July 2010

Greetings from the New Alumni and Parent Relations Director – Brooke Krystosek

Dear Alumni,

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Alumni and Parent Relations Director at Concordia University. I started at Concordia on July 5th and dove head first into plans for Reunion Weekend, October 22-24. We have great plans in place and continue to add new options to the schedule on a daily basis. We welcome your ideas and would love to hear what would make reunions special for you and your class! Please email me at bkrystosek@cu-portland.edu with your ideas and suggestions, or better yet, to help! We want the reunion (and all events) to be YOURS!

I am thrilled to begin work at Concordia and to further the mission of this great university.

I am looking forward to meeting you all soon.

Brooke Krystosek

Concordia’s Third President Passes Away

Reverend Dr. Erhardt Paul "EP" Weber passed away during the night of June 20th. EP Weber was Concordia University’s third president for a span of 25 years from 1958 through 1983.

A celebration of EP's life and ministry in Christ was held in St. Michael's Lutheran Church on June 27th, followed by a reception Concordia University's George R. White Library & Learning Center. The family requests that all gifts in memory of EP Weber be directed to the EP Weber Endowment at Concordia University and the Good Shepherd Fund c/o Andy Weber, 1641 North First St., Suite 155, San Jose, CA 95112.

Under his leadership, Concordia made the transition from a junior college to a four-year university, experiencing significant growth in students and faculty. EP instilled Concordia's passion and culture of servant leadership. He was a major force in the creation of the LCMS Northwest District's Leadership Advancement Process that provides licensed deacons for ministry in the Northwest District and beyond. The university continues to partner with the District in this critical ministry through the Art & Carol Wahlers Center for Applied Lutheran Leadership. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Valparaiso University in 1940, a master’s of divinity from Concordia Seminary St. Louis in 1941, a master's in history from the University of Florida in 1946, and a doctor of sacred theology from the Lutheran School of Theology Chicago in 1962.

Alumni Spotlight

Through his work with the President’s Office, Jason Hagen ’05 has been on the leading edge of some of Concordia University’s most meaningful community engagement opportunities. Working closely with Executive Vice President Gary Withers and the entire executive team, Hagen has been an active resource in connecting community groups with Concordia University.

Recently, with the help of community leader and JFR Foundation President and Founder Keren Brown Wilson, Hagen journeyed to Nicaragua with six Concordia nursing students and faculty members, Lee Payton and Daniel Gregory to provide basic medical care for the elderly in villages in Nicaragua.

“It was incredible to see our students apply their learning in real world situations,” Hagen said. “For them, the on-the-ground experience was great, but the way they interacted and worked so hard was really humbling.”

The team put on free health clinics and training sessions with Nicaraguan doctors and nurses. They visited over 350 patients in three days and performed blood pressure checks, temperature checks, heart rate checks, cognitive assessments as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia screenings.

Hagen also worked with Payton and Gregory on a lecture series with Nicaraguan doctors and nurses focusing on the recognition of dementia symptoms in elders and how to care for patients when the diagnosis is made.

“It was extremely eye-opening and a grounding experience,” Hagen said. “It was truly awesome and every patient we saw we affected their lives. The patients were happy and everyone was excited to have us there helping.”

The group visited 24 assisted living homes in the area and did health screenings on all the residents. They left training packets for the doctors and nurses caring for the residents and are hoping that the assisted living homes in the area can be used as models for others throughout the country to follow.

Hagen intimated he might not be done with his South American travels. “We definitely want to go back next year to follow up and help them achieve their goals,” he said.

As the JFR Foundation and Concordia University continue to expand their relationship with elder care facilities internationally, there will undoubtedly be more opportunities to serve going forward.

Concordia Breaks Ground on Boise Law School

More than 100 people joined in celebrating Concordia University School of Law's groundbreaking on June 22nd to mark the start of renovations to its property at 501 Front St. in downtown Boise.

"I am thrilled that Concordia has chosen to make downtown Boise its new home," said Boise Mayor David Bieter. "The law school will provide a needed educational opportunity for the entire valley, and will also make this part of town more vibrant as the campus fills with faculty, staff, and new students. I look forward to the positive impact that Concordia will make on our local economy and on the caliber of our work force."

Expansion and renovations to the existing 17,000-square-foot structure will include a three-story, 33,000-square-foot addition. The completed structure will meet the law school's need for a library, classrooms, offices, and amenities. Pending accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, progress continues toward an anticipated fall 2011 opening. The law school is near the State Capitol, courts, government offices, law firms, and social services agencies.

"This groundbreaking is another milestone toward bringing the Concordia University School of Law to fruition," said Cathy Silak, dean of the law school and former Idaho Supreme Court Justice. "Concordia is looking forward to providing the same transformative leadership in this community that it is known for across the United States."

Concordia University President Chuck Schlimpert said that the new law school aims to be a boon to the area. "Concordia is committed to Boise and Idaho for the long term by helping grow its future leaders, who will give back through community service," Schlimpert said.

Nominate an Alum for Alumni of Distinction Award

Each year, the Concordia University Alumni Office recognizes outstanding alumni for their work in the transformation of society. The Alumni of Distinction is awarded to graduates who are making a difference in their communities, churches, or careers.

The Alumni Office is now accepting submissions for this prestigious award, which will be given out at Reunion Weekend October 22-24, 2010.

To nominate an alum for the award, simply download the form and return it to the alumni office by August 15th for consideration.

Forms can be mailed to Alumni Relations, 2811 NE Holman St., Portland, OR 97211 or emailed to alumni@cu-portland.edu.

Criteria for nominees:

1. Graduate of Concordia High School, Concordia College, or Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.
2. Individual demonstrates sustained exemplary leadership or modeling of Concordia’s mission in their church, community, or profession.

Nominations will be accepted each award cycle from alumni, faculty, and staff of Concordia University

High School Class of 1960 Joins 50-year Club at Reunion

The high school class of 1960 joined the Concordia’s 50-Year Club during their 50th reunion held on campus June 4-6, 2010. Special thanks go to class organizers Dan Roesler, Doug Hensley, and John Rasmussen for planning the weekend, contacting fellow classmates, and getting everyone on campus.

The group spent three days on campus and enjoyed a special luncheon with emeriti Faculty members Dr. Dwaine Brandt, Dr. Art Wahlers, Dr. Hans Spalteholz, Dr. George Weller, and Professor Al Roth.

The group also ate dinner at several Portland area restaurants including the Chart House, formerly known as Hill Villa, which was the site of their senior class banquet.

The group spent hours telling stories and laughing with each other and the faculty members. They went their separate ways on Sunday afternoon after a farewell luncheon filled with more stories and quite a few tearful goodbyes.

The 50-Year Club is for all alums who graduated at least 50 years ago. They are honored in front of their peers and receive a Concordia lapel pin to commemorate the occasion.

Concordia Claims CCC All-Sports Trophy for 2nd Straight Year

Cavaliers Win or Share 6 League Titles, Edge College of Idaho, Eastern Oregon for Top Spot

On the strength of six regular season conference championships, Concordia University has earned the 2009-10 Cascade Collegiate Conference All-Sports Trophy, given annually to the most successful athletic program in the CCC.

The Cavaliers, who have now won the award three of the last four years, totaled 134 points to edge runner-up College of Idaho (130) and third-place finisher Eastern Oregon (121). Southern Oregon (116) and Oregon Tech (97) rounded out the top five.

Points are awarded based on regular season conference finishes in a maximum of eight conference sports.

Concordia won or shared regular season CCC titles in women’s soccer,  men’s golf, women’s golf, softball, men’s track, and women’s track, and posted runner-up finishes in men’s soccer and women’s cross country.

Seven Concordia teams advanced to NAIA postseason play during the year, with top-15 national finishes posted by women’s soccer (T-3rd), women’s golf (5th), men’s track (5th), and women’s track (7th), women’s cross country (12th) and men’s cross country (13th).

“This award is a tribute to the level of excellence and quality of character throughout our athletic department,” said Concordia Athletics Director, Matt English. “It is an honor to win this award two years in a row competing in one of the best conferences in the nation. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff deserve tremendous credit for their hard work and commitment to excellence.”

2010 Alumni Soccer Game

Break out your cleats and shin guards and relive your glory days as a Concordia University soccer player. Join your former teammates and challenge the 2010 Cavaliers in this annual tradition in front of your friends, family and former teammates!

When: Saturday, August 14, 2010
Location: Strasser Field at Delta Park, N. Denver Ave & Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR
Times: Women at 12:00pm, Men at 2:15
BBQ: Campus Green at 4:00pm

Click here to RSVP or call 503-493-6579 or 800-752-4736

2010 Alumni Volleyball Game

Dig out the knee pads and return to Cavalier Gymnasium to take on the 2010 Cavalier Volleyball team in this annual tradition. Stick around afterwards for a reception and a chance to rehash the game and your time at Concordia University.                          

When: Friday, August 27, 2010
Location: Concordia University Gymnasium, 3472 NE 27th Ave. Portland, OR
Time: 6:30pm
Reception following in the Brandes Dining Room on the Concordia campus

Click here to RSVP or call 503-493-6579 or 800-752-4736

Concordia University | 2811 NE Holman Street, Portland, OR 97211 | 503-288-9371 or 1-800-321-9371