C oncCoonrdneication P O R T L A N D, O R E G O N • W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 EXPECTING SUCCESS
Concordia University’s mission of preparing student leaders for the transformation of society weaves together two threads, hope and human potential, both of which promote equity and high expectations – themes highlighted in this issue of the Concordia Connection. We have hope for the world, for others, and for ourselves. We hold the hope that we will reach our fullpotential, and that we can help others to reach theirs. As Christians, the source of our hope is the newbornChrist child whose birth we’ve just recently celebrated. Potential, our other thread, inspires us to graduate the best prepared educators, nurses, social workers,business leaders, lawyers and more. We hope to motivate them to graduate with a desire to find the potentialin all people, from all walks of life. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that each of us are “able to do immeasurablymore than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Our Vision 2024 identifies student success as one of our key strategic initiatives. We fervently pursuethis initiative because we believe in each student’s potential and hold an unwavering hope for their future.There are no exceptions, and that is why equity and high expectations are so important – without them,artificial barriers to student success are created. I hope you’ll join us in the coming days and months as we continue to collaboratively build 3 to PhD®,our manifestation of this hope, potential, and, ultimately, success for all students of all ages and walks of life. For His Students, Dr. Charles E. Schlimpert President, Concordia University-Portland
P O R T L A N D, O R E G O N • W I N T E R 2 0 1 62 Campus Life. Stamp your passport for exploration – and education – Concordia style! Journey to the Holy Land with the Indiana Jones of CTAS; visit Haiti to meet a determined group of people undeterred by disaster; trek to Nepal to learn about sport science – and survival; journey to the cliffs and conflict of Northern Ireland. Plus new Board members and more. 8 Expecting Success. Explore the subject of soft bigotry and how Concordia University is making an impact in classrooms nationwide by preparing teachers who expect success from all students. 16 Current Issue. How do we know if our economic transactions are WINTER 2016 in keeping with what God would want? Accounting Professor David Tucker Concordia Connection is published twice per year by provides financial food for thought. Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. 18 Alumni Notes. MA-IDS grad puts the S in PLEASE ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Concordia Connection Service, working at a nonprofit that promotes literacy Concordia University and life-skills to low-income women; a member of the first graduating class at Concordia University School 2811 NE Holman Street of Law is completing the circle, becoming a mentor; Portland, Oregon 97211 plus the latest about life after Concordia straight from or email: [email protected] alumni themselves. SENIOR EDITOR: Shari Altree Navy & White. It’s time for a status update on COPY EDITOR: Todd Duvall Concordia’s transition to NCAA Division II, including the new ART DIRECTOR: Christine Dodge 24 road to national championships. Then meet two additions to the Cavalier Athletic Department. Plus a complete recap of GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Katney Bair all fall sports – Concordia’s first season in NCAA Division II. PHOTOGRAPHER: Phil Sedgwick 29 Nailed to the Door. Learn how Concordia’s College of Education, housed in a brand new PreK-8 EDITORIAL BOARD: school to be built next door to the university campus,Dr. Michelle Cowing, Jason Dormeyer, Dr. Johnnie Driessner, will unite teachers, students, families, and faculty in one innovative educational environment. Kelly Hartley, Rev. Dr. David Kluth, Kevin Matheny, Chrissy Purcell, Dr. Sheryl Reinisch, Becky Sprecher, Dr. Sarah Sweitzer, Madeline Turnock, Gary Withers Winter 2016 1
Campus Life Meet Concordia’s Indiana JonesStanding atop a mountain STEPPING – CAREFULLY – “Your first time in overlooking the Sea of THROUGH TIME Israel is a life-changingGalilee last summer, a group of “I admit that going on a dig has experience,” he says.archaeological volunteers from been one of my bucket list items,” “Even though someConcordia University gathered for says Kluth. “But more importantly, sites are of questionablemorning devotions. Led by College I wanted to create a relationship authenticity, you knowof Theology, Arts & Sciences, Dean with Concordia University, St. you’re in a place whereRev. Dr. David Kluth, the cities and Paul that has an archaeological Jesus has walked.”countryside where Jesus walked dig program for its students. Mystretched before them. “From vision is to open up the program » Dr. David Kluth, deanthis magnificent pulpit, I would to Concordia University-Portland College of Theology, Arts & Sciencesuse stories that reference the Sea students – possibly for credit andof Galilee,” says Kluth. “I could study abroad experience.”point to Capernaum, where Jesus Since 2002, Dr. Mark Schuler fromlived, and Magdala, the home of Concordia, St. Paul has led annualMary Magdalene. Seeing the small trips to Hippos of the Decapolis indistance between these places, the Israel, giving Concordia students andstories themselves make more sense any interested community membersand begin to come alive.” the rare opportunity to be part of an excavation team. The Concordia team works alongside partners from the University of Haifa to uncover the ancient city of Hippos. »AUGUST 6, 2015 « AUGUST 8, 2015 Concordia hosted a travelling art exhibit from Hiroshima, Concordia University School ofJapan’s Ground Zero Museum which included images of Law hosted its inaugural class' atomic bomb damage, Yukiyo Kawano’s journals, fine graduation ceremony, after receivingart, replicas of atomic bombs, and a children’s peace- American Bar Association provisional approval in June 2015. art wall from Faubion Elementary School students. 2 concordia connection
Campus LifeThe site was inhabited between the “Even though some sites are of Connecting3rd century BC and the 8th century questionable authenticity, you know One-on-OneAD before being totally destroyed by you’re in a place where Jesus hasan earthquake in 749 AD. walked. In Hippos, they’ve uncovered Concordia Nursing Located on the border of Syria a road running down middle of the Professor Leadsand Israel, Hippos has been occupied site – pavement Jesus most probably Student Group to Haitiby both countries who used the city walked on.to shell each other. In 1967, during “On the dig, one can clearly The community of Fontaine in ruralthe Six Day War, Israel pushed Syria imagine the harsh reality of what Haiti has known more than itsout and now the border is protected life was like in Jesus’s time and share of hardship. Until recently, thereby land mines. In order to reach the understand why He brought hope,” was no schooling past the sixth grade.dig site each day, the archaeological continues Kluth. “Seeing the physical Since the government is unable to payteam had a 15-minute climb to the landscape of the area, you see the for education, parents are required tomountaintop – on a path through inspiration for many of Jesus’s spend up to $25 each month to sendbarbed wire fencing that kept them stories. In Matthew 5:14, He tells their child to middle and high schoolfrom venturing into the land mine His listeners, ‘You are the light of – an impossible cost for families whoareas. “The minefield was a constant the world. A city that is set on a hill live on $2 a day. For the few who couldreminder of instability in the area,” cannot be hidden.’ Hippos is the only afford to continue their education,says Kluth. “We could hear mortar large city on a hill in that area and the nearest schools are a four-hourshells to the north. I installed an app surely its lights could be seen from roundtrip walk each day. But thaton my phone to track rocket attacks.” the surrounding cities.” was before the people of this small Equally forbidding, the summer community decided to pursue a dreamwas one of the hottest on record, HISTORICALLY RICH – and their path intersected with awith temperatures reaching Everything the team uncovered nursing professor from Concordia.120 degrees by midday. was turned over to Israeli archaeology museums. A bronze PURSING A DREAMIN THE STEPS OF JESUS Dr. Barbara Floyd, a certified Despite these obstacles mask of the Greek god Pan, nurse-midwife with a doctorate of(and kidney problems that worth over $2 million, has nursing practice, has been to Haitirequired a four-day stay been discovered at the site. several times, serving with Midwivesin a local hospital where Kluth himself uncovered two for Haiti – an organization thatfew people spoke English), perfectly intact clay oil lamps educates Haitian nurses in lifesavingKluth clearly reveled in the that survived the centuries by midwifery skills aimed at decreasingadventure. “I gave a presentation being hidden in a niche in a stone maternal and newborn mortality rates.about the dig in Chapel, and door frame. Eventually, the Israeli Through these trips, Dr. Floyd fell inafterward a student approached me government would like to open love with the Haitian people. “Theyand said, ‘You’re Concordia’s Indiana a museum at the site – housed in are smart and hard-working, but haveJones.’” But mainly, he sees an abandoned army buildings. “I may few resources.” It was on one of theseopportunity for profound learning take my wife there someday,” says missions that Dr. Floyd met Pierre-and growth for students who work at Kluth. “Or my kids can go. They can Louis Joizil, a university student fromthis biblically significant location. say, ‘My dad dug here.’” the rural town of Fontaine. “Your first time in Israel is alife- changing experience,” he says. The next dig season at Hippos will be held July 3-28, 2016. Contact Dr. Kluth for details. College credit may be available for participants.»AUGUST 22, 2015 « SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 New Concordia families got silly sending off their Hans Spalteholz spoke at a special freshmen students at installation and dedication ceremony Concordia's Welcome for the remnant piece of the Berlin Wall Orientation Weekend. which is an international symbol of freedom and is now a permanent exhibit in the George R. White LWibrianrytaenrd 2Le0a1rn6ing Center. 3
Campus Life understand that they’ll be sleeping on mats on the floor under mosquito nets. This is an area with one flush toilet and a well to pump water,” says Floyd. “It will be a real eye-opener.” The Concordia team will help Haitian students practice their English, work on exercise and athletic skills, assess health needs, and foster values of social justice by supporting continued development of the school. “When Pierre-Louis was a boy, hot, nutritious meals “Concordia students have so much tohe had to walk four miles a day to can be served. Then offer the Haitian students, and vicea school,” says Dr. Floyd. After the there are health issues, versa,” says Dr. Floyd. “Exploring theearthquake destroyed the university exercise needs, and a world and immersing yourself inhe was attending in Port-Au-Prince, student body yearning other cultures is one of the truePierre-Louis received a scholarship to practice their benefits of a liberal arts education.” to attend college in New York. Upon English. That’s wherehis return to Haiti, he began work on Dr. Floyd’s connectionhis dream of building a middle/high to Concordia comes in.school in his home town. Through determination, outreach, AN ISLAND OFfundraising in the United States, andtrue spirit of heart, the residents of SERVICEFontaine came together and in 2012, Dr. Floyd andthe doors of the St. Gabriel Middle- Concordia academicHigh School opened. The school advisor Michellehas now become a social hub for the Mulhair will lead aentire community. But the journey group of Concordia students onis far from over. The school needs to a two-week journey to Fontaineexpand to accommodate every grade in May. “The eight studentslevel. A computer room and library signed up are a great mix ofare also needed, as is a cafeteria where pre-nursing, exercise science and multi-disciplinary majors. They »SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 « SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 Community members enjoyed a stroll/fun run Ground breaking ceremony for new through Portland’s NE neighborhoods. Pictured apartment complex (primarily for seniors and graduate-level at right is Ian, the winner of the \"Luther Lap,\" students), just 15 blocks from with his father, Steve. Concordia’s cross campus at 16th & Killingsworth. country team led warm-ups. Opening fall 2016.4 concordia connection
Campus LifeA Well- After he got his PhD, LafrenzResearched received a grant from theAdventure Center for Disease Control and Prevention to assist the Last April, Associate Wyoming Department ofProfessor of Exercise & Sport Health with data analysis onScience, Andrew Lafrenz, the psychological, social, andfound himself stranded in environmental factors effectingNepal with no money and only childhood obesity. He alsoa backpack, sleeping bag and developed a protocol that thewater filtration device – and states of Wyoming and Coloradothe kindness of strangers – to continue to use to measurehelp him survive. Lafrenz the reach of Women, Infantshad travelled to Nepal to and Children (WIC) nutrition-present his research on the health based programs.effects of sedentary behavior inthe work-place at a conference of was earning his master of science in ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELLthe International Epidemiology exercise physiology at the University Even though Lafrenz spent someAssociation. Unfortunately, he of Georgia, University of Portland perilous nights in Nepal and didn’tarrived the day a magnitude 7.8 invited him back to teach anatomy get to present at the conference, hisearthquake devastated the nation, and physiology, where he served as a trip there ended on a happy note. Hiskilling 9,000 and leaving hundreds lecturer for 11 years. family managed to get him a flight toof thousands homeless. Luckily, Thailand where his girlfriend joinedLafrenz’s travel plans included PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE him for a backpacking trip. While ona post-conference trek in the Lafrenz went on to get a master’s the trip, Lafrenz proposed – and theHimalayas, so his camping gear in public health in epidemiology and answer was “yes.” provided shelter for him during the a PhD in public health from Oregonfive days he waited for a flight out State University. For his dissertation, DID YOU KNOW?of the country. He was able to eat he collaborated with Legacy Health,because other trekkers and local developing a wellness program for Concordia is the ONLY UNIVERSITYpeople shared what food they had. employees that measured the effects in the Portland area to offer an of prolonged sitting and developedTHE ROAD TO KATMANDU interventions (such as setting timers EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCE Lafrenz’s journey to Nepal had to remind them to stand), wellnessroots in his years as a pre-med tips, and goal-setting cards. The major – ideal for pre-med or pre-healthundergrad at the University of employees who followed the program science students. A degree in ExercisePortland. His experience working were found to have lower blood & Sport Science OPENS DOORS TOas a teaching assistant pointed pressure levels than those who sat all CAREERS working in testing labs forhim in the direction of his real day. The program was so successfulpassion – education. While he that Legacy is in the process of sportswear companies, athletic training expanding it to include all 10,000 of and coaching, or serving in cardiac and its employees. other rehabilitation settings. »OCTOBER 8, 2015 « OCTOBER 24, 2015Students, staff, and faculty sent off CTAS professor Students served with Habitat for Humanity Ceiridwen Terrill for her 225 mile “Peace or Bust” walk to Hanford Nuclear Reservation, the site of in the Portland/Metro East for their thirdplutonium production for the atomic bomb named “Fat Man” which killed tens of thousands in annual Rock the Block event in the Cully Nagasaki Japan in 1945. neighborhood. They helped residents make needed improvements to their streets in honor of Make a DiffeWreinnceteDray.2016 5
Campus LifeFinding Beauty in Tragedy overseas – was a key benefit. “I knew about Concordia by reputation and IWorking Together to Create a Culture was excited to come to a school thatof Reconciliation and Unity has a faith-based ethos. There is just something special about a smaller Looking at the wind-swept seaside already had a master’s degree in school that really makes you feel likecliffs of Northern Ireland, it’s hard to international relations, but instead the professors have time for you.”imagine that this corner of the world of the policy-making and academic “For me, the most importanthas a history of bloody conflict dating work it prepared her for, she wanted part of the program is that itback more than 500 years. Celtic vs. something more people-focused. emphasizes service – an elementAnglican. Unionists vs. Nationalists. “That’s when I started looking for unique to Concordia. Students get toCatholic vs. Protestant. Here, in the right PhD program,” she says. experience the humility that comesthis idyllic setting along the North “But none of them fit. When I found from serving people in need. Once ISea lies Corrymeela – a community out about the MAIDS program at was able to embrace that I was in theof 11,000 people looking to affect Concordia, it almost seemed too service of my fellow beings, I waschange. In the summer of 2014, one good to be true. A graduate program able to have a more complete andof those people was Suzzanne Bailey, that combines study AND hands-on fulfilling experience.”a Concordia University graduate experience? And you’re able to dostudent completing her Master of it outside of the United States? I A TRUE SENSE OF COMMUNITYArts in International Development couldn’t sign up quick enough!” Established in 1965 during theand Service (MAIDS) internship. height of violence and strife, PUTTING THE “SERVICE” IN MAIDS Corrymeela is a small Christian“NOT YOUR TYPICAL INTERNSHIP” To complete the MAIDS program, center in Ballycastle devoted to After working for a technology students spend two semesters bridging differences and buildingcompany for several years, Bailey on campus in Portland, and two peace. By addressing the social,realized her true passion laid with semesters abroad. For Bailey, the religious, and political divisions ininternational development. She idea of travel – both to Portland and »NOVEMBER 11, 2015 « NOVEMBER 12-14, 2015Faculty member Dr. Kim Knutsen A dozen CU Portland students traveled to read and signed free copies of our sister school in Nebraska for the 2015 Beautiful Feet Conference,a student-ledher latest book The Lost Journals of conference for those who desire to become Sylvia Plath. more actively engaged in sharing the6 concordia connection Gospel of Jesus domestically and overseas.
Campus LifeNorthern Ireland, the center works in a place where religious freedoms DID YOU KNOW? 1905 was the year Concordiato create tolerance, equity, and are guaranteed are completelyrespect for diversity. Interested in different in Northern Ireland, where was founded. That September, highpeace-building and conflict they live, work, and associate school freshman classes for 16resolution, Bailey found out about exclusively with people of theirCorrymeela from Concordia own faith.” students began in the basement ofprofessor Teri Murphy who had Trinity Lutheran Church. A membervolunteered there before. LESSONS FROM CORRYMEELA of the congregation added space to Bailey spent the majority of her So what is it about this mystical his family home for student lodging.time at Corrymeela working with Irish enclave that makes it possible togroups who visited the center. One bring those diametrically opposed By year’s end, the Board set asidesuch group consisted of children together? “Corrymeela gives people a budget of $30 and recommendedfrom elementary schools that were an opportunity to interact with oneliterally across the street from one another in a safe space, away from that a library be formed.another – children who had never the city and the everyday reality ofmet because they came from different life,” says Bailey. “Through learning Concordiareligions. While their parents went to activities, visitors build relationships Welcomesdiversity workshops, the children that aren’t limited by their deeply Two New Boardlearned that you could be friends ingrained prejudices. So it doesn’t Membersregardless of what religion you are. matter if you’ve been taught your“I loved seeing these kids, initially so whole life that someone is the enemy. Concordia University is governedtimid, start interacting and playing as At the end of the day, we’re all people.”if they’d grown up together.” Her advice to anyone thinking by the Board of Regents, elected about the MAIDS program atGIVING PEACE A CHANCE Concordia? “Have an open mind and by the conventions of the Lutheran Bailey also worked with a group of make the best of the opportunitiesinner-city youths from Belfast. “I’m offered. Have fun, explore, work Church–Missouri Synod, thenot going to lie, these teenagers were hard, and get dirty. Be prepared tointimidating,” she says. “We were be exhausted and to get discouraged Northwest District, and the currentprepared for trouble because they (it happens), but also prepare for acame from parts of Belfast known for life-changing experience. This board. CHUCK GERKEN hasviolent sectarianism. Even though it program can change your life iftook a while for them to warm up you let it.” spent more than 40 years servingand participate, Bailey says the teens According to David Kluth, deanfinally began to engage with project of the College of Theology, Arts & as Director of Christian Education,leaders – and one another. “I asked Sciences, Concordia’s MAIDSone of the girls how her day was and program is planning to offer currently at Shepherd of theshe said ‘It was good, I talked to a Corrymeela as one of theCatholic today!’ It was moments like international study sites in early Desert Lutheran Church & Schoolthis that really hit me in a profound 2016, with a focus on communityway. Things that we take for granted development in divided societies. in Scottsdale, Arizona. ALAN MUELLER is currently Chairman of the Board at Volm Companies and President at Yellowstone Plastics. He resides in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Regents meet throughout the year to strategize, plan, and set forth policies that »NOVEMBER 17, 2015 are carried out by the President,A number of devoted faculty members who is an advisory member to the took a pie in the face to raise funds Board. THANK YOU TO ALL OFat the 2nd Annual Pie-A-Prof fundraiserbenefiting the Oregon Food Bank and Vicky’s OUR BOARD MEMBERS FOR Student Emergency Relief Fund. THEIR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE. Winter 2016 7
Feature Story Expecting8 concordia connection
Feature StorySuccess:ADDRESSING the impact of soft bigotry in the classroom Harriet Adair, the Portland Public Schools assistant superintendent, remembers a time when “separate but equal” was the law of the land in education. Dishwashers – often in hues of avocado and harvest gold – were finally becoming commonplace. Hot Wheels were an instant hit. And go-go boots were the go-to statement for rebellious young women in a changing and turbulent America. It was into this atmosphere – immediately following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the week before – that President Johnson addressed the country’s racial divide by signing the landmark Civil Rights “Fair Housing Act” of 1968. Fast forward to the winter of 2016. Classrooms today enjoy a diversity unimaginable just a few decades ago. A fusion of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, languages, and backgrounds. Yet centuries of deeply ingrained societal wrongs are not righted overnight. Sometimes, new wrongs and unexpected challenges arise. Such is the case when soft bigotry seeps into even progressive and well-intentioned classroom settings.Winter 2016 9
Feature StoryBreaking the cycle Dr. Harriet Adair Dr. Adair grew up in a society far different than the The challenges of today’s classroomPortland of today – a society where, as she explains it,“People had low expectations for students of color solely The typical classroom of today is vastly differentbecause they were students of color. At that time, people than the classroom of 50, 25, even 10 years ago – andof color were not part of the instructional staff because its makeup is changing more rapidly than ever before.it was a time of high discrimination.” Beginning in the Looking out across their classrooms each day, teachers1960s, those barriers began to slowly break down. see an unparalleled mix of ethnic, cultural, and economic “Back then, the agenda in education focused on diversity. They teach children who are transient andintegration and desegregation, which were all about homeless. They work with children who fall asleep in classequality.” According to Dr. Adair, the approach then was because they live in a car, children who come to schoolthat if you give students in an under-performing, lower on an empty stomach and are unable to focus, childrensocio-economic school the same resources available to with no access to technology or the Internet, and childrenstudents in higher income schools, the outcomes would who struggle to complete homework due to a variety ofbe equal. “That’s equality,” she says. “You get the same reasons. English is often not the primary language, with aas I have, whether you need it or not.” During the War global potpourri of languages being spoken in any givenon Poverty in the 1960s, this translated to classrooms classroom. And it’s all playing out at a time when there arereceiving equal desks, equal books, and equal supplies a greater number of students, yet fewer resources to helpin an attempt to level the playing field. This social them. In short, the classroom of today is part of a world –experiment didn’t turn out to be the answer people and a world of challenges – that is rapidly changing.were looking for. In fact, surveys released by the U.S.Department of Education in 2014 show that historically Leading the charge for changeunderserved students have less access to experiencedteachers, students of color are suspended or expelled at Concordia University’s College of Education, via thetriple the rate of their white peers, and African-American university’s 3 to PhD® collaboration with Portland Publicmales have the lowest graduation rate of any sub-group. Schools and Trillium Family Services, is teaching future Dr. Adair believes the solution is equity. Equity educators with a new ethos: Expect success. It’s a mantrainvolves “giving me the same as everyone else, but that resonates in the halls of Faubion PreK-8 School, nextmaking sure I have whatever else I need to be as door to Concordia University.successful as you are. That’s the difference. Equity means According to Faubion principal LaShawn Lee, “Theregetting what you need to thrive.” Yet even with the are huge obstacles to getting kids to a point where theyconcept of equity, some teachers have lower expectations can learn. Students need to be safe, healthy, and ready tofor students of color and students with lower family learn on a daily basis in order to succeed.”incomes. To Dr. Adair, this is soft bigotry. “You wouldhear a lot of ‘these kids can’t’ because of their color ortheir background.” In response to this, Concordia’s College of Educationis helping to address the issue of soft bigotry of lowexpectations in today’s classroom by creating a newmodel that trains teachers to expect success fromevery student.10 concordia connection
Feature Story“To these future teachers, it never occurs to them that a child of color can’t read…or a homelesschild can’t do math…or a child who speaks another language can’t grasp the science conceptsbeing taught. Expecting success is part of their reality – not a ubiquitous, lofty concept. Becausethese education students have been in this environment every day for four years, they can breakdown and do away with soft bigotry.” Dr. Harriet Adair, Portland Public Schools ASST. SUPERINTENDENT Closing the opportunity gap so prevalent in historically “Expecting success is what it’s all about. It’s finding theunderserved classroom populations can only come about potential in every student,” says Sheryl Reinisch, dean ofif the approach from the teacher is different. That’s why Concordia’s College of Education. “It doesn’t matter whatstudents in Concordia’s College of Education are trained a student’s background is or what they don’t have. It’s anfrom their first day in a classroom as freshmen to see their innovative approach to making permanent change for theyoung students as the amazing kids they are – regardless better in the classroom. And it’s happening right here atof the challenges they face outside of the classroom. “To Concordia, starting with our teacher candidates.”break down those stereotypes and preconceived notionsabout children of color, students in Concordia’s education Putting theory into practiceprogram come to us during the first semester of theirfreshman year. These students work in classrooms and As the old saying goes, “If you always do what you’veattend staff meetings. They’re exposed to rigorous equity always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”trainings alongside the Faubion teachers in order to be So it’s no wonder that Harriet Adair is excited at thebetter equipped before they have a classroom of their possibilities she sees in how Concordia is training a newown,” says Lee. When teachers believe in their students generation of teachers, ready to meet the challenges ofand set high expectations, the students achieve these today’s classroom head on.expectations and believe in themselves. And when that “The real strength of 3 to PhD is that Concordiahappens, anything is possible. University education graduates will be able to adapt as needed to meet the diverse needs of students of color,Concordia graduate, Desiree Diamond, teaching kindergarten at Faubion School. Winter 2016 11
Feature Story students of poverty and/or “The College of Education has generational poverty, students who classrooms embedded within Faubion. speak other languages, students from other Coursework will be combined with cultures, and so on,” says Dr. Adair. “If we get this right, classroom observations, as well cadre after cadre of Concordia education grads will as time to debrief and reflect. Our become highly skilled teachers who have the mindset students will be fully immersed in the that every student can succeed – and they will have the life of an urban school and they’ll training they need to help make that happen.” have invaluable first-hand experience of how teachers and their students A new way of thinking navigate their day.” Dr. Adair knows her way around the field of education. Dr. SHERYL REINISCH, DEAN Her mother taught and retired from Portland Public Schools. Her father was a teacher at MacLaren School Concordia School of EDUCATION for Boys. As the daughter of career educators, Dr. Adair herself became a teacher. Then a principal. Then a district-level administrator. As a Kellogg Fellow for many years, Dr. Adair had the opportunity to research leadership. “The one thing successful leaders had in common,” she says, “is that they never believe it can’t happen.” Students in Concordia’s teaching program see things differently because they are completely immersed in the “expect success” mindset from day one. “They learn to12 concordia connection
Feature StoryPictured at left: Concordia graduate,Erica Hale, teaching 4th grade atFaubion School. adapt to the How do I make a positive impact on ALL the learners in ‘what is,’” says Dr. my classroom.” And Concordia’s College of Education, via Adair. “Concordia teachers 3 to PhD, will provide a viable answer to that question. come alongside Faubion students where According to Reinisch, “The College of Education has they’re at and use that positive energy to connect classrooms embedded within Faubion. Coursework willwith all students.” be combined with classroom observations, as well as time “To these future teachers, it never occurs to them to debrief and reflect. Our students will be fully immersedthat a child of color can’t read…or a homeless child in the life of an urban school and they’ll have invaluablecan’t do math…or a child who speaks another language first-hand experience of how teachers and their studentscan’t grasp the science concepts being taught. Expecting navigate their day.”success is part of their reality – not a ubiquitous, lofty Education majors are not the only Concordia studentsconcept. Because these education students have been in working with children at Faubion as part of 3 to PhD.this environment every day for four years, they can break Undergrads in the school’s nursing, exercise & sportdown and do away with soft bigotry.” science, and business/MBA programs will be involved in the program, as will Concordia athletes helping withMoving each child to their highest recess and P.E.level of success “The 3 to PhD initiative is designed to set all students up for success,” says Dr. Adair. “That means a high school 3 to PhD is an entirely new model of integrated graduation rate of 100%. They will be equipped witheducation that combines early childhood education and the life-skills they need to pursue whatever comes nextwrap-around services for children and families, along – whether that’s college, a trade, or whatever fits theirwith teacher preparation designed for today’s diverse and vision of success. These students,” she continues, “will bedynamic classroom. A collaboration between Portland fully prepared with the social skills, educational skills,Public Schools, Trillium Family Services, and Concordia community skills, and collaborative skills to succeed.”University, 3 to PhD aligns with the State of Oregon’s “The approach to teaching is as important as whatfocus on early literacy and emphasis on STEAM (Science, you teach,” Dr. Adair notes. This pioneering approach will raise Concordia’s footprint in education nationwide Technology, Engineering, Arts, and serve as a model for other educational partnerships and Math). It also builds networks moving forward. It’s no surprise that administrators to support Faubion students – all continue to actively seek out and hire Concordia designed to create a college culture education graduates. “Teachers coming out of this for student success. program will pollinate success around the state and For Dr. Adair, 3 to PhD’s around the country,” explains Dr. Adair. “Concordia is message of “pursuing one’s highest changing the way education gets delivered – one student, dreams” is spot on – especially one teacher, one classroom at a time.” as it relates to the exciting and Lee concurs, adding, “Concordia teachers have innovative training future teachers high expectations for every student. No excuses. They receive at Concordia. “The cannot let a child’s life circumstances deter their question for these teachers,” she academic success.” says, “is how do I move this child to their highest level of success? Winter 2016 13
Feature Story “Concordia teachers she takes the whole class – and their have high expectations projects – to the second story outdoor for every student. No learning area in the new Faubion building to test the results by tossing excuses. They cannot their protected pumpkins off the deck. let a child’s life A kindergarten class recently drew blueprints and created new homes for circumstances deter the Three Little Pigs, designing their their academic success.” homes to best stand-up to the Big Bad Wolf and testing their finished projects LaSHAWN LEE, PRINCIPAL against a powerful fan. In a middle FAUBION K-8 SCHOOL school classroom, student studying Greek mythology use a combinationAdding STEAM to the mix of research, drawing, and eventually a 3-D model to turn their individual and historically accurate designs into Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all education. full-size paper-mache urns.Concordia’s emphasis on STEAM – Science, Technology, “Exploratory, hands-on, project-based activitiesEngineering, Art, Math – lets a teacher tackle any subject have been a mainstay in primary grades for a long time,from multiple angles. Through STEAM, educators can explains Dr. Adair. “Now this concept is bumping upteach to each student’s strengths, allowing students to use into upper grades. The integrated, project-based learningdifferent skillsets to solve a problem. that comes from STEAM uses multiple disciplines to How does STEAM factor into the success story? “Kids solve problems. Approaching a problem from differentlearn with their hands,” says Lee. “They learn by doing.” angles and different ways of thinking helps each studentLet’s say a class is studying Newton’s Laws of gravity. succeed.” As part of the 3 to PhD culture, STEAM is fullyIncorporating the principles of STEAM, the teacher integrated throughout all grade levels, including the futurecan have students create containers designed to protect early childhood center.pumpkins from being smashed when dropped. ThenConcordia graduate student, Jesse Harter, student teaching in 5th grade classroom at Faubion School.14 concordia connection
Feature StoryA new day for education 3 to PhD® Moves Closer to Reality Concordia University is erasing the mindset of softbigotry by changing the way future educators are trained. The heart of the 3 to PhD will be a new buildingTo this new generation of teachers, the mindset of soft that houses Faubion PreK-8 School andbigotry does not exist. Instead, teachers are taught to Concordia University’s School of Education,meet students where they’re at and teach to each child’s along with an early childhood center,strengths. Concordia’s College of Education develops community health and wellness clinic, foodteachers who are at home with today’s diverse classroom club, maker space and more.and are adept at utilizing STEAM to promote skillsstudents will use throughout their lives. “Ultimately,” says YOU'RE INVITED TO ADr. Adair, “The goal is to create an environment where GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY!each child reaches their goal of success, whatever that goalmay be.” Coming in Early Spring 2016Fundraising continues 3039 NE Rosa Parks Way The re-build of Faubion is part of Join us to celebrate the start of construction Portland Public Schools’ school building on the new three-story, 130,000 square foot improvement bond approved by Portland building. The entire community, including voters in 2012. The partnership with Concordia students, faculty, staff, alumni, Concordia helped secure Faubion as supporters, and friends are invited to come the only school slated for a full rebuild together, give thanks, and celebrate as this as part of the bond. Concordia is monumental program moves to the next phase. committed to contributing $15.5 million to the $48 million project. Fundraising efforts continue and supporters may contact campaign director Matt Senecal at 503-280-8505 or msenecal@ cu-portland.edu. Follow us on the journey! www.3toPhD.org Winter 2016 15
Current IssuesLiving your economic life in harmony with the will of God A WORLD OF ECONOMIC TRANSACTIONS As Tucker points out, nearly everything we need or want is obtained through economic transactions with other people. Buying groceries. Purchasing a home. Making airline reservations. Economic transactions are part of everyday life. “As a professor, I give the university my time and expertise each day and they give me a salary. That’s an economic transaction. But how do we know – how can we know – if our transactions are what God would want them to be? How do we know if we’re living our economic lives in harmony with the will of God?”In the summer issue of First Things, an influential religious TRANSACTIONS THROUGH A journal, noted ecumenical author Michael Novak discussed CHRISTIAN LENSthe need to consider economic transactions from a theologicalpoint of view. Tucker suggests that in order to answer that question, one must first As he read the article, Concordia University Accounting and consider the theological premise thatEconomics Professor, David Tucker, began to give it some serious we are all created in God’s image. Tothought. “I found what Novak had to say to be quite thought- do so, he reviewed the threeprovoking,” he says. “So much so that I decided to write a paper predominant viewpoints regardingin response to his call.” humanity’s resemblance to God. The Substantialist View says that humans alone have the ability to think, ponder, and mentally debate both sides of an issue before any specific action is taken. “Human reason is what brings order to the earth, just as God created order out of the chaos of the pre-creation world.” The Relational View, on the other hand, “indicates that God is a relational entity. He has been in relation for an eternity, and16 concordia connection
Current Issues ” BUT HOW DO WE KNOW – image of God – with the ability to FOOD FOR THOUGHT reason, make connections, and As an example, let’s say you HOW CAN WE KNOW – IF choose freely – we are able to bring the spiritual into something as shop at a big-box store because it’s OUR TRANSACTIONS ARE mundane as where we shop. “As we convenient and the prices are low. combine these three views of the But you read several news stories WHAT GOD WOULD WANT image of God, we can start to develop about how the company hires some standards by which to think mainly part-time workers as a way to THEM TO BE?” through the organization of avoid providing them with insurance economic life.” and other benefits. How do you therefore, as humans created in reconcile your need to shop His image, we are created for WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? economically with the ethical issues relationship – to each other, to According to Tucker, “God calls us of a corporation that may not treat its the non-human creation, and employees fairly? The same example to God.” to live in relationship – with our could be applied to companies with spouse, our co-workers, our family poor environmental records or firms The Royal View states that every members, our friends, and even our that perform animal testing. How do pets.” For him, economic transactions you make it “right” with your budget, person is the representative of are equal to relationships. “The point your conscience, and your God? God on earth – every man is a of my paper is to show that working “king.” According to Tucker, this with the will of God, not against it, is “Ultimately,” states Tucker, “each is the concept that individuals a responsibility we all have. In other individual has the right and duty to have freedom of choice in how words, we should constantly strive to think through their own financial they live and go about their live our economic life in harmony transactions in light of their lives – and with choices come with the will of God.” circumstances, values, and beliefs. consequences. Because we are Just as we cannot make someone all royal, no one human being When researching and writing follow our faith journey – even if we has the right to rule over a his paper, Tucker developed a believe their lives would be better for fellow human being. This lack series of four questions we can ask it – we also cannot make someone of coercion leads to peaceful ourselves to help measure whether or follow our economic beliefs. So if you relationships with each other – not a transaction would be acceptable feel that a business is being unethical, a key element of the royal view. in God’s eyes. First, did you think then by all means, you should not Tucker believes that these three about the transaction? Second, did shop there.”views of God – and our likeness to you make a conscientious decision toHim – can inform our financial make the transaction? Third, did you “As we are all created in God’sdecisions. Since we are made in the respect the other party when making image – with the ability to reason, the transaction? And fourth, was it a relate, and choose. It’s up to each of peaceable transaction? us to decide how we use these gifts in our financial transactions.” FALLEN IMAGE OF GOD AND ECONOMICSThis past September, Concordia University Professor, David Tucker, presented his paper,Fallen Image of God and Economics, during the Association of Lutheran College Faculties80th annual meeting on the Pacific Lutheran campus in Tacoma, Washington. To read thepaper, visit http://www.cu-portland.edu/david-tucker. Winter 2016 17
Alumni NotesAluNmonteis What’s New in Your Life? Concordia, St. Louis and an MA in sociology at the University of Stay in touch and keep us posted on all of your news... Cincinnati. He and his wife Dorothea,new baby, new job, new spouse, new house, great vacation, of 57 years, live in Columbus, Ohio milestone anniversaries, or recent retirement? Send us (Go Buckeyes!). Beverly (Richardson) Witt, JC, an email on what’s happening in your life. Feel free [1959] moved to Lititz, Pennsylvania to include photos, especially high-resolution (300 dpi) with her husband to live close to their daughter, Dr. wedding and baby pictures: Anna Boriack, and her husband. EMAIL: [email protected] Anna is a teacher for ConcordiaOr send mail to Alumni Notes, 2811 NE Holman Street, Portland, OR 97211 Online Education.40sAllen Nauss [1940] published his average worship Beverly also has second book on the implications of numbers from 50 three sons liv- brain research for the church, titled to more than ing in Nebras- The Pastor’s Brain 400. Four of these ka, one in Minnesota Manual: A Fascinat- congregations and a daughter in Texas. Her ing Work in Progress. had eighth grade husband of 53 years, Jim, is a Two consulting edi- parochial schools. tors who helped Karl also remains busy working with 60sPastor Emeritus. immensely in the two partners in managing a website preparation of the (www.gospelcenteredgrowth.org) Concordia High School Classes manuscript were and preparing a related webinar. His 1962-1965 – including alumni, Dr. Walter Rubke academic career beyond Concordia spouses and faculty – attended a (an assistant instructor at Concordia includes an MDiv and STM at multi-class 50 year reunion spear- University-Portland, 1948-49) and headed by class representatives Dr. Robert Sylwester, HS ’45. Nauss served as a Concordia faculty member50sduring the 1945-1946 school year. Karl Koch, JC, [1954] assumed the position of intentional interim pastorate at Faith Lutheran in Tucson, Arizona last October. He has served for decades as an intentional interim pastor on a part-time and full-time basis. To date, he has been at 16 congregations in 10 states, with18 concordia connection
Alumni NotesSteve Jaeger ’63, Tom Moeller ’62, penned and beloved Concordia homeschool cooperatives in the PugetDoug Lutz ’64, and Bob Schwermann anthem “Out of Darkness.” Email us Sound area. She recently published’65. Travelling from as close as a few at [email protected] for a link her first book, Beam of Light Piercingblocks from campus, to as far away to the video of the performance or the Storm. The book, co-authoredas Germany, around 80 alumni for a copy of the memory booklet by her son Caleb (pictured), sharesand guests attended the two-day that was created to commemorate the story of God’s healing throughgathering. Special thanks to Rich the occasion. Caleb’s journey of recovery fromSchmidtke ’63 for an incredible BBQsalmon dinner. Former faculty and 90ssevere traumatic brain injury.spouses attending included Dr. Mark Huth, MD, [1996]sDwaine Brandt, Rev. Dr. John & Nan serves as interim CEO of The Group Health Cooperative of80Scheck, Dr. John & Lyla Buuck, Dr. South Central Wisconsin Kimberly (Lierman) (GHC-SCW) – a nonprofit Williams, married to health plan that cares for fellow ’87 grad Andy Williams, currentlyFred & Eunice Kramer, Al Roth, and teaches writing forCarol Wahlers. Dr. Scheck directed students in gradeshis former choir singing his own 2-12 in two largeEducate a Woman, Educate a FamilyMavis Bortey-Fio is using her WHAT DEFINES SUCCESS? BENEFITTING FROM A SMALL POND Concordia education to help Part of Bortey-Fio’s job at MLC Bortey-Fio credits her Concordiafamilies overcome poverty – onemother at a time. involves sharing success stories with University experience with expanding community supporters.“For some her world view and reinforcing her After earning her Masters of Arts in women, success means attaining desire to serve. “I was given theInternational Development and Service a GED and pursuing college admis- chance to travel the world, while(MA-IDS) from Concordia in 2015, sion,” says Bortey-Fio. “For others, learning more about service and myBortey-Fio joined the Mercy Learning it means being able to talk to their place in it. I was exposed not only toCenter (MLC) in Bridgeport, Connecti- child’s teacher, or understanding different cultures and perspectives,cut as a development associate. weather advisories as they scroll but also my strengths, weaknesses, across the television.” and true interests. I received invalu- The MLC provides basic literacy able international professionaland life skills training to low-income Bortey-Fio personally understands experience that truly shaped andwomen, believing that one of the best the challenges many of these women focused my career.ways to help women and mothers face. “Growing up as a woman of colorsucceed is through education. In fact, in the inner city, I was blessed with “Attending Concordia was a bigthe motto of MLC is, “Educate a great parents and mentors who change from my undergraduatewoman, Educate a family.” helped me through college and experience,” says Bortey-Fio. “At graduate school. However, I never Cornell, I was a small fish in a huge forgot that my external support pond. At Concordia, I was a part of a system was a privilege that not all small, self-sustaining community. I share,” she says. loved the familiarity of it all, having genuine relationships with my “Mercy Learning Center provides professors and advisors. Even as a enrichment and social support,” says busy graduate student it was easy to Bortey-Fio. We not only advocate on make real connections with students behalf of our students, we give them inside and outside of my program – the tools they need to more effectively connections that I still carry today. advocate for themselves.” Winter 2016 19
82,000 members in the greater Madi- of people, wildlife, and deities meet Jennifer son, Wisconsin area, providing both in sacred groves and forest temples. (Kassner) insurance and clinical services for An educator at Oregon Zoo in Wetter [2008] their members. Dr. Huth has served Portland, Jessica is pursuing her and Joshua Wetter are proud to master’s degree from Miami announce the birth of their fourth as GHC-SCW’s Chief University’s Global Field Program. child, Benjamin Judd, born March 8, Medical Officer since Amanda Smith, MAT, [2007] moved 2015. He joins big sisters Abigail, 6, 2013 and is a practic- to Togiak, Alaska to teach sixth grade Isabelle, 2, and brother Andrew, 4 ing physician at the in a small fishing village of 820 years old. GHC-SCW Hatchery Yupik Eskimos. “So far, this is a Hill Clinic. “I look dream come true! This photo was Eva taken when I went salmon fishing Leung forward to working with my principal – now that’s an [2009] is closely with our senior leadership teaching team on day-to-day operations and orientation!” middle overall management of the coopera- Prior to her school tive.” Dr. Huth earned his BS in move, Aman- math at Management and Communications da was a sub- Showalter from Concordia University in Port- stitute teacher Middle School in Tukwila School land in 1996. He attended medical in the Port- District in Washington – an area school at Oregon Health and Sciences The New York Times labeled as the University and completed his Family land area for most diverse school district in the Medicine residency at the University eight years. nation with over 70 world languages of Wisconsin-Madison. He and his spoken. “I have students from wife live in Madison with their two Kelsey Green, Cambodia, Somali, Nepal, India, [2008] psychology Burma, and many, many more00sboys, Reshid (10) and Ezekiel (7). graduate and countries and cultures represented Laura Carlson [2002] moved to the standout Con- in my classes. I really enjoy life as Boston area to join the Eurofins cordia softball a middle school math teacher.” Group as a senior scientist. Eurofins player, is now Scientific is the world leader in food, coaching softball at Rick Johnson, MEd, [2009] just environment, and pharmaceutical Roosevelt High School in Portland. published his tenth book entitled, products testing and is one of the A first-generation college student, 10 Things Great Dads Do. Rick is an emerging players in specialty clinical Kelsey went on to earn her masters in accomplished keynote speaker at diagnostic testing in Europe and the social counseling. She returned to conferences across the U.S. and United States. Laura has considerable Roosevelt, her alma mater, in 2010, Canada on parenting, experience in the biotechnology and to make a difference in the lives of marriage, and personal the tissue banking industry. north Portland high school students growth and has appeared Jessica Tosh through counseling and coaching on over 300 radio pro- [2005] traveled softball. “I am extremely passionate grams and television to India to study about supporting all students at shows. His work with the stunning Roosevelt High School to not only men and fathers was ecological, cul- graduate, but to also graduate from recognized at the 2012 White House tural, and spiri- college and hopefully give back to Champions of Change ceremony. tual landscapes their community in a positive way.” Rick and his wife Suzanne have two of the Western Ghats, where the fates adult children and live in Gresham,Feeling Social? Keep up to date with Concordia on Facebook, Twitter and Switchboard! www.facebook.com/cu.portland www.twitter.com/cu_portland www.cupdx.switchboard.com20 concordia connection
Oregon. For more information about and PE teacher at Hockinson Alumni NotesRick and his publications go to www. High School and Daniel works inbetterdads.net. advertising at Fisher Investments, CONCORDIA both in southwest Washington. JUNIOR COLLEGE sRebecca (Carlson) Hannah (McFallo) Class of 1966 Andrews and Dustin 10McCall [2010] and Andrews, [2014] were The Concordia Junior married this past College class of 1966 is Chad McCall were summer. The two met having a 50th reunion on June married on June 10, at Concordia in 2011 3-4, 2016, hosted by Kathy 2015, in Springfield, in Dr. Terrill’s science writing class. (Wulfers) Bohlken and Sharon Missouri. Rebecca is Hannah graduated in 2012 with her (Droegemueller) Miles. Mark the Director of the BA in Secondary Education and your calendar and make plans Nursing and Health again in 2014 with her MEd and is a to attend! Activities includeSciences Library at Southwest full-time high school biology and Brats and Beer at theBaptist University and Chad is a health teacher at Clackamas Middle Bohlken home in Vancouver,firefighter with the Battlefield Fire Washington Friday night, thenProtection District. College. Dustin graduated lunch on the Concordia campusLindsay Lermo [2011] in 2014 with his BSN and on Saturday with a tour ofwas recently awarded is an RN at OHSU on a what’s new. Saturday evening,the 2015 Oregon transplant floor. According we will celebrate Italian styleGovernor’s Award in to Hannah, “Concordia in downtown Portland withthe Adult Volunteer played such a huge role in Sharon Droegemueller Milescategory for her work both of our lives and we enjoy hosting. For more information,with Impact NW’s email Kathy at kbohlken@AKA Science (All reading the alumni clearwire.net or Sharon atKids Are Scientists) magazine together.” [email protected]. “I know from my own Carla Ford, MEdeducation that hands-on science in Curriculum and CONCORDIAexperiments are a great way to in- Instruction [2014], HIGH SCHOOLcrease science literacy and prepare is proud to say thatkids for a lifetime of learning and her education from Class of 1966exploration. Science isn’t some scary Concordia University has equippedthing that only ‘smart people’ can her with new skills to use on the job, Larry Krumdieck and Stevedo, it’s something all kids can do,” as well as for participating in her Sanow have plans underwaysaid Lindsay. She is currently the Toastmasters meetings. Carla has for the 50-year reunion of theinterlibrary loan specialist at been a substitute teacher in the Concordia High School ClassConcordia University Libraries. Dallas/Fort Worth area for many of 1966. Dates are set forZachary Melzer [2013] is the social years and hopes to now find the Friday-Sunday, Septemberstudies teacher for an alternative high right full-time teaching position. 9-11, 2016 at Alton Collinsschool program in the Parkrose Hannah Kimsey, Retreat Center in Eagle Creek,School District. Prior to this, he was [2015] a former Oregon. Additional activitiesa substitute teacher for two years. midfielder on the include a Concordia tourZach is currently working towards Concordia wom-his MEd degree at Concordia. en’s soccer team, Sunday afternoon, followed spent the past by dinner at McMenamin’s Daniel and Leslie (Hanks) season playing Kennedy School. Email Pershall, [2015] were married for the Swedish [email protected] on August 1 at Columbia Elite Division for more information. Winery in Woodinville, QBIK. “Sweden Washington. Leslie is a health Winter 2016 21
Alumni Notes was amazing and had a positive impact on my life, helping me not Life in the Fast Lane only grow as a soccer player but also as a person. The professional league IConcordia University School of Law grad Margie Cleverdon likes to get a played in required me to push myself jump on things. At 15, high school wasn’t challenging enough, so she mentally and physically. I learned aasked the Dean of Admissions at Boise State University to admit her. He lot from the coaches and players and feel blessed for the opportunity to agreed, as long as she passed her continue my soccer career. I made GED when she turned 16 – the friends who became my family away minimum age required to take the from home and had a huge support test. She passed, and after two system back home as well!” years at BSU, finished up at the University of Washington with a Melody McCracken [2015] accepted degree in business administration. a job with Portland Public Schools this past June and is now teaching BUYING THE FARM Algebra 3-4 and Geometry at Grant High School. “I am passionate about Years later, she returned to students developing the confidence and skills necessary to be successful Boise with her husband to work in math, because I believe this confi- dence impacts every other area of and raise their now adult son and their lives.” daughter – along with 30 head of Save the DateCleverdon and her 2013 summer externship cattle, six horses, four dogs, and FEBRUARY 2supervisor, R. Stephen Rutherford, Chief two cats on their farm. They also Concordia’s Fifth Annual GovernorDeputy & Division Manager Boise City grow grass hay and alfalfa. It Victor Atiyeh Leadership in EducationAttorney’s Office. would seem that Cleverdon had Awards, Portland Art Museumplenty to keep her busy, but when she learned Concordia was opening a FEBRUARY 3 Faubion-Concordia ground breaking,law school in Boise, she enrolled immediately, becoming part of the Faubion School, Portlandschool’s first graduating class. FEBRUARY 5 Spring sports begin, gocugo.com“I always wanted to be an attorney,” she says. “But while law was FEBRUARY 11-13something I wanted to pursue, it just wasn’t an option. After my undergrad Lutheran Elementary School Tournament (LEST), cu-portland.was finished, I had little kids and I needed to work. Later, leaving Boise edu/lestwasn’t possible. Then when I saw the Concordia opportunity on the news, MARCH 11 Leaders in Action Awards, ConcordiaI took the LSAT, submitted my application, and never looked back.” University School of Law, Boise, IdahoGETTING A HEAD START MARCH 12 Much like her days in high school, Cleverdon got started on her law Hawaii Club Luaucareer before she even graduated or passed the bar. She began working APRIL 5for Gardner Law in Boise, a workers’ compensation defense firm, while Navy and White Awards, Holiday Inn,still a third year law student. “Concordia’s job placement office called me Portlandand said, ‘You’d be great for this.’ I worked 5–15 hours a week while still inschool. The firm gave me time off to study for the bar and said if I passed, JUNE 13they had an opening for me.” Annual FORE the Students Golf Tournament, Columbia Edgewater Needless to say, Cleverdon passed the bar. “I feel that Concordia Country Club, Portlandprepared me very well for the bar and offered me all the support I neededduring my pre-exam study. We had a special study room, snacks, access tothe library – plus moral support.”FAST FORWARD Among Cleverdon’s other firsts, she’s now one of the law school’s firstalums to serve as a mentor for other students. “Beginning a career in lawcan be a little intimidating. I had a great mentor that I know I can count on.I want to pay it forward and give another student the same confidence-building experiences.”22 concordia connection
Alumni NotesIn Memoriam She was born in husband, Sam Mallett; Pendleton, Oregon, in and their children: Mark Robert Jack Dressler, 1923 and attended (Elena), Phyllis (Madi- Concordia parent, Grant High School in son, ’80) (Mike ’81) and passed away August 23, Portland. During World Richard (Debra), along 2015 at the age of 88. War II, she worked in Portland with ten grandchildren (including ’07 Bob is survived by his airplane and shipyard factories – a alumna Darcy) and four great-grand- daughter, Rachel; sons, Craig (HS real-life “Rosie the Riveter.” After the children. Adeline created the Brunken ’72), Eric (JC ’76), Derwin (’80), and war, she attended Willamette Family Nursing Scholarship in honor Mark; step-daughter, Karen; step-son, University, where she met her of her two sisters, both nurses. Steve; 16 grandchildren and 21 husband, Wesley Gladow, with whom Memorial contributions can be made great-grandchildren. He was preceded she raised three children. Through- to the Brunken Family Nursing in death by his oldest son, Randy out her life, Rosemary volunteered Scholarship Endowment through (HS ’69). Bob served in World War II for many organizations and was an Concordia University Portland. and later owned Rose City Iron Craft. avid artist. A member of Walther League, he Rev. Leroy Walter Kellerman, JC James “Jimmy” Duty, headed the remodeling of Portland ’55, of Tumwater, Washington passed Concordia supporter, Lutheran School and helped build away on June 17, 2015 at the age of passed away in Trinity Lutheran Church. 80. Pastor Kellerman was ordained in Ridgefield, Washington Darlene Fisk, JC ’67, 1961 and served in congregations in on October 15, 2015 at passed away at age 68. Wyoming, Washington, North the age of 74. Jimmy’s relationship She graduated in 1967 Dakota, Oregon and Montana. He with Concordia started when his from Concordia Junior earned emeritus status in 1992. company, Don Frank Co., provided College where she sang Adeline Lucille (Brunken) Mallett, flooring for several building projects in the choir. Darlene was the Concordia parent, died on July 8, on campus. He continued to work as youngest sister of former Concordia 2015 in Vancouver, Washington at Concordia’s rep long after he retired. University choir director and music the age of 91. She is survived by her Every year, Jimmy supported professor, Dale Fisk. Darlene worked student-athletes participating in the at Bingham Willamette in Portland as Fore the Students golf tournament. an accountant until she retired to Redmond, Oregon. Hope Coatney, Concordia senior, passed away Born in 1950, Shelby September 5, 2015 at the age of 23 following Rene Ferguson, MAT a nearly three-year battle with leukemia and ’10, lived in Eugene, complications from treatment. Hope was born where she attended the in India, but became part of her forever family University of Oregon when she was 20 months old. She graduated and later worked for its Robinson from Fort Vancouver High School and attended Theater. In later years, Shelby Concordia University as a director of Christian returned to Portland and earned her ministry major with an emphasis on family and master’s degree in education from children’s ministry. At the time of her death, Concordia University. She served as a substitute teacher for several school Hope Coatney Hope was just short of completing her degree. districts around St. Helens. At Concordia, she was very active in Christian Rosemary Sykes Mingle Gladow, Life Ministries and was a CLM Peer Minister. Hope dearly loved her time long-time Concordia supporter, as a counselor at Camp Lutherwood in both Oregon and Idaho. She was a passed away on September 16, 2015. lifelong member of Grace Lutheran where she was baptized and confirmed. To honor Hope, the Concordia University student-athletes have established a memorial garden in the backyard of the Navy House. This beautiful space provides an opportunity for the campus community to come together in service and honor Hope’s memory. SWuminmter 20156 23
Navy & WhiteNew Road to NationalChampionshipsAs part of the transition to NCAA Transitioning to Full Division II, Concordia athletic teams DII Statuswill be eligible to advance to the NCAADivision II national championships as early as Q&A WITH DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS BRIAN JAMROSthe 2017-2018 season. It’s never too early tolearn more about the new processes that will Concordia University is midway throughgo into earning a national tournament berth a multi-year process to move from theonce the Cavaliers complete the transition. National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the NationalThe biggest difference between the NAIA and the Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)NCAA DII is how regional rankings are used to Division II. For a status update, Concordiadetermine who gets a spot in the tournament for each Athletic Director, Brian Jamros, recently sat down for asport. For starters, the winner of the Great Northwest Q&A session about the move.Athletic Conference (GNAC) receives an automaticberth to the championships in most sports. In addition, The Cavaliers are halfway through the second of athe Cavaliers will also be able to qualify for an at-large three-year transition to NCAA Division II. What is thebid to nationals if the team climbs high enough in the department focusing on this season to successfullyregional rankings. move into the final year? This second year is about implementation and a complete The 300 active members of NCAA DII are divided transition from NAIA to NCAA rules and regulations. Ourinto eight regions across the country: Atlantic, Central, staff and student-athletes have done a great job this year.East, Midwest, South, South Central, Southeast, and West. Everything we do is about the student-athlete experience and this will continue to be our focus through this process Concordia’s region, the West, is made up of 38 and beyond.colleges and universities. Along with the 11 members ofthe GNAC, the west region also includes the PacWest Concordia just completed its first fall sports campaign atConference (PWC) and the California Collegiate the NCAA DII level. How did the Navy & White fare? WhatAthletic Association(CCAA). has the response been from the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) and the NCAA DII? For most sports, regional Top 10 rankings are posted NCAA Division II is where we belong. As with anythroughout the season with the top teams in each region transition, there have been bumps along the way, but thequalifying for nationals. The number of teams advancing overall success – both in the classroom and on the playingto nationals from each region depends on the number surface – has exceeded our expectations. Members withinof teams competing in each region. the GNAC understand that the Cavaliers are here – and here to compete for championships.24 concordia connection
Navy & White Here’s an at-a-glance look at what it takes to earn a national qualifying spot as a school in the West Region. NCAA Division II National Championship QualifiersHow have things changed in terms of travel, and what has been done to help FALL SPORTS SEASONstudent-athletes when teams are competing away from Portland? • Cross Country: Top three teams in theMore travel is involved in the GNAC – including heading to Alaska. This year hasbeen one of learning and adapting to change. Instead of a once-per-year flight, West Region + eight additional at-largemany teams now have multiple road trips via air. Also, having a Thursday/Saturday teams selected from across the countryschedule can mean a lot of missed class time. We work closely with our FacultyAthletic Representative (FAR), Julie Rowland, and our wonderful professors to • Men’s Soccer: Top six in the West Regionensure that student-athletes are able to keep up academically because our firstpriority is for every student-athlete to graduate. • Women’s Soccer: Top six in the West RegionWhat has been the biggest obstacle so far in the process? Will therebe any changes in year three? • Volleyball: Top eight in the West RegionHaving our coaches and student-athletes figure out what it will take for themto be successful away from home has been a priority this first year. As we move WINTER SPORTS SEASONthrough our second year, we will continue to evolve to ensure we complete year • Men’s Basketball: Top eight teamstwo to the satisfaction of the NCAA. in the West RegionWhat’s the biggest surprise to come out of the move to NCAA Division II?The move to Division II is a long process and we have found plenty of surprises. • Women’s Basketball: Top eight teams in the West Region From the administrative side, the biggest surprise has been SPRING SPORTS SEASON the amount of paperwork • Baseball: Top six teams in the West required and the strict deadlines compared to the NAIA. For the Region with the eight regional champions coaches, I believe the amount advancing to the College World Series. of travel within our conference has been the biggest surprise. • Softball: 16 different sites will host With anything on this scale, it’s round-robin tournaments of four teams one thing to talk about it but each. The winner at each site will advance another to live it. Overall, as a to Super Regionals, with the top eight department we look forward to teams there ultimately advancing to the these challenges and will Softball World Series. continue preparing for our NCAA visit in March. • Men’s Golf: Ten teams from each region will be selected to compete in one of four Women’s volleyball team in Super Regional tournaments. The top Fairbanks, Alaska three teams from each Super Regional + eight additional at-large teams advance to the finals. • Women’s Golf: Nine teams will compete in one of three Super Regional tournaments. The top three teams from each Super Regional advance to the finals. • Men’s Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor): Individual qualifying based on provisional and automatic standards. • Women’s Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor): Individual qualifying based on provisional and automatic standards. TOTAL NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS NATIONWIDE Baseball: 48 Women’s Golf: 36 Men’s Basketball: 64 Men’s Soccer: 38 Women’s Basketball: 64 Women’s Soccer: 48 Cross Country: 32 Softball: 64 Men’s Golf: 40 Volleyball: 64 Winter 2016 25
Navy & White FALL SPORTS RECAP WOMEN’S SOCCER Cavalier Teams Make Their Mark as They Play Two years removed from capturing a Their First Season in NCAA Division II national championship, the Concordia women’s soccer team didn’t miss a beat Facing uncharted territory in a new league and a new division, Concordia against its new foes. Marching towards athletics has already seen early dividends with several teams posting an 11-4-3 overall record and an 8-2-2 successful campaigns during its first foray into NCAA Division II. mark in league contests, the Cavaliers Going toe-to-toe with nationally-ranked teams throughout the season, finished their maiden journey in the the Concordia soccer and volleyball teams combined for a 36-19-8 (.634) GNAC with a second-place finish in the league standings. record in 2015. With all three teams finishing in the top half of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference stand- The regular season culminated with ings, the Cavaliers not only proved that they belong one of the highlights of the schedule in NCAA DII, but that the Navy & White is already a as the Cavaliers played to a 1-1 draw threat to compete against the best teams in the country. against fifth-ranked Western Washington University after celebrating Senior Day at MEN’S SOCCER Tuominen Yard prior to kickoff. Faced with a grueling conference schedule that The result pushed the Cavs into the took them away from the friendly confines of West Region rankings and gave them Tuominen Yard for seven of its first nine match- the number two seed in their first- es, the Concordia men’s soccer team managed ever GNAC Championship tournament. to reside in the upper third of the conference Playing in the conference semifinals in Burnaby, British Columbia, Concordia standings until the final match of the season. played Seattle Pacific University to a With a 7-5-5 overall record that included double overtime thriller before falling to five shutouts by their stout defense, the the Falcons on a golden goal in the 109th Cavaliers not only posted a winning record minute of play.Photos: Christopher Oertell during their introductory season in the NCAA DII, but quickly established a reputation for getting results against the top teams in the region. Having gone more than two years without a tie, the Cavaliers went the distance on five occasions in 2015 to easily supplant the former school record. The first tie of the year put the rest of the league on notice about the newcomers from Portland as the Cavs played third-ranked Seattle Pacific to a 1-1 standstill. Proving the result was not a fluke, Concordia returned to face the Falcons at home and once again played even, this time to a 0-0 result, against the top team in the GNAC. 26 concordia connection
Navy & White VOLLEYBALL The Concordia volleyball team earned the distinction as the first squad to com- pete as a member of NCAA DII and they didn’t waste any time in easing into the heightened schedule by immediately facing seventh-ranked Grand Valley State University (Michigan) to open the NCAA DII era. Facing a returning national semifinalist team and one of the most estab- lished departments in the country, the Cavs swiftly checked several ‘first’ boxes off the list on September 4th by posting a 3-1 road win against the highly ranked opponent. The upstart Cavs went on to win its first nine matches of the season en route to an 18-10 overall record. Concordia split its GNAC season, going 10-10 to place fifth out of 11 teams, establishing itself as a team on the rise with tough battles against the GNAC’s perennial powers.CROSS COUNTRYThe first Cavalier teams ever to competeat the GNAC Championships, theConcordia women’s cross country teamplaced eighth and the men’s squad tiedfor 10th while racing against a strongfield in Bellingham, Washington onOctober 24. Though the teams had a disappoint-ing result at the conference champion-ships, the Cavaliers are excited for thefuture in the new landscape as the twoteams are expected to return 10 of their14 scorers next season. Leading the way at the GNACChampionships was Megan Fristoe, whoplaced 18th overall in the women’s racewhile Jared Seckel crossed first forConcordia in the 37th position. Fristoecrossed the line just four seconds andtwo places away from earning the GNACNewcomer of the Year honor. Seckel,meanwhile, was just eight places awayfrom the same honor. Wwinter 2016 27
Navy & White Cavaliers Welcome Burtner and Reyes to Staff Concordia University has two new faces in the Athletic Department this season, as the school has introduced Adrian Burtner as Director of Golf and Dr. Cisco Reyes as the Director of Athletic Performance.NEW GOLF COACH TEES UP BEEFING UP A NEWDuring Adrian Burtner’s four-year tenure (2006-10) as an assistant STRENGTH ANDgolf coach with the University of Portland men’s team, the team’s stroke CONDITIONING POSITIONaverage dropped by nearly two strokes per round. Dr. Cisco Reyes has been a strength Since 2003, Burtner served as the first Assistant PGA Golf Professional and conditioning consultant forat Portland’s Columbia Edgewater Country Club. Concordia will be his multiple Cavalier athletic teams overfirst collegiate head coaching position. the past few years, as well as serving as an associate professor of exercise “I feel extremely blessed and excited to have been chosen to lead and sport science. The newly createdConcordia’s men’s and women’s golf programs into a new phase of Director of Athletic Performanceexcellence at the DII level,” Burtner said. “Concordia golf has set a high will give him oversight of everybar of excellence over the past decade and I look forward to continuing Cavalier program and allow him tothat tradition.” work with Concordia’s teams to build and approve plans for strength, conditioning, and nutrition. “When I arrived at Concordia, I had a vision to create a strength and conditioning program that will benefit both the varsity student- athletes as well as our exercise & sport science students. I’m very thankful to Joel Schuldheisz, my department chair, Sarah Sweitzer, the College of Health and Human Services dean, and Athletic Director Brian Jamros for supporting that vision and professional dream,” Reyes said.28 concordia connection
Nailed to the Door Nailed to the Door provides Concordia staff, faculty, alumni, and students a forum for editorial comment.If you build it…“Ohhhhhhhh, people will come, Ray. People will most definitely come.” Terence Mann speaking to Ray Kinsella in Field of Dreams (1989)The bells quit ringing in June. The voices of enough” will have received its ultimate comeuppance: the children who once roamed there faded “Simply the best.”into the silence. A disruptive hush fell over theaching structures. It’s only the beginning. Within this newly-minted structure, a university’s college of education will The playground equipment went this week. mingle freely with a pre-K through grade 8 school.Disassembled and torn out. Soon the buildings, Teachers of children will huddle with university faculty.originally expected to last five years when the school Opportunities for collaboration, fermentation, andopened in 1950, will be knocked down and the entire expansion of the mind will abound. A think-tank forsite will be leveled. Evidence of the institution that the future will ensue.stood for 65 years will be gone. Children, yes, children, will be the primary In a new take on a field of dreams in the midst of beneficiaries of this largess. But so much more is atan Iowa cornfield, a ground breaking for a new facility stake. This will be home to “a safer, healthier, morewill follow. Brown dirt will be turned over. Steel and educated community.” To realize that expectation,glass will be forged into a singular unit, arising like a more than replacing an old building with a new onephoenix from the ashes. The sweet, green grass, freshly must occur. The community, teachers, faculty, students,mowed and luxuriating in a late summer sun, will benefactors, experts, parents, problem solvers, andawait the arrival of excited children once again. The air more must engage. Closing the opportunity gap has towill wreak of wonder and expectation. Simultaneously. mean something other than just a changing variable. Northeast Portland, its own little corner of the The immediate charge is leveling the playingworld, will not have settled this time. This time “good field. Eliminating hunger in our midst, responding to behavioral health issues, and providing healthArtist’s rendering of the entrance to Concordia’s College of Educa- and wellness services is a start – but only a start.tion that will be housed within the new Faubion Elementary School. Creating a bold and beautiful innovative educational environment can follow if these barriers, unheard of in neighborhoods not far away, are put to rest. As in dust to dust. It is when this place unfolds and begins to breathe life, that a revolutionary educational environment will be born. We will know it by its actions and by its heart. It will do more than be a good school. It will change people’s lives. Only then will this be the place to which people will come. And they will come. They will most definitely come. — Kevin Matheny, Chief Development Officer Summer 2015 29
2811 NE Holman Street Portland, Oregon 97211-6099 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT #654 500Reformation Tour (1517-2O17) YEARS hosted by Dr. Michael Thomas TOUR DATES: Monday, May 8 - Thursday, May 18, 2O17 TOUR COST: $3,599Travel through history on a memorable 11-day visit to Lutherland including tours of everything from Luther’s birthplace, to Wittenberg where Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in 1517, to Augsburg where he defended his 95 Theses (and many places in between). The tour ends in Munich! Visit www.cu-portland.edu/500-year-tour for additional information on itinerary, cost and reservation deadlines. This trip is open to all students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Concordia University and will be led by Dr. Michael Thomas. FOR MORE INFO: www.cu-portland.edu/500-year-tourFRANKFURT / MAINZ / RHINE VALLEY / EISENACH / ERFURT / EISLEBEN / WITTENBERG / POTSDAM / BERLIN / LEIPZIG / COBURG / NUREMBERG / AUGSBURG / MUNICH
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