Alumni Awards
Concordia University Announces its 2007 Alumni of Distinction Award & Hall of Fame Inductees
Alumni of Distinction Award
Given annually, the Alumni of Distinction Award is building a tradition of honoring outstanding alumni that are leaders in the transformation of society within their church or community. Kim Petersen graduated in 1985 with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and will receive the Alumni of Distinction Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community. For more than eight years this former third grade teacher has led the Carole Sund Carrington Foundation, which offers reward money for information about missing persons or unsolved murders. This foundation has worked alongside law enforcement on over 350 cases in over 45 states, posting over $3.1 million in reward money. Thirty seven murder suspects, one suspect in the attempted murder of a peace officer, and three kidnappers of young children have been apprehended through the help of the foundation. Additionally, the Foundation's reward money has assisted in the location of 9 missing persons.
Hall of Fame Inductees
CU's Hall of Fame pays tribute, gives deserving recognition, and enhances school tradition by honoring former student-athletes, coaches, and others who have shown distinctive, unique or exceptional athletic ability, or who have made positive contributions to the athletic programs of Concordia. This year's inductees are:
Anna (Gomez) Dillard graduated from Concordia University in 2000 with a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies. Anna was one of the key players to help raise CU Volleyball program to one of the top in the Cascade Conference and NAIA Region. Anna was selected to the all-conference teams and all-region teams in 1997 and 1998. She was also named as an NAIA All-American after both of those seasons.
Christy Olson graduated summa cum laude from Concordia University in 2000 with a bachelor of arts in psychology. Christy the first women’s soccer student-athlete at CU to be selected as Cascade Conference Player of the Year (1998). The same year, she was bestowed with NAIA All-American honors. She was a four-time all-conference athlete (1995, 96, 97, 98), three-time NAIA Region I first team member (1996, 97, 98), and also distinguished herself as an Academic All-American in 1998 and 1999.
Richard Schmidtke attended Concordia High School and Concordia Junior College until 1965. Richard was a three-sport athlete who excelled in football, basketball and baseball. As quarterback on the football team his rocket arm connected on many passing attacks, as a pitcher he threw several no-hitters while batting over .400 at the plate and as a guard on the basketball team he was one of the top scorers in both high school and junior college. At both levels he earned numerous all-league honors.
Doug Wolvert graduated from Concordia University in 1996 with a bachelor of arts in business administration. Doug helped guide the young soccer program to being recognized as one of the top in the area. While the Cascade Conference was not formalized in men’s soccer at that time, Doug did distinguish himself as a NAIA District 2 first-team member in 1994 and 1995 and was named NAIA All-American after his performance in those same years.
In addition, Dr. Julie Rowland will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for her meritorious service. Julie has been an outstanding role model of service and dedication to student-athletes, coaches and administration throughout her 29 years of service at CU. She has coached volleyball and basketball, as well as serving as athletic director, mentor, advisor, volunteer for numerous events and loyal fan and supporter of the Cavaliers.
Alum of Distinction
Given annually, the Alumni of Distinction Award is building a tradition of honoring outstanding alumni that are leaders in the transformation of society within their church or community. Read more.
Hall of Fame
CU's Hall of Fame pays tribute, gives deserving recognition, and enhances school tradition by honoring former student-athletes, coaches, and others who have shown distinctive, unique or exceptional athletic ability, or who have made positive contributions to the athletic programs of Concordia. Read more.