
because of her excellent academic record,
physical training scores, and leadership ability.
A point guard, Chandler was also a member
of the Hornets Women’s National Basketball
Championship Team in 2011 and 2014.
Lieutenant Colonel Greg Wall of Marion Military
Institute administers the oath of office to Cadet
Malashia Chandler.
Hornet Scholars
Score Good Year
Concordia’s Honda Campus All-Star
Challenge team scored well in their
first year of competition. Hornet
scholars competed in the academic quiz
bowls against far more experienced
teams and won a berth at the national
championship in Los Angeles in April.
While they didn’t bring home a trophy,
they did bring home an exhilarating
experience and a determination to work
CCA Honda campus All-Star
harder this coming school year.
team with President Mendedo
The CCA team is ranked 42 out of 91
teams and is working hard to break into
the top ten. Campus coordinator is Dr. Chinwe Okeke,
and assistant coordinator is Mr. Glenn King, Jr.
CCA Champi
Selma Chili C onship Chili won second
a local charity ook-Off this spring that place in the
Young Women. Alexis Owens, director raised funds for
Thompson, A ’s Center, far left, and mof the Rosa J.
embers James
samples cook shley Snow, and Anisha Sp
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Minnie McMed from a secret recipe by ence offered chili
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Concordia journal Spring/Summer 2014 page 3
aculty
ocus
D
Serving Her College,
Community, and Country
r. Angela Sullivan lives out CCA founder Dr. Rosa Young’s call to a life
of service to others. A Selma native, Sullivan served eight years in the
U.S. Army, including several deployments overseas, and worked with
troubled youth at the United Methodist Children’s Home, starting as a child case
worker and rising six years later to assistant regional director.
As associate professor of psychology, Dr. Sullivan teaches classes while also
overseeing the Social Work Club, which helped organize a community safety day
on campus. She was awarded a grant from Morehouse School of Medicine to train
student counselors to raise awareness on drug abuse and other issues of college life,
and a grant from the Alabama Department of Education for an event that brought
646 high school seniors to campus this spring to learn about college life.
Dr. Sullivan also serves as liaison between CCA and sister school, Concordia
University Wisconsin, in the criminal justice program and has placed students in
paid internships in the court system, a lawyer’s office, and the police department
te Professor
ia
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this year. She is a counselor in the career counseling center and auxiliary
s
Sulliva
Dr. Angela cholog y, teaches classe
of Psy
coordinator for the dance and flag line with the marching band.
“I am a product of Selma and the positive impact people had on me. I
didn’t come from a wealthy family; we were less fortunate. But that didn’t stop me. I love working at Concordia and knowing my
students by name. I want to give them hope that you too can be successful—in your career and in your life of service to others.”
D
Sister College Shares
Civil Rights Expert
r. Kathryn M. Galchutt took her spring sabbatical at her sister
college, our own Concordia in Selma, teaching a Civil Rights
history course and conducting local research with Lutherans
involved in the Civil Rights movement in Selma in the 1960s.
An associate professor of history at Concordia New York since 2000,
Galchutt shared her expertise on the Civil Rights movement in the
classroom and in faculty seminars. She also interviewed former CCA
Dr. Kathryn M. Galchutt at the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma
students who participated in the 1965 marches in Selma and the families of
two faculty members who were actively seeking voting rights for blacks.
Galchutt is author of The Career of Andrew Schulze, 1924-1968: Lutherans and Race in the Civil Rights Era.
UPCOMING EVENTS
August 11: Opening Convocation, First day of the 2014-2015 School Year
October 3–5: 79th Annual Meeting of The Association of Lutheran College Faculties,
“Lutheran Higher Education in a World of Inequality: Challenges and Opportunities for the
21st Century.” Rev. Dr. John Nunes will be the guest speaker.
October 11: HOMECOMING 2014, CCA Hornets against Wesley College Wolverines
March 5–8: 2015, 50th Anniversary of Selma Voting Rights March
Page 4 Concordia journal Spring/Summer 2014
S
erving the
C
ommunity and the
u Teaching Kids to Love Readingu
Beautiful beaming faces of 400 second graders filled the CCA
campus for the annual Literacy Festival this spring. The theme,
“Reading Around the World,” featured international students and
staff sharing about their home countries. Children got books and
prizes, met storybook characters, and saw the CCA Drama Club
production of “A Salamander’s Story.” Several groups help fund the second Literacy
Festival, which encourages kids to love reading. Second grader Mikhi Thompson
from Cedar Park Elementary summed it up: “This is the best day of my entire life!”
u Feeding the Hungryu
Hardworking students were recognized by Selma City
Councilman Sam Randolph (a CCA alumnus) and Mayor
George Evans for “Outstanding Community Service”
supporting the Smoke Out Violence rally for community
safety on campus this spring.
Concordia students helped shop for, deliver, and
unload hundreds of pounds of canned food at
a Selma food pantry this spring in partnership
with Helping Hands ministry of Good
Shepherd Lutheran Church, Herndon, Va.
Helping Hands brought $7,000 to purchase
food for the hungry poor. “Donations like
these are what keep us going,” said Nancy
Bennett, Christian Outreach Alliance Food
Pantry volunteer. “We are extremely grateful.”
u A V i s i o n f o r K e n ya u
CCA sent its first student team on an international
mission trip to Kenya this spring, thanks to grants
from Lutheran foundations. Students Fredy
Mendoza and Simon Ajak, along with alumnus Rev.
Blaise Marin, traveled to Kenya with members of
the Vision for Kenya team from Texas to share the
Sophomore Torry Prescod, a member of Army
ROTC and the MAN Center, helps elementary
Gospel, eyeglasses, and antimalarial mosquito nets.
students with a computer assignment during a
The mission teams walked to remote villages to
tutoring session. The MAN Center builds African
American young men as leaders, scholars, role
install
the lifesaving nets and to share the Gospel of
models, and community servants.
life, while also giving the gift of sight with glasses.
Vision for Kenya is a collaborative effort of several
Lutheran churches in the Houston area.
“Just wanted to let you know how awesome these three guys are that you sent to Kenya. I can’t
thank you enough for choosing so wisely and can’t imagine a more positive and committed group
of guys,” said Mission Director Kevin Pieper, Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Tex.
Posting photos and comments daily on Facebook during the trip, Fredy wrote, “I love the
work we do. Thank you, God.”
W
orld
S
erving the
C
Concordia journal Spring/Summer 2014 page 5
hurch
B r i n g i n g H o p e to t h e C i t y
CCA students Jene Matthews and Sunday Ogundipe are serving the needs of churches
and the community of New Orleans through summer internships at Camp Restore, a
Lutheran outreach ministry.
Jene, a junior education major, and Sunday, a sophomore business major, are
bringing sweet support to people in need and sweat equity to projects like gardening,
horse care, building upkeep, and home renovation.
“Everyone they have worked with wants them
to come back,” said Kathy Wendling, volunteer
coordinator for Camp Restore. “They have both
been a blessing to all of us here.”
The interns have served children at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church summer camp with Rev.
Greg Manning (above and right) as well as weeding gardens and painting homes.
“Meeting all of the great volunteers and just being able to help New Orleans a little bit at a
time feels wonderful,” Jene said.
Camp Restore has its roots in the LCMS Southern District’s disaster response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Its mission is to
restore faith, home, and community in the name of Jesus, across the city.
Oh Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord
Songs of praise were lifted high by the six-voice Concordia Chorale,
members of the larger CCA Choir. The Chorale sang at Lutheran churches
and schools along the Gulf Cost over spring break as thanks for prayers and
support over the years. Concerts featured a repertoire of hymns, sing-alongs,
spirituals, and gospel music in Pensacola, Mobile, Lacombe, Baton Rouge,
and New Orleans.
CCA’s cross-cultural student and faculty team joined
President Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendedo for the dedication
of the 60-foot cross at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Port
Charlotte, Fla., in January. They shared the Word in music
and Scripture in their native languages of Creole, Nbedele,
Amharic, Portuguese, Manderin, Spanish, and English.
the
, listens to
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and Scho
Singers praise the
Lord at St. Paul
Lutheran School,
New Orleans.
Children at Trinity Lutheran,
Baton Rouge, enjoy CCA Chorale.
Coach Timeka Ross and her track team joined worshippers
at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Jacksonville, Fla., pastored by
Rev. James Wiggins, Jr., a CCA alumnus. It was the church’s
58th anniversary and the last track meet of the season at the
University of North Florida. “It was important for our team
to worship with our family at St. Paul, for fellowship and to
celebrate our oneness in Christ,” Coach Ross said.
Page 6 Concordia journal Spring/Summer 2014
Concordia Hornets
Lady Hornet Championship Team— Most Valuable Player
Tykeria Johnson from Pensacola, Fla., won the title as Most Valuable Player in CCA’s USCAA
Women’s 2014 National Championship Women’s Basketball Team for her excellence on the court,
scoring 29 points in the final game.
As a scholar-athlete, Tykeria makes time to do well in class. “There is a way to balance basketball
and academics,” Tykeria says. “You just have to put in the work that you are required to do.”
Next year is already on her mind: “I think we can definitely win the championship again next year.
We only lost one senior, so the pressure is on.”
Softball Team Hits National ranking
For the first time in school history, the Lady Hornets
softball team won national ranking and a spot at the
USCAA National Championship Tournament this spring.
“I have some very hardworking, determined young women on my team who love the
game and give 100% on the field as well has in the classroom,” says Head Coach Venecia
Eaton, in her second year with the Hornets.
While not bringing home the trophy, the team posted an excellent season with a
record of 14–11. As a starting lineup, the team boasts only freshmen, sophomores, and
one junior, for a good chance at the 2015 trophy.
Young Team Has Great Potential
Hornet baseball won a national ranking this season, despite being a very young team.
Wins against Rust College and Oakwood University put the Hornets in the top 40 in
the USCAA standings.
Leading hitters of the season: Christian Brisco, .414 Average, Darryl Watkins, .323,
and Dayan Patterson, .310. Darryl Watkins is our leading pitcher, with an earned run
average of 3.6.
CCA’s baseball team is a combination of freshmen and sophomores. “Every player is
a contributor. I am proud of them,” said Coach Curtis Wimberly.
TRACK AND FIELD: winning the race
Senior Keiana Richardson helps
women’s 4 x 100 M team place
2nd at Mississippi College.
When the CCA Track and Field Team shows up at an event,
most competitors don’t know anything about the team, now
in its seventh season. But once a Hornet takes the lane, grips
the baton, sizes up the javelin runway, or steps to the mound
for shot put and discus, competitors notice who the mighty
Hornets are and what they’ve come to accomplish: victory.
The 2014 track and field season returned many first-place
finishes in every event, despite injuries. “We’re more than a
team; we’re a family,” said Coach Timeka Ross. “We
embrace, empower, encourage, and expand, and that’s who
we are. As long as God is the head and focal point of the
program, it will continue to grow and thrive.”
Yosmani Patterson wins men’s
long jump at Atlanta meet.
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Alum
Concordia journal Spring/Summer 2014 page 7
Following in his
Father’s Footsteps
Rev. Jean-Claude Marin and Rev. Blaise Marin
Shining the Gospel
Light in Mobile
CCA Alumnus Blaise Marin is following in the footsteps of
his father, Rev. Jean-Claude Marin, by graduating from
Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, and becoming a
Lutheran pastor. Blaise was installed at St. John’s Lutheran
Church and School in Moore, Okla., in June.
His father, who attended Blaise’s ordination at his alma
mater in May, serves as pastor at Eglise Maranatha
Lutherienne de Thomassique in Haiti.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Blaise attended Concordia in
Selma, earning a bachelor’s in business administration. He
met fellow alumnus Rev. Dr. Ulmer Marshall at his
graduation in May.
When the 2010 earthquake devastated his home
country, he flew home from the Seminary 29 times—with
classmates and staff—to serve the people of his father’s
church, helping to rebuild the school, feeding and teaching
children, and helping with worship. He looks forward to
serving Christ and His people while serving in Moore,
which was devastated by tornadoes in 2013.
And his father has realized “a day I have always dreamed
about”—to see his son following in his footsteps.
CCA alumnus Rev. Dr. Ulmer Marshall has modeled
Christ-centered leadership as pastor of Trinity
Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Mobile,
Ala., for 40 years. A student of Dr. Rosa J. Young while
attending what was then Alabama Lutheran Academy,
Marshall took her lessons to heart. His church has
worked hard to keep its historically black Lutheran
school open for children to receive a Christian
education. Today, over 120 students attend the school,
with numbers growing in the summer for its enrichment
and outreach program.
The church and her members have been integral in
cleaning up the community, getting rid of drug dealers,
establishing hot lunches for seniors, repairing
Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast, Jr., seminary president, and Rev. Dr. Ulmer
Marshall at Kramer Chapel, Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne.
dilapidated houses, planting trees, holding job-training
seminars, and providing space for a public library.
Celebrating Marshall’s leadership in the Church, Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne named him
commencement speaker and awarded him the Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa, in May.
C l a s s o f 2 014
Graduation
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Ronald and Mary Brown traveled the farthest of all who
attended graduation, logging 2,250 miles from the city
of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to see their son,
Martin, a member of the 2009 National Championship
Soccer Team, graduate with a business degree. Brown works
for Neil and Massey Finance Corporation in Port-au-Prince.
ts of
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CCA recognize nts in the community.
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high school stu
Joy
Magna cum laude graduate Emnet Muzeyan, a Lutheran
from Ethiopia, heads to graduate school this fall with a
full tuition scholarship from Valparaiso University, where
Rev. Dr. John Nunes, commencement speaker, serves as the
Emil and Elfriede Jochum Chair, a university professorship
that supports the study of Christian values in public and
professional life.
CCA Alu
Immanuelmnus Rev. Dr. McN
celebrates Lutheran Church air Ramsey, pastor
bachelor’s with Simon Ajak, frin Vredenburgh, A of
A Lutherandegrees—one in b om Sudan, who rela.,
School in , Ajak student-tauusiness and one in edceived two
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fall.
an
Shirley Morrissette, from Lower Peactree, Ala.,
celebrates her bachelor’s in preschool education
with her granddaughter and great-granddaughters.
Morrissette will be teaching in a Head Start preschool
this fall in Wilcox County.
Courtney and Christy Pickens, from Tuscaloosa,
go back into the classroom this fall as second grade
teachers in Selma elementary schools.