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ForesterCONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
CUChicago.edu Winter 2018
Kreft Student Success Centerto open in spring 2018
Change. It surrounds us in all aspects of our lives—at home, at work, at school, and certainly on the Concordia University Chicago campus. Our history is one of faithful believers embracing new opportunities as the Lord led them into what was for them, the future, and for us, our own present.
I think of a hero of the faith, Abraham. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8 ESV). Abraham would have likely been apprehensive. And yet he obeyed, because God called him to not just face change but to embrace it.
This issue of the Forester is dedicated to examining the change and growth the University has recently experienced and also looks forward to our future. We’ve come very far in the past 10 years, but there is still much progress to be made as we continuously seek to best serve our Lord, our students, the Church and the community.
Overall University enrollment has grown extensively from 4,128 in 2007 to 5,760 in 2017. In fact, this is the ninth consecutive year that enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Growth at the graduate level has been particularly significant, largely due to the proliferation of new programs of study, the delivery of coursework online and the establishment of doctoral programs. Record enrollments for new undergraduates occurred multiple times throughout this 10-year period and has stabilized despite the challenges that included a continued decline in high school graduates.
Today’s rapidly evolving world witnesses new industries and career opportunities created almost daily.
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
On page nine, for instance, you’ll find a more in-depth exploration into our new technology-based degree programs that I referred to in my previous column.
We remain dedicated to our Lutheran roots in a time of the broader culture’s repudiation of the Word of God. As such, we have introduced a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Liberal Studies. It applies classical concepts in a contemporary setting to address the needs of the 21st-century Church and world.
The West Annex has seen many changes over the years—originally the main dining hall in the early 1900s, it most recently housed faculty offices. Thanks to the generosity of longtime friends of the University, Karl and Shirley Kreft, we are currently completing a full renovation of the first floor, which will enable us to house all of our student services under a single roof. On the heels of the recent ribbon-cutting for Concordia Hall, we are planning a similar event this spring for the new Kreft Student Service Center.
In this issue, you will also read about change in our athletics programs through the eyes of a longtime coach and learn about how our clinical and mental health counseling program prepares graduates to enact change in their communities.
Suffice to say, change and the uncertainty it brings is inevitable and affects each of us in many ways. But, as the Lord led Abraham, so He will always lead His people. Thoughtful change at Concordia-Chicago will continue to ensure that we are preparing our students appropriately for a future—a future that we could not have dreamed of even 10 years ago. Soli Deo Gloria!
CONTACT USForester Magazine: c/o University Communications & Marketing Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL 60305-1499 708-209-3111 | [email protected]
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ENROLLMENT AND MARKETINGEvelyn P. Burdick
ASST. VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETINGEric Matanyi
DESIGNER Tracy Vasquez
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSAnneliese Ayers BA ’19Paige Craig BA ’99, MBA ’14 Jim Egan BA ’82Kate Hawley Rev. Dr. Jeff Leininger Eric Matanyi Martina Reese Anna Seifert
PHOTOGRAPHYEmily Adkins
MISSIONAs a distinctive, comprehensive university of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and based in the liberal arts, Concordia University Chicago equips men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized church and world.
VISIONConcordia University Chicago is the university of choice for those seeking a Christian institu-tion in the Midwest which provides a broad, liberal arts based undergraduate education, as well as graduate and professional programs in areas of demonstrated competence, which serve a particular need of society and advance the mission of the Church.
CORE VALUESWe at Concordia University Chicago embrace these Core Values as essential to living together in a vibrant and influential Christian academic community and as productive citizens of the Church and world.
CHRISTIAN FAITH. The Christian faith is an integral part of our community.
THE INDIVIDUAL. As a member of God’s creation, each person is unique and is blessed with inherent worth.
EXCELLENCE. We strive for excellence in who we are and what we do.
INTEGRITY. Our community demonstrates the accord between our beliefs and practices.
SERVICE. Recognizing and addressing the needs of others is a response to God’s love for us, and a reflection of God’s love for them.
11 Kreft Student Success Center to Open this Spring
15 Reformation 500: The Year in Review – A Photo Recap of the Historic Mile Marker
18 Highlights of a Decade of Growth and Change
Table of Contents
ON THE COVER
Opening in spring 2018, the Kreft Student Success Center will be a dynamic space for focusing on CUC’s “students first” philosophy. The project was made possible through a generous donation from Karl and Shirley Kreft (pictured center).
NEWS AND COLUMNS
4 CUC News
8 University Events
9 New Tech Programs Launch in Fall 2018
10 Illinois Secretary of State Inspires Good Citizenship and Giving
12 Presidential Scholarships Awarded to Five Top Freshmen
21 Lincoln Laureate’s Undergraduate Career Marked by Achievements
22 Preparing Counselors to be Catalysts in the Community
24 Alumni News
25 Class Notes
28 Athletics
30 Faculty/Staff News
FEATURES
4cuchicago.edu CUC News
1
The afternoon started out like any other as River Forest residents Maria and Donato Fiscella set out on their regular walk around the track at Concordia University Chicago. But as the couple took in the warm sun and discussed their day, Maria began to feel faint. At once she collapsed to the ground with her concerned husband by her side.
Fate had it that CUC undergraduate student Lina Baker witnessed Maria in distress and immediately alerted head track coach Phil Kopinski, who was also nearby. Kopinski rushed to Maria’s side and immediately began chest compressions. He was quickly joined by assistant athletic trainer Chris Anderson, assistant athletic trainer Olivia Zander and student athlete Amanda Miller. The group worked together to administer CPR by hand and facilitated the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).
First responders from River Forest and members of the University’s Public Safety staff quickly arrived on scene; Maria was transferred to nearby Rush Oak Park Hospital by ambulance, where she was stabilized. “This was a total team effort by our staff, students, first responders and hospital staff,” said David Witken, chief of CUC’s Department of Public Safety. “Each person played an important role in saving Mrs. Fiscella’s life.” Witken also
Students and Staff Save Local Resident’s Life
noted that Maria’s was the second life saved on campus by AED within 14 months.
By November, Maria had made a full recovery from quadruple bypass surgery and journeyed back to campus to thank those that had saved her life. Joined by her husband and daughters Rina and Theresa, the family took part in a special Chapel service commending the lifesavers. “Our mother has a strong faith, strong will and is truly the strongest person we know,” Theresa said. “We realize how blessed we are and are eternally grateful to all of you!”
The University presented the rescuers with CPR Defibrillation Save lapel pins, formally recognizing their heroic efforts. Those who aided but did not perform CPR received angel wing pins. AED manufacturer Cardiac Science recognized all responders with additional pins and plaques. The group then retired to a special luncheon, which was characterized by love, laughter and praise.
Overcome with positive emotion and with tears in her eyes, Maria offered a single, sincere sentence to those in attendance: “Thank you for saving my life.”
5Winter 2018 Forester
CUC Makes U.S. News & World Report Lists for Best Regional Universities and Best Ethnic Diversity
Concordia University Chicago was nationally recognized for the quality well-rounded education it provides, as well as its diverse student body, by U.S. News & World Report. In the magazine’s annual rankings released in the fall, CUC was named as a Best Regional University – Midwest, and listed for Best Ethnic Diversity – Regional Universities Midwest.
“These distinctions speak to our commitment to providing the best education and overall college experience for our students,” said President Dr. Daniel Gard. “In addition to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, CUC has recently been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, in recognition of an undergraduate Hispanic student population of 25 percent or greater. Students at Concordia University Chicago are diverse in cultural background, faith and ethnicity, providing our graduates with a broad perspective that prepares them well in every vocation and to serve others throughout the world.”
U.S. News evaluated all programs on graduation rate, student-faculty ratio, ACT/SAT scores and acceptance rate, among other factors. Concordia-Chicago scored notably well in class size, with 79 percent of classes made up of 20 or fewer students.
Students Step Up to Help in Disaster Relief
When a series of natural disasters happened in quick succession this fall—Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Irma in Florida, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and an earthquake in Mexico—it hit home for many in the CUC community with family and friends in the affected areas. Students, staff and faculty alike felt a call to help those in need.
In September, Concordia-Chicago joined the Care Card ministry of Lutheran Church Charities for “Ten Days of Care Carding” on campus. The Office of Student Leadership & Involvement provided supplies to decorate cards and set up a drop-off station in a different location each day. People were encouraged to donate gift cards or to give directly to LCMS Disaster Response, as these were found to be the best ways to help at the time.
In all, the efforts on campus provided more than $1,300 for hurricane relief, delivered in gift cards to Lutheran Church Charities. The Office of Student Leadership & Involvement is also planning a spring service trip to help in the long-term relief efforts.
2
CUC News
Computer Science Students Place First in Chicago Programming Competition
For the second time in three years, a team of CUC undergraduate students finished first place in Chicago in the IEEEXtreme 24-Hour Programming Competition. The students’ performance in the annual Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) contest placed them fifth in the greater Midwest, 40th in the United States and 600th in the world out of 3,350 teams. The competition is a global challenge where students in undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs compete together in a 24-hour period to solve a set of programming problems.
The team was made up of CUC undergraduate students Nick Rittling (captain), Simeon Dyankov and Karl Camp. The group was encouraged to participate in the competition and trained by faculty mentor Dr. Victor Govindaswamy, associate professor of computer science at Concordia-Chicago.
“I am thrilled with the improvement, hoping that we will keep on climbing the rankings,” said Govindaswamy. “Our undergraduates competed against teams of mostly master’s and Ph.D. students. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but we exceeded expectations again, so it’s a very good sign for the program.”
6cuchicago.edu
Evidence-Based School Funding Model Included in Illinois Bill
Dr. Michelle Turner Mangan, associate professor of research, was featured in this magazine a year ago, detailing her prominent role in reforming Illinois’ outdated school funding system using the evidence-based model. At the time, Governor Rauner’s commission was considering that model among several approaches to school funding reform. This past fall, a bill including the evidence-based model was passed and signed by the governor, bringing a successful outcome to Mangan’s many years of research and advocacy.
“I am very proud of my work over the last nine years in Illinois to bring the evidence-based model of school funding to fruition,” said Mangan. “I had presented to the governor’s school funding reform taskforce in two separate meetings, and gave countless presentations around the state to school business official groups.”
The evidence-based model calculates school funding by using school size to determine the number of administrators and teachers needed to operate with small class sizes proven to promote student success. Student needs such as ESL and special education are factored in.
CUC News
3
Other programs in the funding equation include tutoring, extended school days, academic summer school, intensive teacher training and professional development.
Art Faculty Member Opens Studio to the University Community
Nikkole Huss, professor of art at CUC, has taken on the role of Artist in Residence during the spring 2018 semester as a way of combining her passion for teaching and love of creating art. As part of her residency, the Concordia-Chicago community, alumni and local residents are invited to visit her studio during her work sessions. Visitors can see how Huss creates art, learn about new processes and ask questions about the concepts presented in the work.
Her current series investigates whether or not it is possible to encounter the essence of landscapes only experienced on a screen. As part of this mission, Huss will complete various virtual globe treks to National Natural Landmarks across the United States using the Google Earth program, then render her interpretations using ink, watercolor and beeswax. “These sites contain outstanding biological and geological resources that should be preserved as part of America’s natural heritage for future generations,” said Huss.
Visit Huss’ studio in Kretzmann Hall, Room 151 on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 3 p.m. during the spring semester. For more information, contact [email protected].
4
7Winter 2018 Forester
1. CUC students, staff and River Forest first responders gathered with local
resident Maria Fiscella (center) at the commemoration service for those
who saved her life.
2. CUC’s first-place programming team consisted of Nick Rittling (back row
right), Simeon Dyankov and Karl Camp (front row).
3. Dr. Michelle Mangan, associate professor of research, with Gov. Bruce
Rauner at the signing of the Illinois school funding reform bill.
4. Professor of Art Nikkole Huss opens her studio to visitors this semester,
as she creates works in ink, watercolor and beeswax.
5. Dr. Daniel Bishop, professor of counselor education, provided on-the-
spot training in psychological first aid, crisis debriefing, and field work
for a week following the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas, NV in early
October 2017.
CUC News
Alum Secures Funding for Veterans’ Software Coding Boot Camp
Code Platoon is a small nonprofit organization that works to train veterans into software developers through a 14-week coding boot camp. Before she even graduated from the grant writing program at CUC, Alicia Boddy MA ’17 was able to start as a volunteer grant writer for Code Platoon, securing grants from Motorola Solutions Foundation ($10,000), Boeing Corporate Giving ($100,000) and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs ($25,000), with many other awards in the works.
“During the spring, I began recruiting volunteer grant writers that I could train and mentor, while helping me manage the incredible amount of funding available to a veteran-serving organization in the technology field,” Boddy said. “2018 is going to be an amazing year for Code Platoon! I never would have found this path without CUC’s grant writing master’s program.”
Concordia-Chicago’s M.A. in grant writing, management and evaluation is a flexible, all-online program that trains students to practically apply knowledge related to grant-seeking activities, grant writing, grant management and program evaluation of nonprofit, for-profit, public and/or private organizations.
Faculty Member Responds to Las Vegas Crisis
Dr. Daniel Bishop, professor of counselor education at Concordia University Chicago, traveled to Las Vegas, NV in early October 2017 for a National Association of Forensic Counselors conference. When a country music concert erupted in gunfire—in what was the largest mass shooting in modern U.S. history—his plans changed quickly and he instinctually went into first responder mode.
“The morning after the shooting, I was approached by the crisis unit to engage in mental health crisis work,” Bishop recalls. “The death toll in this particular incident was exceptionally high and the injuries numerous. Having worked in hundreds of crisis situations, I was more than ready and willing to share what God had trained me to do.”
When a crisis occurs, it is important that the first responders are trained and experienced in dealing with crisis situations. Bishop engaged with other counselors to provide on-the-spot training in psychological first aid and crisis debriefing. Immediately thereafter, he was placed in
the field for a week, working directly with those who were impacted by the incident.
Bishop employed psychological first aid, used immediately following an incident to help survivors reengage the feeling of safety and comfort. “The survivors had a variety of responses to the situation, from those experiencing very strong emotions to people who were emotionless and numb,” he said.
“This was the largest crisis I have worked with,” Bishop said. “My wife and I were proud to have been there to help even just a few of the young survivors in the healing process.”
2018 is going to be an amazing year for Code Platoon! I never would have found this path without CUC’s grant writing master’s program.” - ALICIA BODDY MA ’17
5
8cuchicago.edu University Events
“Man of La Mancha”
Patriotic Pops Concert
Based on Don Quixote, Cervantes’ epic 17th-century novel, “Man of La
Mancha” was one of the first shows to musicalize a piece of historical
literature. Set in the context of the Spanish Inquisition, “Man of La
Mancha” is presented as a play-within-a-play.
April 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m.
April 15 and 22 at 3 p.m.
Location: Madison Street Theatre, Oak Park, IL
Tickets: ManchaCUC.brownpapertickets.com
Join Concordia Chicago’s University Band, conducted by
Dr. Richard Fischer, for their annual outdoor Patriotic
Pops concert.
June 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Addison Pillars Lawn
2018 University Events
March 16 Wind Symphony Home Concert
March 17 Kapelle Home Concert
March 23 University Band Concert
April 7 Undergraduate Admitted
Student Visit Day
April 8 Chamber Orchestra Concert
April 12 Convocation Chamber Concert
April 13-22 The Collective presents
“Man of La Mancha”
April 16 Jazz Band Concert
April 20 Service of Thanksgiving and Praise &
Faculty Dinner and Retirement
Celebration
April 21 Preparatory and Community Piano
Faculty Recital
April 26 Student Honors Recital
April 28 Undergraduate High School
Visit Day
April 29 Spring Music Festival
May 4 Senior Recognition Recital
May 4 Alumni Graduation Celebration &
Baccalaureate Service
May 5 Spring Commencement
May 28 River Forest Memorial Day Parade
June 23 Patriotic Pops Concert &
Ice Cream Social
For additional details and a full list of University events, visit CUChicago.edu/events.
9Winter 2018 Forester New Tech Programs
Students registering for the fall semester will notice several new technology-related courses to choose from—that’s because CUC is currently developing academic programs in animation,
game art and design data analytics and web design. The new programs will provide engaging experiences in applied research, service activities, internships, off-campus study and more. Graduates will be ready to enter the 21st-century workplace, where jobs in these fields are projected to grow at faster-than-average rates.
All the new tech programs will eventually be offered in three different formats: face-to-face, online and hybrid. The choice in formats is especially convenient for distance learning and those who are working full-time in addition to pursuing a degree.
“We are excited to offer these programs in unique ways for our students. For example, we are teaching animation in a holistic way, integrating math, science, music, art and history,” said Dr. Christopher Lilly, associate professor of education technology. “We will draw on the great faculty we already have in addition to new faculty and adjunct professors. In gaining such well-rounded knowledge, students will be prepared for the multiple paths their careers are likely to take.”
New Tech Programs Launch in Fall 2018
In the animation program, students will hone their skills in 2D or 3D animation, multimedia technology and digital arts. The game art & design program will provide students with the broad set of skills needed for the multi-disciplinary effort of designing games, from communication to design principles, usability research and prototyping.
Future development of a cybersecurity program is also being discussed. That field will be increasingly important in a world where people want protection from identity theft and cyberterrorism, and students will gain practical experience in securing networks, protecting digital assets and responding to cyberattacks.
“Right now, there are only six schools in Illinois with cybersecurity programs recognized as Centers for Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security,” said Lilly. “We hope to be to be included on this list in the future by aligning our coursework with the stringent requirements of those two agencies. It will really set CUC apart from the competition.”
To learn more about these new programs, visit CUChicago.edu/go-tech.
10cuchicago.edu Jesse White Visit
Illinois Secretary of State Inspires Good Citizenship and GivingBY: ANNA SEIFERT, Communications Associate
At the age of 83, Illinois’ five-term Secretary of State Jesse White isn’t planning to retire anytime soon. He continues to serve the state of Illinois, and encourages people to participate
in the organ donor program and to stay positive in the face of adversity. White recently visited the Concordia-Chicago campus to speak to a capacity audience of students, faculty and staff.
Both President Gard and Jerry Pinotti, director of Career Services, introduced White. “Every once in a while you get the opportunity to meet someone who has ideas and aspirations for a better world, and actually puts them into action to impact human lives—Secretary White is one of those people,” said Dr. Gard.
The Illinois Secretary of State office is responsible for license plates and titles, driver records, registering
corporations, administering the organ/tissue donor program, and acting as the state librarian and archivist. White had a long and diverse career before his election to his current role. He served as Cook County Recorder of Deeds, spent 16 years in the Illinois General Assembly, was a teacher and administrator in the Chicago Public Schools, played minor league professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization, and was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and a member of the Illinois National Guard and Reserve.
White founded the well-known Jesse White Tumbling Team in 1959, which can be seen performing at NBA and NFL halftime shows across the country, and have appeared in several movies and two presidential inaugural parades. He created the team for children residing in Chicago housing projects, and he still coaches to this day. Team members must abide by the rules of staying in school, maintaining a C average, and keeping away from gangs and drugs.
“Always look upward and aim high,” White said, taking an inspirational tone. “Every day, do something good for someone.” Focusing specifically on the students in attendance, he talked about the importance of good sportsmanship and being an upstanding citizen, which led into his discussion of the state’s organ donation program. He encouraged everyone in attendance to register when they renew their driver’s license.
Marjean Hawkins, an organ donation recipient, provided an affirmation of White’s charge to the audience. A year ago she received a new lung, which she described as bittersweet. Although her life was saved, she knew that there was a family mourning the loss of their 17-year-old son. “I think about that every day. I don’t know how many lives that young man saved, but I know one of them was mine,” she said. “Thank you for registering and for being a part of this.”
1. Secretary of State Jesse White visited with the many students in
attendance at his speech to the CUC community.1
11Winter 2018 Forester Foundation Feature
Kreft Student Success Center to Open this SpringBY: KATE HAWLEY, Donor Relations Coordinator
The new dynamic space will allow us to best support student learning and success,” said Jeff Hynes, dean of students. “When students see this, they’ll have a clear indication that they come first.”
The University has begun a major renovation project thanks to a transformational gift from Karl and Shirley Kreft, longtime donors to Lutheran higher education and other ministries around the
world. The project, which comes just a few months after Concordia Hall opened, is a testament to the University’s continued growth and “students first” focus.
The project involves an extensive remodel of the West Annex building’s first floor, which will be referred to as the Kreft Student Success Center. The 9,000-square-foot space will be a hub of essential student services—a one-stop shop where students will be able to access academic advising, international student services and functions related to the dean of students.
Dean’s office services include residential life, the office for student success, the center for vocation and career development, and health services (a clinic and counseling center). A welcome desk will greet students
as they enter the Center and assist them in finding the services they need.
“The new dynamic space will allow us to best support student learning and success,” said Jeff Hynes, dean of students. “When students see this, they’ll have a clear indication that they come first.”
The new Center exhibits modern design, technology, attractive lighting and wood accents. A new west exterior entrance and walkway will connect the Kreft Center with the Christopher Center, improving access and flow between two major campus buildings.
“The Kreft Center will provide greater visibility and an opportunity for interviewing and recruiting,” added Jerry Pinotti, director of career services. “It’s going to be like a magnet for students, faculty and employers alike.”
The grand opening, ribbon cutting and dedication of the Kreft Center for Student Success will take place on Friday, March 16 at 4:30 p.m. A dinner honoring the Krefts will follow.
12cuchicago.edu President’s Honors Scholars
Presidential Scholarships Awarded to Five Top FreshmenCLASS OF 2021
Brenda BentonDESERT MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Abram EggerPROVIDENCE CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
ST. LOUIS, MO
BRENDA BENTON, of Scottsdale, AZ, knows the importance of building a person’s self-worth. Her personal philosophy is, “Honor everyone—young or old, foreign or familiar—as myself, and ignite the light in their eyes with three simple words: you are worthy.” Practicing this philosophy, Brenda started a Bible study for middle school girls, modeling integrity and unconditional love, and went on a volunteer mission trip to Guatemala where she taught children’s Bible lessons.
In Guatemala she learned not to take her blessings for granted. She witnessed that the people there, while lacking material possessions, spent hours worshipping and thanking God for what they had.
Brenda, who will pursue a minor in theology at CUC, has been a member of the Student-Adult Leadership Team at her church, worked at the local LCMS afterschool program, led a program to help children deal with divorce in the family, volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, and won several Scholastic Art and Writing Awards as a student at Desert Mountain High School.
To say that ABRAM EGGER, of St. Louis, MO, can balance many responsibilities might be an understatement. At Providence Classical Christian Academy, he was a member of the basketball and cross-country teams, serving as senior captain, served on student council, sang in the church and school choirs, participated in drama and was a sports writer for the school newspaper.
Abram, whose ideal morning is a bird-watching trip on the Mississippi Flyway, is also a lover of nature, to which he seeks connections in literature. “Most notably for me, Dostoevsky links a love of nature with a love of humanity,” Abram says. “You cannot have one without the other, or appreciate the beauty of one without acknowledging its equal in the other.”
He plans to study history with a pre-seminary concentration, and seeks to be the type of scholar who recognizes his own limitations and uses his study for the sake of others. “A scholar must never consider himself a sufficient master of his area of study,” he says. “Nobody can know everything—learning is continuous.”
A select few exceptional freshmen are awarded full-tuition scholarships each year to attend Concordia University Chicago. The President’s Honors Scholar program recognized five
new students for the 2017-2018 academic year. These students had to maintain a 3.75 GPA for no less than six semesters in high school, and earn a composite score
of 30 on the ACT, a 1390 on the SAT (Critical Reading and Math) or be designated a National Merit Semi-Finalist to qualify for the scholarship. To remain eligible for the University’s top academic honor, the scholars will continue to meet rigorous academic standards throughout their undergraduate studies.
13Winter 2018 Forester President’s Honors Scholars
Megan JacobsenMETRO EAST LUTHERAN
BETHALTO, IL
Jennifer LivesayLAKE PARK HIGH SCHOOL
MEDINAH, IL
Joshua TeggatzROCK ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL
ROCK ISLAND, IL
MEGAN JACOBSEN, of Bethalto, IL, says that “True scholars are not found with numbers or letters. A person’s desire to learn cannot be calculated with equations nor can it be measured with rulers or yardsticks. Scholarship is about the passion for learning.”
If anyone has that passion for learning, it is Megan. As a member of the Creative Writing and Book Club at Metro East Lutheran, she pushed herself to learn beyond the requirements of the classroom. She participated in band, track and field, and was a member of the National Honor Society, drama club and Scholar Bowl. She served as president of her church youth group for a year, and was a junior camp counselor.
When Megan read To Kill a Mockingbird in school, she saw connections to conflicts in society today. “It is impossible to truly step into another’s skin and walk around in it,” she says, referencing a line from the book. “But I can try my best, and if everyone does the same, perhaps we can come closer to truly loving each other the way that Jesus has commanded us to do.”
JENNIFER LIVESAY, of Medinah, IL, believes that learning is a lifelong journey, beginning in childhood. “The desire to learn more, to question more, and to discover more can motivate students to look for opportunities to enrich their knowledge,” she says. “The student who can articulate thoughts and opinions based on facts, and who can also apply that knowledge, can change the world.”
There is no doubt that Jennifer’s strong work ethic led to her success as a student at Lake Park High School, while keeping up with many sports and other activities. Jennifer was a captain of the volleyball team, as well as a volleyball instructor and referee. She was also a member of her youth group, and a longtime volunteer with Feed My Starving Children and Phil’s Friends.
Jennifer tries to look past the labels people give each other, and recognizes that her choices, not just her abilities, define who she is. “I can choose to use my abilities to make the world a better place and to make an impact on people, even if it is only one person,” she says.
JOSHUA TEGGATZ, of Rock Island, IL, has seen the power of people coming together for good. On a mission trip to rural Kentucky, Joshua’s church group performed construction on a run-down home owned by an elderly woman. He was amazed at what they accomplished, but more amazed at the gratitude and love of life the woman showed. “She lived in a poverty-stricken area and possessed so little, and yet her life was one of wonder, true faith and inspiration,” Joshua says.
At Rock Island High School, Joshua was a varsity tennis player and summer tennis coach, a member of National Honor Society, and violin player in the school orchestra.
Joshua, who plans to major in English with a pre-seminary concentration, has always been fascinated by the power of words and language. He started writing daily devotionals for family and friends, and created a Facebook page called Words of Encouragement. “Using words to make a difference in people’s lives made me truly understand the purpose of knowledge: to apply it for the betterment of others,” he says.
14cuchicago.edu
Make a gift today to the CUC program or initiative you love!CUChicago.edu/CUCelebrates
The Celebration Continues
Academic Programs Residence Hall Initiative Athletic InitiativeFacilities Scholarships Where Needed Most
Please visit the website for all opportunities.CUChicago.edu/CUCelebrates
A Photo Recap of the Historic Mile MarkerThe Year in Review
15Winter 2018 Forester
A Photo Recap of the Historic Mile MarkerThe Year in Review
Led by moderator Manya Brachear Pashman (Religion Correspondent for the Chicago Tribune), Rev. Dr. Philip Ryken (President, Wheaton College), Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President, Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod), and Cardinal Blase J. Cupich (Archdiocese of Chicago) engage in conversation about the historic and theological divisions emerging from the Reformation controversies, as well as points of shared concern and common cause among Christian churches at Concordia-Chicago’s Interdenominational Conversation held in The Chapel of Our Lord on the eve of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.
PHOTOS BY: EMILY ADKINS
17Winter 2018 Forester
1
Alums Meet to Explore History and Mystery of J.S. Bach’s Bible
BY: REV. DR. JEFFREY LEININGER, University Pastor
As part of CUC’s Reformation 500th anniversary activities, the University hosted a volume of the historic Bach
(Calov) Bible on campus, loaned by Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The third volume of the Bach Bible was on display, along with about 40 other rare 16th-century documents as part of CUC’s unprecedented Let the Books Tell the Story exhibit.
First purchased by Ludwig Michael Reichle in Philadelphia sometime in the 1830s or 40s, the true significance of the three-volume commentary was not uncovered until 1934. By that time, the family had moved to Frankenmuth, MI, where Reichle’s son, Leonard, had kept the Bible as a family heirloom. It was in the family home that a visiting relative, a pastor, first discovered Bach’s famous monogram (signature) and hand-written notes throughout the three volumes. The Reichles had unknowingly preserved the very Bible Bach had held in his hands as he composed his sacred works, and which he used for his personal devotional life—truly a window into the famous musician’s soul.
Two Concordia-Chicago alums have family connections to the famous book. Laura (Rahe) Latzke, BA ‘66, and Barbara (Brunner) Paulsen, BA ‘69, grew up hearing family stories about their Reichle connection to the Bach Bible. Ludwig Reichle was the great-grandfather to Laura, and the great-great grandfather to Barbara. In October, Laura and Barbara made a trip to CUC to meet each other and, for the first time, view the book that had become family legend. The separate streams of a family, a university, the Reformation, and the most famous Lutheran musician
of all time converged in a powerful historic moment for all.
The story does not end there, and neither does the history. While Concordia-Chicago was grateful to have hosted a volume of the original, we are equally excited that a facsimile reproduction—a full, three-volume exact replica—has been donated to our Center for Church music. A theological and historic book publisher from the Netherlands, Uitgeverij Van Wijnen, has painstakingly digitized and recreated the Bible including all of Bach’s notes, and gifted the university with its own edition for study and reflection.
Now the Concordia-Chicago community will be able to experi-ence firsthand Bach’s personal reflections on the power of music in conveying the Gospel. Future generations will be able to not just reflect on our heritage, but be better equipped to serve the church in the future through the gift of music. In a sense, we will be able to step back in time to peer over Bach’s shoulders as he composes some of the most spiritually stirring music of all time.
You can learn more about this exciting project through the Center for Church Music, or at Bachbible.com. The publisher notes the significance of this reproduction:
“This Bach Bible is not only a unique emotional monument: enabling us to read the Bible that Bach read and see the texts of his music highlighted in it; the Bible also provides direct access to the spiritual world of Bach—texts that nurtured and supported Bach’s faith can now be read by everyone.”
1. Concordia-Chicago alums Laura Latzke (right)
and Barbara Paulsen (left) view the Bach
Bible for the first time.
18cuchicago.edu Growth and Change
Highlights of a Decade ofGrowth and Change
Concordia University Chicago has undergone a period of unprecedented growth over the past decade, allowing it to expand its reach locally, regionally and globally. That growth is
continuing with new initiatives, including new academic and athletic programs, new building projects, and continued diversity. There has also been significant growth in terms of the expansion of CUC’s mission and the type of faculty. In terms of reputation, the University has grown in stature in a way that is respected by other institutions and accrediting agencies.
Enrollment GrowthGrowth cannot happen at a university without a thriving
student body. For the past nine years, total institutional enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students, and reached 5,760 in fall of 2017. In 2013, the University admitted its largest-ever freshman class. The addition of new master’s degree programs, coupled with Ed.D. and Ph.D. degrees, has significantly driven graduate enrollment.
Student DiversityThe diversity at CUC is growing, reflecting a global
and interconnected society. International students are coming to study at Concordia-Chicago from all corners of the globe—see the pie chart at right for many of the
countries represented by the graduate international student population. The continued diversity at CUC also reflects the population of the Chicagoland area. In 2017, the University was named as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, meaning that at least 25 percent of the undergraduate student body is composed of Hispanic or Latino students.
Campus Facility ImprovementsLast year’s opening of the first new residence
hall since 1969 —Concordia Hall—ushered in a new era of on-campus living, offering residents state-of-the-art amenities and creating a draw for prospective students. Other facilities across campus have seen improvements in the last 10 years, including completion of a brand-new Fitness Center; flooring, lighting and acoustic improvements to the Chapel of Our Lord; upcoming renovations to Trusheim Hall in summer 2018; the opening of Kay’s Corner and the Victory Lounge; renovation of the music practice rooms; and the anticipated opening of the Kreft Student Success Center in late spring (see page 11).
The success of the Cougar baseball team....made CUC a household name in the world of Division III athletics.
19Winter 2018 Forester
Athletics ExpandingNew athletic programs have been developed to help
attract more student-athletes. The men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, which were introduced in 2015, continue to grow in size and stature. In the 2018-19 academic year, men’s volleyball will have its first season, increasing the number of intercollegiate sports programs offered at Concordia-Chicago to 17. The success of the Cougar baseball team, winning the Midwest regional and qualifying for the NCAA World Series for the first time in 2017, made CUC a household name in the world of Division III athletics.
Last year’s opening of the first new residence hall since 1969—Concordia Hall—ushered in a new era of on-campus living, offering residents state-of-the-art amenities and creating a draw for prospective students.
25% Saudia Arabia
22% India
11% Uzbekistan
8% Vietnam
8% Dominican Republic
<5% Other
2017-2018 GRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT POPULATION
Other countries include: China, Canada, Pakistan, Cameroon, Thailand, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Mongolia, Malaysia, South Korea, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Singapore, Russia, Qatar, Palestine, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Ecuador, Brazil, Barbados, Austria, Albania
20cuchicago.edu Growth and Change
Concordia University Chicago
by the Numbers
9YEARS5,000+
ENROLLMENT
9852006
DEGREES AWARDED
1,200+ 69% 10
COLLEGES ESTABLISHED
INCREASE OVER
YEARS
1,6642016
1,463+
ENROLLMENT FALL 2017
undergrads
5,760 total students
graduates4,297
17
2018FA
LL
TEAMSNCAA DIVISION III
24%OF UNDERGRADS
STUDENTATHLETES
353
DOCTORAL ENROLLMENT
20062007
2015
College of Graduate and Innovative Programs
College of Innovation and Professional Programs
College of Graduate Studies
College of Business
21Winter 2018 Forester Lincoln Laureate
Lincoln Laureate’s Undergraduate Career Marked by AchievementsBY: ANNA SEIFERT, Communications Associate
The Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Awards are presented every year to one student from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions in Illinois, for excellence in both curricular and
extra-curricular activities. CUC senior Joseph Reineke was surprised to find out that he had been named a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois for 2017. “I felt honored that the faculty at Concordia-Chicago chose me out of all those who were eligible for this award,” he said.
Reineke received his award from Governor Bruce Rauner, consisting of a Student Laureate medallion and a $1,000 educational grant, at a ceremony at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, IL.
“It takes people of good will, hard work, faith and talent to come together to solve today’s problems and overcome our challenges, and help everyone achieve a better life,” said Rauner in his address to the students. Stephanie Pace Marshall, chancellor of the Lincoln Academy, added, “We view you, our student laureates, as our great citizens of tomorrow.”
When he was an incoming freshman to Concordia-Chicago, Reineke was awarded the President’s Honors Scholarship, and continued to be an engaged and successful student through his senior year (read about
this year’s President’s Scholars on page 12). Reineke, of Antigo, WI, graduated summa cum laude from CUC in December 2017 with a major in mathematics - actuarial sciences and a minor in theological languages.
During his time as a student, Reineke took part in Prayer and Praise, Ultimate Frisbee, and was greatly involved with music as a member of Wind Symphony, University Band, Jazz Band and the leader of Cougar Band. “I enjoyed the atmosphere at CUC, the great Christian community that I was surrounded by there, and all the opportunities that I had to learn and grow,” he said.
After graduation, he began working as a program assistant at Camp Luther in Three Lakes, WI, and plans to attend Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO this fall, with the intent of becoming a pastor.
2
1
1. Left to right: Chancellor of the Lincoln Academy Stephanie Pace
Marshall, Illinois First Lady Diana Rauner, Joseph Reineke BA ‘17 and
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.
2. All of the Student Laureates at the ceremony at the Old State Capitol in
Springfield, IL in November 2017.
22cuchicago.edu Catalysts in the Community
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program Prepares Counselors to be
Catalysts in the CommunityBY: MARTINA REESE, Director of Marketing and Communications for Graduate and Innovative Programs
Individuals entering counseling share their secrets, their longings and their pain. Most clients hope, through therapy, to acquire tools that will help them live more fully and enhance their sense of
connection with the world. How does a counselor gain the skill and experience to competently and responsibly help each client through this deeply individual, personal and often difficult process?
Concordia-Chicago’s master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is a highly respected training program for future counselors. Since the launch of the community psychology program more than 17 years ago, hundreds of skilled professionals have graduated and entered the counseling profession equipped to listen, engage and heal.
“The CMHC program develops highly competent leaders in the field,” explains Dr. Israel Espinosa, associate professor of human services and chair of Concordia-Chicago’s graduate programs in human services. “The program teaches rigorous self-reflection. Our counselors-in-training ask themselves, what is my place in this intervention? How do I go beyond the basics? Am I delivering services in the best possible way?”
At 60 credit hours, the intensive, demanding program takes three to three and a half years to complete. Students begin with two years of traditional coursework, delivered in an online/face-to-face hybrid format. In their final year, students are placed in guided and monitored clinical settings—first, a practicum with the University’s community counseling center, then an off-campus internship.
Concordia-Chicago’s CMHC program is tailored to the scheduling needs of working adults who wish to pursue a master’s degree while continuing to hold a job. The required courses are scheduled for one night a week and on occasional weekends. Face-to-face courses are offered in two locations—CUC’s River Forest campus and at the University Center of Lake County in northwest suburban Grayslake, IL.
“Our students receive the training and clinical experience needed to master the complex skill set
needed to deliver a broad range of mental health services for a wide spectrum of diagnoses in a variety of clinical settings to clients of almost any demographic profile,” observes Dr. Edgar Ramos, assistant professor of human services.
The program requirements reflect current educational components of the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination in the state of Illinois. Additionally, the CMHC program meets the rigorous accreditation standard of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a nationally recognized accrediting body.
The program’s impressive success in attracting students seeking high-quality preparation for the counseling profession is reflected in statistics. Between its launch in 2010 and 2017, enrollment in the clinical mental health counseling program grew from 7 to 117 students, an 826 percent increase.
Unlike comparable programs at some other institutions, Concordia-Chicago’s CMHC courses are taught primarily by full-time, tenure-track faculty. “Our program doesn’t rely heavily on adjunct instructors,” observes Dr. Espinosa. “Our staff of six core faculty members is committed to engagement with students at the small-group and individual level, and students develop under the direct supervision of University faculty who are licensed mental health professionals (LPC, LCPC, Licensed Psychologist) or license eligible.”
In the last year of the program, students work in supervised clinical settings, beginning with a practicum with the University’s on-campus Community Counseling
The professors went the extra mile to make us into counselors,” remembers Latoya Cole, who completed the CMHC master’s program in December 2017.
23Winter 2018 Forester
Center (CCC). Established more than 15 years ago, the CCC serves a dual role: to be a venue where counselors-in-training prepare for the practice of professional counseling, and to be a low-cost provider of competent and professional counseling to members of Oak Park, River Forest and nearby communities. The clinic accepts clients 12 years and older representing diverse demographic groups, a variety of diagnoses, ethnicities and social backgrounds. All services are free and include basic mental health screenings for depression or anxiety; individual, couples, family and group counseling; career counseling; and community outreach.
In order to ensure that the 100-hour practicum required for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensing tier also meets the more rigorous CACREP standards, counseling sessions are videotaped with the client’s consent. The videos are used by students and their supervising faculty for review, evaluation, conceptualization and progress. Currently, the CCC has four rooms equipped to meet clients and record encounters, allowing several clients to be served simultaneously in separate, private spaces.
Many applicants to the CMHC master’s program are attracted by the proximity of the CCC, where the required practicum experience involves the highest level of supervised clinical training. “The professors went the extra mile to make us into counselors,” remembers Latoya Cole, who completed the CMHC master’s program in December 2017. “Dr. Espinosa and Dr. Ramos went out of their way to answer questions and help during practicum and internship, the most stressful time in the program.”
After completing the practicum, students seek out an internship with a mental health care provider of their choice, usually determined by the student’s preferences related to treatment-delivery mode or location. Internships are typically situated in a community mental health center, agency, hospital or private practice. Concordia-Chicago graduate counseling students have secured internship placements at Thrive Counseling Center, Mental Health Center of Oak Park and River Forest, River Forest Township Mental Health Services, Leyden Family Service & Mental Health Center, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, and the Maryville Academy, a shelter and outpatient clinic operated by Catholic Charities of Chicago.
Concordia-Chicago’s assertion that the University’s master’s degree in CMHC is a marketable degree that sets up students to be highly competitive when seeking employment is borne out by statistics: exiting students typically find employment within three months of graduation.
“The professors bring a deeply intentional and growth-focused approach that helps students move toward success in the field of counseling,” reports Mike Gleason, a December 2017 program graduate. “Concordia-Chicago gave me the education and skills to pass my National Counselor Exam on the first try and to land a job immediately after graduation.”
Gleason concludes, “This program prepares professional counselors to be the catalysts for change the world needs.”
The program teaches rigorous self-reflection. Our counselors-in-training ask themselves, what is my place in this intervention? How do I go beyond the basics? Am I delivering services in the best possible way?
24cuchicago.edu Alumni Relations
As a Concordia-Chicago junior, I have learned numerous stories about names that adorn our campus buildings. Of special
interest to me is the Gross family’s legacy and faithful service to Concordia-Chicago, which extends far beyond the residence hall bearing their name. Their impact remains evident even in today’s academics and athletics programs.
Gross Hall was dedicated on Reformation Sunday 1970 in honor of John M. Gross, an Addison Teachers Seminary alumnus, along with his three sons Walter, Arthur BS ’19 and Herbert BS ’25. “Support of Lutheran education has been of abiding importance to the Gross family, as it has always been to the Lutheran Church,” said Herbert’s daughter Carol Schmidt.
The family’s dedication “to have and maintain Christian schools” is quoted on
Concordia-Chicago’s Gross Family Connection: More than a Building
BY: ANNELIESE AYERS BA ’19, Alumni Relations Student Associate
the foundation of Concordia-Chicago’s popular Martin Luther statue, provided by gifts from the family. Additionally, a large globe in Klinck Memorial Library was provided by Walter, and the Herbert H. Gross Geography Endowment funds the weather station in Eifrig Hall and special geography projects.
When asked about Gross connections, most alumni first recall Dr. Herbert Gross for his 36-year service on faculty and world-renowned expertise in geography. However, Arthur also made outstanding contributions to the campus. In 1917, he helped bring football to Concordia by encouraging the student athletic association to purchase equipment. He returned to coach in 1927, while teaching at St. Paul Lutheran School (Austin/Chicago), for Cougar football’s first official season of conference play. In 1945, Arthur became editor of Vacation Bible School materials
at Concordia Publishing House. He also authored A Child’s Garden of Bible Stories, which has been translated into more than 70 languages, impacting children around the world.
The A.W. Gross Distinguished Senior Scholar Athlete Award was founded in 1970 by several of Arthur’s former players. The award requires that students show high academic achievement,
athletic proficiency, excellence of character, athletic leadership as well as involvement in other campus activities. The award is only given when merited.
Its extensive criteria created a four-year gap between the first honoree, Ron Zernicke BA ’70, and the second, Jim Valleskey BA ’74.
More than 60 athletes have been named an A.W. Gross Award winner. Recently, Arthur’s son Alva chose to continue his father’s legacy. A member of Concordia University Chicago’s Addison Society, Alva set aside a portion of his estate to ensure the A.W. Gross Award would continue for future Cougars. Among other things, his gift will provide an endowment to support the sports in which future recipients participate. He also designated an additional gift to benefit all Concordia-Chicago students and athletes. Alva received his heavenly homecoming in October 2017.
“A.W. Gross Award honorees understand that, to excel as a Cougar athlete, it is more than team accomplishments. It is also team leadership and academic success. The 2017 Awardees, Tim Bahr BA ’17 and Courtney Pepper BA ’17, join a long history of Christian leaders contributing in communities across the country,” said Pete Gnan, Director of Athletics. “The entire department appreciates Alva’s commitment to athletics and are humbled by his generosity. This gift will continue the Gross family legacy at Concordia-Chicago.”
This family is just one of many dedicated contributors to the tradition, pride and excellence of Concordia University Chicago. The Gross family exemplifies what it means to give back to the Christian education from which they received many blessings.Pictured above: 1998 A.W. Gross Award
winner Dr. Christy (Fuchs) Hoehner BA ’98,
Paige Craig BA ’99, MBA ’14, Alva Gross and
Carol (Gross) Schmidt.
25Winter 2018 Forester Class Notes
1970s
Hollis Thoms BA ’71, pictured center, premiered his opera “And Did the World with Devils Swarm, All Gaping to Devour Us” in November 2017 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Harrisburg, PA and at Christ Lutheran Church Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD. The work commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. For more information visit hollisthoms.com.
Ken Howard BA ’75, MA ’81 retired after 42 years of teaching in Lutheran schools in June 2017. He and wife, Karen (Kroll) BA ’75, live in Sheboygan, WI.
Members of the Class of 1974 celebrated their “Medicare Reunion” in July 2017. Pictured left to right include Front Row – Rick and Deb Herman, Warren Priehs, Mark Brink, Barb Korntheuer and Bob Preloger. Row 2 – Nancy Gasteiner, Cliff Goede, George Spielhaupter. Row 3 – Brian Gasteiner, Cindy Gliesman, Jinny Schroeder and Jim Valleskey. Row 4 – Keith Peterson, Paul Gliesman, Mark Schiefer, Mark Korntheuer and Randy Schroeder.
Class Notes
On November 30, 2017, former Concordia-Chicago First Lady Irma Koehneke celebrated 101 years of God’s grace and blessings with family and
friends including grandson Christopher Johnston BA ‘98, MA ‘02.
1950s
Reuben Leapaldt BS ’53 and his wife, Nancy, report that they are well at their home in Eugene, OR. Reuben taught in Lutheran schools for 55 years in Virginia, North Dakota and Oregon. During his tenure he was a principal for 41 years, organist for 33 years and choir director for nearly 25 years.
Norman Young BS ’56 and Marilyn Moehlenkamp, both CUC distinguished
professors emeriti, were honored in October 2017 with a placement on the “Wall of Honor” at Lutheran High School North in St. Louis, MO by the Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis.
1960s
Former residence Krauss Hall roommates from the 1960s reunited in October 2017 for the fifth time. Pictured left to right include Front Row – Dave Seifferlein, Al “Max” Merrifield, Robert Collin, Gary Netzer, Jim Dewar. Back Row – Tom Phillips, Ken Gerbers, Bill Reimer, Larry Hoffschneider, Ken Schilf, Jim Krikau and (not pictured) Don Halter.
Martin Noland BA ’79 was installed as the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in San Mateo, CA on June 4, 2017, the fourth parish he has served since his ordination in 1984. Martin and his wife Karla reside in San Mateo with their
youngest daughter, Heidi. Their two eldest daughters, Sarah and Renee, are at college in Indiana.
2000s
Sarah (Steiner) BA ‘08 married Frederick Hertwig on May 29, 2017. Betsy Karkan BA ’08 served as bridesmaid. Sarah is a freelance copyeditor. Fred is a captain in the U.S. Air Force and is currently attending graduate school at the
Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, OH. The couple resides in Fairborn, OH.
Andrea (Kimble) Kilpatrick BA ’09 was a primary illustrator for Concordia Publishing House’s new “Enduring Word Bible for Bible Journaling.” Andrea teaches 1st-8th grade art at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, TX, where she lives with her husband, Kyle.
Jessica (Becker) BA ’09 and Phil LaBrash welcomed baby Ruth into their family on May 30, 2017. The family resides in Fort Wayne, IN.
26cuchicago.edu Class Notes
2010s
Jennifer (Vaughn) BA ’10 married Brian Andrelczyk on July 22, 2017. Jen serves as a
kindergarten teacher for Orange County (FL) Public Schools. Brian acts as director of design and engineering at SeaWorld Orlando. The couple makes their home in Windermere, FL.
Michelle (Seris) BA ’11 and David Dwyer BA ’11, MBA ’12 welcomed a daughter,
Charli Faith, on May 8, 2017. The family resides in Plano, TX where David is senior director of ticket sales & services for the Frisco Rough Riders, a Texas Rangers affiliate team. Michelle earned
her master’s in family life education in August 2017 and serves as teacher and counselor at Prince of Peace Lutheran School in Carrolton.
Sara (Michaelsen) Weeks BA ’11, MA ’14 received the Crystal Apple award from the Golden Apple Foudation in July 2017. Sara is a Golden Apple scholar and teaches 4th grade at Jones Elementary in the Minooka school district.
Jenny (Look) BA ‘12 and Andrew Montgomery BA ‘12 welcomed their second son, Isaac Robert, on January 26, 2017. The family resides in Columbus, IN where Andrew completed his Master of Education Administration in December 2017.
Thomas Bailey TC ’13 has begun his duties as new superintendent of Washington Court House City Schools in Ohio. A longtime educator, Bailey has taken on several roles including principal at two different schools of the same district.
Samantha (Bredeson) Karges ’14 serves as public information specialist for Humboldt County (CA) Sheriff’s Office. Previously, she served as the media and publications coordinator, and as the anti-human trafficking education director at Faith Center Foursquare Church in Eureka, CA.
Joseph Sieczkowski MA ’14 has begun his role as division chair for Science, Applied Technology, and Family and Consumer Sciences at Stagg High School in Palos Hills, IL. Sieczkowski previously served as a technology educator at South Elgin High School.
Angela (Hennig) BA ’16 and Timothy Bahr BA ’17 were married June 10, 2017.
The couple is living in New Berlin, WI. Angela is teaching 6th grade at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School in Hartland, and Tim teaches religion and math at Martin Luther High School in Greendale. The
groom’s proud family includes parents Janet (Young) BA ’87 and David Bahr BA ’87 and grandparents Carol (Meyer) BS ’58 and Norm Young BS ’56.
Matthew Nord MBA ’16 has been appointed market president of Great North Bank’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin regions. His previous experiences include executive positions in commercial banking.
Kevin Boggs BA ’16 opened Goosehead Insurance, The Kevin Boggs Agency in November. Kevin previously served as manager for an insurance agency in Schaumburg for almost 10 years.
Christina (Diers) BA ’11 and Derek Kieninger BA ’10 were married July 16, 2016. Chrissy serves as computer technology teacher at C.E. Rose Prek-8 School in Tucson, AZ, and Derek is an 8th grade social studies teacher at Anza Trail K-8 School in Sahuarita. The couple currently resides in Sahuarita with their dog Piper.
About Class Notes
Information listed reflects details received as of December 5, 2017. The University welcomes news of milestones in the lives of our alumni. To ensure accuracy, information should be provided by the featured individual, rather than another party. Photos are welcome, whether prints or electronic files (high resolution jpgs only, please). We are unable to return photos. Submission of a Class Note or image does not guarantee publication. The University reserves the right to edit submissions for style, length and content.
27Winter 2018 Forester Class Notes
Condolences
But thanks be to God, who gives us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
Faculty
Arvin Hahn HS, BS ’45, geography & history – November 1, 2017
Alumni
Robert Albin BA ’71 – November 27, 2017
Ilene (Starenko) Arnold BA ’73 – September 4, 2017
Gene Bettermann BS ’63 – April 24, 2017
Lynne (De Basio) Bomgardner BA ’70 – July 5, 2016
Alberta Brethauer BS ’56 – June 22, 2017
Cheryl (Strohschein) Brown BA ’67 – October 12, 2007
Janet Crook BA ’65 – August 8, 2015
Gail (Seehausen) Cruise BA ’73 – May 26, 2014
Robert Decker BS ’61 – May 1, 2017
Roger DeMeyere BA ’70 – November 23, 2017
Adam Dietrich MA ’86 – October 31, 2017
Bonnie (Reister) Duchow BS ’54 – August 9, 2017
Julius Foster MA ’72 – April 28, 2005
Marion Friedrich BS ’45 – July 17, 2017
Curtis Goter BA ’68 – August 4, 2017
Arvin Hahn HS, BS ’45 – November 1, 2017
Donald Hankel BS ’54, MA ’61 – September 5, 2017
Evelyn (Martz) Hauser BA ’67 – July 12, 2013
Henry Hermann BS ’59 – December 30, 2016
Marvin Himmelman BA ’67 – June 2, 2017
Hildegard (Kunkel) Homann BS ’61 – October 7, 2017
Pearl (Egly) Janetzke BS ‘52 – July 28, 2017
Lee Jany BS ’60 – September 28, 2015
Corinne (Jonak) Kehoe BA ’67 – August 8, 2010
Bradley Klein BA ’87 – September 13, 2017
Deborah (Hoover) Kolden MA ’10 – September 18, 2017
David Kollath – October 17, 2017
Dorian Kreiling BA ’75 – December 4, 2017
Pauline (Calderon) Licht BA ’70, MA ’78 – 2017
Harlan Limmer MA ’76 – October 10, 2016
Emily Marchica MA ‘89 – April 18, 2015
Frederick Meier BS ’49 – July 4, 2017
Carlos Messerli BS ’49 – November 9, 2017
Jane (Lorenzen) Novak BA ’82 – December 14, 2016
James Oelrich BA ’71 – June 29, 2017
Kenneth Oesterle BA ’66, MA ’67 – June 25, 2017
Ronald Parker MA ’75 – April 17, 2017
Vera (Fabry) Plvan BS ’55 – July 18, 2017
Robert Popp BS ’60 – October 10, 2017
Audrey (Lind) Roglitz BA ’61 – February 22, 2017
Delores (Giese) Rosin BA ’66 – January 21, 2017
Frances (Luke) Schiefelbein BS ’50 – July 22, 2017
Matthew Schmidt BA ’97 – November 12, 2017
David Skarp BA ’67 – December 23, 2016
Smith Snively BS ’55 – May 11, 2017
Scott Stocker BA ’92 – July 9, 2017
David Wild BA ’71 – July 6, 2017
Nancy (Jeske) Young BA ’67 – October 26, 2017
Catherine E. Zessin BA ’66 – June 6, 2017
28cuchicago.edu Athletics
Cross Country Coach Reflects on
Growth and Tradition at CUCBY: JIM EGAN BA ’82, Sports Information Director
Ask anyone who has been at their place of employment for a significant amount of time, and many of them
will talk about the changes they’ve seen since they have been around. The University’s recent Reformation 500 celebration gave the campus community an opportunity to reflect on the past and look toward the future. In the dynamic world of CUC athletics, cross country head coach Dave Risch BA ’87 has seen—and experienced—a great deal of change. Risch is being honored this year for his 20th anniversary as a full-time coach at CUC, which provided an opportune time to catch up with the veteran coach and get his take on all things Cougar:
Cougar Athletics: Dave, not only are you the longest tenured coach at CUC, you are also an alumnus. Tell
us about your undergraduate days.
Dave Risch: I was an elementary education major and four-year member of both the cross country and the track teams. I was honored to be captain of our first conference championship team for cross country in 1986.
CA: After you graduated, you put your education degree to work right away.
DR: Yes, I was at Bethel Lutheran School, which was on Chicago’s West Side, for 10 years.
I wore many hats there—teacher, athletic director, assistant and acting principal. Over the years, I had the opportunity to coach many sports—cross country, track and field, volleyball, basketball and bowling. It was an enjoyable time in my life.
CA: Talk about how you wound up back at Concordia-Chicago.
DR: In the mid-1990s, Al Hermann BA ’63, who was my cross country coach, was getting ready to retire. He and former athletic director Tom Faszholz were discussing replacements, and shortly thereafter I got a call from them. I had already
been helping as a part-time coach for two years, but when they offered me the job, I had to decide whether I wanted to work full-time with college athletes. I had been at Bethel for 10 years and enjoyed my time there, but the thought of this new experience really piqued my interest, so I accepted the offer.
CA: As you went about developing your coaching style for the college level, I assume that you looked to your coaches from your undergraduate days for examples?
DR: Yes. Coach Hermann made running an enjoyable experience. That’s important because, as coaches and athletes in any sport know, practices aren’t always enjoyable. But he made it a fun and positive thing for us, and I like to think that my positivity, in part, comes from the example he set.
Harry Brockberg, my track and field coach, is the most knowledgeable coach I have ever met in 50-some years. In those days, he coached every event in track, and he was up-to-date on the techniques and the physics, everything you needed to learn about any event. Today, there is a lot more specialization of events with many assistant coaches available to share the workload, but there’s still a lot to be said for a head coach who is always looking to stay atop current trends and techniques, and that’s a model I try to emulate.
1. The 1997-98 cross country team, from Risch’s first year of full-time coaching at CUC.
2. “I believe that this next generation is ready to take this program forward. I am looking forward to see
what happens over these next few years,” says Risch.
1
29Winter 2018 Forester Athletics
CA: Certainly, you have many special memories from your 20 years of coaching at CUC, but the period between 2001 and 2004 has to be one of the most special: four consecutive Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference titles for the men and one for the women in 2003.
DR: I think that one of the biggest traits of that group of athletes back then was that they wanted to excel. That’s an attitude that a coach can foster, but they can’t teach. This group was super competitive, they were also a resilient group that knew they were good but would not rest on any past laurels. We had so many great people as part of this, including a couple of great leaders in (CUC Hall of Famer and current cross country assistant coach) Tim Wier BA ’05 and Jayme (Hardy) Wier BA ’04.
CA: It has to be very satisfying that many of your teams have been known for their academic proficiency as well. To date, you’ve had many Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Scholar-Athletes, some All- Academic Team honors, and a handful of A.W. Gross Distinguished Senior-Scholar award winners.
DR: Sport is important, but it’s not the only thing. Faith, academic excellence, personal character, integrity and service to others are all part of the equation. I think a lot of our students understand that it’s not what you get out of life, it’s what you give, and if they bring the same passion to these other things that they bring to their sport, then everyone wins.
I think that all our coaches at Concordia-Chicago do a great job at emphasizing these ideas when they recruit. They all get the big picture, and I think we have a remarkable group of coaches here; I have so much respect for them.
CA: You’ve been part of Concordia-Chicago athletics for many years, first as a student and now as a coach. What are some of the notable changes you’ve seen over the years?
DR: In general, our fascination with athletics at all levels has grown. We can remember when small college athletics was not a big deal outside the local level. Now we have streaming video coverage, team websites and social media to promote sports so that even the smallest schools are visible in the public eye.
At Concordia-Chicago, I think our focus on service work and ministry has grown more exemplary. That’s not to say that our past student-athletes weren’t as involved, but I believe today’s students are taking advantage of additional opportunities to serve. And I am in awe to see so much of this happening on a daily basis on our campus and in the community.
One of the things that gives me the most joy as a coach is when I read or hear about one of my former athletes that is giving back, whether it’s through teaching, ministry or some kind of service work in their community. I’m thankful to be here at Concordia-Chicago and have the opportunity to play even a small part in helping them get to where they are today.
Sport is important, but it’s not the only thing. Faith, academic excellence, personal character, integrity and service to others are all part of the equation. - DAVE RISCH
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30cuchicago.edu Faculty/Staff News
Dr. Naveeda Athar, associate professor of counselor education, presented “Creative Expression through Non-Verbal Means” at the annual conference of the Illinois Counseling Association in Lisle, IL. She also presented on mental illness and social
media and gender violence at Concordia University Chicago-hosted seminars.
Dr. David Bates, assistant professor of history, published “Revealing and Concealing: Advertising and Social Issues,” in the Illinois Reading Council Journal.
Dr. Paul Bucchi, visiting associate professor of leadership, and Dr. Claudia Santin, dean of the College of Business, published “The knowledge leader’s role in strategic planning” in the eJournal of Business Leadership and Management.
Dr. Robert Carr, associate professor of biology, presented at the 14th International Symposium on Early and Lower Vertebrates at the Centre of Geoeducation in Kielce, Poland. An extended abstract for the talk was published, entitled, “The Cleveland Shale Fauna and Devonian-Mississippian Transition in Ohio and Pennsylvania” in the Ichthyolith Issues Special Publication.
Dr. Jacob Corzine, visiting assistant professor of theology, presented “The Place of the Law in the Preaching of the Faith” at the Northern Illinois LCMS East Region Pastors Conference in Racine, WI.
Dr. Andrea Flynn, associate professor of psychology, co-authored “Law school stress: Moving from narratives to measurement,” in the Washburn Law Journal.
Rosemarie Garcia-Hills, executive director of the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising and Student Academic Affairs, presented “A Feminist Approach to Academic Advising: An Introduction” at the 2017 National Academic
Advising Association Conference as the 2016 Best of Illinois Academic Advising Association conference winner.
Dr. Rebecca Hornberger, assistant professor and chair of the SAIL (Standards-Aligned Instructional Leadership) partnership, served as one of the statewide stakeholders who collaborated to design the Ohio Teacher Leadership Framework. This framework was published by the Ohio Department of Education to develop and refine a common understanding of teacher leadership throughout the state of Ohio.
Dr. Daniel Low, assistant professor of education, presented “Reducing Student Resistance: Mindful Teaching as a Tool for Maximum Engagement in Higher Education Classrooms” at the 2017 Association of Lutheran College Faculties Annual Conference at California Lutheran University. He also presented the workshop “Stretch Him: Moving Beyond Minimal Expectations for an ASD Child” at the Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society in Education) Pi Psi Chapter at Concordia University Chicago.
Dr. Shirley Morgenthaler, distinguished professor of curriculum, language and literacy, along with graduate students Safa Alneel, Sarah Alneel and Wael Alahmadi, presented “Building capacity in a changing world: Saudi Arabian policy and
professional efforts to develop a literate and democratically educated populace” at the annual conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in Atlanta.
Dr. Leonardo Oliveira, team physician for the Concordia-Chicago Cougars, was selected for the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine’s International Traveling Fellowship program tour to Scandinavia in May 2018. The program offers an opportunity for academic exchange and clinical immersion for sports medicine physicians to teach and learn sports medicine on a global level.
Dr. Rekha Rajan, visiting associate professor of research, co-edited a book, titled, Arts Evaluation and Assessment: Measuring Impact in Schools and Communities with Ivonne Chand O’Neal, published by Palgrave Macmillan.
Dr. David Rogner, professor of English, presented “Poems, Paintings, and Proclamation,” and “Write Them on the Tablet of Your Heart: Hymn-Writing that Speaks to the Heart” at the Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music at Concordia University Chicago.
Dr. Kurt Stadtwald, professor of history, presented “Luther’s use of Emperor Barbarossa as a German hero and fighter against medieval popes in his political pamphleteering” at the Conference of the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa Society
at the University of Mainz, Altenburg, Germany. The conference was the Society’s contribution to the Reformation’s 500th anniversary celebration.
Dr. Andrew Steinmann, distinguished professor of theology and Hebrew, was named as a member of the review board for Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society and will serve a five-year term. In that journal he also recently published the article, “Challenging the Authenticity of Cainan, Son of Arpachshad.”
Stephanie Stroud, assistant professor of theater, was a guest lecturer at the Portland Film Festival in Oregon. Her lecture topics included, “What’s Your Major Objective: Complex Character Analysis Done Simply,” “From Script to Screen:
Script Analysis for Directors, Designers, and Film Artists” and “Instant Drama: Creating Distinct Physical Characters.”
Dr. Daniel Tomal, distinguished professor of leadership, was elected to the editorial committee of the American Technical Education Association Journal for 2018.
Dr. Mary Zaharis, assistant professor of educational leadership, presented “The Impact of Spirituality on School Leadership” at the Association of Lutheran College Faculties Annual Conference at California Lutheran University.
Faculty/Staff News
31Winter 2018 Forester AD
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