Concordia Connection: Summer 2007

C oncCoonrdneication PORTLAND, OREGON • SUMMER 2007 TRUTH

A Teachable Moment “Truth is truth to the end of reckoning.” Shake-speare, whoever he was, left us this memorable aphorism in Act Five of Measure for Measure. To a one-dimensional mind, it might seem a common-sense observation, but to those of us at Concordia, it defines a way of preparing young minds to think as they engage a world divided by conflict and competing models of “truth.” It is in engaging Shake-speare that we discover one of the more important avenues to travel in this quest to discover truth. Given that there is serious debate amongst scholars about the identity of the poet-playwright who called himself Shake-speare, learning how to seek the truth in discovering who this writer was provides an important model for inquiry into the nature of truth itself. As a fact, much of the world believes that the writer we know as Shake-speare started life as a butcher’s apprentice, and, despite never having attended university, we know that he contributed more words to the English language than many English speakers possess in their entire vocabulary. But this fact does not necessarily reflect the truth that is implied by the fact: that the writer who called himself Shake-speare was an accomplished autodidact, for it also is a fact that we have no evidence of any human being of such limited educational experience who could possess the encyclopedic knowledge of literatures, disciplines and languages that were unknown to all but a handful of the most extensively- educated men of the Elizabethan world. To begin the quest for truth, therefore, we need to accept that that which we assert as factual does not necessarily impart the truth that we often think our facts imply. The search for truth, accordingly, is not easy, not “matter-of- fact.” It is a critical, questioning journey towards a goal that, at first, we may but dimly see – if we see it at all. It begins by accepting that that which we think we know we may not know or may know but imperfectly. It begins, therefore, in humility, not arrogance; in confidence, not certainty. It concludes, perhaps not in attaining the goal of the quest but in the satisfaction that the journey toward the goal is always one well-taken when it is shared and enjoyed with others. “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled,” Plutarch, the Greek historian and essayist, told us. And who is he or she who is not warmed by a bright and lively fire? Prof. Daniel Wright, Ph.D Shakespeare Authorship Research Centre College of Theology, Arts and Sciences

P O R T L A N D, O R E G O N • S U M M E R 2 0 0 72 Campus Life. Moments of truth in the community, in10 the classroom and on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. What’s in a Name? Join a student’s quest for the true author of Shakespeare’s works. 18 Current Issues. The Concordia Teacher Corps helps 20 neighborhood students achieve. SUMMER 2007 Alumni Notes. News and views ofConcordia Connection is published twice life after Concordia. per year by Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. 28 Navy & White 32 Nailed to the Door Please address all correspondence to: CONCORDIA CONNECTION ATTN: Greg Harris Concordia University 2811 NE Holman Street Portland, Oregon 97211 or email: [email protected] EDITOR:Greg HarrisCONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Courtney Smith ART DIRECTOR:Christine Dodge EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD:Andrea Bruno, Jeanie-Marie Price, Steve DeKlotz, Julie Rowland Summer 2007 1

Campus Life The atmosphere was electric in Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf‘s election the Concordia University gymnasium as president of Liberia in 20052 concordia connection the morning of May 18th. Five was a tangible sign that a 14-year hundred men, women and children, national nightmare was over. Two many robed in traditional African devastating civil wars had ravaged dashikis and wrappers of gold and the West African nation of 3.3 coral, sustained a steady hum of million residents. Rebel leaders conversation interspersed with joyous Charles Taylor and Prince Johnson greetings and hugs. contested to overthrow President The Rolia Kukotonan Dancers Samuel Doe from 1989 to 1996 at the of Portland’s Woodlawn Elementary cost of about 150,000 lives. Taylor School launched the program with a was elected president in 1997 but synchronized display of syncopated the nation spun into turmoil again rhythm that caused the children in the audience to strain their necks with in 1999 until Taylor was finally wonder and the adults to wonder deposed in 2003. Taylor is currently about strained necks. Next, the on trial at the International Court of soulful singing of the blind men in Justice in The Hague, Netherlands the African Gospel Acappella trio for war crimes committed against hushed the room into reverence. neighboring Sierra Leone. He is Their performance concluded, and not being prosecuted for brutalizing the room remained still. Then the Liberians because President Johnson- Liberian national anthem welcomed Sirleaf chose the South African model to the stage President Ellen Johnson- of a general amnesty and a truth Sirleaf, the first woman elected to lead and reconciliation commission to an African nation, and the audience facilitate a national forum where rose to its feet. victims and perpetrators meet to In the crowd, Charles McGee, tell the truth and forgive or receive Jr. was feeling proud to be a human forgiveness. “We expect he will have being. McGee saw a privileged life a fair trial,” President Johnson-Sirleaf ripped apart by the Liberian civil told the Associated Press June 12th. war. His father had been second-in- command of the Liberian national law enforcement agency. Charles, Sr. fled the country after his superior was murdered and eventually settled his family in Northeast Portland where he became a Concordia University student (’93 & ’02) and campus security guard. Charles Jr. reflected on the contrast between this moment and those days when he was a skinny, scared refugee child riding his bike on campus, “To see this significant woman who has been through hell come to our neighborhood was a dream realized.”

Campus Life President Johnson-Sirleaf came have 12 to 15 year-olds starting firstto Concordia University to address a grade. We now provide a primarynoon-time crowd mostly composed of school education free of chargeAfrican refugees before participating and enrollment is up 40 percent .in the World Affairs Council of . . We have formed the LiberianOregon’s International Speakers Education Trust to supplementSeries that evening. President the government education budget. Changes inSchlimpert presented her with an Our goal is to build 50 new schools, the School ofhonorary Doctor of Laws degree with train 500 teachers and provide 5,000 Managementthe following citation, “For her work scholarships.”to bring about the healing of a nation, In response to President Ann Widmer retired as deanfor her commitment to social and Johnson-Sirleaf’s educational focus, of the School of Management Juneeconomic justice, for her focus on President Schlimpert announced 30th. She came to Concordia as anthe worldwide community making at the close of the program that expert in health care administrationpositive contributions, and for her the university would establish a and her aptitude as an academiccommitment to the transformation of four-year full-ride scholarship for a entrepreneur helped transformsociety through effective leadership.” Liberian student. the university during her 20 years She told the Concordia audience Afterwards, Charles McGee, Jr. of service. During her tenure sheabout her priorities for rebuilding reflected, “That was a moment. It’s launched new nursing, master ofLiberia, “Fourteen years of civil war up to us to use it or lose it. I hope business administration and adult(destroyed) our education system. her spirit can uplift us.” professional Bachelor of ScienceChildren were conscripted and we degree programs. Since Ann will be hard to replace, Concordia is reorganizing the School of Management into two colleges. One will retain a focus on business management and the other will house the health and human services programs. President Schlimpert said, “I am looking for two new deans who will be creative administrators that elevate our scholarship and instruction while partnering with the larger community to promote our initiatives and students. I am confident we will successfully recruit stellar new deans, and the future of these programs will be bright because Ann Widmer has been a part of our history.” Summer 2007 3

Campus Life Gefroh Retires Human Resource Director Madeline Gefroh concluded one phase of her ministry at Concordia University this summer. Her wise, steady presence touched the lives of many students, faculty and staff. Madeline will continue part-time managing accounts payable in the business office and Pam Peters takes her place in human resources.Pastor Orlie Trier Concludes New DirectorCampus Ministry of Church Relations Pastor Orlie Trier’s dual ministry Some are assigned to residence halls,with Concordia University and St. and others lead program activities. Concordia University has hiredMichael’s Lutheran Church drew to The team is responsible for producing Jim Pressnell to serve as Director ofa close August 5th. Orlie has served the powerful and popular weekly Churchas pastor to both the campus and the night chapel. Orlie says, “Our vision Relations.parish for 10 years, growing Christian is that everyone who passes through Jim hadministry activities on campus with Concordia will understand the been chiefover 20 students in leadership roles Christian belief system and that they executivesupported by two staff members. are loved in a Christian way.” officer ofWhile he quickly and sincerely gives Orlie leaves this ministry with a MOSTGod all the credit, Orlie’s vocation sound foundation, “We have invented Ministries,throughout his career has been to the wheel. Now the next guy can a LCMS-build, and Concordia’s Christian Life build the car.” He is pursuing a new relatedMinistry program is a case in point. vocation and will remain available for service Student chaplains provide pulpit supply. His biggest priority organiz-worship, study and service is to spend more time with his four ation,opportunities as well as a witnessing grandsons who range in age from 3 to where hepresence of the power of Christ. eleven. led a staff of seven in sending some 30 short-term mission teams throughout the world each year. A graduate of4 concordia connection

Campus LifeConcordia University, Ann Arbor,Pressnell earned a Bachelor ofArts degree in Greek and Hebrewand a Master of Divinity degree inbiblical studies from ConcordiaSeminary St. Louis. As Director ofChurch Relations, Pressnell will leadConcordia University’s programs toserve the needs of regional churchleaders and organizations. Inaddition to his expertise in Christianeducation, Pressnell also bringsexperience as an organizationalconsultant to the church relationsposition. Jim began his new ministryin July.Annual CEORoundtableInformsPortlandBusinessCommunity On March 20th, Concordia will enable them to develop a desire wholly, but added that graduatesUniversity along with presenting to perform to the best of their ability. must be willing to start at groundsponsor KeyBank, hosted the 13th “If you don’t have a foundation of level. “Just because you might haveannual Concordia University CEO trust,” Mr. Nicholson explained, “you a degree, don’t expect to start highRoundtable. Moderator Gillian can’t form a team that works for the on the corporate ladder.” She alsoFloren, publisher of Oregon Business greater good of the company.” encouraged all graduates to givemagazine, and three panelists: When asked what each CEO back to their communities throughSally Jewell, CEO of Recreational looks for in new graduates as volunteering time and services.Equipment Incorporated (REI), Bruce potential employees, Mr. Ganz “Volunteering hones leadership skillsNicholson, CEO of Thrivent Financial stressed that his team does not and can often provide a path to afor Lutherans, and Mark Ganz, look strictly at skills. “Skills can be career.”President of The Regence Group, taught,” he said, “we look for values. Through sponsors and andiscussed the essentials of building We look for those who are willing to attendance of 300, the event raiseda great team which was the theme of stretch beyond what they think they $54,000 in scholarships for studentsthis year’s event. All three panelists can do.” Ms. Jewell echoed Mr. Ganz from North and Northeast Portland.echoed the crucial need to developand maintain trust within a team, forwithout trust, team members are notprovided with an environment which Summer 2007 5

Campus LifeFaculty stands in the place of “their” or “him” their topics, but how interested andResearch in the original text, so that Isaiah engaged students are with these twoInspires states “…each had six wings: with professors. At the conclusion of theStudents two they covered the face, and with presentation, two different groups two they covered the feet…” Origen’s of students congregated around the As if Concordia professors interpretation is that the seraphs professors as the room emptied.aren’t busy enough with lectures to covered the face of God so that Isaiah History and humanities studentsprepare, papers to grade, meetings did not truly see God. encouraged Professor Wyneken toto attend and families to manage; Professor Wyneken’s scholarly talk more on his subject and askedmany are also finding the time to interests lie in modern European questions they didn’t have time toextensively research to continually history as well as Russian and Asian ask during Q&A. Theology studentsadvance their own educations. history, and his doctoral dissertation gathered around Professor ThomasAssistant Professor of Classical “Driving Out the Demons: Christian debating his issue further as manyLanguages and Humanities, Michael Churches Confront the Nazi Past did not quite agree or completelyThomas and Assistant Professor of after WWII,” focuses on the relations understand his argument. For thirtyHistory JD Wyneken are both in the and cooperation between German minutes after the majority of theprocess of completing their doctoral religious leaders and postwar audience had left, I sat back, amazeddissertations. They participated in a occupation authorities. Professor at how intrigued students were andlyceum in which they presented their Wyneken addresses a conflict in the how impressed and affected they arecurrent research and the conclusions actions of the churches during and by two of our professors and theirof their respective dissertations. after the war. As the Nazi regime specialized interests. – Courtney Smith Professor Thomas focuses much gained power in Germany, religiousof his academic career working leaders were impressed with Hitler’s P.S. Professor Wyneken successfullywith classical languages and early intent of restoring Germany. Their defended his dissertation in early AprilChristianity. His dissertation, “Calling sense of nationalism, at the time, and now proudly sports the title of “Ph.D.”on Angels: Early Christian Struggle to could not be separated from religiousInterpret Isaiah’s Vision” concentrates faith for in their eyes, they wereon the interpretation of the text of one in the same. After the war, asIsaiah 6:1-5 in which Isaiah states “I religious leaders weresaw the Lord sitting on a throne, high forced to grapple withand lofty…Seraphs were in attendance the atrocities broughtabove him; each had six wings: with about by the totalitariantwo they covered their faces, and with regime, the churchestwo they covered their feet, and with separated Nazis fromtwo they flew.” The problem that Germany as a whole,plagues religious scholars arises out while Allies wereof a conflict between these verses and convinced that everyExodus 33:20 in which God states to German needed toMoses “But,” he said, “you cannot see accept responsibilitymy face; for no one shall see me and for the actions of thelive.” In reconciling these two verses, Nazis and ProfessorProfessor Thomas favors the scholar Wyneken’s dissertationOrigen’s analysis. Origen focused on addresses this conflictthe original text in which there was an and its impact onabsence of a pronoun. The word “the” postwar Europe. The most amazing part of the evening was not the speakers nor6 concordia connection

Campus LifeConcordiaInternationale Concordia faculty and students enjoy regularopportunities to travel, learn and teach, but themonth of May was exceptionally global. ProfessorKevin Simpson taught a comparison of educationsystems for a month in Germany. The choirtoured Europe in May with stops in Paris, Geneva,Rome and Venice. Highlights included singing inhistoric churches and generous homestays. Campuscounselor Terry McGlasson led a team of studentsto do mission work with children in Brazil, and hereports the poignancy remains, “I was part of a teamof hard-working, committed, God-loving individuals,who chose to ‘write their own story.’ Instead ofsitting back and watching others, they opened thecover, turned to the first blank page and began.”Additional more than ever. Because of these funding) to measure the level ofFaculty converging needs, her central influence on sales growth. To crunchDoctorates research question became a focused all this data, quantitative methods means to serve that need: “How of factor analysis, multivariate Three other Concordia does one transfer a face-to-face regressions and cluster analysis wereUniversity faculty members have workshop which examines education initially employed. Four predictivejoined Professor Wyneken among at its “moment of truth”—the factors for successful new firmthe ranks of Ph.D. scholars. teacher/student interface—to performance were determined to beProfessor Fred Ruhnke, Ph.D. sustainable online delivery?” statistically significant:developed methods to equip teaching Through anonymous discussionsstudents with specific skills to build and evaluation of the research in 1. Business expertiserelationships with adolescent students an online format, Professor Lichau 2. Growth driversand to foster relationships between developed strategies and methods 3. Opportunity stimulantsstudents in a class. for successful professional workshop 4. Firm age Professor Trish Lichau Shields, transition from face-to-face to onlinePh.D explored and defined the implementation. Government agency relatedbest instructional design model for Professor Steve Braun, Ph.D. factors were not found to betransferring a face-to-face education wanted to understand the extent to statistically significant. Therefore,workshop to online delivery. Current which government agency programs a qualitative content analysis andconditions in education mandate help entrepreneurs. Sixty-two critical incident technique analysisever-increasing requirements for Northwest entrepreneurs told their of the entrepreneurs key formationteachers to acquire 21st century new venture start-up stories to network activities was conductedskills, primarily through professional Professor Braun. To analyze the to determine if there was marginalworkshops and conferences. performance of these new firms, or indirect contributions by tenTime-starved professionals require he developed a conceptual model government assistance programs. Theaccessible and expedient workshops comprised of thirty attributes findings indicate that government (for example, innovation, market programs marginally contribute acceptance, education, management financial assistance to particular types experience, networking, start-up of entrepreneurs. Summer 2007 7

Campus LifeFirst-Year have moved invasive species, either Prof. Knutsen’s because it providesFaculty intentionally or unintentionally, and an outlet through which she can livePrepare for what needs to be done to contain vicariously through her characters.Publication damage and prevent further spread. She is also passionate about memoir The book encompasses many of her literature and although the novel is Whether they’re researching passions, both in content and in not a memoir, the protagonist oftenaboard a kayak in the islands of the style. Prof. Terrill loves fieldwork changes throughout the novel as herSouthwest and Mexico, or hovering and believes it to be a crucial step life changed while writing. Prof.over pages and notes with the in becoming literate about where Knutsen believes writing and art tosixth latte of the week in a pleasant we live, and about the threat of not be methods of making sense of one’scoffee shop, Professors Ceiridwen only invasive species, but of the life, “Our lives are a novel – if weTerrill and Kimberly Knutsen have problems which will inevitably arise only pay attention to the details...both discovered their niche in the if we do not learn to live successfully the possibilities are endless.” She isworld of authors. Both professors with our ever-growing population happiest when writing – she feels aswere welcomed to Concordia and its effects on nature. Because if she is doing what God intendedUniversity’s English department she believes strongly in the human her to do, and teaching at Concordialast fall and each are finding success effort to live peaceably with nature University is her way of sharing theand accomplishment not only in and to develop a sense of respect for true gift of a love of literature andConcordia’s classrooms, but outside nature, Prof Terrill strongly advocates composition.the university in their personal environmental education. “We havewriting ventures. Professor Terrill to start young” she says, “we must Graduateshas recently published a nonfiction teach children about the environment Urged towork addressing invasive species, and and why it is important to preserve it. ContinueProfessor Knutsen is seeking an agent Eyes must be opened earlier to what Lives offor her completed work of fiction. is actually unnatural in this world.” Service Professor Terrill earned her Unnatural Landscapes combinesPh.D. in English from the University science writing with personal On May 5th, Concordiaof Nevada, Reno narrative of adventures and fieldwork University graduated its first class ofand is an avid to do just that. nursing students, as well as the largestenvironmental Professor Knutsen received her class of graduate-level students sincewriter specializing the university began granting master’sin literary Ph.D. in English from degrees in 1996. The Class of 2007nonfiction. Western Michigan represents 50 towns and cities inHer first book, University in 2005 and Oregon, 15 states, and five countries.Unnatural came to Concordia from Roughly 135 undergraduate degreesLandscapes: Kalamazoo, Michigan. and 186 graduate degrees wereTracking Invasive She has published several awarded, including Master ofSpecies focuses short stories, and is Business Administration, Masteron the evermore now actively seeking of Arts in Teaching and Master ofprominent threat publication for her first Education.of destruction in Pastoral studies graduate Calebthe American Southwest and Baja novel, The Lost Journals Adams delivered the student speech.California by invasive species. It of Sylvia Plath. The He referenced the considerable timeconcentrates, in part, on how humans novel revolves around Wilson Lavender, a professor of women’s studies who is beginning to think he knows nothing about women, and his wife, children and their often eccentric life. Fiction is a passion of

Campus Lifehe and his classmates invested in on eating healthfully and urged the New Logocommunity service and urged his students to write letters advisingpeers to continue those efforts, “As “Dear Mr. Leno” to change his ways. This fall, Concordia University willyou ascend the stage today and receive By the end of the live segment, which implement a new identity system toyour diploma, these opportunities by lasted close to 10 minutes, Leno had coordinate all the elements of itsno means come to an end… Just as publicly eaten his first vegetable since image – from details like logo andthe original mission of this university 1969. He asked the students which typeface to concepts like messagewas inspired by the love for others one he should try, and they called and tone of voice. A task forcethat can only be found through Jesus, out the names of all the vegetables at comprised of a cross-section ofmay we show forth that love into this once. university interests worked withworld that needs it so badly.” “I’m doing this for you kids!” the Portland design firm Sockeye Leno vowed. “I’m doing this to save Creative to develop the new logo andTransforming the young people.” brand identity system.Society One He took a bite of broccoli.Vegetable at a Off camera and earlier, their This comprehensive integrationTime teacher told The Oregonian newspaper of our identity creates a clear and that she wanted her second-grade consistent approach to telling Concordia alumna Kathy letter writers to know that vegetables, the Concordia story that willDowning helped her class of second- even though a person may not like all strengthen our relationships withgraders from Portland’s St. of them, are important to one’s diet. important audiences and build ourIgnatius Parish School “That was kind of the point,” reputation as an institution of highertake a very public Downing said. “But then, since this learning that values academicstand for a healthy excellence, Christian service anddiet when self- happened, the unexpected transformation.proclaimed junk lesson is how powerfulfood junkie Jay writing can be.Leno bowed to their And they getdemand that he eat his that now.”vegetables. The 17-studentclass of mostly seven andeight-year olds sat for asatellite telecast fromtheir classroomto Leno and hisstudio audiencein Burbank,Calif. Theshow airedWednesday,December 13th.Downing read a Parade magazinestory where Leno recollected, “Idon’t think I’ve had a vegetable since1969.” Her class was finishing a unit Summer 2007 9

Feature Story10 concordia connection

“What’s in a name?” Romeo and JulietThe quest for the (II, ii, 1-2)true author ofWilliam Shakespeare’sworks. by Courtney Smith, Concordia University ‘07Who was the true Shakespeare? himself, never asked to find a biography, never asked to discuss his personal life.If you’re like me, this question may cause I now wonder why. Why wasn’t I evenyour brow to wrinkle. I was confused introduced to the authorship question?when I first heard that this question is Why wasn’t I told that Shakespeare maya relevant one in the literary world. I very well not be the given name of thethought, ‘What do you mean, who was author of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeothe true Shakespeare? Wasn’t Shakespeare, and Juliet? Why isn’t there a bigger audienceShakespeare?’ Before arriving on Concordia addressing this question? If ShakespeareUniversity Portland’s campus in 2003, I had scholars – those who are most knowledgeable onnever heard of the Shakespeare authorship the subject – are questioning the authorship, why aren’tquestion, much less a hotly debated controversy we? There is an intriguing battle in this world betweenamong many Shakespeare scholars. In high school we those who seek truth no matter the consequence, andsimply read and attempted to analyze Shakespeare’s those who attempt to hide a truth out of an underlyingworks. I knew of him through his canon, but I never fear of change, or of what might ensue if a buried truththought twice about his identity. Now that I think back, were to be discovered.I realize I was never asked to write papers on Shakespeare Summer 2007 11

Feature StoryThe seeds of doubt are planted... In the mid 1780s, the Reverend Dr. James Wilmot began a mission to discover the history of England’s most prominent literary legend, the Bard of Avon. The author, after all, was world-renowned and unrivaled in his achievements, yet little was known about his personal life. As the Reverend Wilmot explored Stratford- Upon-Avon, he became increasingly anxious when his attempts proved futile in the effort to connect the canon to the man traditionally accepted as its author. Wilmot discovered a Shakespeare (or Shakspere as this man spelled his name) in the records of Stratford-Upon-Avon, but the man’s credentials, or rather, the lack thereof, convinced Wilmot that for two centuries the world had been misled into believing that this man and the writer Shakespeare were the same person. After confessing his findings to a friend, serious doubts began to arise amongst scholars about the true author of the Shakespeare canon – doubts which have led to authorship theories that still are debated today. Some of the most well known groups to put forward an authorship theory include− » THE STRATFORDIANS – Those who believe » THE OXFORDIANS – The Oxfordian theory Shakspere of Stratford-Upon-Avon to be was introduced in 1920 and is the true author of Shakespeare’s works are supported by those who believe usually identified as Stratfordians, while Queen Elizabeth’s chief courtier opposing scholars are usually known as poet-playwright Edward de non-Stratfordians (a group divided amongst Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, to be the true author of different authorship candidates). In Shakespeare’s works. He is order to link their man to the plays currently the most popular and poems, Stratfordians also candidate amongst non- contend that the spelling of the Stratford man’s name Stratfordians. Sigmund Freud was – Shakspere – should be a noteworthy Oxfordian. pronounced with a “long a” as in Shakespeare (the name » THE BACONIANS – The Baconian theory that appears on the plays and poems) rather than pronounced was introduced in 1856 and is supported with the “short a” of Shakspere that by those who believe Sir Francis Bacon, a historian, is suggested by the spelling of his name that diplomat, essayist and the Stratford man used. philosopher, to be the author of Shakespeare’s12 concordia connection works. Mark Twain was a Baconian.

Feature StoryThe battle between Stratfordians and of “slanderous” or anti-government pieces, and the printing press made the publication of such documentsnon-Stratfordians begins with the background of the far easier than it had been in previous centuries. ToShakspere/Shakespeare of Stratford-Upon-Avon. The avoid maltreatment for the proclamation of their ideals,argument is cloudy from the beginning; both sides find many authors chose to publish anonymously. This, ofways to establish their reasoning and if one were to listen course, riled the Elizabethan government, and to avoid the distribution of such materials, strict licensing measures to one argument were enacted and publishing presses were suppressed by right after another, government edict. Therefore, authors who wanted their they surely would not literature published but wished to avoid punishment or know who to believe! bad repute, chose to write under pseudonyms. For every dispute Furthermore, the occupation of “playwright” was against Shakspere, not looked highly upon in Elizabethan culture. Public Stratfordians have a theaters were mistrusted as they were viewed as corrupt in rebuttal for the proof the eyes of government, and the public theaters were cast of their Shakespeare, out to the derelict districts of London. To be discovered and every contention as a writer of plays for public entertainment would bring that Stratfordians shame and persecution not only on an author but his raise against family. Furthermore, Elizabethan standards deterred other authorship nobility from publishing their written work, as such an candidates are occupation would be considered as going below one’s quickly refuted by proper station. If the author of the works labeled as non-Stratfordian Shakespeare’s were, in fact, a nobleman (as Oxfordians supporters of contend), he would have faced more condemnationBacon, de Vere, or others. In a conversation with a than the average playwright. Not only would he haveStratfordian you might hear the story of a young man of brought bad repute to his family name but, because courtmeager means and talent who took advantage of every precedent did not allow for the publication of plays foropportunity that came his way – a man who moved from the commonStratford to London to pursue acting and writing career, audience, heand gained extreme fame in the late 1590s. The non- would haveStratfordian image of Shakespeare depicts the Stratford brought insultman as a nearly illiterate country bumpkin who worked to the idea of theas a butcher’s apprentice and spelled his own name proper duty of thedifferently on the few occasions he put pen to paper. In nobility.their eyes, the Stratford man would have had difficulty Groups onobtaining the high level of knowledge in the worlds of both sides ofscience, statecraft, literature, law, theology and intimate the debate go tofamiliarity with the life of the noblemen; all of which are extreme lengthsprominent aspects of Shakespeare’s canon. Where does to provide enoughthe truth lie? Which biography of the Stratford-Upon- evidence to makeAvon man is the reality? their arguments In exploring the authorship question, one may ask credible. Both“If the non-Stratfordians are correct, and the true author groups focusof Shakespeare did write pseudonymously, what reasons on very minutewould cause such a beautiful, talented writer to disguise details such asthe truth of his talent?” According to non-Stratfordians, the hyphenation of Shakespeare’s name, dedications tothere are many reasons why an Elizabethan author may the “author,” single lines within every play; the list ishave chosen to disguise his or her identity. Authors of never-ending. Although those of us who are not in thethe time were often persecuted by officials for the writing Summer 2007 13

Feature Storysociety of Shakespeare scholars may shake our head at the Shakespeare has had an incredible impact on society,arcane passion these people have for the debate, doesn’t spoken language and popular culture. If the author werethis debate amongst them give credibility to the question truly a different man, what perceptions of the literaryitself? What if we actually have been giving credit to and cultural world would change? Would we feel freethe wrong man for centuries? We may say it wouldn’t to deeply debate other issues like who really wrote otherchange our feelings or understanding of the canon, but works which the origins and authorship are open tomost scholars would quickly argue that it would. Imagine question? The bigger questions here too may be why iswhat new interpretations could be made of some of our society afraid to debate such questions. Why has theShakespeare’s most famous lines if, say, a member of authorship question been hampered or ignored in highElizabethan aristocratic society had written them rather schools and universities around the world? What are wethan a tradesman from the country.Paul Nicholson, creative director afraid of? We should strive to seekof the Oregon Shakespeare Festival the truth, no matter how it may affect“suspects that if the question were our world. Truth is the foundationto be more commonly accepted, of knowledge and the foundation oftheatrical artists would pay more success. We owe ourselves, if we areattention to the life of the court to committed to the pursuit of truth, anprovide the context for the plays. intelligent pursuit of the inquiry.This would likely influence how For eleven years, Concordiathe plays are staged and how actors University has hosted the Shakespearedevelop their character.” Authorship Studies Conference Would we be opening a can of where scholars from around theworms, you may ask, if we decide world come together to speak and“Shakespeare” was a pseudonym and debate on the authorship question.not the given name of the author? We are also in the process of creatingWhat else may follow in the wake? the first graduate studies program in the field. Some may ask “WhySThe hakespAeutahroership Studies Conference [APRIL 12-15, 2007]14 concordia connection Prof. Jan Scheffler makes a point with Charles Beauclerk. OPrroefg.oDnaSnhiaekl eWspreigahret welcomes Paul Nicholson Festival. of the

Feature StoryConcordia?” Why is a small school Concordia University isin the heart of Northeast Portland, a liberal arts university with aOregon taking on the task of mission to prepare leaders forexploring such a specialized, often the transformation of society.controversial topic?” Well, why This university wants us to thinknot Concordia? As Mark Wahlers, critically, ask questions, constantlythe university provost, points out, pursue knowledge and follow the“Concordia University has a 100- quest for truth. The pursuit of theyear tradition of rigorous academic Shakespeare authorship questionstudy, and the authorship studies coincides with the idea of a Lutherandegree program is the perfect education because it is not the goalexample of our mission to train of such an institution to indoctrinateand encourage critical thinkers.” us but rather provoke interestWe have established the perfect and insight in order to allow us toenvironment here in Northeast make our own conclusions aboutPortland to welcome exploration. our world. Luther challenged theIf the authorship question is ever to be answered, interest pope – similarly, this university attempts to encouragein the subject must be fueled to a broader audience. its students, through every aspect of the institution, toThe conference at Concordia University serves as the feel confident enough to challenge our own societies,encouragement. Attendees primarily may be already cultures and institutions. And this confidence can onlyinterested scholars, but the presence of the conference take shape when we are introduced to ideas other than ourcan serve to awaken the question in the young minds in own and given the opportunity to question anything andConcordia’s classrooms and elsewhere – minds still open everything. - Courtney Smith ‘07to the world and willing to question supposedly-settledassumptions about many facets of life. Editor’s Note — Courtney Smith fulfilled her senior project as a reporter for this edition of the Concordia Connection. Courtney researched and authored our feature story on the Shakespeare authorship question and contributed several articles to the Campus Life section of the magazine. We hope you appreciate her first-personConcordia University’s Gary Withers delivers the banquet keynote address. perspective as a student and that you provide her with lucrative employment opportunities throughout her career. Summer 2007 15

Musingson Truth Judy Anderson, librarian Truth is an active topic of Librarians serve dual roles as conservators of the discussion in academic circles intellectual tradition and resources to users when they and Concordia University is no need information. Our professional organizations have exception. We asked several defined our purpose, our truths, to be twofold. The first faculty and staff to reflect is a responsibility for contributing to social progress on the theme of this edition and critical thinking by providing access to resources of the Concordia Connection that cover a broad range of ideas on topics; the second, by answering the rhetorical to provide an environment that promotes intellectual questions, “What is truth?” inquiry and unfettered discussion “How do you determine what is true?” “How do students help Is truth subjective or absolute? The pursuit of knowledge you discover truth?” “Is truth is, by nature, subjective. The profession has an ethical subjective or absolute?” core to champion intellectual freedom and a person’s right to have their information interests kept private. How do students help you discover truth? With the growth of the Internet and storage of information electronically, our skill for organizing and finding information has gone beyond traditional libraries. Students challenge us daily with their unique research needs. Their looking for answers to “Why?” remind us to include varied viewpoints to ensure that many perspectives and opinions are available for our students to examine. Critical thinking skills and personal truths can only be reached through thoughtful discussion and contemplation of the conclusions reached by others. Professor Michael Thomas, Professor Joyce Zerwekh, College of Theology, Arts and Sciences Ph.D., nursing program director Editor’s Note: Professor Thomas responded to our inquiry by submitting an essay he wrote for Reflections on Teaching published by the Teaching Resource Truth in nursing is based on scientific Center of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 1999. evidence (ideally research-based), the experience of experts in the field and one’s Assisting students in analyzing their worldviews is the central business of own personal knowing (intuition and the university educator. Far from being merely a dispenser of information, experience) of what is right. Although the university teacher should ideally provide the intellectual setting and the latter is by definition subjective and stimuli necessary to enable students to challenge their assumptions about vulnerable to being wrong, it determines the world. In other words, the students, through a dialectical interchange in how we respond one-by-one to the the classroom, should be prompted to consider the “lenses” through which humanness of those we encounter and they perceive the world. Once students become aware that their perceptions nurse. Technical expertise and clinical of reality are the products of the “lens” through which they peer, they can judgment are constantly tempered by our begin to truly appreciate the views of others. personal knowing of “truth.” Thus nursing education needs to grow future nurses in The academic study of religion provides the most apt setting for challenging the process of “reflective compassion.” students to analyze systematically their own perceptions of the world. Religions are in the business of constructing reality; they provide the “lenses” through which the world is perceived. Therefore, the study of religion provides a unique opportunity to analyze the most powerful “lenses” in any society, and should stimulate students to recognize the assumptions and perceptions which govern their lives. The goal of such inquiry is at once to create self-understanding and to stimulate the appreciation of other people’s worldviews.16 concordia connection

Concordia University students will be giving you a ring this fall to share their enthusiasm for their school. Perhaps you’ll hear some nervousness in their voices. Perhaps they will be smooth and confident. In every case, they will be passionate about what a Concordia University education means to them, and they will be sincere in their hope that you will support the Concordia Fund so that scholarships will help even more young people benefit from the Concordia experience. For their sake, we hope you will answer the call. 503-280-8505 | WWW.CU-PORTLAND.EDU/GIVINGJoin the Team!Support Concordia Athletics Year RoundAt Concordia, we believe in shaping leaders who will transform the world around them. Ourathletes and coaches model character each day on the field and in the classroom.By joining the Cavalier Club, you become a part of a team of champions with character, workingtogether to make Cavalier Athletics the best it can be. Cavalier Club gifts go directly to support student-athlete scholarships, athletic programs and equipment. They are 100% tax-deductible. As a Cavalier Club member, you will receive regular updates on upcoming games and events, post game reports, statistics and highlights, discounts on Cavalier clothing, and many other great benefits. Join today, or gift a membership to someone special. 503-280-8505 | WWW.CU-PORTLAND.EDU/CAVCLUB

Current IssuesTutors take it off campus. JIM CLARK / P0RTLAND TRIBUNE the school’s role in the community after similar positions at PortlandConcordia student Becky Miller volunteers as a tutor at Rosemary Anderson High School as part of a new outreach State University, the nonprofitprogram at the Northeast Portland college. Children’s Institute of Oregon, and Metropolitan Family Services Inc.New program Now, Concordia, a private, So last fall, Concordia begansends Concordia Lutheran liberal-arts university of a tutoring program that pairsstudents into 1,600 students at 2811 N.E. Holman its students with children in thearea classrooms Street, is trying to address that surrounding public and private disconnect. schools who need an academic boostBY JENNIFER ANDERSON “The university has been here that their parents or siblings aren’tThe Portland Tribune, Apr 6, 2007 100 years. I’ve been in Portland 54 able to provide. years, known as a connector in the Over the past year, 50 Concordia(Reprinted with permission) community,” said Gary Withers, the students volunteered to serve a total school’s executive vice president. of 130 children in kindergarten Concordia University’s red-brick “Chuck (Schlimpert, Concordia’s through high school with after-schoolbuildings and lush, green campus president) called and said, What can help in subjects like reading andgive it the air of an Ivy League school, we do to make a difference? No. 1 in math.which offers quite a contrast with our mission (statement) is preparing The program is in part inspiredthe struggles of the neighborhood leaders for the transformation of by the nonprofit Teach for America,schoolchildren in the surrounding society.” which places recent college graduatesblocks of North and Northeast Withers was named to his post in in underserved inner-city and ruralPortland. May 2005 with the charge of elevating schools and which provided some of the $10,000 in grant money for Concordia’s effort. Additional grants came from private donors including PacifiCorp. The tutors signed up to volunteer at least an hour a week for the 15- week semester, attended training workshops funded by the grants, and met the children at the tutoring sites: the schools, Concordia and local churches. The result, Withers said, has been the seedling of a partnership with the community that he hopes will be the start of a beautiful relationship. “We want to identify the challenges, craft the solutions and become part of the solution,” he18 concordia connection

Current Issuessaid. “We want to respect, honor and already-packed schedule, filled with hopes to expand the program tosupport this diverse community…if choir activities, 20 hours of work include twice as many tutors and kids.they can succeed in school, they can each week and her course load of 19 The school also is in the midst of asucceed in life.” credits. $15 million capital campaign to build Twice a week she helps students a new library that will have a largeTutors add to with their homework in study hall community room.opportunities at Rosemary Anderson High School, Also starting next year, the school an alternative public school in North will give away a full-ride scholarship According to statistics the school Portland for kids who’ve had past for one student who will be the first inhas gathered from 2000 U.S. Census problems with attendance, academics the family to attend college.results, 11 percent of households and behavior. Kay Castillo, of Northeastin the Concordia neighborhood “If you can instill values and a Portland, sends her seventh-grader,include adults 25 or older who didn’t routine, get them into a mode of ‘I eighth-grader and kindergartner tocomplete high school. can succeed, I can do this, and I’m the tutoring program twice a week That number is 22 percent in not afraid to ask for help,’ if you can after school at the Rehoboth Worldthe Cully neighborhood, to the east, get them past that, they do want to Healing Center, a neighborhood32 percent in Woodlawn, to the succeed. But life’s really hard,” she church close to Vernon Elementary.west, and 26 percent in the King said. “At home they do nothing,neighborhood, to the southwest. Teachers say the tutors’ work is watch TV. They need that program Those neighborhoods include invaluable. “When we have 20 kids in to push them into reading,” Castilloa significant number of minority here, and five of them waiting to see said. “They say, ‘If you don’t haveresidents, both black and Hispanic. me, just having adults who care about any homework, you need to createCharles McGee, a young community education in that setting is really some.’”leader who formerly ran for the critical,” said English teacher AndrewPortland school board and organizes Moore, who oversees thea group called the Black Parent study hall period whenInitiative, is helping the university Miller visits.connect with families in the Lynn Keyne-Michaels, whoneighborhood. coordinates Concordia’s “It’s about breaking down the Teacher Corps program inbarriers, making (college) more the school of education, saidthan a distant dream,” he said. “As the parents have really beena black community, there’s a level pitching in, and sometimesof ownership we have to take. It’s benefiting as well. One tutorabout us saying, ‘Yeah, we have helped a child’s motherthis deficiency, but we have this apply to college online,opportunity.’ ” she said. “Another mom brought her kid’s report cardTeachers appreciate (to the tutoring session) tothe help ask for help with the child’s weaknesses.” Becky Miller, 21, a Concordia With $20,000 in grantsjunior who is majoring in elementary set for next year, Concordiaeducation, squeezes tutoring into her“It’s about breaking down the barriers, making (college)more than a distant dream.” Summer 2007 19

Alumni NotesAluNmonteis 801981 ’s James Lee and his wife, Liz celebratedWhat’s new in your life? their 25th wedding anniversary in July. They have four boys: Andrew (23) whoStay in touch and keep us posted on all of your attends Western Washington University,news. New baby, new job, new spouse, new house, Jonathan (21) who attends Pacificgreat vacation, milestone anniversaries, recent Lutheran University, Stephen (18) wasretirement...send us an e-mail and give us the born with Spina Bifida and is a seniorupdate on what’s happening in your life. Feel free to at Federal Way High School in Wash.include photos, including high-resolution (300 dpi) and hopes to be a writer and createwedding and baby pictures: cartoons. He is joined at the high school by Timothy (15) who is a freshman. Liz EMAIL: [email protected] works at BECU as a supervisor and James is a fourth grade teacher.Or send mail to Alumni Notes, 2811 NE Holman St., Portland, OR 97211 1986401945 ’s 1973 Robert Sylwester ALHS recently had his Douglas Brauer and his wife Beth Lori (French) Kolasch received (Heiden) write, “For those who remember60’smost current book, The Adolescent Brain, a bachelor’s degree in business the infant, Tabitha Brauer, who slept published by Corwin Press. administration from Idaho State through many classes in 1985 and 1986; University and is now employed at she is graduating from Concordia Irvine 1963 Boise State University in the accounts in June of 2007.” payable department. She has two Gary W. Smith has retired in Vallejo, “incredible” sons, Peter and Jacob. 1988 Calif. after completing 23 years of U.S. Navy Fleet Ballistics Missile Submarine 1974 Nina (Evans) Conn retired from her Service and 17 years with Northrop position as Walla Walla County’s first Grumman Trident Logistics Program in Craig Conway is celebrating his 20th emergency medical services director at the Sunnyvale, Calif. wedding anniversary with his wife, end of 2006. She devoted 17 years to this Katherine and is retiring after 30 position. 1965 years of teaching and coaching at the middle and high school levels. 1990 Rev. Dennis C. Schutte ALHS is currently In the 2006-07 school year he was serving at Life In Christ Lutheran Church, named Teacher of the Year at Hamlin Terrie Teixeira currently Middle School by the Springfield, Ore. lives in Waianae, Hawaii70’san LCMS congregation in Northeast School District. He is also one of 12 where she is the executive Minn. finalists for Springfield School District director of a non-profit Teacher of the Year and received the agency and dances hula for her church. 1970 Champion in Education Award for She has two children, daughter, Dallas teaching this past year. Craig is also a (10), and son, Dane (9).  Eunice D. Schroeder recently received a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul’s Doctorate of Ministry degree from San First Place Family Shelter in Eugene, 1991 Francisco Theological Seminary. She is a Ore., helping homeless families with spiritual director at the Interfaith Spiritual transportation, shelter, food, and Angela Ritchie recently relocated to Center in Portland, Ore. and she also clothing. Alaska where she is working as a licensed teaches in the Master of Divinity program agent in property, casualty, life, health, at Marylhurst University. disability and long term care insurance.20 concordia connection

Alumni Notes1993 1996 Reunion & FAMILY WEEKENDBill Morgan was recently named Janette (McMurran) and Dustin october 12-14, 2007publisher of The Cullman Times in ‘96 Kunkel recently moved back toCullman, Tex. Prior to this move he the United States to Coeur d’Alene, CELEBRATElived in Greenville, Tex., where he was Idaho where they are both working for YOUR CONCORDIAthe publisher of the Herald-Banner Lutherhaven Ministries. Dustin is the CONNECTIONS!and manager of three affiliated weekly outdoor education manager and Janettenewspapers, all part of Birmingham-based is the day camp manager. Dustin will All alumni are invited back toCommunity Newspaper Holdings Inc., graduate in November 2007 from the campus for an unforgettablewhich owns the Cullman paper. University of Edinburgh in Scotland weekend of reminiscing and fun! with his MSC in Outdoor Environmental Don’t miss this opportunity to 1994 Education. reconnect with your classmates, faculty and staff. Festivities Chad MAT ’98 and Rory 1997 include a progressive reception(Hellerstedt) ‘95 Rush welcomed a baby at emeriti faculty homes aroundgirl, Sophia Jane, on April 1, 2007. She Matt Burton is the CEO and President of the neighborhood, the Alumniweighed 6lbs. 10oz. and was 19” long. Extraordinary Young People, a Christian Basketball Games, tailgating,She joins older sisters, Gabi and Ellie, and Organization that exists to serve the festival tent with great food andolder brother, Isaiah. underserved, the broken (in heart and music and much, much more! Visit spirit) and the forgotten. Their focus isJason Schoen is general manager of to serve Native American youth and their www.cu-portland/reuniona large General Motors automotive families on reservations, villages anddealership in South Texas. He writes, reserves. for more information and to“since I am tall (6’8”) and the head guy register.in the dealership, I use myself in all of the Christina (Hoag) Loun MED ’98 recentlyads to help promote the store and sell lots accepted a resource room teachingof cars with a kind of ‘catchy’ slogan.” position at Gardiner Middle School in the Oregon City School District.1995 Lisa Mallory MAT writes, “I am offNello and Michelle (Ballantyne) ’94 to teach 5th grade in Dhahran, SaudiPicinich welcomed a baby girl, Maia Arabia, for 2007-2008. My studentsLouise, on August 6, 2006. She weighed are mostly westerners and most of9 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20” my students have spent their elementarylong. She joined older years in Dhahran. Their parents workbrothers, Benjamin (5) as diplomats, teachers, in the big oil andand Landon (3). Nello is natural gas industry which serves 25% ofthe operations director the world’s energy needs for oil and gas,for the Lower Columbia and other international organizations. IFish Enhancement am excited about this opportunity toGroup, which restores broaden my horizons, to be an Americanfish habitat. Michelle is ambassador and to learn about a newa proud full-time mom culture and its people.”and leads the MOMSministry in her church.

Alumni NotesNeill Twigg is currently teaching 1999 Alphonso Niles andelementary physical education in the his wife, Quiana,Hillsboro, Ore. School District. He also Keeley (Longcor) and recently welcomedcontinues to coach girls’ basketball at the Rory ’99 Fryer welcomed their new baby,high school and is also part of the drama a baby girl, Jenna Ann, Saxon, into theteam ministry at Harvest Community on May 31, 2007. She world in lateChurch. weighed 9 lbs. and March 2007. measured 20.25” long. Saxon joins 1998 older brother, Saghi. Jon Muhly and his Shane Bassett was wife, Julie welcomed a 2001appointed principal at the Reynolds little boy, Nathaniel Joshua, to theirSchool District’s Glenfair Elementary family on December 27, 2007. He Brian Heigh and his wife, Angela,School in Portland, Ore. welcomed their first weighed 5 lbs. 9 oz. and was 19.5” child, Mia Michele,Jennifer Klotz was featured in a Tigard long and joined big brother, David. on February 28, 2007.Times article on March 8, 2007. Jenn is In addition, Jon was ordained at Brian works on thean Employee Recognition Specialist at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lodi, sales and marketingthe Oregon Health & Science University team for Synchronousand is currently a member of the seven- Calif. and he and his family are Aerospace. Brian andperson band Pressure Point. For more serving Evangelical Lutheran his family are nowinformation about the band go to www. Ministries in Moscow, Russia. living in their first brandpressurepointband.com. new house in Auburn, 2000 Wash. He writes, “I canJon Metzler recently became a published honestly say that my lifeauthor with the release of his book, Cindy Jean started at Concordia. ITraining Professionals in the Practice of (Gardner) learned so much aboutSport Psychology. Carney and her husband, Sean life at a school that has taught me so manyDerek Vowels MBA ’04 recently accepted welcomed a son, lessons. My experiences, both playinga job with an environmental and Kelden Robert, soccer and going to school, at Concordiaengineering consulting firm named the on December have made me who I am today.”RETEC Group, where he will start a new 29, 2006. Heoffice for the firm in the Portland, Ore. weighed 6 lbs. 8 Jennifer Hofmann recently co-authoredarea. Derek is happily married and living oz. and was 21” an article (“Signaling Through Notch1in North Portland, where he and his wife long.are raising their two sons. Regulates Formation Don MAT ’01 and Hillary (Swallom) of Tip Cells DuringKoty Zelinka, a high school English Carter ’02 recently welcomed a baby Angiogenesis”)teacher at Portland Lutheran School boy, Cody. Cody joins big sister, Emma. published in thein Ore., was featured in The Oregonian prestigious nationalon May 22, 2007. She was noted for Alyssa (Hopkins) Goins recently journal Nature. At theher success at teaching her students became the coach of the Class B Boys same time, she also hadabout Shakespearean literature through Basketball Team at LaSalle High School a first author paperMySpace, a popular internet site among in Yakima, Wash. titled “Notch Expressionstudents of all ages. She is believed to be Patterns in the Retina; only the third female An Eye on Receptor- to coach a boys’ ligand Distribution high school team in during Angiogenesis.” Washington state Jennifer is in her fourth history. year of graduate school at UCLA. Karen (McLaughlin) Bures gave birth to a beautiful little boy named Aiden July 25, 2006, who is “the best thing that has ever happened to us.”22 concordia connection

Alumni Notes On a Saturday afternoon this past March, students in Concordia’s master’s of businessprogram crowded into the West Dining Hall to hear from a leader in the field of organizationalchange and turnaround strategies. The expert, an energetic and fast-talking attorney turnedbusinessman who holds the position of senior vice president for sales and marketing at NationalOilwell Varco, captured the audience with his observations about doing business in today’s globaleconomy. What captivated them even more was that this high powered executive happened to bea 1966 graduate of Concordia High School. Commenting on Thomas Friedman’s book, The World is Flat, Jerry Gauche had the following advice for Concordia’s MBAs, “Act with urgency, stay on the cutting edge, get good at collaboration, do what you enjoy, make a contribution and have fun.” There was no way that Gauche could have known when he enrolled at Concordia in 1963 that more than 40 years later he would return to inspire and support aspiring business leaders at what is today Concordia University. “The experience at Concordia gaveme a solid grounding for future education and taught me some basic skills that have stood mein good stead throughout my life. The faculty was very dedicated to getting the best out of theirstudents and the small size of the school allowed me to participate in everything from athletics todrama to music to student government, giving me a taste of a broad range of things. In my currentrole my Concordia education shows up in a persistent curiosity about how things work that feedsnew ideas and initiatives into the company of which I am a part.” At National Oilwell Varco, a $7 billion Fortune 500 manufacturer and distributor of oil fieldequipment and supplies, Gauche uses the broad foundation from Concordia to bring aboutsuccess at this large firm. His efforts to engineer and execute a turnaround strategy resulted inthe company’s valuation skyrocketing from $180 million to $19 billion over the past 10 years. Thedetails of this turnaround, and Gauche’s other experiences left the MBA students with much toreflect on and exposed Gauche to the Concordia of today. “I am very impressed with the effortsof Concordia to participate in and be a relevant part (a leader, even) in the community. Theconnection I see to the school of which I was a part is the long tradition of service. When focusedon the local community in the present this tradition of service can be very powerful both for thestudents and the community.” Summer 2007 23

Alumni NotesCheryl (Colligan) recently married Emily Weaver is teaching PE at David 2004Jeremy Markiewicz. After spending Douglas High School in Portland, Ore.some time in Boulder, Colo., Cheryl and and plans to marry Travis Kernen of Sara HockleyJeremy are now living in Ore., where Vancouver, Wash. on October 6, 2007. marriedshe is working with the State of Oregon Aaron StoneDepartment of Human Services as a 2003 in Vancouver,surveyor. Wash. on Hollis Hale is currently playing basketball June 4, 2006.2002 in the International Basketball League They now reside inTiffany Brower with the Las Vegas Stars. Chandler,recently received her Ariz. whereMBA from Northwest Sarah Hames and Timothy Elliott they are bothUniversity in Kirkland, were married on February 10, admissionsWash. She married 2007 on campus at St. Michael’s and academicCharles Thomas in Lutheran Church. Sarah currently counselors atJanuary 2007 and works at Concordia with the the Universityrecently transferred Professional Church Work of Phoenix. Both are also pursuing theirwith Starbucks Coffee programs and Tim is serving in master’s degrees.Company to Durham, the U.S. Coast Guard. They resideN.C. in Northeast Portland. In April, Ian Lefebvre MAT was named the men’s soccer coach at Linfield CollegeKirsten Daniel MAT and Casey Holden David Jensen is currently serving in McMinnville, Ore. Prior to joiningwere married July 15, 2006 in Sisters, as interim president of MicroAire Linfield, he coached Vancouver’s ClarkOre. Kirsten is now teaching PE/Health at Surgical, located in Va. His primary College men’s soccer team for seven years.Bend High School in Bend, Ore. and is the objectives are to get the management teamjunior varsity basketball coach. working together, recruit a permanent Michael Matson and his wife, Sara president and push for improved systems (Gantz) ’04 recently bought a house inKathleen (Hasibar) Downing MED ‘07 in all functional areas, including sales, Meridian, Idaho. Michael is a DCE atis teaching second grade at St. Ignatius marketing, product development and Christ Lutheran Church and Sara is anCatholic School in Portland, Ore. Her operations. accountant at Albertson College of Idaho. class was recently featured on the JayLeno show after her class (which was Katie Kennedy MAT recently accepted a Stephanie Packineau received her MBAstudying nutrition) wrote into the host in teaching position in Telluride, Colo. from Concordia this spring.response to him stating that he did not eatvegetables. Desiree Manning wed Eldon Mossberger, Shelley Walker is currently teaching her boyfriend of three years, on July 21, 4th and 5th grade at Hartley ElementaryJennifer (Kenyon) Letourneau recently 2007 on campus at St. Michael’s Lutheran School in Portland, Ore.became a licensed counselor for the state Church. Desiree is currently employedof Ariz., as well as a national certified with DHS Child Welfare. 2005counselor. Jennifer works as a behavioralhealth and substance abuse counselor and Shane T. Reichert recently joined the Lisa (Collins) Brown MAT is teachingcase manager at a state funded agency in Wenatchee, Wash. law firm of Woods & Health and PE at Oregon City HighPhoenix, Ariz. Brangwin. Shane is also a member of the School and would enjoy hearing how her Washington State Bar Association, the classmates are doing. You can contact herRachelle (Mann-Guytan) Travers was Chelan/Douglas County Bar Association at [email protected] named associate faculty in and the Washington State Trial Lawyersmolecular toxicology at Oregon State Association. Reza Desputera lives in Jakarta, IndonesiaUniversity and will begin teaching there where she works for DHL Indonesia as athis fall.  Katrina Takalo married Chuck Morris on multi-channel account executive. She says, March 31, 2007 in Astoria, Ore. Katrina is “I am using all the skills and knowledgeMark Wilton MBA ‘04 recently received currently employed at Pierce Elementary that I learned when I was at Concordia. Ia promotion and now oversees eight School in Pierce, Idaho. am really proud to be a Concordia alum.”Washington State Patrol emergency 911centers and 170 employees statewide. Tennille Wright MAT married Michael Brandon Erlandson is starting at forward Feldbush on March 3, 2007. for the Central Oregon Hot Shots, an International Basketball League team.24 concordia connection

Concordia Concordia Academy was established in 1905 and the roots of today’sUniversity Concordia University and Portland Lutheran School took hold. This shared history was the beginning of a bright future for both organizations. Like a tree& Portland rooted in good soil, Concordia became firmly rooted in its values and traditions. Lutheran Over time, there emerged two thriving branches, both of which educate, minister School: and serve the community. Both have and will continue to grow stronger through intentional nurturing of their students and the careful tending of alumni, teachersEntertwined and staff. They will continue to prosper with the support and care of the extended Concordia community. past and From 1905 to 1980, the high school at Concordia served more than 2,300 future. students who came to the Northeast Portland campus to prepare for lives of service. The experience of these students was more powerful and rich than the high school experience of most. There was a dual mission to prepare students for the academic rigors of a professional life as well as the spiritual foundation necessary for a meaningful role. This lofty pair of expectations is, in part, what led to the expansion of Concordia Academy/High School to Concordia Junior College, then Concordia College and finally to Concordia University. Today, CU and PLS work together to tend our shared roots and to keep the partnership flourishing. Harking back to our common history, this fall will see the implementation of the BacPac program. This partnership represents a return to shared classes, where Concordia University will provide instruction for students at Portland Lutheran School who have demonstrated capacity for college-level work. In each semester of their junior and senior years, students will have the opportunity to enroll in a college-level course such as Principles of Psychology, Intro to Cultural Geography, Principles of Sociology, and Environmental Science taught by a university professor, thereby earning college credit before high school graduation. BacPac offers students the option of getting an early start at fulfilling general college requirements and, at the same time, saving money on college tuition. By successfully completing all four college courses during the 11th and 12th grade years, a student will have finished an entire semester of college even before starting. Portland Lutheran School is partnering with Concordia University to offer this innovative opportunity to college-bound students. Concordia professors will teach the courses, and students will earn transcripts from Concordia. Additionally, participants will be considered students of Concordia as well as Portland Lutheran and will be entitled to corresponding benefits such as library and online privileges. Together, Concordia and Portland Lutheran serve more than 1,850 students from around the globe, exposing new generations of students to the benefits of a Christ-centered Lutheran education. Summer 2007 25

Alumni NotesAnsel Evans MAT is working at Lynch 2006 Lisa (Donald) Orr recently acceptedElementary school in Redmond, Ore. as a a new position as the EMR programschool counselor. Katie Atkins was accepted into Oregon manager within her company, Cascade Health & Science University’s MD Occupational Position.Shawn Farrens MAT married Janie program. Timothy Overholser recently started aHovda on March 24, 2007 at the Old new position as a freshman admissionLaurelhurst Church in Portland, Ore. Peter Berg recently accepted the position counselor for Concordia University, as the DCE at Prince of Peace Lutheran Portland.Philipp Kupfer was recently accepted into church in Battle Ground, Wash. He andHarvard University’s Dental School. He his wife Cara (Pirie) ‘07 celebrated their Amy Paoletti wed Justin O’Brien ‘06and his wife, Rachel, now reside in two-year wedding anniversary on May on June 30, 2007 in Palmer, Alaska. TheMassachusetts.  30, 2007. She is the second grade teacher bridal party included fellow alumni, and Celebration Choir director at Trinity Elijah SooJin Lee ‘06, Ashlee (Swett)After three years with the Casper Rockies Lutheran School in Portland, Ore. Talley ‘05, Krista Ekeburg ‘08, Scottbaseball team, Seth Mathews was Quinn ‘02, Chad McGowan ‘02, Jakenamed the director of operations for the Sarah Dixon recently moved to Boise, Rothauge ‘02, Seth Mathews ‘05, and Dreorganization in January, 2007. Seth is in Idaho where she is the marketing manager Johnson ‘04.a co-general management role with Matt for Idaho Mutual Trust.Warneke ‘06 who was recently named the Jennifer (Kranich) Rice anddirector of corporate sales. Timothy Hutchison is an account her husband recently purchased manager for all of Ore. and half of their first home. Lyndsey Wash. in the Critical Care division of (Young) Respironics, the largest pure respiratory Roque was medical equipment company in the married on world. He writes that, “My degree March 5, 2007 from Concordia University was key in and is working obtaining this position.” toward a Master of Arts Michael Lay has been in Australia since in counseling March 2007 where he is playing pro psychology at basketball for the Geraldton Domino’s St. Martin’s Pizza Buccaneers of the Western Australia University in Basketball League. He asks that any Lacey, Wash. alumni in Australia, or with knowledge of Australia, contact him at coolbrz84@ John Runcie hotmail.com. M.Ed. writes that, “A large Brynn Ludwig was featured in The group of Oregonian on April 6, 2007, for her new Concordia position as the softball coach at Portland’s alumni Lincoln High School.gathered for a special reunion dinnerin Seattle in March, 2007. The Shay (Killingsworth) McDonald MBAConcordia alumni used the occasion recently accepted a position as theto not only reconnect with each other, operations manager for a public relationsbut also to give special recognition and and advertising agency.appreciation to our ‘mentor’ LindaRountree.” Karen (Hartman) Mitchell MATLinda Sherman recently began a new is proud toposition as the residence director for an announce theassisted living concepts residence in Battle birth of herGround, Wash. daughter, Genevieve, who was born on August 11, 2006.26 concordia connection

COMING SOON! Alumni Notes CU Circle September 11 Your on-line connection to classmates and Founder’s Day the Concordia community Chapel that will: September 23  reconnect you with friends Nursing Dedication  give you access to October 12-14 job openings and career Reunion 2007 assistance Register now at www.cu-portland.  plug you into all that is edu/reunion happening at CU. October 132007 Alumni BasketballTim Brown and Sara Eustice ‘07 were Gamesmarried on February 24, 2007 on campusat St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. Sara October 26is currently a DCE intern with GoodShepherd Lutheran Church in Vancouver, Basketball Fan FestWash. and Tim is in management trainingfor Penske Truck Leasing & Rental in October 31/Portland, Ore. HalloweenAlex Hartman is starting at forward for Residence halls arethe International Basketball League’s open to the public forVancouver, Wash. Volcanoes. He is joined trick-or-treating funby classmate Ernie Rama who plays guardand Taron Pickett ‘00 who plays forward. November 1Michael J. Rowley MAT recently became Preview Weekend forengaged to Jacqueline Campbell Pearce. high schoolThe couple is planning to be marriedsometime this summer. November 16-17In Memoriam Thrivent InternationalDaniel Leonard Harding ‘89 passed away Carol Warren ‘65 passed on Epiphany at Basketballon November 7, 2006. He is survived by the age of 61 years old. In honor of Carol’s Tournamenthis wife, Margy Harding, his sons, Len, years of service, December 22, 2006 wasDavid and Dustin, his daughters, Cathy declared Carol Warren Day in Anchorage, December 7-9Russell and Deanna Watkins, his sister, Alaska by proclamation of Mayor MarkJoyce D’Amato, and two grandchildren. Begich. Christmas Chorale1929 High School Alumnus Rev. Martin Linda Wehrspann ‘70 passed away on February 2C. Stuebe, 95, of Hillsboro, Ore. passed November 30, 2006. She is survived byaway on April 3, 2007. He is survived by her husband, Dan Wehrspann ‘70, son, Lutheran Nighthis wife, Esther Stuebe, his son, Lowell Micah (Carrie), and daughter, Kristi ‘02.Stuebe, five grandchildren, two great February 14-16grandchildren and a brother, Paul Stuebe. Lutheran Elementary School Tournament. Stay in the loop at www.cu-portland.edu Summer 2007 27

Navy & WhiteSpring Sports Wrap-up Moving to the diamond, the softball team reeled off a 21-15 record It was a banner year for the of more than a foot to place fifth and made another trip to the RegionConcordia Cavaliers. The Navy and on the long jump. Hess’ throwing I tournament. The Cavs pulled theWhite consistently performed well mate Katherine Tripp took home upset of its season in the opener byacross the spectrum of sports, so Concordia’s final All-America honor toppling top-seeded Simon Frasermuch in fact, that Concordia placed with a third-place finish in the shot 7-5, before faltering in the next two18th overall in the 2006-07 NAIA put. matches for tourney elimination.U.S. Sports Academy Director’s Cup The women’s golf team also Individual highlights included aStandings, securing a record finish reached the national tournament trio of teammates selected to the all- in 2007. After a fifth-place finish conference and all-region teams with for the second straight in a loaded Region I, the Cavaliers Annele Huckins, Cijay Koanui and season. received one of the coveted at-large Kelly Rattay earning the postseason Behind the invitations to play four rounds on the recognitions. powerhouse links of San Marcos Golf Course near As for the winter sports, Brad soccer San Diego. Barbarick’s men’s basketball squad programs in Once rated as high as ninth in the marched its way to its eleventh the fall and country, Concordia slipped a few consecutive trip to the Cascade dominating notches during the late season but Collegiate Conference playoffs after track and still wound up finishing 15th in the finishing with a 16-13 record. Senior field squads country, a four-spot improvement Alex Hartman led the way for the in the spring from a year ago. The trip to nationals Cavs by averaging 19.5 points and 5.7 the Cavaliers was the third straight for the team in rebounds per game. also took home only its fourth year of existence. In his first season, CU women’s The men’s golfers dropped to head coach Aaron Christian guided the Cascade Collegiate fourth in the final round of action the Cavs to a 9-22 record, droppingConference All-Sports Trophy Cup, at the NAIA Regional Tournament, a first-round Cascade Collegiatefending off the Albertson Coyotes for recording its highest regional finish in Conference tournament game tothe crown. the team’s brief history. After firing Corban College to end the season. Speaking of the tracksters, after a tournament-low 286 in the second Denise Benedict earned team MVPpulling out a sweep in the conference round on Monday, CU came backcrowns (the men tied for the team with a 300 on Tuesday for a three- honors after averaging 10.5championship) the Cavs sent a team- day haul at 879 for fourth place. points and 5.1 reboundsrecord 24 athletes to Fresno, Calif., for per game during herthe NAIA Outdoor Championships. junior season. The highlight of the three-day meet Academically,came from sophomore thrower Annie ConcordiaHess, who captured the team’s fifth Universityindividual national championship with a dominating series of throws performedin the discus. In the hammer, Greg just as well throughout theSchultz moved up from second place season. Softball standoutsafter a fifth-place finish in 2006. Huckins and Raynelle KurtzReturning champion Lauren Sextongrabbed her second All-Americahonor with a fourth–place result inthe javelin and Lakeesha Cadoganexploded for a personalrecord

Navy & Whitejoined golfers May-Lyn Chu and Lisa ALL-AMERICANS 2006-07 Cavalier HonorsSchmidt to represent CU as NAIAScholar Athletes. Scott Bernards, Men’s Soccer, D, honorable mention Joe Givens, Men’s Soccer, MF, honorable mentionCavalier Staff Mirzet Sacirovic, Men’s Soccer, F, honorable mentionWelcomes Garrett Staples, Men’s Soccer, GK, honorable mentionTrio to New Jackie Pronovost, Women’s Soccer, D, 1st teamPosts Justin Pronovost, Women’s Soccer, MF, 1st team Haley Jones, Women’s Soccer, MF, honorable mention The Cavalier staff upgraded, Jessie Gallaher, Women’s Indoor Track & Field, pole vault, switched and expanded national champion during the spring Annie Hess, Women’s Outdoor Track & Field, discus, season. New to the national champion Navy and White, Greg Schultz, Men’s Outdoor Track & Field, hammer, 2nd Jason Dormeyer Katherine Tripp, Women’s Outdoor Track & Field, 3rd was hired in April Lauren Sexton, Women’s Outdoor Track & Field, javelin, 4th as its new sports Lakeesha Cadogan, Women’s Outdoor information director. Track & Field, long jump, 5th Dormeyer spent three Brittany Grizzard, Women’s Cross Country years at NCAA Division I Kerry Lane, Women’s SoccerNorth Dakota State University before Haley Jones, Women’s Soccermaking his way to Portland. Erin Forge’t, Women’s Soccer Just finishing her fifth season as Mariella Lopes, Volleyballhead softball coach, Carrie Kosderka- Paige Peterson, VolleyballFarrell was promoted with the title Jesse Alvarez, Men’s Basketballof assistant athletic director. Aside Angie Woolhiser, Women’s Basketballfrom coaching, her duties will include Tyler Austin, Men’s Golftaking on the role of Matthew Guthrie, Men’s Golfcompliance officer May-Lynn Schmidt, Women’s Golfas well as being Lisa Schmidt, Women’s Golfthe director of Raynelle Kurtz, Softballthe Lutheran Annele Huckins, SoftballElementary Jessie Gallaher, Women’s Track and FieldSchool Brittany Grizzard, Women’s Track and FieldTournament(L.E.S.T.), Thomas Meier, the push towards establishing aan annual who helped build the powerhouse program on the links.tournament foundation for a pair of Grove is the owner and founder ofwith a variety highly ranked golf teams, the Ronn Grove Golf School andof events which stepped down from his post currently works with the Southwestgenerates over 1,000 as head golf coach after four Washington Junior Golf Associationparticipants from Lutheran successful seasons. Concordia hired and the Cedars on Salmon Creek Golfelementary schools from around the Ronn Grove as the second golf coach Course.Pacific Northwest. in the school’s history, to continue Summer 2007 29

Navy & WhiteChampions of Character Capping off the year, the Concordia University athleticdepartment hosted its 6th Annual Champions of CharacterBanquet on the Concordia campus on Sunday, April 15. With over 300 in attendance inside the Cavalier gymnasium, the event highlighted CU athletes and the success that they have achieved on and off the fields, courts, links and tracks this season for the ‘Navy and White’. Keynote speaker University of Colorado football coach, Dan Hawkins, mingles with Dan Hawkins, ex-Boise State and current student athletes. Colorado University head football coach, gave a memorable pitch regarding the importance award r ecipients of playing and competing with character and SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Mike Allen, Baseball the important role that sports have in instilling Haley Jones, Soccer character in its participants. ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Scott Haley, Track & Field Upper left: Lauren Sexton, Track & Field Athletic Director Joel Schuldheisz SENIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR presents Jesse Adam Hackstedt, Baseball Alvarez with a Champion of Jessie Gallaher, Track & Field Character award. CHAMPION OF CHARACTER AWARD Lower left: Emcee Jesse Alvarez, Basketball Mark Nelson of Raynelle Kurtz, Softball Channel 12 with Joel Schuldheisz and Gary Withers.World Class Center As part of Concordia’s ongoing commitment to thefor Throwing Events community, youth and middle-school athletes fromNears Completion around the region will be invited to upgrade their skills at the facility as will Special Olympics and Para Olympics athletes and coaches. Concordia University is completing construction o the recently completed fall season. He was theof a throws facility on 10 acres leased from the Port of medalist at the Concordia Invitational at Portland’sPortland that the school hopes will become the training Heron Lakes Golf Club, shooting a 4-under-par 140 forsite for the next generation of world-class shot put, javelin, the two day event. Arimahammer and discuss athletes. Concordia Universitythrowers coach and former Olympic champion MacWilkins says, “This facility will be unique in its capacity tosimultaneously train athletes in all four throwing events.” Scott’s Excavating of Vancouver, Washington and eightother local contractors generously donated the servicesand materials to groom the site so that there is no morethan one inch of slope over every 83 feet of distance.30 concordia connection President Schlimpert breaks ground.

Student Athlete Spotlight: Jillian Sturm Navy & WhiteConcordia Grad Uses Athleticsto Bond Across Cultures By Jason Dormeyer At a quiet 5-foot-2 inches, it’s hard to think Jillian Sturm canleave a big initial impression at a first quick glance. But the formerConcordia University soccer standout can leave a sizable andlasting imprint. She has. On two continents. A self-described shy kid when first stepping foot on Concordia’scampus in 2001, Sturm was introduced to her future playing matesin a beginning-of-the-year meeting that included each player announcing a goal for the upcoming season. Going around the room, one of the last respondents was Sturm, an outside midfielder from Sandpoint, Idaho, a 6,000-member proud town in the northern panhandle of the state. Sitting comfortably outside the middle of the group, as many a freshmen seem to prefer in new settings, she listened to a few responses aimed towards having a competitive season or playing tough within the conference portion of the schedule. When it was her turn to speak, Sturm voiced that she wanted to win a national championship. It might have been the first words most of the members in the room had heard from the rookie’s mouth. Three months later, Sturm’s declaration was closer than predicted for the fledgling program. With the confident freshman’s help, the team made its first national tournamentappearance in the history of the program. Fast forward a few years later after which she helped theCavaliers to a 23-game winning streak, consistent top-10 rankingsand a national championship title match, Sturm found herselfin another new setting. Thousands of miles away from anythingfamiliar, Sturm was once again a freshman needing to make agrand entrance. Through an organization called Project Mercy, Sturm walked onforeign soil for the first time in her life, finding herself in Yetebon,Ethiopia, a marginal area of land roughly 100 kilometers southwestof the country’s capital of Addis Ababa Not more than a full day after arrival, the pre-med major foundherself in a pick-up game of soccer and instantly became the ‘whitegirl that could play football’. “After that people stopped me everyday or pointed at me and said‘football, football’,” Sturm said with a chuckle. It meant more than just a pickup game, for Sturm and her newneighbors, it meant a bond. It meant trust and an immediateconnection to the people she was serving. (Continued on page 33) Summer 2007 31

Nailed PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF TERRY BLACKBURN, PORTLAND, OREGON to the DoorNailed to the Door provides Concordia staff, faculty, alumni and studentsa forum for editorial comment. This month’s guest writer is Dr. Charles J.Kunert, dean of the College of Theology, Arts & Sciences.What is Truth? He has revealed His truth to us in His word and His works: scripture and nature. He has promised His Spirit, As I write this the roses bloom red and pink in my the “Spirit of truth.” It is our task to attempt to unlockbackyard as harbingers of full-fledged summer and the the hidden truths within those revelations guided by thatcoming of the annual Rose Festival to Portland. Each year Spirit.the resurrection of flowers of all types provides renewed Science is the human attempt to understand thehope and joy as if to cheer us with truth of Christ’s own revelation of God in nature. My old science professor,resurrection on that Easter morn so long ago. Gilbert Daenzer, likened science to a person who, “What is truth?” asked Pontius Pilate sarcastically confronted by a locked door, must struggle to find thewhen Jesus had told him that His reason for coming into key that unlocks the door. Once through the door, thethe world was to testify to the truth. With that Pilate scientist is immediately exposed to several more doors,released Jesus to the mob so they could crucify him. each of which requires a special key. The process is neverGod’s truth has always been difficult to discern clearly. ending. So, too, theology is the human search to open theIt may even be more difficult today. That is where doors of God’s revelation in His word. As long as humansConcordia comes in. suffer from innate weakness, theology must continue to A Christian university like Concordia has a deep wrestle with the truth.and abiding responsibility and privilege to challenge We are wise to heed the words of Francis Bacon: “Toour students to seek God’s truth in all they study. Some conclude, therefore, let no man out of a weak conceit ofChristian universities, however, share with their students sobriety, or an ill-applied moderation, think or maintain,the truth as the university faculty and administration see that a man can search too far or be too well-studied init. A Christian, Lutheran university like Concordia has the book of God’s word, or in the book of God’s works;an even greater responsibility and privilege. Rather than divinity or philosophy; but rather let men endeavor anteaching our students the truth as we see it, we are called endless progress or proficiency in both.”to encourage our students to admit to their human frailty, And that’s the truth!to take a humble approach to learning, and to continuallywrestle with what God’s truth really is. St. Paul’s words to Charles J. Kunert, Ph.D.the Corinthians admit the same: “For now we see through Dean, College of Theology, Arts, & Sciencesa glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; Professor of Biologybut then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Cor.13:11) God’s truth is absolute. Our ability to know it isnot. That is not an excuse to discourage us from tryingbut rather a prod to search diligently for the truth eachday. It is not as if God has left us without tools, of course.32 concordia connection

(Continued from page 31) Student Athlete Spotlight: Jillian Sturm “Sports can break those cultural and communication barriers,” Sturm said. The game helped generate the idea for Sturm to organize a race to help raise AIDS awareness, once again using sport to reach out to people in the region. This time hundreds of people of all ages showed up to toe the line. And most did in fact toe the line, as shoes aren’t exactly at the top of the list of needs for people that can survive for a year off of what Americans spend on a typical dinner date. “I read a lot and watched a few documentaries,” Sturm said. “But that level of poverty is something you can’t grasp until you see it firsthand.” It didn’t matter to the smiling faces that day. Barefooted, several sailed their way for over six miles, at under five-minutes per mile pace. Accustomed to a two-hour walk to class, eight-year olds bypassed the ‘kiddie’ fun-run of two miles and entered the 10-kilometer event. Helping out wherever she could, be it teaching or helping with basic care, Sturm found out quickly that there is more than one way that people seeking help in Africa look different than most people arriving at hospitals in the U.S. “Patients traveled for hours, days and even weeks to get treatment,” Sturm said. “Some were carried in baskets.” It’s a journey they don’t take unless there is an absolute need. Sturm realized they need more help. After four months spent in another land, Sturm found herself back on a plane heading home. Before touching down, she had already decided it wasn’t about if she was going to make it back, but when she would make it back. It turns out that date is June 5, 2007, for another two months of time spent in Yetebon. Two months of education before returning to start medical school at the University of Washington in the fall. “I knew I was going to be changed, Sturm said. “Two years later, you can’t just forget about Africa. Not when you meet the people.” Back with Project Mercy, Sturm hopes to make an even greater impact on the villages. As her first experience focused on teaching sciences and English amongst other things, this journey she hopes to help the area grow in ways to help the prevention of many of the things that people suffer from in Africa. “It’s extraordinary what Jillian has done,” her former head coach Grant Landy remarked. “It makes me proud to say that she came from our program and is now taking on challenges bigger than herself.” The thought is that she would ultimately like to be involved with long-term community plans like providing better opportunities for literacy, clean water and public health. Sturm doesn’t like to think small and if past goals and introductions are any indication, pretty soon she’s going to making some more lasting impressions. Summer 2007 33

[ ]C H A R I T A B L E I R A R O L L O V E R S Last chance to invest in the education of students without a tax penalty. The unprecedented opportunity to use an IRA as a resource for giving expires at the end of 2007. Individuals who are at least 70 1/2 years of age have only a few more months to withdraw up to $100,000 from their IRA to contribute to Concordia University without a tax penalty. Gifts to Concordia University create a legacy that lasts beyond a lifetime. To find out more, consult your IRA administrator and accountant then contact Andrea Bruno of the Concordia University Foundation at (503) 280-8505 to hear how a withdrawal from your IRA will help transform the education of tomorrow’s leaders.2811 NE Holman Street Portland, Oregon 97211-6099 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION 2811 NE HOLMAN STREET PORTLAND, OREGON 97211-6099 503-280-8505 WWW.CU-PORTLAND.EDU/GIVING NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT #654