Spring 2021

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New Strategic Plan Focuses CUC’s Future

Concordia University Chicago

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O N T H E C O V E R

Focusing Our Future 2025,

the University’s new five-year

strategic plan, is an exciting

and important step in CUC’s

pursuit of its vision.

F E AT U R E S

Faith & Ministry: Back to the Future 9

Growing Our Mission 10

Wind Symphony Shares the Gospel “Coast-to-Coast” 20

Lincoln Laureate Finds Vocation at CUC, Strives to Inspire Others 21

I N E V E R Y I S S U E

President’s Column 4University Events 5

CUC News 6Alumni Association 26

Class Notes 28Condolences 31

Spring 2021

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EDITOR IN CHIEFEric Matanyi

MANAGING EDITORAnna Seifert

DESIGNERS Tracy Vasquez Andi Whipkey

PHOTOGRAPHYEmily Adkins

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSCharisse BurnsPaige Craig BA ’99, MBA ’14Kylie GilmoreJeff Hynes Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger Eric Matanyi Martina Reese Anna SeifertNaomi Tselepis

CONTACT US Forester Magazine: c/o University Communications & Marketing Concordia University Chicago 7400 Augusta St. River Forest, IL 60305-1499

708-209-3111 Forester@CUChicago.edu

MISSION Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.

VISION Concordia University Chicago is a Christ-centered Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good.

CORE VALUES We at Concordia University Chicago embrace these Core Values as essential to living together in a vibrant and influential Christian academic community and as productive citizens of the Church and world.

CHRISTIAN FAITH. The Christian faith is an integral part of our community.

THE INDIVIDUAL. As a member of God’s creation, each person is unique and is blessed with inherent worth.

EXCELLENCE. We strive for excellence in who we are and what we do.

INTEGRITY. Our community demonstrates the accord between our beliefs and practices.

SERVICE. Recognizing and addressing the needs of others is a response to God’s love for us, and a reflection of God’s love for them.

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22

Homecoming 2021

Charlie T. misses you! We’re making plans to

welcome alumni and friends home to CUC this fall.

Celebrating Dr. Carl Schalk

Those who knew Dr. Carl Schalk

HS ‘48, BS ‘52 express their

gratefulness for his profound legacy.

A F T E R M O R E T H A N

A Y E A R W I T H O U T

P E R F O R M A N C E S I N F R O N T

O F L I V E A U D I E N C E S , I T WA S

A T R U E J O Y T O B E A B L E T O

P L AY A N D L I F T O U R M U S I C A L

P R A I S E S T O T H E L O R D

—Dr. Richard Fischer, Wind Symphony Shares the Gospel “Coast-to-Coast,” p. 20

President’s Column

Optimism is in the air! Our newest group of graduates recently completed their degrees, the pandemic continues to ebb, vaccines bring new hope, and sunshine and warm temperatures lift the spirits. We have also begun preparations for our planned return to campus in August. I feel very enthusiastic about the fall semester, but perhaps even more, I feel a sense of relief!

That relief is rooted in the idea of what the immediate future will look like: in-person instruction, full residence halls, and the meaningful face-to-face interactions that define the traditional student experience. For many of us, focusing on the future

has been an integral factor in our ability to weather the last year and a half.

With that in mind, it is significant that the University recently introduced its new, five-year strategic plan, called Focusing Our Future 2025. Developed with input from faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and approved unanimously by the Board of Regents, this plan lays the critical groundwork that will position CUC for a thriving future. It is about a heritage of strength and fidelity in the midst of uncertainty and change, stretching from many generations past and reaching for many generations to come.

It has been the strength of the entire Concordia-Chicago community, across generations, which has sustained our institution throughout both the pandemic and recent operational changes. We asked our alumni and friends to stay hopeful, to stick with us, and to provide support as we faced uncharted waters—and you did so in record numbers.

Earlier this year, CUCelebrates, our annual fundraising drive, realized a historic level of giving. Those who were unable to give monetarily provided support in any way they could, be it through prayer, volunteerism, or advocacy for our mission. This is incredible at any time, but is particularly inspiring this year as you continued your unbridled support despite facing your own myriad challenges! It is this unbreakable strength within the Concordia-Chicago community that truly gives me hope for the University’s continued growth and success. Thank you!

We know that God works through His people, mercifully blessing others through our service. We stand assured, then, that God is working through each and every member of the Concordia-Chicago community to bless our students, the church, and the world around us. As we serve, we see that He is building a university that is stronger and more resilient than ever before. What a marvelous gift! As the higher education landscape, the needs of tomorrow’s students, and the world around us continue to evolve, Concordia-Chicago is uniquely positioned to thrive rather than merely survive. Optimism is in the air, indeed!

G O D I S W O R K I N G T H R O U G H E A C H A N D E V E R Y M E M B E R O F T H E

C O N C O R D I A - C H I C A G O C O M M U N I T Y T O B L E S S O U R S T U D E N T S ,

T H E C H U R C H , A N D T H E W O R L D A R O U N D U S . A S W E S E R V E ,

W E S E E T H AT H E I S B U I L D I N G A U N I V E R S I T Y T H AT I S

S T R O N G E R A N D M O R E R E S I L I E N T T H A N E V E R B E F O R E .

Russell Dawn, DPhil, JDPresident

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Summer & Fall 2021U

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16 Undergraduate Virtual Summer Preview Day

23-24 Issues, Etc. “Making the Case” Conference (hosted by CUC)

A U G U S T

29 Opening Service of 158th Academic Year

S E P T E M B E R

9 Cougars Connect

25 Maroon & Gold

O C T O B E R

1 University Band Fall Concert

11-17 Homecoming Week

14 Cougars Connect

15-17 Golden Celebration

16 Athletic Hall of Fame Celebration

16 Alumni Association Annual Meeting

17-19 Lectures in Church Music

29 Wind Symphony Home Concert

31 Kapelle Home Concert

N O V E M B E R

7 Chamber Orchestra Concert

11 Cougars Connect

15 Jazz Band Concert

D E C E M B E R

4-5 Service of Lessons and Carols

10 University Band Christmas Concert

17 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony; Baccalaureate Service

18 Fall Commencement

Wind Symphony & Kapelle Home Concerts

The University’s premier instrumental and choral ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Richard Fischer and Dr. Charles P. Brown, are delighted to return to in-person concerts this fall. Join us for a weekend of the finest traditional and contemporary repertoires.

October 29 & 31

For the most current schedule and full event details, visit CUChicago.edu/events.

On-Campus Visits by Appointment

Throughout the summer and fall, prospective students can take advantage of many opportunities to learn what CUC is all about. Schedule an individual in-person visit that is customized to your interests at: CUChicago.edu/visit

As of the date of publication, the University remains under Illinois Phase 4 Bridge COVID-19 guidelines, which place restrictions on events. CUC is optimistic that these restrictions will be lifted prior to the start of the fall semester, allowing the events above to proceed as planned.

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Spring 2021

S U R E L Y

Y O U D E S I R E

I N T E G R I T Y I N

T H E I N N E R S E L F,

A N D Y O U T E A C H

M E W I S D O M

D E E P W I T H I N .

—Psalm 51:6 (CSB)

CUC News

Concordia University Dance Marathon Raises More Than $20,000 for Children’s Hospital

Concordia University Dance Marathon (CUDM), a student-led on-campus organization, raised $20,461 at its fifth annual Big Event, bringing its five-year fundraising total to $83,622. Although they had to rethink the event due to COVID-related restrictions, the students’ tireless fundraising efforts allowed this year’s total to rival the last few pre-pandemic years.

The culminating event of the Dance Marathon season, the Big Event is just one small piece of the diligent fundraising that CUDM participates in over the course of the year. The money is raised for the philanthropy department of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and goes toward new books, toys, instruments, the hospital’s annual Prom event, and anything else that gives the children who stay at Lurie’s an escape from “patient life.”

“As a program that has so heavily relied on face-to-face interactions in the past, it was definitely a challenge to get people excited through limited contact and countless emails. But the team God provided could not have been more suited for this challenge!” says Jesse Muehler, junior at Concordia-Chicago and executive director of CUDM.

Students display the Dance Marathon end-of-night fundraising total, which increased as post-event donations were received.

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CUC Joins Council for Christian Colleges and Universities

Concordia University Chicago has been named a member of an expansive network of more than 180 Christian institutions worldwide, joining the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).

The organization’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. The organization provides unique services to Christian higher education in three pillars of strategic focus: public advocacy, professional development and scholarship, and experiential education.

As a member, Concordia-Chicago will be among an exclusive network of like-minded, mission-driven, academically excellent Christian colleges and universities around the world. The University will have access to CCCU-sponsored professional development conferences for a wide variety of peer groups, as well as specialized development institutes for new faculty members and emerging campus leaders.

“We are excited to join a broad network of peer institutions that share our strong dedication to providing students with transformative, Christ-centered educational experiences,” says President Dr. Russell Dawn. “We look forward to working together—with a common purpose—to innovate and set success benchmarks while we continue to make the case for our meaningful work in the public sphere.”

Online Programs Shine in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

In the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of online programs, Concordia-Chicago was recognized among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, Best

Online MBA Programs and Best Online Graduate Education Programs.

“As the University continues to face the global pandemic and the need for remote work, our online programs are more pertinent to the needs of our students than ever,” says Provost Dr. Erik Ankerberg BA ‘92. “The hard work of our dedicated faculty and staff allows us to provide a high-quality education to our students, no matter their geographical location or life situation.”

U.S. News & World Report evaluated online bachelor’s degree programs—where CUC jumped in the rankings to No. 34—on factors including graduation rates, financial benefits available to people with military experience, student debt upon graduation, and academic and career support services. Online MBA programs were evaluated based on admissions selectivity and reputation for excellence among peer institutions, among other factors. Online graduate education programs were evaluated on factors such as accreditation, accessibility of instructors and student engagement.

Cougars Announce Launch of STUNT, 19th Varsity Sport

The University announced its plans to add STUNT—the fastest-growing women’s sport in the country—to its varsity roster for the 2021-2022 school year. STUNT is a competitive, cheer-based sport focused on skills including partner stunts, pyramids and tosses, jumping and tumbling, and team routine.

There are currently 48 STUNT programs in the NCAA as of 2020, including nine programs to be added in 2021. Concordia-Chicago is set to be the first university in Illinois to offer the program. New head coach Kelly Bielec previously won four STUNT national championships while competing at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI, in addition to three national championships at the NCA (National Cheerleaders Association) level. She also earned First Team All-American

honors as an individual to go along with her team’s success.

“Concordia-Chicago is excited to add more opportunities for female student-athletes. I want to thank Dirvelys Allen BA ‘07, spirit programs director; Jeff Hynes, senior vice president for university advancement; and President Russell Dawn for their support of this new program,” notes athletics director Pete Gnan.

“Being the first head STUNT coach in Illinois is an incredible honor and something I dreamed about since competing in STUNT myself,” Bielec says. “Being able to create more opportunities for female athletes is something I am so proud of.”

Students Contribute More Than $14,000 to Help One Another

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact every aspect of society, many Concordia-Chicago students have experienced a variety of unexpected

Concordia-Chicago is set to be the first university in Illinois to offer STUNT, a competitive, cheer-based sport.

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financial challenges. Fellow classmates, through gifts to the Gard Student Assistance Fund, have stepped up to help one another face these obstacles.

Based on the principle of “students helping students,” the Gard Fund was developed through a partnership between Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Gard, University president emeritus, and his wife, Annette; the Student Government Association; the Dean of Students Office; and the CUC Foundation. This financial partnership has enabled the University to address the current crisis, as well as future ones, by

providing emergency grants for students to meet immediate, essential expenses due to temporary hardship.

Building upon the Gards’ financial lead, students contributed more than $14,000 during the 2020-2021 academic year to support the needs of their fellow classmates. This was accomplished through direct gifts, returned fees due to residence hall shutdown, as well as account credits, which allowed students with limited or no income to be able to provide for others.

Assistance funds can be used by recipients to help defray the costs of expenses related to items including medical care, food or transportation, utility bills, sudden loss of housing or childcare, safety needs, essential academic expenses, or replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire or natural disaster. To date, the average grant shared has been $225 per student applicant.

To share directly to the Gard Fund, visit CUChicago.edu/GiveNow or call the CUC Foundation at 866-448-3867.

Concordia-Chicago Regent Named President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents member Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger has been named president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL). Egger began serving this spring as the seminary’s 11th president in its 182-year history.

“Given Rev. Dr. Egger’s faithfulness, intelligence and knowledge, it comes as no real surprise that he has been tapped to lead the St. Louis Seminary,” says CUC Board Chair, Dr. Dominic Salvino. “I am confident he will be an invaluable asset to the seminary as well as the Synod at large. He has been a highly valuable and productive regent at CUC and he will be missed.”

During Egger’s tenure on the Board of Regents, the University has seen record enrollment; the inauguration of a new president, Dr. Russell Dawn; and the development of a new strategic plan, “Focusing Our Future 2025.”

“Achieving our goal of becoming the best Lutheran university in America is dependent on the type of visionary leadership Rev. Dr. Egger exhibited as a member of our Board of Regents. It was an honor to have worked with him in this capacity, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue our missional work as presidents within the Concordia University System,” adds President Dawn.

S T U D E N T S C O N T R I B U T E D M O R E T H A N $ 1 4 , 0 0 0 T O S U P P O R T T H E N E E D S O F T H E I R F E L L O W C L A S S M AT E S !

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By: Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger, University Pastor and Dean of the Chapel

The future is forward. Faith is forward, too. Individuals, worshipping communities and Christian universities rightly attempt to chart a path through the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Although some of this feels rather corporate or even worldly to us, the process of strategic planning remains sanctified when done through the word of God and prayer, and when the goal remains the good of our neighbor and the glory of God.

But another way of sanctifying this University’s planning for the future is to look backward and not just forward. The prophets of the Old Testament led largely with their backs to the future. That is, they looked back to what God had done for them in the past, recounted this salvation history, and then walked backward into the future. Their eyes stayed fixed on the past while their mouths reassured those who followed that He who has always been faithful

will keep being faithful. It’s a counter-intuitive image—that of walking with your back toward the future. We normally imagine someone peering forward, step by cautious step, trying to navigate the unsettled and uncertain path ahead. But the prophetic model of “back to the future” can be a helpful one.

In the first place, we cannot see the future. No one can. “The best-laid schemes of mice and men/ Go oft awry,” the Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote after inadvertently overturning a mouse nest while plowing his field. All of our lives and the plans of many institutions of higher education have been unexpectedly overturned this past pandemic-panicked year. Indeed, in the same oft-quoted poem Burns acknowledges the anxiety of living with your back to the future: “And forward, though I cannot see, / I guess and fear!”1 The future cannot be predicted, controlled or cajoled, which is why in the evening service of Compline, Christians pray for God’s presence and protection “so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of life may find our rest in You.” 2

So the image of walking with your back to the future accurately describes the reality of venturing into the unknown. But the Old Testament prophets also knew that by looking to who God had always been and what He had always done, they already had insight into the most important thing about the future—that God rules it.

This is true for Concordia-Chicago both institutionally and spiritually. God has preserved this University through war, depression, fire, economic uncertainty and, now, a worldwide pandemic. We can be confident that, looking to His providential preservation of this place, He’ll still be the same LORD no matter what the future holds. But even more importantly, walking with our backs to the future focuses our eyes on what’s most important.

Our Lord has redeemed us in the faithfulness of Jesus; He has defeated the greatest enemies of sin, death and hell for us; His love is deep enough and shoulders broad enough for whatever the “changes and chances of life” might bring. So let’s plan, and move forward in faith, but let’s do so with our backs to the future and our eyes on Jesus.

1Robert Burns, To A Mouse (1785), scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/mouse2Lutheran Service Book, 257

Back to the Future

As we look to the future, we remember that God has preserved Concordia-Chicago through war, depression, fire, economic uncertainty and, now, worldwide pandemic.

S E N D O U T Y O U R L I G H T A N D T R U T H ;

L E T T H E M L E A D M E .

—Psalm 43:3Faith & Ministry

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Like many of you, my spring has been full of marking events and milestones from the past year. Many of these anniversaries we may not prefer to recall, but they will forever be a part of our canon.

At the same time, I am joyfully reminded of the myriad blessings Concordia-Chicago has celebrated this year: increased efforts to flexibly and strategically meet the needs of our students; faculty, staff and students adjusting to a new learning context; and ministries supporting the University community with a renewed sense of purpose.

Our community, including partners like you, stepped up to provide students with the tools necessary to lead and succeed in an ever-changing world. This year, we experienced a 51% growth in the number of alumni and friends sharing gifts, and hosted

two record-setting giving events—Maroon & Gold, providing for scholarships, and CUCelebrates, funding the University’s greatest needs. We were particularly honored that our students chose to support one another during the pandemic through gifts totaling $14,000 to the Gard Student Assistance Fund.

Focusing Our Future: 2025 will further enhance our strategic efforts to advance the University. CUC’s Foundation is growing and shifting our team to accommodate the expanded opportunities that the University’s strategic plan will provide. We pray these individuals will become familiar partners for you in your philanthropic goals.

You are an essential partner in our initiatives to exemplify the Concordia-Chicago Experience for students at every level of study. From dedicated monthly gifts to investing in dynamic projects to planning for long-term impact, alumni and friends can get involved in the method that fits their season. We’re honored that three families have shared their giving stories in this issue, and our team would be delighted to help you determine the next steps in your own generosity goals.

Our academic theme this year was quite fitting for a community and world continually faced with change.

As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, we ARE a new creation in Christ. Together we wait to learn what Christ has in store for each of us—his new creations.

God’s blessing,

Jeff Hynes Foundation President and CEOVice President for University Advancement

Growing OurMission

Y O U A R E A N E S S E N T I A L P A R T N E R I N

O U R I N I T I AT I V E S T O E X E M P L I F Y T H E

C O N C O R D I A - C H I C A G O E X P E R I E N C E F O R

S T U D E N T S AT E V E R Y L E V E L O F S T U D Y.

—Jeff Hynes

Our students adjusted to a new learning context over the past year, and were supported by the generosity of gifts from alumni and friends.

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By: Charisse Burns, Manager of Annual Giving

Brian Fruits BA ’03 can relate to the difficult decisions CUC students face in today’s demanding educational environment. “I had to pay my whole way through college. We couldn’t afford for me to live on campus,” says Fruits. “But I became a better professor, artist and director through what I learned in Concordia’s student teaching and methods program.”

Fruits and his wife, April, decided to pay it forward by sharing to Concordia-

By: Paige Craig BA ’99, MBA ’14, CFRE, Assoc. Vice President, University Advancement & Alumni Relations

Michelle (Seris) BA ’11 and David Dwyer BA ’11, MBA ’12 have led at Concordia-Chicago for nearly 15 years, first as student-athletes and now as invested alumni. As members of the Class of 2011 Class Gift Committee, they learned early about the importance of philanthropy at their alma mater.

continued on next page

Giving Monthly Today Secures Tomorrow

Investing in the Concordia-Chicago Experience

Chicago’s Pillars Fund and utilize the monthly giving option. “We give back in appreciation for what CUC taught me,” he says. “We want our donation to go wherever the University has need.”

Recurring monthly giving allows donors to support what’s important to them at the University on a schedule that fits their budget. For many donors, including those on a fixed income or beginning a career, donating a smaller amount every month can be easier rather than a large, one-time gift.

Monthly gifts of any size impact students’ lives and allow CUC to focus our future. Reliable donor support provides sustainability while saving administrative costs. Setup is easy when giving online. Simply select the “Recurring Monthly Gift” option at CUChicago.edu/GiveNow.

April and Brian Fruits BA ‘03

Michelle (Seris) BA ’11 and David Dwyer BA ’11, MBA ’12 with daughters Dani and Charli

continued from page 11

“We both grew up in homes dedicated to tithing. As adults, we felt the pull (to give) despite our worldly desires to keep our money for ourselves. God always multiplies our gifts back to us—as hard as the challenge was—in blessings greater than we imagined,” say the Dwyers. “Concordia changed our lives and poured so much into us, we want to directly enable someone else’s chance of having their own amazing Concordia Experience.”

During CUCelebrates 2021, the Dwyers challenged classmates to fully fund the

G O D B L E S S E S U S

T O B L E S S O T H E R

P E O P L E , A N D I F Y O U R

T I M E AT C O N C O R D I A

B R O U G H T Y O U J O Y

T H E N P A S S T H AT S A M E

O P P O R T U N I T Y F O R J O Y

T O O T H E R S . ”

—Michelle (Seris) BA ’11 and David Dwyer BA ’11, MBA ’12

Class of 2011 Scholarship Endowment with a $10,000 dollar-for-dollar match. “Concordia-Chicago shaped much of who we are, and we want to show gratitude by giving back. We believe the Class of 2011 made an impact in many ways, and beginning a scholarship ensured our class legacy would continue,” they add.

“To anyone on the fence about giving, we would say you never regret generosity. God blesses us to bless other people, and if your time at Concordia brought you joy, then pass that same opportunity for joy to others.”

By: Naomi Tselepis, Senior Philanthropy Advisor

Karen (Elam) BA ’78 and Herman Doering BA ’77 connected to Concordia-Chicago long before arriving as college freshmen. Originally from St. Louis, Herman attended the University’s summer music program for Lutheran high school students. Karen first visited campus in 7th grade with classmates from the South Side of Chicago for a Concordia-sponsored science fair. Both knew early that Concordia-Chicago was the college for them.

While both began their careers as Lutheran schoolteachers, the Doerings eventually moved into the financial services industry. They realized their Concordia-Chicago education was just as strong—if not stronger—than their Ivy League-educated colleagues. The curriculum requiring English, history and science as part of an education degree provided well-rounded

Leaving a Legacy for a Thriving Institution

training and encouraged their success in the business arena.

“The University instilled in us the core values of integrity, service and excellence, while viewing each individual as special creation of God. That was the most important lesson of all,” notes Karen, who currently serves on the University’s Foundation Board of Directors.

Since Concordia-Chicago means so much to them, the Doerings decided to leave a legacy gift and include the University in their estate plan. “Christ asks us to be good stewards. We want to help CUC

remain a thriving institution, preparing students for their chosen career and challenging them to become strong and committed Christians dedicated to a life of service,” she shares.

Karen (Elam) BA ’78 and Herman Doering BA ’77

To consult with a CUC Foundation

philanthropic advisor, call toll

free at 866-448-3867 or email

foundation@CUChicago.edu.

Meet the entire Foundation team

at CUChicago.edu/Support.

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Saturday, September 25, 2021

Give for Scholarships, Become a Sponsor and Purchase Golden Tickets at CUChicago.edu/MG2021

Whether in person or online, plan now to gather with alumni and friends for a special evening to celebrate and sustain CUC scholars.

2021 Distinguished Awardees

Lawrence Rast, Jr. BA ’86Distinguished Alumni,

Undergraduate

Roosevelt Griffin III MA ’10Distinguished Alumni,

Graduate

Judith (DeCoste) Duda BS ’58Spiritus Christi

Invites You to

We’re making plans to welcome alumni and friends home this fall! Save the dates, October 11-17, to celebrate your Golden Legacy with classmates during Homecoming 2021. Festivities will feature Golden Alumni from the Class of 1971 and earlier, the 2020-21 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, the Alumni Association Annual Meeting as well as Cougars of every generation.

Our plan reflects what we know today while discerning ever-changing COVID-19 protocols. Complete schedule of events coming soon!

MONDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11-17

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Event schedule and registration coming this summer at CUCHICAGO.EDU/HOMECOMING

CUC Athletics & Alumni Relations is honored to announce the Athletic

Hall of Fame Celebration

Homecoming Saturday, October 16

Honoring the 2020-21 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

1970-1973 Men’s Tennis Teams four-peat Conference Champions

Mike Marotta BA ‘10 Football

Merrell Davis BA ‘13 Track & Field

Paul Ebert BA ‘88 Football

Marianne (Kelm) Cotton BA ‘93, MA ‘94 Basketball & Volleyball

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By: Dr. Russell P. Dawn, President

You may already be familiar with Concordia University Chicago’s Mission Statement, which we adopted in 2019. It reads:

This is the foundation of everything we do as a university. It serves as the launching pad for new programs, sets the parameters for how we implement ideas, and supports everything we build. This is only fitting, because our mission is a timeless affirmation of all that a university ought to be—faithful, academically rigorous, and focused on the needs of students.

Focusing Our Future

S T E A D FA S T I N J E S U S C H R I S T A S R E V E A L E D I N T H E H O L Y

S C R I P T U R E S , C O N C O R D I A U N I V E R S I T Y C H I C A G O P R O M O T E S

A C A D E M I C R I G O R I N I T S L I B E R A L A R T S A N D P R O F E S S I O N A L

P R O G R A M S ; G R O U N D S S T U D E N T S I N O B J E C T I V E T R U T H ,

I N T E G R I T Y, A N D E X C E L L E N C E ; A N D P R A C T I C E S FA I T H F U L N E S S

T O T H E C O N F E S S I O N A L T E A C H I N G S O F T H E L U T H E R A N

C H U R C H — M I S S O U R I S Y N O D , A S I T F O R M S S T U D E N T S F O R

V O C AT I O N S I N C H U R C H , FA M I L Y, A N D T H E W O R L D .

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You may also be familiar with our Vision Statement, adopted in 2020. It reads:

This vision is our goal or destination. It is how we see ourselves in both actuality and aspiration. All that we do—each program and activity, and all of them collectively—should move us into a fuller and more robust realization of our vision.

It would be possible for CUC to move from mission to vision, from foundation to aspiration, on a piecemeal basis. We could do this, implement it, then start another thing, and each one could move us in the right direction. Such an approach, however, would not be very strategic. Progress toward our goal would be spotty rather than integrated, and institution-wide success would be left more to wishful thinking than to careful planning.

We cannot rest the future of this historic place on such an approach. Instead, we need a strategic plan for improvement across the University, a bridge from our mission to our vision. We now have that bridge: a strategic plan we call Focusing Our Future 2025, or F2 for short.

F2 is an exciting and important step in CUC’s pursuit of its vision. It’s a five-year plan developed with input from faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and approved unanimously by the Cabinet and the Board of Regents. This plan lays the critical groundwork that will

C O N C O R D I A U N I V E R S I T Y C H I C A G O I S A C H R I S T- C E N T E R E D

L U T H E R A N U N I V E R S I T Y W H E R E T R U T H , F R E E D O M , A N D

V O C AT I O N F O R M S T U D E N T S F O R L I V E S O F I N F L U E N C E A N D

S E R V I C E F O R T H E C O M M O N G O O D .

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position the University for a thriving future. It touches every aspect of University life in targeted ways that are both aspirational and achievable. It’s about our students, our finances, our mission, and our community.

Focusing Our Future contains 30 initiatives, or actions aimed at creating or improving something particular for the University. Each initiative fits into one of four categories or themes. Broadly speaking, those themes are students, finances, mission, and University community. Each initiative is specific and measurable, and each has an “owner,” a member of staff who is responsible for implementing the initiative and reporting on its progress. This is not pie-in-the-sky, it’s a living plan to achieve lived success for the sake of our students.

The first of the four themes is Formative Student Experience. Theme 1 states that Concordia-Chicago will provide a formative student experience by promoting academics, co-curricular activities, and pre-professional experiences that enable students to live out the University’s mission, vision, and values. Theme 1 contains 10 different initiatives, each focused on a formative student experience.

For instance, one initiative calls for a revision of our general education curriculum (that is, the classes that all our four-year undergraduates are required to take), such that the classes are tailored toward forming students through truth, freedom, and vocation for lives of influence and service for the common good. In other words, we aren’t just crossing our fingers in hopes that our students emerge with certain outcomes—we’re doing the heavy lifting that will help ensure those outcomes.

The second theme of F2 is Fiscal Agility and Strength. Theme 2 states that Concordia-Chicago prioritizes the strategic use of data, a commitment to best practices in enrollment management, the development of market-informed programs, and acts of fiscal discipline

as means of ensuring student completion and securing the University’s future. Theme 2 contains seven initiatives, each focused on fiscal agility and strength.

One of the key initiatives under Theme 2 entails investing in missional, market-focused programs. All academic programs will correlate closely with CUC’s mission as well as market demand. In order to achieve this, we are developing a program review protocol to evaluate academic programs regularly, phase out those that are ready, and implement new ones. We will also hire strategically so that mission, academic excellence, and market niche are supported throughout the organization.

The third theme is Partnerships for Mission and Excellence. Theme 3 states that CUC will identify and carry out partnerships that benefit both CUC and the partner, and contribute to the common good.

Theme 3 also contains seven initiatives. The first of these calls for CUC to establish advisory councils for the colleges. Each council will provide guidance, establish reciprocal relationships, and evaluate partnerships to ensure quality, consistency, and value. College advisory councils will extend CUC’s network of important connections in thoughtful ways.

The fourth and final theme of F2 is a Vibrant Unified Community. Theme 4 states that CUC strives to develop, live, and share a common vision for our work together. Theme 4 contains six initiatives, each focused on building the unity of our community.

A key initiative within Theme 4 is one we sometimes call hiring for mission. It calls for the implementation of procedures to instill the University’s Lutheran mission and identity throughout faculty and staff hiring and development processes. It is sometimes said that personnel is policy, which simply means that having the right people and training them well is far more important than having the right policies and procedures in place. Both matter, of course, but people matter more.

E A C H I N I T I AT I V E

I S S P E C I F I C A N D

M E A S U R A B L E , A N D

E A C H H A S A N ‘ O W N E R , ’

A M E M B E R O F S TA F F

W H O I S R E S P O N S I B L E

F O R I M P L E M E N T I N G

T H E I N I T I AT I V E A N D

R E P O R T I N G O N

I T S P R O G R E S S . ”

—Dr. Russell Dawn

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U L T I M AT E L Y, F O C U S I N G

O U R F U T U R E I S A B O U T

T H E P U R S U I T O F T R U T H ,

W H I C H I S T H E C O R E O F

A N Y E D U C AT I O N

W O R T H H AV I N G . ”

—Dr. Russell Dawn

Read the complete strategic plan online and download a printable copy at CUChicago.edu/strategic-plan.

F2 is both solid and dynamic. It won’t sit on a shelf collecting dust, a monument to the current moment in our thinking about the future. Neither, however, will it follow whims or trends that may arise tomorrow and evaporate the next day. It will remain a true and reliable roadmap for achieving our vision, which includes the flexibility for thoughtful change.

Ultimately, Focusing Our Future is about the pursuit of truth, which is the core of any education worth having. The pursuit of truth equips students for the freedom and self-governance that will make them the beating heart of their communities. And it is in Christian freedom that our students will live out their vocations, serving their churches, families, and society. In this way, F2 will ensure our heritage of strength and fidelity in the midst of uncertainty and change, stretching from many generations past and reaching for many generations to come.

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In a time when live sacred music opportunities are scarce, and physical distancing is still the norm, Concordia University Chicago’s Wind Symphony partnered with Sheboygan Lutheran High School’s Symphonic Band to present a virtual concert event, “From Coast to Coast: Praising Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,” on March 12. The two schools partnered to offer congregations unique and meaningful access to a sacred music repertoire amid the pandemic.

The event was broadcast live from Lutheran High’s brand-new Worship and Fine Arts Center, which was dedicated last November. More than 65 LCMS churches and Christian organizations from 37 states, along with participants from Canada and South Korea, tuned in to celebrate in song. The musicians followed COVID-19 safety protocols by physically distancing, cleaning and sanitizing chairs and equipment, and wearing performance masks during rehearsals and performances.

“Under different circumstances, my music groups and I would have been gearing up for our biennial Spring Music Tour around that time,” said Matt Thiel, music director at Sheboygan Lutheran. “When the decision was made to cancel this year’s tour, it was pretty devastating to the students. It was a true gift and pleasure for them to be in the presence of fellow Christians, states away, and join together in honoring our Lord and Savior through music.”

“After more than a year without performances in front of live audiences, it was a true joy to be able to play and lift our musical praises to the Lord,” said Dr. Richard Fischer, conductor of the Wind Symphony. “With so many people tuning in, the concert was reminiscent of the day when we will all join together again in His Kingdom, praising our Lord and Savior forevermore.”

Wind Symphony Shares the Gospel “Coast-to-Coast”

The Wind Symphony performs during a live broadcast at Sheboygan Lutheran High School in Wisconsin.

The event provided the musicians with a rare opportunity to perform in front of a live audience.

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Michael Arango helped me become the person I am today for always believing in me on and off the field,” he says. Medina also served as a freshman peer mentor for a special topics course and as a subject tutor for various political science and criminal justice courses.

“I really enjoyed discovering my vocation at CUC,” he says. “When I began college I had no idea what I wanted to study. I finally began taking political science courses, where my love for the law began. I owe a special thanks to all the professors I had over the years, especially Dr. Robert Hayes CQ ‘74, MA ‘76, who pushed me academically and presented opportunities for me to find out if I wanted to be a lawyer.”

In the fall, Medina will be attending law school at the University of Illinois on a full scholarship. “I hope to discover which type of law I will practice during my time there,” he says. “Whatever I end up doing, I will always strive to help marginalized communities and give people opportunities to have success in life.”

Medina says he will forever appreciate the lifelong friends he made at CUC, as well as the support of his family, whom he calls “my pillar during my undergraduate experience.” Medina adds, “With the guidance of many people I was able to win this award and prove to future students that anything is possible.”

By: Anna Seifert, Communications Associate

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois continued its annual tradition of bestowing the Student Laureate awards on an outstanding senior from each of the four-year colleges and universities in Illinois. “It was amazing to find out that I had been selected to be CUC’s Lincoln Laureate,” says Gerardo Medina, Concordia University Chicago’s 2020-21 awardee. “This recognition means so much to me because it proves that with hard work and dedication you can truly achieve anything you set your mind to.”

With pandemic-related regulations not allowing for the usual in-person awards gathering, in which laureates are invited to the Old State Capitol in Springfield, the fall 2020 ceremony was held virtually.

“This significant award is not diminished by the fact that we cannot assemble together in one body. We can still join together in mind and spirit,” said Ronald Spears, vice chancellor of the Lincoln Academy, during his video address.

“Even during the darkness of the COVID pandemic, human achievement still shines and gives us hope for a better future.”

Medina, a criminal justice and political science major from Cicero, IL, says it was an honor to receive the award, which consisted of a Lincoln medallion, certificate and stipend. “I am grateful that I was selected, especially during this pandemic,” he says. The virtual Laureate ceremony featured remarks from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, as well as past Laureate winners such as columnist George Will and Duke University’s “Coach K,” Mike Krzyzewski.

The Lincoln Academy’s challenge to the laureates this year was: “Live your life in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, providing leadership that inspires and transforms the world. Model courage, empathy, honesty and integrity, and spread hope and joy to a planet that desperately needs your talents and skills.”

Medina played on the men’s soccer team for all four years at Concordia-Chicago. “Coach

Lincoln Laureate Finds Vocation at CUC, Strives to Inspire Others

Gerardo Medina BA ‘21 was named the 2020-21 Lincoln Laureate for excellence in academics and extracurricular activities.

W I T H T H E G U I D A N C E O F M A N Y

P E O P L E I WA S A B L E T O W I N

T H I S AWA R D A N D P R O V E T O

F U T U R E S T U D E N T S T H AT

A N Y T H I N G I S P O S S I B L E .

—Gerardo Medina BA ‘21

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DR. CARLCHALK

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of

1929-2021

Dr. Carl Schalk HS ’48, BA ’52, distinguished professor emeritus of music, had an immeasurable impact on Concordia

University Chicago, The LCMS, Christianity and beyond. His students and collaborators, as well as the broader Church and world, have been blessed by his musical compositions, wisdom, humor and gentle spirit. After 91 years of walking in our Lord’s footsteps, he was called to heavenly home in January.

As a musician, Carl was always creating, even writing a sung prayer for the friends who brought him meals in his final months of life. According to his son, Tim, Carl often said his favorite hymn tune was “the one I’m working on now.” He composed so much in his post-retirement years, having a pure joy for doing so, that some of his work is yet to be published.

As a Christian, Carl viewed music as his opportunity to use his God-given talents to serve the church and proclaim the Gospel. He also embodied Christian values through his interactions with others, treating everyone he met equally as a child of God.

As an educator, Carl was more than simply a teacher to his students. He was known to have high expectations, but balanced those with endless patience and a deep sense of caring.

His profound legacy will continue to live on through his music. It also lives on through all those whose lives he touched, and his story is, perhaps, best seen through the eyes of others. The memories shared on the following pages only begin to scratch the surface of the vastness of Carl’s influence on so many.

Photos courtesy of the Schalk family.

“One of my distinct memories from growing up was hearing Dad plunking away at the piano, composing, recomposing

or altering music.

The older I’ve gotten, the more I have appreciated what he brought to the family as far as faith and worship. It probably wasn’t until high school that I realized when you go to church, you don’t have to go an hour ahead of time! That was always something we did because either Dad was playing for a service or directing choir, with warmups and rehearsals ahead of time.

I look back on Christmas Eve, always a packed evening with two children’s services, a regular service and a midnight service. After all that we still took time to sit down at home and read the birth story, and my sisters and I would go around and each pick out a carol to sing.

Dad was always looking to use his gifts to help serve the church, whether through music compositions, books he’s written, letters or workshops. He didn’t hesitate to help with requests to write a hymn for an occasion. He’s written things for percussion, bells—all kinds of different instruments—because that was the instrument a particular church, choir or group had, so he composed something to utilize that.

When there were big life events in the family, such as marriages or grandchildren being born, he would write a hymn tune in celebration. Even in not-so-good situations, he used his musical talents to write words of encouragement and uplift. He felt very strongly about worship being used to proclaim the Gospel, and was very consistent with that message throughout his life.”

—Tim Schalk BA ’80, son of Carl and Noël Schalk

“What Carl and his colleagues established was that church music itself was a discipline and something you could

pursue a career in; not just something you did after work as a hobby. It’s hard to overstate how important that was. He made it so you came out of Concordia with a degree in church music, which was unheard of before that.

One of the greatest blessings a person can have is a sense of purpose, and he gave a lot of young musicians that. He and his colleagues created a huge network of Lutheran church musicians, for whom music ministry is their purpose and their joy in life.

Carl was winsome and had a great sense of humor. These last few years, we would often go out for lunch at Bakers Square in Melrose Park. When the hostess would ask where we wanted to sit, Carl would always say, ‘We want something with a view of the lake.’ I think he was known for that joke with the restaurant staff.

And he wrote a lot of music. Carl had a special gift for writing hymn tunes that were singable and memorable. He was good musician and a good churchman—he kept alive both worlds, and showed us how to do that. Looking back on their life, if someone can say they accomplished something as big as that, that’s quite a life of service.”

—Barry Bobb BA ’73, MCM ’78, director of the Center for Church Music

Carl conducting at the Chicago Archdiocese Choral Festival in 1977.

Carl with the Kapelle in 2019.

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HRISTIANCarl the

Carl theCHURCHUSICIAN

“What a blessing he was not only to Concordia-Chicago, but also for

all his music.”

—Debbie (Hays) Roberts BA ’83

“He was such a gift to the church and his music will continue to be a gift

for generations to come.”

—Heidi (Weirich) Goehmann BA ’02

“I had the privilege to have been under his direction for Festival Chorus and

one year in Kapelle choir. One of my favorite choral pieces to this day is one he arranged to the poem ‘Lord It Belongs Not to My Care.’”

—Lois (Ramsey) Linnemann BA ’83

“One of the great hymn writers of our generation, one of the great

Luther music scholars, and one of the most important early influences on my becoming a composer. I was fortunate to grow up at Grace Lutheran Church and School and sing many works by Paul Bouman, Richard Hillert and Carl Schalk. An incredible influence on so many church musicians.”

—Hollis Thoms BA ’71

Carl theEACHER

“‘Sing it as if you know it,’ Carl once quipped to the Grace Choir as

performance time neared on something we were struggling to learn for a Cantata Vespers. I’m sure he uttered something heavenward as well, praying that we might indeed discover that this piece of music was about more than singing the notes. My dad, Herb Gotsch, once explained to me that Carl’s great gift as a composer was the ability to write good and interesting music that was simple enough for an ordinary church choir to master.”

—Gwen Gotsch

“Dr. Schalk suffered through several quarters of organ lessons

with me. His mellow sense of humor and musical insight taught me well. As he joins the Heavenly throng, we who knew him recognize that blessing!”

—Avis (Kraft) Chmielewski ’74

“Grateful for all I experienced from his teaching, writing and leading. During

this season of pandemic, I became the de facto organist for our church. I could not have done it without remembering his wisdom. Soli Deo Gloria!”

—Lori (Brelje) Sievert BA ’82

“Nearly everything I needed to know about being a parish musician,

I learned from him. With angels and archangels and all the company of Heaven. Thanks be to God.”

—Valerie Schoen BA ’87

“Eternal light! Thanking God for a wonderful composer, church

musician and teacher. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor to me!”

—David Anderson BA ‘84, MCM ‘89

“Every aspect of my college and post-graduate years was closely

intertwined with Dr. Schalk and his wonderful gifts, talents and generous teaching contributions. His fantastic wife Noël was also hugely impactful in my college life, providing immeasurable wisdom and guidance. Thank you Dr. and Mrs. Schalk for lives and careers well lived.”

—Dan Homp BA ’73, MCM ’84

“I sang in Chapel Choir at Concordia Teachers College in fall 1971 when I

started my path in Lutheran education. I will always remember how he instructed me in one line of Beautiful Savior: ‘You must first love Christ before you serve Him.’ Thanks be to God for the faith He gave Carl that would be expressed in his music.”

—Ronald A. Brauer BA ’75

“I had the privilege of attending the 2019 Lectures in Church Music conference

when the Kapelle premiered Dr. Schalk’s new setting of the service of Evening Prayer. What inspired me the most from that evening was the example he set of a man with a vocation. Even though Dr. Schalk had been retired for several years, that did not mean a lessening of his continued service to the church. That is the dedication that I hope to embody through my own life.”

—Peter Stigdon BA ’22

Carl in the Rare Book Room, now the Center for Church

Music, with two CUC students.

Carl and Noël Schalk at their wedding.

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“As a college student, I remember singing the hymn of the day at a worship service—and the song elicited this deep

emotional response that I wasn’t able to put into words. I later learned that it was a Schalk piece, and so I was realizing the power of his music from the start of my career.

I am so fortunate to have known Carl in many different ways: as a colleague, a performer of his music and a listener of his compositions. That unique perspective allowed me to realize how intensely his personality and faith were reflected in his compositions. His music represents the deepest parts of him.

Carl created a uniquely American music style that is influenced by a wide range of European source material, from Germanic to Slovak to Scandinavian music traditions. For instance, J.S. Bach preached the Gospel through a deliberate use of harmony, rhythm and text settings. Carl’s music builds on that same structure, while adding his own unique imprint. He created a music repertoire that is exceptionally profound yet also approachable by both trained musicians and lay congregation members. It’s music that lives in you; it becomes ingrained in you as a Christian.”

—Karen Brunssen, CUC music faculty 1979-1993

He used his musical talents to write words of

encouragement and uplift.TIM SCHALK BA ’80

“I first met Carl in person more than 20 years ago, during my first year as a member of the CUC music faculty. I

was intimidated by his larger-than-life presence, but his jovial character immediately put me at ease. Over the years, he consistently provided me with new music and wise advice; our relationship was always warm and kind. For me, it always felt like Carl was a member of my family.

To spin a comment once made by Anton Armstrong, Carl was the ‘godfather’ of Lutheran church musicians. As I’ve toured the country with CUC’s performing ensembles; just mentioning Carl’s name has brought esteem to our programs. A few years ago, he came to campus to work with the Kapelle choral ensemble before the premiere of his setting of Evening Prayer. The students were very excited to meet him and witness his response to their performance.

CUC’s students also couldn’t imagine an annual Lessons and Carols service without ‘Noël, Noël,’ which was written by Carl for his wife, Noël. Years ago, students would get excited about ‘Schalk sightings,’ when Carl and Noël would attend and be seen holding hands during the performance of that piece.

That Carl was much revered by the students became clear to me when he passed away. As we rehearsed one of his pieces soon afterward, there was an extra special energy to the music; the emotion in the room reflected how much he meant to us.”

—Dr. Charles Brown, CUC professor of music

“I was blessed to write a number of hymn and choral anthem texts that Carl chose to set to music. Although he is a

generation older than me, we were colleagues on the faculty in my early years at CUC, before he retired. It took a while for me to get up the courage to show him my hymn texts. Our first collaboration was the Christmas anthem ‘Welcome, Precious Infant Lord’ in 2009. Our last collaboration was another Christmas anthem, ‘Word Made Flesh to Dwell Among Us,’ which he wrote during the pandemic, and which premiered this past December.

Carl was an iconic figure who I always felt privileged to work with. At the same time, he was a warm, friendly and approachable person with a dry sense of humor. By setting my work to music, Carl lent credibility to my texts and helped advance my career as a hymn-text writer.

When he finished setting one of my texts to music, he always invited me to his home. After he made us a pot of coffee, we would go his office, listen to the piece and talk briefly about it. Typically the discussion would morph into Carl telling engaging stories, always tinged with humor. Because of the pandemic, we were not able to discuss our final collaboration in person, but he was witty to the end. His email at the completion of that piece read, ‘Between hunkering down and washing my hands, I have set your text for organ and SATB.’”

—Dr. David Rogner BA ’82, CUC professor of English

Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship, Hymn Music Committee in 1976.

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By: Kylie Gilmore, Manager of Alumni Relations

Concordia-Chicago’s Alumni Association mission is “to connect and engage alumni, present and future, in order to inspire greater contribution to the University’s legacy.” Its Board of Directors, driven to strengthen relationships between generations of alumni, is proud to launch the Beyond the Pillars Mentoring Program, serving both current and former students.

Beyond the Pillars, one of 30 initiatives of CUC’s “Focusing Our Future: 2025” strategic plan, matches pairs of students and alumni based on their mutual vocation and passion for Christ. Alumni will connect monthly with current students during the academic year to provide tips and guidance relevant to their academic pursuits and quest for Truth.

Paul Enderle BA ’93, MA ’98, EdD ’14, Superintendent of Oak Lawn-Hometown District 123, has served on the Board of Directors since 2018 and is a founding member of its Connection subteam. Enderle envisions, “Beyond the Pillars will keep alumni connected to our alma mater and its extensive network, while establishing purposeful relationships that stretch beyond the campus into the lives of current students.”

Beyond the Pillars: Alumni Invited to Mentor Students through Vocations

He isn’t just planning the program, though—Enderle served as mentor for two candidates of CUC’s superintendent preparation program during the 2020-2021 academic year. This beta test year allowed the Alumni Association, Career Services and other campus partners to hand-select 10 pairs of participants from every level of study to review the program’s impact and sustainability. Monthly newsletters provided topical guidance for mentoring relationships while also checking in on participant progress.

Recent graduate Antea Pela BA ’21, a double major in marketing and actuarial science, and Josh Wingfield BA ’10 were just one positive pairing. “I was excited to connect with someone who could give business advice and who also has that ‘math mind,’” said Pela. “(Josh and I) just think so much alike, and his advice felt natural. We clicked instantly as a mentor and mentee.”

Beyond the Pillars’ virtual format and digital tools allow alumni to mentor students no matter where they serve, lead or study. Wingfield is regional vice president for Humana in Seattle, WA and finds serving in this way both beneficial and important. “To mentor someone new to the workforce who shares the CUC connection is a unique experience and one that I have very much enjoyed,” Wingfield says. “I’m happy to be that someone who has been in the workforce and there to bounce things off. I know I would have appreciated this opportunity.”

The Alumni Association Board of Directors invite fellow volunteers to register today to begin their own Beyond the Pillars mentoring partnerships this fall. Alumni can sign up to be matched with current students at CUChicago.edu/BeyondthePillars. Additional questions can be directed via email to alumni@CUChicago.edu or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 888-258-6773.

+

A successful Beyond the Pillars mentor and mentee: double major in marketing and actuarial science Antea Pela BA ’21 was paired with business leader Josh Wingfield BA ’10

Register to be a CUC Mentor Today!

Partnerships Begin September 2021 Visit CUChicago.edu/BeyondthePillars for more information

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You Will Focus Our FutureYour Monthly Gift Will Impact Students

Setting up monthly giving is easy. Simply select “Recurring Monthly Gift” at CUChicago.edu/GiveNow or call 866-448-3867 for assistance.

Monthly Gift Annual Impact

$10 $ 120 $25 $ 300 $50 $ 600 $85 $1,020

Ken BA ’62 and Mary Werring give monthly to CUC to help support music programs. “It moves me every time I hear music by the wind symphony and choirs,” says Ken, “We have been blessed by the Lord in many, many ways and we are happy to return these blessings. Prayerfully our gifts encourage church work students in the music field.”

When you give for CUC students, you enable freedom to study without financial worries. When you share regular, monthly gifts you give in a cost-effective manner that is manageable for your personal budget.

Class Notes

1960sRoommates from the Class of 1966 and their spouses enjoyed a cruise through the Panama Canal in January 2020 to celebrate the birthday of John Felten BS ’63. Those traveling included (left to right) front row: Chris (Bormann) Kirchenberg, Dottie (Berndt) and John Felten, Kathy (Walle) and Tom Eggold BA ’68, and Phil Bruening. Back row: Al Braun, Marnie (Siehr) Smith, Pat (Strom) Fege, Diane (Christian) Boehm, Rosie (Hinck) Braun and Alice (Wilson) Bruening.

Spring 2021

Congratulations to CUC alumni recently recognized by the Lutheran Education Association as 2021 Distinguished Educators, including Mark Brink BA ’75 (Christus Magister), Ruth Wiedenmann BA ’76 (Elementary Teacher) and Kenneth Palmreuter BS ’62 (Retired Educator).

1970sRon Allen BA ’72 entered retirement in December 2020 after 37 years of teaching (Luther South, Chicago; St. John’s College, Winfield, KS; and Concordia University, Ann Arbor) and 12 years of full-time pathology research (University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor). In 2021 he has been spending more time with wife Jan (Drafall) BA ’71 and eight grandkids in Michigan and Wisconsin. He feels blessed to have touched the lives of students over the past 49 years.

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Nancy (Fischer) BA ’74 married Dave Jacobs at Vrooman Mansion in Bloomington, IL on Dec. 22, 2019. Nancy retired in 2011 from teaching after a combined 37 years at Trinity Lutheran School (Sheboygan, WI) and Sheboygan Area Schools. Dave retired from Pekin Insurance in 2007, and they reside in Normal, IL.

1980sKathie (Oakes) Ziebarth BA ’87 has been reinstated as a Deaconess serving in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and is serving as a substitute high school teacher while seeking a call. She lives in Elk River, MN with her husband Dale. They have two grown children.

1990sRev. Dr. Jason Soenksen BA ’95 published a commentary in December 2020 on Micah for Concordia Publishing House’s Concordia Commentary Series. Soenksen currently serves as a professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin.

2000sJohn Clancy BA ’07 was named an assistant basketball coach at John A. Logan College in August 2020. Previously, Clancy coached four years at Southern Illinois University.

Laura (Renzelmann) Robinette BA ’07 and husband Matt will celebrate their one year anniversary on June 20, 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 11 guests were present at the June 2020 wedding in New Haven, IN but a larger celebration with the full wedding party took place in September of 2020. The couple resides in New Haven, IN, where Laura teaches 4th grade at Central Lutheran School.

2010sBlythe (Harkenrider) BA ’14, MA ’16 & Anthony Barreto BA ’13 welcomed their daughter Zoya Marie in March 2020. They currently serve at Lutheran High North in Houston, TX where Anthony serves as athletic director/dean of students and Blythe teaches theology.

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Submit a Class Note! The University welcomes news in the lives of our alumni. For submission consideration, please send information and optional photo to Forester@CUChicago.edu.

Ryan Weseloh BA ’17, pictured on left with former housemate, serves as Coordinator of Operations & Development for L’Arche Chicago, a community that provides housing for adults with intellectual disabilities. Weseloh began at L’Arche as a live-in assistant and became house coordinator two years later. He credits his Christian ministry degree, campus activities and work in CUC’s Office of Alumni Relations in preparing him for these roles.

Jennifer (Kotyk) Barborak MA ’18 is serving as the Director of Buhl Regional Health Foundation in Sharpsville, PA, a role she began in September 2020.

Courtney “CJ” McFarland MS ’19 is using his master’s in strength and conditioning as personal coach for Baker Mayfield, starting quarterback for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, a partnership that began in the 2019 offseason. He also works with Glenn Sparkman (Minnesota Twins, MLB), Gar Robinson (IMSA Race Car Driver and winner of the 24 hours at Daytona), and Nick Lima (FC Austin, MLS) to prepare for their professional athletic seasons.

2020sKara Bratton PhD ’20 was selected as one of 20 participants for the Early Career Researcher Workshop offered by the Council for Exceptional Children Division of Research in January 2021. Bratton also joined the part-time faculty at Concordia University Irvine in spring 2021 teaching graduate courses in special education.

About Class Notes Information listed reflects details received as of Feb. 28, 2021. The University welcomes news in the lives of our alumni. To ensure accuracy, information should be provided by the featured individual, rather than another party. Photos are welcome, whether prints or electronic files, however we do not return prints. Submission of a Class Note or image does not guarantee publication. The University reserves the right to edit submissions for style, length and content.

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B U T T H A N K S B E T O G O D ,   W H O G I V E S

U S T H E V I C T O R Y T H R O U G H O U R

L O R D J E S U S C H R I S T

—1 Corinthians 15:57FA C U L T Y & S TA F F

Ginny Illich – January 20, 2021 Campus Events Coordinator (2008 – 2015)

Walter Martin BS ’52 – October 13, 2020 Professor Emeritus of Art (1957 – 1995)

Carl Schalk HS ’48, BS ’52 – January 24, 2021 Professor Emeritus of Music (1965 – 1993)

A L U M N I

Henry Albrecht BS ’54 - March 24, 2019

John Allan BS ’57 - February 15, 2020

John Allen Jr. BA ’77 - October 22, 2019

James Appelt HS ’46 - July 18, 2015

Annette (Kaun) Bachmann BS ’56 - December 14, 2020

Elaine (Bode) Baeuchler BA ’68 - June 9, 2019

Joseph Beatty BA ’90 - February 28, 2021

Irene Bergstrom HS ’47 - January 19, 2019

Darlene (Seddelmeyer) Brady BAE ’73 - February 10, 2015

Ethan Brauer MA ’70 - January 24, 2021

Arthur Brown BS ’60 - September 19, 2020

Beverly (Schiefelbein) Claxton HS ’49, BS ’53 - October 25, 2015

Coral (Stoffregen) Deady HS ’49, BS ’58 - September 3, 2020

Wilbur Decker BS ’53 - August 11, 2020

Janet (Himmer) Dorn BS ’56 - January 2, 2021

Ralph Droege BS ’54 - November 24, 2020

Gertrude (Heinsohn) Ender BS ’54 - November 21, 2018

Leonard Erdman BS ’54 - September 21, 2020

Norm Failing BS ’61 - December 29, 2020

Edwin Feddersen BS ’32 - July 1, 1999

James Garrison BS ’54 - October 3, 2020

Kenneth Gerbers BA ’66, MA ’67 - September 22, 2020

Robert Herrmann BA ’55, MA ’67 - September 18, 2020

Edward Hessler BS ’64, MA ’69 - September 30, 2020

Duane Hingst BS ’53 - February 13, 2021

Carol (Clausing) Hinrichs BS ’48 - January 28, 2021

William Hoffmann BS ’54, MA ’59 - January 3, 2021

Donald Holste HS ’47, BS ’51 - November 13, 2020

Blair Hoy BA ’67, MA ’73 - October 27, 2020

Paul Jungkuntz BS ’49 - April 15, 2017

Roy Kaiser BS ’54 - November 24, 2020

Marceil Kanning BS ’54 - October 16, 2020

Shirley Kern BS ’57 - January 13, 2021

Allan Keup BA ’66, MA ’72, MCM ’83 - January 21, 2021

Kenneth Klages BA ’67 - December 31, 2020

Katherine (Martin) Knabach BA ’60

Allen Knopp BS ’55 - December 6, 2020

Edward Krueger BS ’46 - October 21, 2020

Ray Krumsieg HS ’43 - March 5, 2019

Karen (Kalbfleisch) Lind BA ’65 - January 28, 2021

Lucille Luebke BS ’47 - June 1, 2015

Walter Martin BS ’52 - October 13, 2020

Shirley (Plunk) Marty BS ’54 - October 19, 2020

Hannah (Aren) Mathias BS ’96 - November 25, 2020

Paul McCain BA ’84 - November 25, 2020

Erwin Metz MAE ’73 - December 18, 2019

Dorothy (Borchers) Neumann BS ’46 - August 10, 2019

Chuck Novak CQ ’81 - January 13, 2021

Jean (Kaiser) Prochnow BS ’58 - December 18, 2017

Christine (Rex) Rather BAE ’80 - June 13, 2020

Norman Roger BS ’31 - October 1, 1985

William Rohe BA ’69 - December 11, 2020

David Rubke BAE ’73 - October 17, 2020

Paula (Lathrop) Rumbold BAE ’75 - October 26, 2020

Harold Rutz BS ’52 - November 17, 2020

Carl Schalk HS ‘48, BS ’52 - January 24, 2021

Linda (Grossman) Schau BA ’73 - September 3, 2020

Norman Schmidt MAE ’69 - July 1, 2020

Eleanor (Hartwig) Scholz BA ’48 - November 14, 2018

Arlette (Isenberg) Schoof BS ’50 - May 24, 2020

Isabel Shick MA ’77 - April 10, 2020

Thea (Schwich) Streufert HS ’44 BS ’48 - September 19, 2020

Arthur Swett BA ’70 - November 9, 2020

Adele (Twillman) Trampe BS ’61 - September 14, 2020

Lois Weis BA ’83 - May 3, 2019

Lori Weiss BA ’79 - April 21, 2020

Lucille (Bieberich) Winterstein BA ’63 - September 20, 2020

Anne Woehle BAE ’76 - August 16, 2020

Howard Woldt BS ’54 - April 26, 2018

Bruce Wurdeman BA ’71 - November 21, 2020

Marietta (Glaess) Ziebart BS ’53 - January 16, 2021

Condolences

3131

Celebrating Spring 2021 Graduates C

oncordia University Chicago’s faculty, staff

and administration once again celebrated

a virtual commencement in May 2021 due

to COVID-19 restrictions. These 14+ months

have presented unexpected challenges, to say the

least, yet our students have persevered to complete

their degrees. We are exceptionally proud of each and

every one of them. In this difficult time that tests our

patience and resilience, we encourage each of our

graduates to learn from their experiences and continue

to grow as individuals and children of God. The following

pages list the names of all Spring 2021 graduates

in recognition of the many challenges they faced

to complete their degrees in the face of adversity.

Archived virtual ceremonies can be viewed on demand

at CUChicago.edu/commencement.

To celebrate their just-earned Concordia University Chicago degrees, students from all over the globe posted photos of elation on CUC’s Instagram social media platform. Congratulations to all 2021 graduates!

32

The symbols SCL (Summa Cum Laude 3.9-4.0), MCL (Magna Cum Laude 3.7-3.89) and CL (Cum Laude 3.5-3.69) identify academic honors bestowed on candidates. A Concordia Scholar has completed the requirements for the Concordia Honors Program.

Candidates for the Baccalaureate DegreeCANDIDATES FOR THE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

College of Business

Emily SchwarzOrganizational Management

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTSCollege of Arts and Sciences

Tumara AbuhashishNatural Science: Biology

& Chemistry

Tamilore Adeeyo CLMedia and Communication

Concordia Scholar

Erika AllerNatural Science: Biology

& Chemistry

Lily Austin Art

Roberto AvilaExercise Science &

Fitness Management

Leslie BetancourtSocial Work

Bryce Bilodeau SCLSport, Fitness, & Recreation

Exercise Science & Fitness Management

Alexander BogdanHistory

Micah Brown MCLEnglish

Concordia Scholar

Davis BueltmannGame Art

Jorge Buenrostro Exercise Science &

Fitness Management

Christina Buhler MCLHuman Communication

& Culture Theology: Professional Studies

Concordia Scholar

Jesse Buss SCLCriminal Justice

Psychology

Vicky CarrasquilloCommunication

Adamari Casas Spanish

Francelia CelisComputer Science

Timothy Contreras MCLHistory

Stefanie CruzMusic

Maurice DeloneyCriminal Justice

Yuda DongMusic

Chloe Dugas MCLMusic

Concordia Scholar

Abram Egger SCLTheological Languages

History Concordia Scholar

Ulysses EspinoMusic

Ivonne EspinosaSpanish

Brittani FarmerPsychology

Jessica FigueroaGraphic Arts

Elizabeth FodorStrategic Communication

Concordia Scholar

Yasmine FoxStrategic Communication

Andrea GarciaCriminal Justice

Sociology

Alejandra GaribayNatural Science:

Biology & Chemistry

Cassandra GarzaExercise Science &

Fitness Management

Giselle Gomez MCLSocial Work

Mary GotschMusic

Aletheia Grossmann SCLTheater

Criminal Justice

Banni GulianaPsychology

Diana GuzmanNatural Science:

Biology & Chemistry

Allison HembreeBiology

Adriana Herrera MCLSocial Work

Angela Herrera Computer Science

Kimberly Herrera MCLCriminal Justice

Richard HerreraComputer Information Systems

Bethany Hoehne SCLNatural Science: Biology

& Chemistry Concordia Scholar

Mark HoganExercise Science &

Fitness Management

Jane HolmesHistory

Patrick HopkinsCriminal Justice

Samantha Houser MCLArt

Strategic Communication

33

Adriana HuertaBiology

Salam Hussein MCLComputer Science

Katherine JanosStrategic Communication

Seneca Johnson MCLSociology

Mark JungoComputer Science

Josiah JunkinPsychology

Cecilia Kochanek MCLMedia and Communication

Anna Krenz MCLStrategic Communication

Adam Lackey CLPolitical Science

Evelyn Lebron CLPsychology

Pre Art Therapy

Samantha LemusExercise Science &

Fitness Management

Jack LiskeyPsychology

Paris LoveNatural Science:

Biology & Chemistry

Aymen Maman CLCriminal Justice

Samuel Marquart Music

Maribel MartinezSocial Work

Kayla McCloud CLMedia and Communication

Gerardo Medina SCL*Criminal Justice Political Science

Mackenzie MelendezCriminal Justice

Fatima MelesioSocial Work

Gennesis Mizhquiri CLSocial Work

Alissa MonacoSociology

William MurdochStrategic Communication

Gillian NorrisArt

Henry PahlkotterTheater

Gianna PinottiPsychology

Matthew Pizana Criminal Justice

Maura RamirezPsychology

Yesenia RamirezCriminal Justice

Rachel Rink SCLSocial Work

Margaret RomanPsychology

Collin SalmonExercise Science &

Fitness Management

Jackeline SandovalCriminal Justice

Victor SantosPsychology

Dejah SartinBiology

Henry ScheltensMedia and Communication

Cody SchrepfermanTheological Languages

Haley SennaNatural Science:

Biology & Chemistry

Samantha Sharland CLEnglish

Political Science

Madelyn Shoemaker SCLSociology

English

Anna Sielaff MCLHistory

Abbey SloanNatural Science:

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Jessica Smith SCLTheater

Nadia SmithStrategic Communication

Julia Spitelli MCLStrategic Communication

Cassidy Stephenson MCLMedia and Communication

Emilie Stoller SCLTheology

Isaac Strand CLMedia and Communication

Eric TapiaComputer Science

Joshua Teggatz SCLEnglish

Concordia Scholar

Ben ThinComputer Science

Daniel Thoelke CLTheological Languages

Concordia Scholar

Salma Uribe MCLSocial Work

Vanessa Vergara CLNatural Science: Pre-Nursing

Olivia VeznerStrategic Communication Media and Communication

Jasmin VillalpandoSocial Work

Jazmin Villanueva CLNatural Science:

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Elissa Vrabel CLStrategic Communication

Brianna Welch SCLPsychology

Concordia Scholar

Milsy Westendorff MCLHistory

Simone WilsonBiology

Allison WitowiczExercise Science &

Fitness Management

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTSCollege of Arts and Sciences, continued

*2020-2021 Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

34

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCECollege of Arts and Sciences

Bilal Ahmed MCLPre-Medicine

Bayley Allen Kinesiology

Mariela Arteaga Emergency Medical Services

Vasil Bixheku Computer Science

Mark Bjorklund Kinesiology

Vanessa Caldera Kinesiology

Michalae Clark Kinesiology

Stefanie Cruz Biology

Chemistry

Marcos Duran Computer Science

Benjamin Evans Kinesiology

Sharice Firganek Kinesiology

Frances Gachalian Chemistry

Isabel Garcia Exercise Science &

Fitness Management

Kimberly Gonzalez Pre-Medicine

Laura Hausler Kinesiology

Jeremy Heynen Kinesiology

Christina Kamka Kinesiology

Natalia Lewis Kinesiology

Sylvia Madej Biology

Christopher Martinez Pre-Clinical Exercise Physiology

Marlene Martinez Biology

Shara Martinho SCLKinesiology

Gilberto Medina Kinesiology

Michelle Chandra Nankap Tchepnang

Biology

Travis Nease Kinesiology

Antea Pela MCLMath: Actuarial Science

Concordia Scholar

Miriam Rosales Chemistry

Lilibeth Rosiles Biology

Tyler Smith Kinesiology

Sara Staup Kinesiology

Jacob Stec Computer Science

John Sullivan Kinesiology

Tyler Terrell Kinesiology

Dana Trilla Kinesiology

Justin Wootten Kinesiology

Kayla Yearout MCLKinesiology

Haoyong Yu Computer Science

Amber Zayed SCL Nursing

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONCollege of Business

Raushaun Amos Sports Management

Joel Bailey Sports Management

Griffin Beaudette Marketing

Nicholas Dalton Accounting

Jason Doran Management

Ryan Felbinger CLMarketing

Samantha Goodlett

Management

Destiny Henschel SCLBusiness Communication

Jonathan Ildefonso Management

Victoria Izaguirre MCLBusiness Communication

Kenta Jones Sports Management

Cade Laudenschlager Sports Management

Diamond Lopez CL

Sports Management

Destiny Morales Management

Jennifer Orozco Management

Brian Perez Accounting

Timothy Ray Management

Michelle Ruan Management

Christopher Santiago

Management

Justin Schwarz Management

Justice Silvera Management

Trinity Simmons MCLAccounting

John Thiese Marketing

Esmeralda Torres Barragan Management

35

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTSCollege of Business

Jennifer Abarca Healthcare Management

Ana Bry Organizational Management

Gretchen Coronado Organizational Management

Emily Detzel Healthcare Management

Bryan Fomby Sports and Recreation

Management

Ljiljana Gianos Healthcare Management

Karl Gieseke SCLHealthcare Management

Ryan Graczyk Sports and Recreation

Management

Janna Herrera Healthcare Management

Yurisma Herrera Healthcare Management

Priscilla Irizarry Sports and Recreation

Management

Alyssa KlinskyHealthcare Management

Erich Lams Organizational Management

Ryan Lawlor Healthcare Management

Peter Leguizamon Organizational Management

Mynor Lemus Organizational Management

Jamie McCreedy Healthcare Management

Stephanie Mojden Healthcare Management

Leslie Mora Healthcare Management

Abby Neitz Healthcare Management

Jose Olvera CLOrganizational Management

Adeline Paffel SCLHealthcare Management

Gabriel Parcel Healthcare Management

Antron Pippen Sports and Recreation

Management

Alyssa Salcedo-Salas Organizational Management

Hannah Smith Healthcare Management

Susan Szybowicz Organizational Management

Jonathan Torres MCLOrganizational Management

Bruce Washington Organizational Management

Kelly Westerkamp Healthcare Management

Sherry Westmoreland Healthcare Management

Deoplus Williams Sports and Recreation

Management

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCECollege of Business

Marshon Balthazar Public Safety Administration

Carl Brown Public Safety Administration

Jorge Escobar-Mendez Public Safety Administration

Anthony Rodriguez Human Resource Management

Tiffany Sutton Human Resource Management

Paula Velez Human Resource Management

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONCollege of Business

Bryan Alton SCLAccounting

Gianni Gaskins MCLSports Management

Vito Iovino Sports Management

Allison Kemp Accounting

Anna Krenz MCLMarketing

Jacob Lams CLAccounting

Alexa Lomantini SCLMarketing

Anne McAndrew SCLManagement

Concordia Scholar

Janette Moreno CLManagement

Marketing

Antea Pela MCLMarketing

Concordia Scholar

Noemy Sotelo Management

Concordia Scholar

Haylie Williamson MCLChurch/Not-for-Profit

Management

36

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTSCollege of Education

Abigail CurraoDirector of Christian Education

Cassidy Holeso CLDirector of Christian Education

Katherine LutzDirector of Christian Education

Margaret Warner CLDirector of Christian Education

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATIONCollege of Education

Lindsay Smith MCLMusic Education (K-12)

Richard TrittenMusic Education (K-12)

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCECollege of Education

Esther Annoreno Elementary Education

Marcail Clark SCLElementary Education

Middle Grades Literacy Education

Briana Crescente SCLElementary Education

Elizabeth Cyrwus CLEnglish/Language

Arts Education Concordia Scholar

Javier Espinosa CLPhysical Education

Sophia Giurini MCLElementary Education

Maria Gonzales MCLSpecial Education

Ellen Gonzalez Educational Studies

Frank Gonzalez Special Education

Grace Hartwig CLMath Education

Middle Grades Math Education Concordia Scholar

Bethany Hoehne SCLMath Education

Concordia Scholar

Alexis Jones Early Childhood Education

Qianyi Ke MCLEducational Studies

Lauren Knox MCLElementary Education

Mikaylah Koehler CLEarly Childhood Education

Jennifer Livesay SCLSocial Science:History Education

Concordia Scholar

Kara Lumino Early Childhood

Education Studies

Viviana Mendoza SCLEnglish/Language

Arts Education

Jessica Metcalf MCLElementary Education

Isamar Navar Early Childhood Education

Maria Ortega Elementary Education

Sydney Plopper MCLElementary Education

Stephanie Ramirez Early Childhood Education

Diana Rodriguez SCLEnglish/Language

Arts Education

Cameron Szymczak SCLSpecial Education

Alyssa Taglia SCLEnglish/Language

Arts Education

Kymauni Walker CLSocial Science:History Education

Brianna Welch SCLElementary Education

Concordia Scholar

Allison Witowicz Physical Education

CHURCH WORK CANDIDATESCollege of Education

DeaconessEmilie Stoller

Director of Christian Education (DCE)

Abigail CurraoCassidy HolesoKatherine Lutz

Margaret Warner

Lutheran Teacher Education (LTE)

Marcail ClarkGrace Hartwig

Bethany HoehneSydney PlopperLindsay Smith

Pre-SeminaryMicah Brown

Timothy ContrerasAbram Egger

Josiah JunkinCody Schrepferman

Joshua TeggatzDaniel Thoelke

37

Candidates for the Master’s Degree

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Arts and Sciences

Aaron Buchholz Religion

Dereem Hoff Religion

Rachel MeyerReligion

Justin Timm Religion

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCECollege of Arts and Sciences

Daphne Ancona Applied Exercise Science

Eloise Andrle Applied Exercise Science

Musa Ayyad Applied Exercise Science

Hunter Barnard Applied Exercise Science

Sarah Barnes Applied Exercise Science

Angelica Barriga Applied Exercise Science

Julie Bearden Applied Exercise Science

Lindsey Beers Applied Exercise Science

Michael Berezowski Applied Exercise Science

Jeremy Blanton Applied Exercise Science

Carolyn Boudreau Applied Exercise Science

Jillian Brown Applied Exercise Science

Terrance Bullitt Applied Exercise Science

Sheridan Bunyan-Naulty Applied Exercise Science

Andres Carbajal Applied Exercise Science

Riane Casper Applied Exercise Science

Kyle Colucci Applied Exercise Science

Courtney CoxApplied Exercise Science

Kasi Cruz Applied Exercise Science

Blair Darlington Applied Exercise Science

Emily Davis Applied Exercise Science

Jane Davis Applied Exercise Science

Guillermo De La Torre Applied Exercise Science

Ravikant Dewangan Applied Exercise Science

Collin Duchene Applied Exercise Science

Lucas Dutil Applied Exercise Science

Deon Edwards Applied Exercise Science

Chinasa Ekweariri Applied Exercise Science

Christian Galindo Applied Exercise Science

Samuel Gardinier Applied Exercise Science

Marshall Gerlach Applied Exercise Science

Frank Ginder Applied Exercise Science

Nicole Golden Applied Exercise Science

April Grant Applied Exercise Science

Morgan Grimm Applied Exercise Science

Bara Mousa Khalil Hamadeh Computer Science

38

T’keyah Hargrave Applied Exercise Science

Leah Harold Applied Exercise Science

Nicole Haynes Applied Exercise Science

Sebastian HernandezApplied Exercise Science

Brionne Heron Applied Exercise Science

Miriam Hill Applied Exercise Science

Lisa Imbordino Applied Exercise Science

Tatyana Jackson Applied Exercise Science

Marshall Jelden Applied Exercise Science

Robert Killion Applied Exercise Science

Amanda Koch Applied Exercise Science

Hannah Koch Applied Exercise Science

Kelly Kowalchick Applied Exercise Science

Tyler Kwasnicka Applied Exercise Science

Eric Langolf Applied Exercise Science

Monyka Lee Applied Exercise Science

Daryus Lemons Applied Exercise Science

Rachel Leszczynski Applied Exercise Science

Joseph Lopez Applied Exercise Science

Susan Lopez Applied Exercise Science

Sarah Mark Applied Exercise Science

Trevor McLaughlin Applied Exercise Science

Luis Medina Applied Exercise Science

Zayra Mendivil-Acosta Applied Exercise Science

Amanda Mills Applied Exercise Science

Steven Murkerson Applied Exercise Science

William Neubauer Applied Exercise Science

Abigail Olcott Applied Exercise Science

Seth Pugh Applied Exercise Science

Sarah Quigley Applied Exercise Science

Shannon Respeto-Irizarry Applied Exercise Science

Daniel Rich Applied Exercise Science

Ariel Rickelman Applied Exercise Science

Ricardo Rodriguez Applied Exercise Science

Alisa San Pedro Instructional Design

& Technology

Edward Saunders Applied Exercise Science

Chris Sinos Applied Exercise Science

Deerick Smith Applied Exercise Science

Cole Steffen Applied Exercise Science

Jennifer Swanson Applied Exercise Science

Yu Lun Tai Applied Exercise Science

Sarah Tandet Applied Exercise Science

Alisha Tootle Applied Exercise Science

Tuyet Truong Applied Exercise Science

Alicia Valdez Applied Exercise Science

Shayla Van Gurp Applied Exercise Science

Anthony Wade Applied Exercise Science

Tyler Wakefield Applied Exercise Science

Jacob Walker Applied Exercise Science

Katelynn Walsh Applied Exercise Science

Qi Wang Computer Science

Nicole Weaver Applied Exercise Science

Brittany Weeks Applied Exercise Science

Jeremiah Welch Applied Exercise Science

Kirsten Woolsey Applied Exercise Science

Cody Wright Applied Exercise Science

Haley Wyatt Applied Exercise Science

Derek Young Applied Exercise Science

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Business

Sarah O’Malley-Fisher Sports Leadership

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCECollege of Arts and Sciences, continued

39

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONCollege of Business

Jennifer Akin Chief School Business Officer

Dezexin An Business Management

Thalia Anthony Healthcare Management

and Leadership & Change Management

Asadullah Business Management

Murod Askaraliev Business Management

Brittany Augello Healthcare Management

Michel Balbontin Healthcare Management

Makayla Bannister Business Management

Milagros Banos Business Management

Ilayalith Bucio Business Management

Cindy Cornelius Accounting

Alisha Elias Dsouza Digital Marketing

Matthew Ernst Chief School Business Officer

Jesus Estrada Business Management

Prarunya Fuangkanngan Business Management

Candise Green Healthcare Management

Noel Grigsby Sports Management

Wei Te Ho Business Management

Rashad Hunt Leadership & Change

Management

Damir Igamberdiev Business Management

Karen Jackson Business Management

Andrews Jose Business Management

Charita Krishna Kanakamedala Business Management

Jun Ho Kang Business Management

Sezen Kaya Business Management

Muhammad Shoaib Ullah Khan Business Management

Yi Chen Lin Business Management

Sijia Liu Business Management

Robert Miller Healthcare Management

Sidhartha Nandan Business Management

Manisha Reddy Patnam Business Management

Morgan Potter Sports Management

James Robinson Healthcare Management

James RobinsonSports Management

Charlique Chrisollyn Rolle Business Management

Gregory Russell Project Management

Pratishta Sehgal Business Management

Susan Skrobowski Healthcare Management

Thammanoon Thanongsin Business Management

Karthikeyan Thiyagarajan Business Management

Stephanie Thomas Leadership & Change

Management

Trinh Thi Xuan Tran Finance

Ryan Tripp Church/Not-for-Profit

Management and Digital Marketing

Cem Mutlu Ulku Business Management

Nick Villasenor Project Management

Saundaryalahari Vimalkrishnan Business Management

Jill Walters Leadership & Change

Management

Haomiao Wang Business Management

Xiaobai Wang Business Management

Zihao Wei Business Management

Justin Whitten Chief School Business Officer

Alanna Witherspoon Business Management

Yuhao Wu Business Management

Sitorabonu Zokhidova Finance

Michael Zozulia Business Management

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Education

Natalie Hudson Education Studies

40

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHINGCollege of Education

Alicia Acevedo Elementary Education

Mirela Cicaj Elementary Education

Kristi Orton Elementary Education

Alexandria Otter Elementary Education

Marcus Rodgers Secondary Education

Samuel Schnack Secondary Education

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF EDUCATIONCollege of Education

Courtney Hursey Teaching and Learning

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Graduate Studies

Rachel Aazzerah School Leadership

Amy Acquino School Leadership

Aide Acuna Curriculum and Instruction with

Bilingual Education Endorsement

Jeannette Aguilar Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Antonio Aguirre Principal Preparation

Allulu Aldawod Special Education

Daniel Aloisio Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Ryan Altenburg Educational Technology:

Leadership

Alison Alvarado Early Childhood Special

Education

Jose Alvarado Principal Preparation

Courtney Anderson Teacher Leadership

Christina Anderson Principal Preparation

Michelle Anderson Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Anita Annafi Gerontology

Taylor Anthony School Counseling

Dan Anzilotti Principal Preparation

Julie Arias Special Education

John Arntson School Leadership

Katelin Arseneau Early Childhood Education

Kenneth Arvidson Principal Preparation

Gerardo Avitia School Counseling

Jessica Awe Curriculum and Instruction

Robert Bachar Special Education Leadership

Laura Back School Leadership: Initial Leader

Courtney Bainbridge Principal Preparation

Nicholas Balcerak Principal Preparation

Lauren Balogh Reading Education

Jessica Balzano School Counseling

Nate Bargar School Counseling

Alexa Barwacz Principal Preparation

Marta Basile Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Kathryn Bassett Principal Preparation

Nicholas Battaglia Principal Preparation

Alexandria Battle Special Education

Tamara Bayson Curriculum and Instruction

Justin Beck School Leadership: Initial Leader

Rachel Beeson School Leadership: Initial Leader

Anthony Beltrano Principal Preparation

Megan Bennett Principal Preparation

Anisha Blackmon Teacher Leadership

Sean Blackwood Teacher Leadership

Lisa Blazer Principal Preparation

Kristen Blough School Counseling

Sara Boehnke Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Marko Bojovic Principal Preparation

Kathryn Bolster Principal Preparation

Lauren Bong Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Gabrielle Booker Teaching English to Speakers of

Other Languages

Tyree Booker Principal Preparation

41

Danielle Botto Special Education Leadership

Jordan Bouterse School Leadership: Initial Leader

Samantha Bowman Principal Preparation

Cassandra Brackenridge Principal Preparation

David Bremer Principal Preparation

John Brown Principal Preparation

Meredith Buck School Leadership: Initial Leader

Nicole Buettner Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Zachary Burns School Leadership: Initial Leader

Brian Byrer School Leadership: Initial Leader

Jennifer Cabuno Teacher Leadership

Dayna Cahill School Leadership

Julie Calcagno Differentiated Instructruction:

Gifted Education

Angela Caldwell School Leadership

Daniel Cameron Special Education

Christopher Campbell School Leadership: Initial Leader

Stacey Campos Principal Preparation

Catherine Cantwell Principal Preparation

Shaunna Carter School Leadership: Initial Leader

Ana Castellanos Principal Preparation

Zuleika Cerino School Counseling

Jessica Chmura Principal Preparation

Kajal Chokshi Principal Preparation

Karen Chrisman Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Linda Cole Differentiated Instruction

Ashley Concidine Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Amanda Cook Principal Preparation

Lori Coombs Principal Preparation

Jordyn Cotter Principal Preparation

Javin Cotton Principal Preparation

Cinque Cullar Educational Administration

Carolyn Curtin Principal Preparation

Kyle Cutler School Leadership: Initial Leader

Lauren Czochara Principal Preparation

Christina Dalton Principal Preparation

David Dau Differentiated Instruction

Angela Dauphin Principal Preparation

Erin Davis Reading Education

Adreanna Dayton Principal Preparation

Rose Decanniere Principal Preparation

Sara DeMartino Consdorf Principal Preparation

Joseph Dembowski Principal Preparation

Jordan Deshong Teaching English to Speakers of

Other Languages

Jaclyn Dipasquale School Counseling

Matthew Doherty Principal Preparation

Jill Dorman School Leadership: Initial Leader

Richard Drake Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Jordan Drake School Leadership: Initial Leader

Jamie Driscoll Principal Preparation

Deborah Dubin Principal Preparation

Kathryn Eckart School Leadership: Initial Leader

Amy Ehm Principal Preparation

Mckayla Ellsworth Principal Preparation

Madeline Elman Principal Preparation

Heidi Elmore School Leadership: Initial Leader

Corey Elton Principal Preparation

Angelanina Escanilla Curriculum and Instruction

Rebecca Evans Principal Preparation

Michelle Evans School Leadership

Jessica Evrard Special Education

Natalie Felix Principal Preparation

Emma Ferst Reading Education

Elizabeth Finelli School Counseling

Angela Flickema Gerontology

Brock Foerch Educational Technology:

Leadership

Erica Fox-Childress Principal Preparation

Lee French Teacher Leadership

Hayley Fretheim Early Childhood Special

Education

Heather Frieri Principal Preparation

Sharon Fuller Principal Preparation

Monica Galang School Leadership: Initial Leader

Jessica Galla Principal Preparation

Morgan Gamble Curriculum and Instruction

Laura Garand Teacher Leadership

Shannon Garcia Principal Preparation

Brian Garland Principal Preparation

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Graduate Studies, continued

42

Cara Georges Teacher Leadership

Jennifer Gervase Principal Preparation

Veronica Gibson School Counseling

Andrew Goldie School Leadership

Aileen Goldman Principal Preparation

Julie Goostree Special Education

Kelsey Gordon School Leadership: Initial Leader

Erin Graham Educational Technology:

Leadership

Brooke Gregorcy Differentiated Instruction

Tanika Greisiger School Leadership: Initial Leader

Jaclyn Griffin Principal Preparation

Anthony Griffin School Counseling

Jessica Groncki Principal Preparation

Jennifer Gryzlak Principal Preparation

Kelley Guastella Special Education Leadership

Katelyn Haack Reading Education

Laura Hagan Principal Preparation

Todd Halstead Principal Preparation

Keith Halverson Curriculum and Instruction

James Hanley Principal Preparation

Adam Hansen Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Jamie Harkins School Counseling

Terilise Harris Principal Preparation

Brittany Harris Human Services

Judson Hartman School Leadership: Initial Leader

Meghan Hawkinson Principal Preparation

Aubrey Hayes Principal Preparation

Lindsay Hays Principal Preparation

Samantha Heckler School Leadership: Initial Leader

Julie Heimer Principal Preparation

Samantha Heinrich Principal Preparation

Huda Hejaz School Counseling

Lindsey Henkels Reading Education

Kelsey Herrick Reading Education

Caylen Hershey Reading Education

Darrell Hersman School Counseling

Andrew Hess Principal Preparation

Allison Hewell Principal Preparation

Jenna Hodge School Leadership: Initial Leader

Craig Hoffman Principal Preparation

Hannah Hollatz Teacher Leadership

Troy Huber Educational Technology:

Leadership

Amanda Huey Reading Education

Christopher Hughes School Counseling

Audrey Hutchings Curriculum and Instruction

Katie Iman School Leadership: Initial Leader

Megan Jakubowski Reading Education

Risa James School Leadership

James Jeffries School Leadership: Initial Leader

Alfonsita Jimenez Principal Preparation

Marlen Jimenez School Counseling

Christopher Johnson Principal Preparation

Sarah Johnson Principal Preparation

Kiara Jones Principal Preparation

Stephen Jones Special Education Leadership

Susan Jones School Leadership: Initial Leader

Nicole Jones School Counseling

Hye Chin Jung Curriculum and Instruction

Daniel Jurgensen Educational Technology:

Leadership

Kelly Kanarowski Principal Preparation

Colleen Karrigan Principal Preparation

Brett Kay Principal Preparation

Anna Kellar Psychology

Jonathan Kelley School Leadership: Initial Leader

Zainub Khan Principal Preparation

Terence Khuu Principal Preparation

Annette Kiehne Early Childhood Education

Justin Kimbel Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Megan Klein Principal Preparation

Makenzie Kooi Special Education Leadership

Kasie Kosinski Principal Preparation

Angelika Krawiec Principal Preparation

Renee Kuharchuk Differentiated Instruction

Sunhyeok Kwon Teaching English to Speakers of

Other Languages

Jennifer Lagundoye Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Graduate Studies, continued

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Neil Lakia School Leadership: Initial Leader

James Lamb Jr. Principal Preparation

Justine Lamoso Principal Preparation

Jessica Langosch Principal Preparation

Nicole Laprairie Principal Preparation

Sarah Larsen Principal Preparation

Emily Larsen School Counseling

Sean Larsen School Leadership

Katherine Lauesen School Counseling

Milica Leone Differentiated Instruction

Lindsey Lex Curriculum and Instruction

Danielle Licitra Reading Education

Candace Litherland Curriculum and Instruction

Susan Loken Special Education

Anthony Lonigro School Counseling

Nikole Lopez Principal Preparation

Jessica Loszach Curriculum and Instruction

Monica Loveshe Principal Preparation

Mary Luka Special Education Leadership

Kaylin Lumbard School Leadership: Initial Leader

Matthew Malloy Principal Preparation

Safiyah Malvin Principal Preparation

Alyssa Malzone Curriculum and Instruction

Lynn Marquardt Principal Preparation

Carrie Mask Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Anthony Mason Principal Preparation

April Massey School Leadership: Initial Leader

Aaron Matheson Principal Preparation

Amanda Mathews Special Education

Allie Mauck School Leadership

Hannah Maurer Principal Preparation

Bailey May School Leadership: Initial Leader

James McCarthy Educational Technology:

Leadership

John McClintock Principal Preparation

Kelly McCollom School Counseling

Waybon McConnell Educational Administration

Lauren McDonald Principal Preparation

Molly McDonough Educational Technology:

Leadership

Shannon McGowan Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Anisa McHugh School Counseling

Jenna McLaughlin School Counseling

Idalia Medina Principal Preparation

Dian Medrano Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Joseph Militello Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Tamara Miller School Counseling

Amy Miskowicz Principal Preparation

Lisa Mistovich School Leadership: Initial Leader

Ellina Mitchell Principal Preparation

Andre Moffett Principal Preparation

Maria Morales Teaching English to Speakers of

Other Languages

Erika Moratilla Principal Preparation

Margarita Moreno Principal Preparation

Robert Morgan Principal Preparation

Kassandra Mosher School Leadership: Initial Leader

Rebecca Moss Principal Preparation

Madeleine Moustakas Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Catherine Moy Principal Preparation

Kelsey Mulhern Principal Preparation

Julianna Murphy School Counseling

Aaron Myers School Leadership: Initial Leader

Erin Narcisi Principal Preparation

Mallory Nasatir Principal Preparation

Ashley Nelson Principal Preparation

Grace Neuses Teacher Leadership

Jessica Olinski Teacher Leadership

Capucine Oliver School Counseling

Kelly Olson Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Patrick O’Neill Principal Preparation

Matthew O’Reilly School Leadership

Joyce Orellana Principal Preparation

Brandon Orr Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Stacy Osideko Principal Preparation

Adrianne Osmus School Leadership

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Graduate Studies, continued

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Rebecka Oyster Reading Education

Lauren Ozimek Principal Preparation

Mirella Padilla Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Alexandra Paist Teacher Leadership

Courtney Palicka Principal Preparation

Barbara Palomo Principal Preparation

Meghan Paloucek Principal Preparation

Lauren Panek Educational Technology:

Leadership

Courtney Pantone School Leadership: Initial Leader

Mary Pasquale Principal Preparation

Ashley Patla Principal Preparation

Kathryn Paulson Principal Preparation

Maci Payne Differentiated Instruction

Sarah Payne Principal Preparation

Kathryn Peacock Differentiated Instruction

Alexis Pellegrino Special Education Leadership

Megan Peoplis Principal Preparation

Regina Perez School Counseling

Ashley Perisee Principal Preparation

Damiya Perkins Educational Administration

Rebecca Perry Principal Preparation

Samuel Peters Educational Technology:

Leadership

Faith Petkus Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Marcellus Phelps Educational Administration

Bartholomew Piet Principal Preparation

Carly Pietro Differentiated Instruction

Annie PlackettTeacher Leadership

Patryk Pliszka Principal Preparation

Jordan Poll Principal Preparation

Martha Polley Principal Preparation

Kiara Poole School Counseling

Molly Porters School Counseling

Amy Powell Special Education Leadership

Carly Powell Curriculum and Instruction

Ben Powers Principal Preparation

Brandi Price Educational Administration

Erica Proffit School Counseling

Kathleen Pyrce Principal Preparation

Moira Quealy Educational Technology:

Leadership

Anne Ragauskis Principal Preparation

Stephanie Rahn Special Education

Alyssa Raiche-Salek Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Kyle Rall School Leadership: Initial Leader

Caroline Reardon Curriculum and Instruction

Raven Redmond Special Education

Kelly Reinmann Principal Preparation

Leigh Reisberg Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Kristen Rekow School Leadership

Debra Reyes Principal Preparation

Chase Richards School Leadership: Initial Leader

Jessica Rinehart Principal Preparation

Christopher Rios Principal Preparation

Sonia Rios School Counseling

Matthew Rivera Principal Preparation

Samantha Robbins Principal Preparation

Patricia Rodriguez Principal Preparation

Raquel Rodriguez Principal Preparation

Priscilla Rodriguez School Counseling

Kate Rogers Principal Preparation

Stephen Rogers Principal Preparation

Clarissa Rosenberg Principal Preparation

Amber Rossero School Leadership: Initial Leader

Amber Rossler English as a Second Language

Corey Rotelli Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Diana Ruiz Principal Preparation

James Russell Curriculum and Instruction

Markeise Russell Principal Preparation

Teresa Ruvalcaba Psychology

Jamie Sakelaris Teacher Leadership

Grace Sanchez Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Neelesh Sane Principal Preparation

Christine Santosdiaz Principal Preparation

Carlos Santoyo Principal Preparation

Heidi Sass Differentiated Instruction

Holly Schatz Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Graduate Studies, continued

45

Rebecca Schmidly Principal Preparation

Megan Schmidt Teacher Leadership

Amy Schultz Principal Preparation

Lauren Schwabe Reading Education

Kurnain Scott Principal Preparation

Victoria Scott Principal Preparation

Matthew Seaquist Special Education

Melanie Sell Principal Preparation

John Sents Reading Education

Alyssa Serewicz School Counseling

Julie Shapiro Principal Preparation

Yan Shar Teacher Leadership

Jason Shaw School Leadership: Initial Leader

Rebecca Sheade Principal Preparation

Laura Sherman Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Margaret Sholl Principal Preparation

Jaclyn Shupe Reading Education

Zun Mi Mi Shwe Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Rebecca Siambekos Reading Education

Gabrielle Silva Differentiated Instruction

Brittaney Simmons Educational Administration

Melissa Sindermann Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Caitlin Skrbec Special Education

Stephanie SlagerSpecial Education

Nicholas Slezak School Counseling

Ashley Slifer Differentiated Instruction

Julie Sluis School Counseling

Mary Smaga Differentiated Instruction

Bryan Smith School Leadership: Initial Leader

Heather Smith School Counseling

Rebecca Smith Reading Education

Shatondra Smith School Counseling

Teresa Smith Early Childhood Education

Kelsey Sohrweide Principal Preparation

Janel Sorenson School Leadership

Nicolas Sorrentino School Counseling

Colin Spude Principal Preparation

Mary Staehlin Principal Preparation

Michael Staiger School Leadership: Initial Leader

Amanda Stark Reading Education

Taylor Stevens School Leadership: Initial Leader

Linda Stone Principal Preparation

Jayne Storr School Counseling

Andrea Stubblefield Principal Preparation

Melissa Stucky Principal Preparation

Randi Sucic Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Ashley Swanson School Counseling

Nicole Sward Special Education

Renee Swidron Differenitated Instruction

Mark Talbot Principal Preparation

Launa Tangorra Principal Preparation

Brianna Taylor Curriculum and Instruction

Patrice Taylor-Thompson School Counseling

Marquita Thompson Principal Preparation

Stacie Thorpe-Burnett Principal Preparation

Juan Tinoco Principal Preparation

Filberto Torres Principal Preparation

Kristine Turner Principal Preparation

Abby Udelhofen Reading Education

Oscar Urbina School Counseling

Theresa Urchell Teacher Leadership

Bonnetta Vaughn Special Education

Robin Vaughn Principal Preparation

Rachel Vena Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Jacqueline Vrchota Principal Preparation

Rebecca Waldbusser Principal Preparation

Logan Walther Principal Preparation

Annina Wanzung Differentiated Instruction:

Gifted Education

Michael Warren Principal Preparation

Michelle Wasilewski Differentiated Instruction

Patricia Watson Principal Preparation

Shari Watts School Leadership: Initial Leader

Christina Weathersby Principal Preparation

Chloe Wells Curriculum and Instruction with

ESL Endorsement

Brittany Wiggins Principal Preparation

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Graduate Studies, continued

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Emily Wiggins Principal Preparation

Krista Wilcox Educational Technology:

Curriculum and Instruction

Alexis Wilk Reading Education

Karla Williams Reading Education

Aleasa Williamson Principal Preparation

Porsche Winfield Principal Preparation

Latasha Winston Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Rebecca Wos Reading Education

David Wright School Leadership: Initial Leader

Kyle Wright Principal Preparation

Megan Xaverius Principal Preparation

Tariqqa Young Curriculum and Instruction

Sahed Yousef Teacher Leadership

Peter Zak Principal Preparation

Alexandra Zeller Principal Preparation

Sarah Ziegler Principal Preparation

Corinne Zimmerman Principal Preparation

Janice Zimmerman Principal Preparation

CANDIDATES FOR THE EDUCATION SPECIALISTCollege of Graduate Studies

Tod Altenburg Superintendency

LaTonya Applewhite Superintendency

Stephen Bournes Superintendency

Amanda Smith Superintendency

CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF ARTSCollege of Graduate Studies, continued

47

Candidates for the Doctoral Degree

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHYCollege of Arts and Sciences

Amy AllnuttHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Weight Bias Attitudes and Obesity Beliefs Among Undergraduate Students

Dissertation Committee: Dayna Alexander, Chair; Daniel Smith, William Torrence

Jennifer ArnoldHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: Virtual Reality and Mental Skills to Enhance Cadet Performance

Dissertation Committee: William Torrence, Chair; Daniel Smith, Garrett Beatty

Blair CarsoneHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: Occupational Therapy Intervention and Beery VMI Scores of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Brachial Plexus Injury, and Cerebral Palsy

Dissertation Committee: Katherine Green, Chair; William Torrence, Bridgett Henry

Christopher JacquardHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: HRV Coherence Biofeedback Training and Sleep Duration in a Law Enforcement Population

Dissertation Committee: William Torrence, Chair; John Schwartz, Arthur Safer

Jeff MonacoHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: The Effects of a 12 -Week Body Transformation Challenge and Personal Training on Exercise Frequency and Adherence of New Gym Members – An Analysis

Dissertation Committee: Bridget Melton, Chair; Helen Bland, Malinda Teague

Thomas SchwartzHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: Indices of Aerobic Power and Stamina in Middle-Distance Running

Dissertation Committee: Michael Thomas, Chair; Jeffrey Messer, Kun Li

Thomas SoleckiHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: Perceptions of College Athletes’ Healthy Eating and the Effects on Mood, Perceived Stress, and Performance Recovery

Dissertation Committee: William Torrence, Chair; Amanda Mulcahy, Ronald Wagner

Julie UleryHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: Nutrition Supplement Use Among Adult Recreational Runners: What Influences Runners’ Consumption?

Dissertation Committee: Bridget Melton, Chair; Helen Bland, Amy Jo Riggs

48

Brandi WalkerHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: The Effects of Varying Rest Intervals on Jump Height and Peak Power

Dissertation Committee: William Torrence, Chair; Helen Bland, John Wagle

Jeffrey WilliamsHealth and Human PerformanceDissertation Title: Assessment of Dynamic, Unilateral Asymmetry Scores as an Indicator to Diminished Bilateral Strength 1RM Scores in Olympic Weightlifters

Dissertation Committee: William Torrence, Chair; Daniel Smith, Michael Thomas

DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONCollege of Business

Ahmed Montasser Sayed AbdalbaqiBusiness Administration Dissertation Title: A Qualitative Study for Crisis Management Strategies Used by Small Business Leaders

Dissertation Committee: Charlene Dunfee, Chair; Kristen Moore, Paul Brower

Khaled AlharahshehBusiness Administration Dissertation Title: Relationship between Ownership Concentration and Dividend Policy in Jordanian Capital Market

Dissertation Committee: Roberto Castaneda, Chair; Daniel Mays, Dana Sendziol

Imad RamadanBusiness Administration Dissertation Title: The Association Between Accounting Disclosures and Transparency and Investors’ Confidence

Dissertation Committee: Roberto Castaneda, Chair; Daniel Mays, Apostolos Xanthopoulos

DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONCollege of Business

Alex AndersonLeadership: Sports Management AdministrationDissertation Title: Exploration of Student-Athletes’ College Choice at Small, Private NCAA Division I Institutions

Dissertation Committee: Elizabeth Brennan, Chair; Mary Ball Brant, Sandra Svoboda

Michael Birmingham Sr.Organizational LeadershipDissertation Title: Identifying Campus Locations’ Contributions To The Perception of Safety

Dissertation Committee: Rayshawn Eastman, Chair; Anne Grey, Gail Stephens

Denair ThomasOrganizational Leadership Dissertation Title: Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Computer-Assisted Instruction to Teach Academics to Students with Level 1 Autism in the Middle Grades

Dissertation Committee: David Kluth, Chair; Elizabeth Owolabi, Bridgett Henry

Jason WenschlagOrganizational Leadership Dissertation Title: 35 Days: An Autoethnography of Change Leadership Following a School Tragedy

Dissertation Committee: Katherine Green, Chair; Maja Miskovic, Donna Blaess

Michael WilliamsOrganizational Leadership Dissertation Title: How Out of School Time Programs at Field-based Science Institutions Impact STEM Pathway Choices: Urban Minority Youth and Underrepresented STEM Fields

Dissertation Committee: Marlon Cummings, Chair; Hilton Kelly, Pamela Konkol

CANDIDATES FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHYCollege of Arts and Sciences, continued

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHYCollege of Business

Cynthia DavisLeadership: Sports Management AdministrationDissertation Title: A Generic Qualitative Study from Softball Coaches’ Perspectives: Spectators’ Behaviors on the Diamond

Dissertation Committee: Suzanne Lawrence, Chair; Jeffrey Eyanson, Robert Mechikoff

Elisabeth DellegrazieOrganizational LeadershipDissertation Title: Internationalization of Business Curriculum: Global Competence and Global Citizenship

Dissertation Committee: Donna Blaess, Chair; Steve Song, Kathryn Hollywood

Troy HoekstraOrganizational LeadershipDissertation Title: Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Inefficiencies in Commercial Construction and Development Projects in the Midwestern United States

Dissertation Committee: Elizabeth Brennan, Chair; Mary Ball Brant, Donald Comi

Stephanie LovingoodLeadership: Sports Management AdministrationDissertation Title:

Front Office Mothers in the Business of Professional Sport: Navigating Motherhood and Career

Dissertation Committee: Kathryn Hollywood, Chair; Rekha Rajan, Donna Blaess

Larissa MillerOrganizational LeadershipDissertation Title: Compassion Fatigue and Nursing Faculty: Are Students Involved?

Dissertation Committee: William Spears, Chair; Daniel Smith, Arthur Safer

Phillip NormanLeadership: Sports Management AdministrationDissertation Title: The Impact of Intercollegiate Football Participation on Academic Achievement

Dissertation Committee: Donna Blaess, Chair; Michael Hardy, Scott Leman

Debra ReedOrganizational LeadershipDissertation Title: Exploration of Aspects of Strategic Leadership that are Unique to Nonprofit Organizations

Dissertation Committee: Kathryn Hollywood, Chair; Rekha Rajan, Elizabeth Brennan

DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONCollege of Graduate Studies

Timothy BakerSchool Leadership Dissertation Title: The Impact of an Emergent Discipline Culture on Teacher Perceptions of School Climate

Dissertation Committee: Pamela Konkol, Chair; Peter Sullivan, Christopher Esposito

Scott BramleySchool Leadership Dissertation Title: School Leaders’ Perceptions of School Climate

Dissertation Committee: Paul Sims, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Glenn Schlichting

Tiffany BurnettSchool LeadershipDissertation Title: The Road Not Yet Taken: White Teachers’ Perspectives on Culturally Responsive Teaching

Dissertation Committee: Christopher Esposito, Chair; Pamela Konkol, Ebonyse Mead

Cathy ColemanHigher Education LeadershipDissertation Title: Administrator Perceptions of Teacher Attrition Prior to COVID-19: A Case Study

Dissertation Committee: Dannelle Stevens, Chair; Elizabeth Owolabi, Thomas Bailey

Marc EvansSchool LeadershipDissertation Title: Teachers’ Perceptions of High-stakes Testing - Preparing Students for a Test or Preparing Students for Life?

Dissertation Committee: Mary Zaharis, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Arthur Safer

Suzanne GarciaEducational Leadership Dissertation Title: Attending Anyway: A Qualitative Case Study of the Intersections of Family Stress, School Climate, and School Attendance Choices within a Northeast Urban High School

Dissertation Committee: Katherine Green, Chair; Rekha Rajan, Kathryn Hollywood

50

Valerie HooseTeacher LeadershipDissertation Title: How Elementary (K-5) Teachers’ Mindsets Affect Classroom Environments

Dissertation Committee: Christopher Maddox, Chair; John Lupinacci, Victoria Hansen

Geneine MorrisEducational LeadershipDissertation Title: The Role of Black Sisters in Servant Leadership in the USA

Dissertation Committee: Paul Sims, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Arthur Safer

Braulio NavarroEducational Leadership Dissertation Title: How Principals of New York City Urban High Schools Address the Unique Needs of Students Who are Homeless

Dissertation Committee: Arthur Safer, Chair; Mary Ball Brant, Robert Wilhite

Danielle Penn-LusbySchool LeadershipDissertation Title: To Be Right or To Be in Relationship: Exploring the Experiences of Staff During the Implementation of Restorative Practices at a Suburban High School

Dissertation Committee: Pamela Konkol, Chair; Evelyn Nedderman, Arthur Safer

Sean RabiolaEducational LeadershipDissertation Title: Exploring Educators’ Multidimensional Attitudes and Self-Efficacy Toward Inclusive Education

Dissertation Committee: William Spears, Chair; Kathleen Hibbert, Arthur Safer

Crystal RossHigher Education LeadershipDissertation Title: Teacher Turnover in a Texas Public School: A Case Study

Dissertation Committee: Libi Shen, Chair; Joan McGarry, John D’Aguanno

Samora RugumamuTeacher LeadershipDissertation Title: Effective Science Teaching Strategies for ESL/EFL Students: A Case Study

Dissertation Committee: Libi Shen, Chair; John D’Aguanno, Genelle Morris

William StantonSchool LeadershipDissertation Title: The Effects of Professional Learning Communities on Collective Teacher Efficacy

Dissertation Committee: Paul Sims, Chair; Mary Ball Brant, Arthur Safer

Bridgette StuartHigher Education LeadershipDissertation Title: Parents’ Experiences with Promoting the Academic Success of Middle School Children in Low-Socioeconomic Schools

Dissertation Committee: Andrea Silverstein, Chair; Judy Shoemaker, Dion Jones

Lori TuckerCurriculum & InstructionDissertation Title: Teachers’ Perceptions of Using Data to Inform Instruction: A Mixed Methods Approach

Dissertation Committee: Christopher Lilly, Chair; Mary Ball Brant, Joan McGarry

Tamara WallaceSchool LeadershipDissertation Title: Remote Learning in the Time of Crisis: The Perceptions of Elementary Teachers in Developing Social Presence, Cognitive Presence and Teaching Presence

Dissertation Committee: Rebecca Hornberger, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Paul Sims

DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONCollege of Graduate Studies, continued

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHYCollege of Graduate Studies

Juanita AdeoyeSchool LeadershipDissertation Title: The Unspoken Wound: A Qualitative Study of Educators’ Adverse Childhood Experiences

Dissertation Committee: Maja Miskovic, Chair; Mary Crabtree, Kathy Bonnar

Samantha AlaimoSchool LeadershipDissertation Title: The Impact of the Implementation of Tier I Social Emotional Learning Programming on Skill Mastery and School Environment in an Illinois Middle School

Dissertation Committee: Paul Sims, Chair; Daniel Smith, Glenn Schlichting

Noha AlmazrooCurriculum & InstructionDissertation Title: Computer Science Teachers’ Perspectives Regarding their Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practice of Brain-Based Learning Strategies in Saudi Arabia

Dissertation Committee: Jenna Nelson, Chair; John Schwartz, Mohamed Elnatour

Afrah AlobraCurriculum & InstructionDissertation Title: Perspectives of High School Teachers for Adding Art Education as a Mandatory Class in Saudi Arabia Secondary Schools

Dissertation Committee: William Spears, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Arthur Safer

Ahmed AlomairEducational Technology: LeadershipDissertation Title: Saudi Arabian University Students’ Perceptions of Engagement and Self-directed Learning when using Smartphones

Dissertation Committee: Andrea Dinaro, Chair; Hayal Kackar-Cam, Kathryn Wozniak

Ohud Mohammed O AlshamsanSpecial Education LeadershipDissertation Title: Saudi teachers’ perceptions of their knowledge and responsibility about the special education principles in Saudi Vision 2030

Dissertation Committee: Andrea Dinaro, Chair; Hayal Kackar-Cam, John Schwartz

Elizabeth BurkeTeacher LeadershipDissertation Title: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Classroom Technology Use: A Mixed Methods Study

Dissertation Committee: Lucy Ozvat, Chair; Joseph Dusek, Adam Hiebel

David FreedEducational Leadership Dissertation Title: International School Principals’ Insights and Experiences with Teacher Motivation

Dissertation Committee: Paul Sims, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Rebecca Hornberger

Junior HernandezEducational Leadership Dissertation Title: Teachers’ Perceptions of Integrating Digital Technology Tools

Dissertation Committee: Andrea Silverstein, Chair; Tamara Korenman, Ardelle Pate

Byron LyonsSchool LeadershipDissertation Title: Principals’ Perceptions of Leading with Emotional Intelligence in Urban School Settings

Dissertation Committee: Paul Sims, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Rebecca Hornberger

Dori MacMillanSchool Leadership: Initial LeaderDissertation Title: Educators’ Experiences and Use of Alternative Approaches in Place of Exclusionary Discipline

Dissertation Committee: Lucy Ozvat, Chair; Alison Clark, Arthur Safer

Sara MeeksSpecial Education LeadershipDissertation Title: Teacher Perspectives Regarding the Use of Restorative Justice Practices for Students with Disabilities in an Urban High School Setting

Dissertation Committee: William Spears, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Arthur Safer

Elizabeth MieschReading, Language & LiteracyDissertation Title: Navigating Dyslexia from Kindergarten to College: A Study of Parents’ Individual Narratives

Dissertation Committee: Elena Lyutykh, Chair; Jie Lin, Kari Pawl

Bradford MitchellEducational Technology: LeadershipDissertation Title: Mindset and Online Learning Performance of Secondary Students

Dissertation Committee: Ardelle Pate, Chair; Steve Song, James Panosh

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Winifred NnakweEducational LeadershipDissertation Title: How did School Business Officials (SBOs), as district fiscal leaders maintain fiscal solvency following The Great Recession of 2008 in New York State (NYS) Public Schools?

Dissertation Committee: Craig Schilling, Chair; Daniel Smith, David Bein

Rookmattie SamarooReading, Language & LiteracyDissertation Title: A Case Study of Teachers’ Experiences in Vertical Professional Learning Communities (VPLCs): Focused on Building Teachers’ Capacity in Nonfiction Reading Across Grades K-2

Dissertation Committee: Kari Pawl, Chair; Angela Tagaris, Sandra Doering

Fritzy Sannon-BrownEducational LeadershipDissertation Title: Principal Turnover and Retention: A Study of Urban K-12 School Principals and Accountability

Dissertation Committee: Alison Clark, Chair; Tamara Korenman, Mary Zaharis

Julie TaylorCurriculum & InstructionDissertation Title: Exploring Teacher Perspectives on the Impact of the Next Step Guided Reading Approach to Literacy Instruction: A Case Study

Dissertation Committee: William Spears, Chair; Daniel Smith, Arthur Safer

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHYCollege of Graduate Studies, continued

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