s p r i n g 2 017
ST E WA R D S O F THE EARTH
FIND OUT W H AT ’ S N E W
T H E AT R E D E PA R T M E N T E XPLORES SOCIAL ISSUES
For Director of Christian Education
and alumnus Ross Owens, ministry was never a “some day” concept. He liked that Concordia taught
its Religious Education students
that ministry occurs everywhere,
at anytime, even before graduation.
Ross credits his CTX education with
equipping him with practical skills for planning, teaching and leading. He
felt well-prepared for his new ministry
position at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, where he has been teaching for the last four years.
BE A TORNADO
Take the world by Since 1926, Concordia University Texas has been dedicated to the mission of developing Christian leaders. We are committed to being the premier university where the adventure of faith, learning and life-changing experiences leads to meaningful work. CTX alumni receive a scholarship when they choose to continue their education by pursuing a Concordia MBA. Find out more or sign up for an info session at concordia.edu/MBA.
#CTXWOOSH
MAGAZINE
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co nte nts
New Initiatives
ON THE COVER
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Stewards of the Earth
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IN EVERY ISSUE
4 President's Message 5 Concordia Chatter
Sports Recap
20 Athletics News 25 Campus News 28 Alumni Notes
Concord ia Un iversity Te xa s Maga z ine s p r i n g 2 017 MARKETING &
Aaron Turner
BOARD OF REGENTS
ABOUT CONCORDIA
ABOUT THE MAGAZINE
C O M M U N I CAT I O N S
E X EC U T I V E S TA FF
Managing Editor Lisa Kessler
President and CEO Dr. Donald Christian
Creative Manager Holly Satsky
Provost, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kristi Kirk
Jim Albers Christopher J. Bannwolf James Cleary, Jr. Dr. Ted Crofford Mark DeYoung Rev. Allen Doering Dr. Mary Beth Gaertner Peter Hames Rev. Kenneth Hennings Rev. Nathaniel W. Hill Dr. Max Kiesling Raymond L. Kym Dr. Margaret Landwermeyer Heidi Lewis Noreen Linke Charles Requadt Cassie Schermbeck Rev. Alan Taylor
Concordia University Texas is a private, coeducational institution of liberal arts and sciences offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Concordia offers adult as well as online degree programs for parttime students and adult returning students. CTX is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is under the auspices of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
The magazine is published twice a year by the university’s Marketing & Communications office. It is provided free of charge. Please send comments, letters to the editor or story ideas to lisa.kessler@concordia.edu.
Social Media Manager Jasmyn Booker Contributing Writers Jasmyn Booker Chelsey Doering Joe Fisher Sue Ellen Jackson Ashley Sava Photographers Lance Holt Ryan Pennington
VP, Chief Operations Officer Beth Atherton VP, Chief Financial Officer Sarah Loghin Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Shane Sokoll
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PRESIDENT'S
message
If we believe that “In Christ all things hold together,” then we believe that the Christ who saves us through faith is the same Christ who also endows His people with gifts and talents to create and bring to life ideas and products that serve the greater good. Concordia’s Incubator for Innovation and Impact is a place where students, faculty and staff and the community at large will learn what it means to bring ideas to market, start a business from the ground up, and create services and products that help others.
“In Christ all things hold together”
Greetings from the President During this academic year our theme has been “In Christ all things hold together,” helping our community to remember and live out our value of being Christ-centered. Many institutions of higher education would see this value as anathema to the process of teaching and learning, or at the very least something that is thought about and practiced somewhere else on campus. It is easy to fall into the trap that the value of being Christ-centered happens only during chapel or devotional time…or during religion classes…or when groups pray together…or during mission trips. The truth of Lutheran higher education is that our entire ethos is one of being Christ-centered, something that comes alive in this issue of our magazine. If we believe that “In Christ all things hold together,” then we believe that the Christ who saves us through faith is the same Christ who also created the earth and all its creatures. Concordia’s preserve and its 400 acres of beautiful landscape are visual reminders of how Christ is present in all things, even those which surround us each and every day. As stewards of that creation, Concordia has begun to commit resources to bring that creation to life for our students and our community. 4
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
If we believe that “In Christ all things hold together,” then we believe that the Christ who saves us through faith is the same Christ who also gifts His people with multiple skills and talents through which they live out their vocations. Whether it be students who participate in athletics, the fine arts, research or service-learning…whether it be faculty who engage in writing, speaking or service to the church and community…or whether it be Concordia alumni who are living out their vocations across the world – all of these are ways in which we see Christ at the center of what we do. And finally, if we believe that “In Christ all things hold together,” then we believe that the Christ who saves us through faith is the same Christ who also blesses his people with resources to support the many institutions and ministries that proclaim and reflect the cross of Christ. I am so thankful for people who, over the past 90 years, have supported the work of our school. Gifts that built new buildings…gifts that launched new projects…gifts that supported new positions… gifts that enabled new ideas…gifts that allowed students to attend Concordia…and gifts that allowed Concordia to not only survive but to thrive and strive to become the premier university where the adventure of faith, learning and lifechanging experiences leads to meaningful work. To those of you who have given in the past, thank you! To those of you who currently are supporting us through your gifts, thank you! And to those future donors who will support the dreams yet to come, thank you! It is because of all of you that Concordia University Texas has been and will be that place where “In Christ, all things hold together.”
Donald Christian PRESIDENT AND CEO
CONCORDIA
@JENNA_RUPICH
ON BEING PROUD TO BE A TORNADO
ON THE VIEW AROUND CAMPUS
I’m proud to be a (wannabe) tornado because the university stands for amazing things and the campus is beautiful. Hopefully I’ll be there my junior year, but a girl can hope.
@TAYLORAROUNDTHEGLOBE
...because this campus & community shines the light of Jesus!!! @JENTRY1348
SO I CAN BE ME AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BEING JUDGED! LOVE THIS PLACE!
ch atter
FAVORITE SPOT
ON CAMPUS
@TC_BALDWIN12
...because of the the amazing community and people here, and because the baseball team is the best. #wednesdaysareforthenados FACEBOOK REVIEW
@NERISSALYNETTE
I’m proud to be a tornado because of the awesome school colors of purple and gold, then of course the awesome community of students as well as professors and staff. @GENNA_ELLINWOOD
...because of the sense of love and community on this campus, and the amazing opportunity to play college tennis! @LENA.MUNIZ
...because of the lifelong friends I’ve made here!!!
Concordia has proven to me that it’s a place where people care, where experiential and service learning is intentionally woven into the curriculum, where God is honored, where open debate on any issue can occur honestly and safely, and where people discover that they truly can develop into Christian leaders who make a difference in our world. Thanks for the 40+ years I’ve gotten to be a part of this learning community. L AU REN C E M EISSN ER
@SP00KYVIC
the bridge!!! The sound of running water underneath is lovely. ON THE FUTURE @LANADEL_TAY_
I’m looking forward to making new friends, learning new skills & making memories during my last semester!
Follow Concordia Connect with CTX via our many social media platforms, where we document the daily goings-on of campus on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and more. FACEBOOK
INSTAGR AM
S N A PC H AT
facebook.com/concordiatx
@concordiatx
@concordiatx
@concordiatx
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STEWARDS OF THE EARTH BY CHELSEY DOERING
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
If any university should have a flagship emphasis on environmental stewardship and education it should be a Christian university. The first task that mankind is given by God is to ‘keep’ the garden (Gen. 2:15). By doing so, we glorify God and preserve the beauty, complexity and functional integrity of His handiwork. And as we use the environment as God also permitted, we must do it responsibly.” - Dr. Laurence Meissner
C
oncordia University Texas is proud to announce the introduction of several new environmental stewardship initiatives, beginning with the hiring of a new Director of Environmental Stewardship, the organization of the state’s first collegiate Texas Master Naturalist® group, addition of the midwinter bald eagle survey and a new annual celebration called Nature Fest.
L ANCE HOLT
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THE PRESERVE
First, some background information on the unique natural resources Concordia stewards: The Concordia Preserve is part of the larger Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP), which covers over 30,000 acres in Western Travis County and protects eight endangered species and an additional 27 species of concern. One of the more pristine units of the BCP, the Concordia Preserve, is home to the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler and the threatened Jollyville Plateau Salamander. The Preserve contains innumerable native plant species, karst features, and numerous other unique wildlife species. The Preserve is also home to 28 archeological sites, 13 of which have been included within the National Register of Historic Places. These sites include 10 rock shelters, two open terrace sites and one Central Texas burned rock midden (a pit used for baking by Native Americans who lived in this area). The natural springs that flow from the Concordia Preserve form the headwaters of Bull Creek and feed Lake Austin. The Preserve is accessible through several on-campus entry points, and nearly every campus building overlooks the Preserve’s canopy.
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FRIESENHAHN CAVE
MIDWINTER BALD EAGLE SURVEY
NATURE FEST
The Friesenhahn Cave in San Antonio was donated to the University in 1997. Second only to the La Brea Tar Pits, the cave is an internationally-known paleontological site and has become known to geologists as one of the most important fossil sites in North America. The cave has yielded a variety of Pleistocene vertebrate fossils, including over 4,000 isolated teeth and bones of more than 30 genera of ice age mammals, reptiles and birds. The cave was donated to the university in 1997, and since that time Concordia has served as the cave’s steward. The cave was most recently featured on the Science Channel show, Secret’s of the Underground. This past January, CTX was bestowed a new vocation to continue their mission. Mr. Charles Tischler reached out to the university in the fall of 2016, looking to transition his 30+ years of survey work on Lake Buchanan. CTX was asked to lead the midwinter Bald Eagle Survey sponsored by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. CTX is honored to continue this valuable survey work, in efforts to monitor eagle populations in this very important winter habitat. On March 31, 2017, CTX set aside a day for learning about and celebrating the natural resources uniquely available to us. Nature Fest included tours of the university’s federally protected preserve, as well as tours of the campus itself. The day also included guided bird watching, a fair for local exhibitors, a silent auction, a speaker series (held outside) and a gardening demonstration put on by the university’s Sustainability Club. Volunteers also gave their time to help pick up litter. Professors held many of their classes outdoors, and many members of the university and local communities took advantage of hammocking and took photos in the abundant wildflowers on campus.
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INTRODUCING
Zach Stark
p
Zack Stark Director of Environmental Stewardship
Helping to jumpstart this new initiative is Zach Stark, Concordia’s new Director of Environmental Stewardship. Stark, an alumnus of Texas State University, was born and raised in Austin. Following his passion for natural resource conservation and environmental management after graduation, Stark proceeded to work in land and wildlife management and environmental consulting. During his career, Stark has worked extensively with private landowners in Texas, collaborating with biologists, archaeologists, surveyors and engineers to achieve the best strategy for the clients’ needs. Additionally, Stark has gained a comprehensive background in his field by working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
As Director of Environmental Stewardship, Stark’s duties will focus on working to continually build Concordia’s nature and outdoor brand, as well as serving as land manager and liaison with Travis County, working to protect the 250+ acre preserve, which is part of the larger Balcones Canyonland Preserve. Stark will push initiatives to highlight environmental education, stewardship and sustainability. Leading and coordinating projects with key faculty and staff in facilities management and the environmental science department will make up a large part of his responsibilities. Finally, recommendations for Concordia’s strategic and master planning process will also be a key component of his position.
Texas Master Naturalist What is the value of conservation? It’s crucial that we who are engaged in conservation have a ready answer for that. There are countless studies that quantify the dollar-value of ‘ecological services,’ or those things nature does for humans. There is a growing body of study that attempts to quantify the impacts of nature on human well-being, and the results are what you’d hope for: we need nature in order to be happy and healthy.” - Sam Whitehead Ph.D
In 2013, Concordia established the first collegiate chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist (the Balcones Canyonlands Chapter at Concordia University Texas), which brings conservationists to campus from across the region to explore and learn in the preserve, and 10
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
puts students in conservation leadership roles. The chapter’s advisors (including Sam Whitehead) were recently recognized by the organizations State Director for their efforts in developing the collegiate model.
Two goals for starting the Texas Master Naturalist at Concordia: Better prepare my students for the job market. Help students forge a meaningful connection with the work of conservation. - Sam Whitehead Ph.D
The Concordia Stewardship Plan To engage all students in the wonder and stewardship of campus. Our vision is that Concordia University Texas is the preThe university has an Environmental Science and Consermier nature and outdoor university in Texas, engaging stuvation program for students who want to pursue a career in dents, faculty, staff and the community in the stewardship of related fields. However, we want every student who takes God’s natural world. The Concordia Stewardship Plan (CSP), therefore, guides Concordia’s stewardship of its natural recourses on campus (approximately 1,500) to graduate with a sources throughout the Concordia community in a manner foundational knowledge of and appreciation for their natural that reflects reverence for all Creation, promotes deep and environment. Therefore, this objective and its proposed activmeaningful connections between people and nature and esities aim to institutionalize curriculum and activities that protablishes Christian environmental stewardship as a core value mote environmental stewardship across all disciplines. These of the university. include establishing a Student Stewardship Council, as well Dr. Sam Whitehead serves as the Chair of Concordia’s Enas integrating facets of the CSP into the university’s 10 year vironmental Science and Conservation program. Recognizing Strategic Plan and its general education curriculum. the urgency for a long-term plan that includes all of ConcorAnd finally, to commit publically to a long-term environmental dia’s natural resources, Dr. Whitehead drafted the CSP, which sustainability plan and join a community of like-minded peer instiincorporates longtime professor Dr. Laurence Meissner’s vitutions. sion for the preserve and Friesenhahn Cave. Zach Stark, DirecThis objective and proposed activities aim to connect Contor of Environmental Stewardship, also brings key elements of cordia with national and international organizations known the CSP into fruition, and he and Dr. Whitehead collaborated in higher education for their efforts toward sustainability. Adto determine the following priorities. ditionally, the university plans to attend the 2017 Association To develop and implement a management plan for Friesenhahn for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Cave. (AASHE) Conference in San Antonio and to become a memBecause of its invaluable paleontological contributions ber of that organization and location in a San Antonio neighborhood, the cave requires immediate and long-term measures I am looking forward to using my extensive to preserve its health. In order to accomplish this objective, the CSP proposes achieving tax exempt background in conservation and environmental status for the cave and establishing the Friesenmanagement to support Concordia’s mission of promoting hahn Cave Preserve Foundation, a non-profit orrelationships between people and nature,” Zach Stark ganization charged with promoting conservation, research and education of the site. Then, the CSP said. “The university has the unique opportunity to utilize would go on to identify potential members of a the ties between education and stewardship and that’s Board of Directors to oversee the management of something I am excited to be a part of.” the cave, scheduling regular travel to San Antonio for ongoing maintenance and community out- Zach Stark reach and education for the site. To create and implement a campus-wide environmental education plan. The Concordia University Texas campus is a living classroom for students and our larger community. This In the coming years, we believe that environmental stewardship will become integral to Concordia’s identity. Our goal objective and proposed activities will create opportunities for is for every student and visitor to leave our campus with the students and community members to enjoy and learn in and heart of a naturalist, and we are confident that this goal will from their natural environment. These proposals include crebe realized. ating an on-campus trail system that borders the preserve and highlights important natural features, educational signage that identifies various native plant species and animal habitats, outdoor classroom spaces to encourage greater interacSupport for this worthwhile initiative can be made at concordia.edu/makeagift tions between students and their surroundings, and, lastly, a calendar of community projects and events such as community gardens and community races, using the trails. SPRING 2017
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NEW INITIATIVES BY SUE ELLEN JACKSON
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A
s innovation and responsiveness increasingly determine the success of colleges and universities, Concordia University Texas answers the challenge. Three new academic initiatives demonstrate our agility in responding to the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce. Two of these initiatives focus on the explosion of healthcare industry needs; a third initiative brings Concordia into focus for Austin’s ever-expanding entrepreneurial business community.
Left: Nursing Students from left: Paul Bertodatto, Danielle Quigley, Tracy Brown and Kylie McPherson Below: Incubator for Innovation and Impact
L ANCE HOLT
RYAN PENINGTON A ARON TURNER
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Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
With many nurses retiring out of the profession, it is our duty to keep up with the demand by providing more educational options” -Kathy Lauchner, Ph.D., RN., School of Nursing Director
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A nationwide nursing shortage is expected to hit critical levels in the U.S. over the next decade, and Texas is no exception. That’s why Concordia University Texas will expand its nursing program to offer a new, accelerated path into the field. Concordia announces the launch of its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Austin, specially designed for students looking to change career paths without starting over. Students can leverage their existing non-nursing college credits to earn a BSN in 16 months. No prior healthcare experience is required to transition into the new program. A combination of online coursework, onsite experience in our state-of the-art skills and simulation lab and clinical rotations create a blended learning model. Rotations take place in Austin-area facilities of Seton Healthcare Family, Austin’s top healthcare employer. Lisa MacDonald Garcia, a December 2016 graduate of Concordia’s traditional BSN program, says she would have welcomed the accelerated program with open arms two years ago.
RYAN PENINGTON A ARON TURNER
p
Above: Nursing students in clinicals
“As a military wife with three small kids and no extended family nearby to offer support, I struggled to stay committed to my education. Thankfully, Concordia’s instructors set themselves apart from what fellow nurses have told me about their nursing program experience. They truly held me up as my personal cheerleaders.” Austin’s healthcare sector is a prime destination for registered nurses (RNs) because of the rapidly aging baby boomer population. RN employment is projected to grow swiftly in all three major Texas markets-- Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the current RN shortage hovered around seven percent in 2015, and data predicts a 20 percent shortfall by 2030. Why has the shortage of nurses continued to mount in recent decades despite all the warning signs? Many qualified applicants are currently being turned away from Texas nursing programs due to enrollment caps or limited capacity in those programs. In 2014, nursing programs in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston col-
lectively turned away more than 4,800 qualified applications due to lack of program capacity. The fast-track option developed by Concordia will also allow students to enter the nursing workforce sooner, likely doubling the number of graduates annually. “With many nurses retiring out of the profession, it is our duty to keep up with the demand by providing more educational options,” says School of Nursing director Kathy Lauchner, Ph.D., RN. “Our Accelerated BSN program in Austin will provide students the opportunity to develop critical-thinking, leadership and communication skills, allowing them to bridge the nursing gap and excel in a variety of healthcare professions.”
Concordia’s Accelerated BSN program will have three start dates each year. The first start is scheduled for August 2017. To learn more: absn.concordia.edu/ 1.866.891.1371
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New Global Health Programs in the School of Business and Communication Concordia students pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration choose among various pathways to direct their degree toward an emphasis that leads each to do their most meaningful work: accounting, finance, human resources, management and marketing. Beginning in Fall 2017, they can also elect to concentrate their studies in global health and economic development. In addition, Concordia will offer a new stand-alone Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Public Health, a multi-disciplinary program that prepares students for a vocation that promotes population wellness and focuses on solving public health problems. “We have developed two unique programs that train students in the art and science of preventing disease and promoting health so that they will have a very strong impact on the growth and development of a society’s economy, infrastructure and overall development,” explains Glendene Lemard-Marlow. “Students will study key content areas such as: globalization, trade and health policy; comparative healthcare systems; public health organizations, ethics and law; immigration, violence, disasters and health; and health communication.” Where Concordia’s new accelerated nursing degree program described earlier will have direct, hands-on impact on the future health of Americans, the new degree in Global Public Health and the concentration in global health and economic development fulfill a broader, yet equally important perspective on health care’s future. In today’s world, health is a measure of quality of life and has great impact on human productivity in the labor force. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Health trends are changing in both developed (high-income) and developing (low- and middle-income) countries. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent, health concerns in different parts of the world affect us all. Diseases travel without passports. Good practices in human resource management, finance, marketing and administration are essential for the proper functioning of companies and industries; the health industry is no different. This is why, at Concordia, our students will be trained to take on the breadth and depth of issues that cross disciplines and help to promote a healthy society. Concordia students will have opportunities for experiential learning in a wide variety of organizations in the health sector at the international, state, local and community level. Study-abroad opportunities will help train students in intercultural communication and sensitivity in order to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse populations. In Texas, which is a microcosm of our wider world, students will both learn how to work with diverse communities 16
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
Meet Dr. Glendene Lemard-Marlow Dr. Glendene Lemard-Marlow, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Business and Communication in the College of Professional Studies at Concordia University Texas. She is the Program Director of the Bachelor of Business Administration concentration in Healthcare Administration and remains a Visiting Scientist in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health where she completed her postdoctoral studies as a Yerby Fellow. Prior to coming to Concordia she worked as the Managing Director of the Greater Springfield-UMass Amherst Partnership- an economic development program to revitalize the struggling city of Springfield, Massachusetts. In addition, Dr. Lemard-Marlow taught for seven years at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She specializes in violence prevention using a global public health approach and works on the topic and its economic impact on developing countries and vulnerable populations in developed countries. She conducted her Ph.D. dissertation research in Jamaica where she received a fellowship from the Centers of for Disease Control and Prevention using injury surveillance guidelines to understand better the underlying factors impacting the rising rate of homicides in the country. At Concordia University Texas, Dr. Lemard-Marlow has been working to develop the type of curricula that covers breadth and depth of issues that affect the standard of life and the economic, social and political well-being of peoples both in the U.S. and abroad. She is very excited to share the skills she has learned in the classroom and in the field to nurture the academic growth of students as they prepare to pursue their own vocation and calling in the global health arena.
and populations from all over the world and the skills and competencies to work with vulnerable populations in our state. Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Public Health or a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in global health and economic development will be highly prepared for success in overseas assignments, positions in national and international health-related organizations, and employment with the core health industries in the U.S. and other countries.
GRAND OPENINGS AND BIG OPPORTUNITIES Vision transforms into reality at Concordia this spring as our Incubator for Innovation and Impact officially opens on May 18. The incubator for community and student entrepreneurs serves as a shining example of Concordia’s commitment to help people find true vocation and do meaningful work. Its inception on our campus also represents the birth of a unique ecosystem for future innovation. Local entrepreneurs will enjoy broad access to any Concordia discipline, its experts and resources to help build stronger ventures all around. Students will have access, too, as they build their entrepreneurial skills and witness real-world application of classroom concepts. Student talent and manpower will also enhance many projects. In late February, emerging entrepreneurs joined area tech industry mentors and investors for a preview of the incubator space when industry experts shared their insights about the impact of innovation. Tech Ranch founder and Concordia incubator project partner Kevin Koym led the panel discussion. Already a seasoned Austin incubator site, Tech Ranch will contribute proven entrepreneurial training programs, mentors and other events for the new incubator, located in Building B. The Incubator for Innovation and Impact was made possible by a gift from Bill and Joyce Thomas.
L ANCE HOLT
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Through paid monthly membership, individuals gain access to these complimentary benefits: u
24/7 Access Library and Database Access u Mentor Sessions/Events u Parking u Access to Investors u MBA Project/Consulting u Subject Matter Expert Office Hours u Cafeteria Discount u Commuter Shower u Concierge Support u Printer u Official USPS Mailbox u Snacks, Coffee, Tea u Gym Access u Preferred Vendor Discounts u
For other information about Incubator membership, incubatorctx.com 512.910.5702 Support for this worthwhile initiative can be made at concordia.edu/makeagift SPRING 2017
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ACC Partnership
Concordia University Texas and Austin Community College are introducing a co-enrollment partnership that gives career-technical students a flexible, affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. Representatives from both institutions joined together to announce the program Thursday, April 12, at the ACC Highland Campus Social Staircase. The new program called Concordia Connect 3+1 allows students who complete ACC’s career-technical degree, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS), to seamlessly transition to a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS) degree at Concordia. “More than half of ACC students want to transfer to a university and earn a bachelor’s degree. This program provides a new pathway at a significant savings,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “It’s an important opportunity. Many of our students must balance work and family commitments and rely on the convenience and affordability of ACC.” Students pay ACC tuition for the first three years of the program, and pay Concordia’s tuition the final year. Financial aid and payment plans are offered all four years of the program. “Students are not the only ones who gain from this new partnership. The benefit to our community and region is invaluable,” says Dr. Lynette Gillis, Concordia associate vice president for graduate studies. “Students will learn the
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applied skills necessary to fulfill many important jobs in society through an AAS degree via ACC. By committing to the BAAS Degree Program, they will have the added advantage of learning the critical business competencies emphasized at Concordia, such as critical thinking, leadership, ethics and spirituality in the workplace, which will enhance the applied skills they learned at ACC.” ACC students who have completed or have almost completed their two-year AAS degree can apply for automatic admission to the BAAS Program. Once accepted, students use their third year to fulfill the Texas core curriculum requirements at ACC. For their fourth year, students complete the remaining 37 credits for the BAAS through Concordia University Texas. Courses are taught by visiting Concordia professors at ACC. Classes in the final year of the program will be offered in an accelerated format with options for daytime, evenings and weekends. Students in the program will have access to facilities, faculty, tutoring, advising, libraries and other resources at both institutions. The program is available beginning Fall 2017.
For more information, concordia.edu/acc
or contact Shane Montoya shane.montoya@concordia.edu.
CAMPUS
news
Concordia Texas Alumni Dr. Kristi Kirk appointed as Provost Concordia University Texas is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kristi Kirk as Provost. Dr. Kirk will serve as the first female provost in Concordia’s 90-year history. u
Dr. Kristi Kirk as an alumni, brings multiple dimensions to the role. She is an accomplished educator, an experienced leader and a longtime member of the Concordia community. Dr. Kirk has been with Concordia for over 20 years. She has worked in Admissions, Student Services, as a member of the faculty and currently serves as an Executive Vice President. Her experience, accomplishments and values made her a perfect fit for the role of provost, who serves as the chief academic officer and works in close partnership with the president to provide overall leadership for the campus.
Dr. Kristi Kirk First Female Provost Concordia University Texas
“Dr. Kirk’s passion for this institution is evident to all,” said Dr. Don Christian, President and CEO of Concordia. “Her ability to manage multiple teams and to accomplish multiple tasks is highly valued. She has a comprehensive understanding of Concordia and of higher education in general. I believe she will approach this transition with an eye on our current strategic initiatives and in a manner that supports our mission, vision and values.”
Congrats Student Marketing Team! t
It's a repeat! Our team of students won 1st place in the LCEF National Student Marketing Competition for the second year in a row. All nine of the CUS schools competed.
ethics in
From left: Race Mellman, Taylor Schmidt, Carlos Munoz and Jacqueline Knell
Special Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners who help make this event possible
business &
community AWA RD
Congratulations to the finalists of the 15th Annual Ethics in Business & Community Awards
LARGE BUSINESS H-E-B NXP Semiconductor Silicon Labs
MID-SIZE BUSINESS Kasasa, Ltd. Lamb’s Tire & Automotive WP Engine SMALL BUSINESS Corvalent Corporation Five Stone Tax Advisers Per Stirling Capital Management, LLC NONPROFIT Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area Foundation for the Homeless Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin
Earl & Anita Maxwell
Make your nomination for an ethical business or leader in Central Texas today at recognizegood.org.
INDIVIDUAL Fayruz Benyousef Ashley Spence Clauer John Lorek
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TORNADO ATHLETICS
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SEASON RECAPS BY JOE FISHER
The Men’s Basketball team finished the regular season with an 18-7 (12-4 ASC) record, which earned them the two seed in the West Division and a berth in the ASC Tournament. The Tornados advanced to the semifinals of the tournament before falling to LeTourneau. Joe Neal and Ephriam Price led CTX with conference accolades. Neal was named to the ASC All-Conference team and to the West Division First-Team, while Price earned West Division Second-Team honors. Rashad Coleman and Ben Page were both named to the West Division Honorable Mention.
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
Basketball
The Women’s Basketball team finished the regular season with a 16-9 (9-7 ASC) record, including a 10-1 record at home, their best mark since the 2012 season. The Tornados earned a berth in the ASC Tournament too, but fell to UT Tyler in a backand-forth battle in the first round to conclude their season. Jaela Dejean received multiple honors as she was named the ASC West Division Player of the Year, ASC All-Conference team and the ASC West Division First-Team. She was also named to the ASC All-Defensive team. Brenisha Payne earned West Division Second-Team honors, while Mercedes Ellison earned West Division Honorable Mention.
SHELBY ALLEN
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The spring season is in full swing for Concordia Athletics as baseball, softball, golf, tennis and track and field are all competing for an American Southwest Conference Championship, while also reflecting on the respective seasons for Men’s and Women’s Basketball.
ATHLETICS
news
Baseball
SHELBY ALLEN
SHELBY ALLEN
The Concordia Baseball team opened the season at 2-6, including five games against teams ranked top 25 in the country. The Tornados responded winning the next 11 of 12 games, including wins over top 10 teams Birmingham Southern and Concordia Chicago. Concordia has been led by a balance of their hitting, pitching and defense as Matthew Brown and Matthew Williams are a combined 7-3 on the season and led by Brown’s 2.25 ERA. Brown and Williams have a combined three ASC Pitcher of the Week awards. Four hitters are hitting above .300, led by Casen Novak, while Bret Leiferman has earned ASC Hitter of Week after tallying four extra-base hits including a triple in three straight games. The Tornados as of March 31 are sixth in the nation in double plays turned and sit in a tie for fifth in the ASC standings.
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L ANCE HOLT
Softball
SHELBY ALLEN
The Concordia Softball team opened the season winning seven of their first nine games, including a win over 17th ranked Louisiana College. Shelby Burrus began the season winning her first nine games, while the team hit over .330 from the plate, led by Brittani Whitten and Kayla Patton, who both batted .444 with a combined 11 RBIs. Haley Dennet earned ASC Player of the Week honors during the Tornados five-game winning streak, which included a sweep of Sul Ross State. CTX also swept Belhaven and defeated sixth-ranked East Texas Baptist for their first win against the Tigers since 2012. The Tornados as of March 31 sit seventh in the ASC standings, which includes four teams ranked top 20 in the country.
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
L ANCE HOLT
Golf
The Concordia Men’s and Women’s Golf teams have had a strong spring season. The men as of March 31, are ranked ninth in the nation and have the top-ranked freshmen class impact, while the women are ranked 48th, one of their best rankings in school history. The men earned their first win of the spring winning their Linda Lowery Tournament at River Place Country Club. Seger Howell won the individual tournament after shooting under par in both rounds, which included a field of two other top 10 ranked teams in UT Tyler and Mary Hardin-Baylor. The Tornados, at the Tornado Shootout, placed second and were led by Mateo Gavilanes, who finished the tournament in a tie for second. The women have two top-five finishes in three tournaments this spring, including a third-place finish at the Linda Lowery Tournament at Balcones Country Club. Shelby Allen took sixth overall in the tournament, which included top 10 ranked UT Tyler.
RE X HEBERT
Track & Field
JOE FISHER
Tennis
The Concordia Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams kicked off conference play this past week as both look to qualify for the ASC Tournament in late April. The men earned their first win of the season in a road match against McMurry. The Tornados, in a home match at Austin Tennis Center, defeated Central College 9-0 for their second win of the spring. Holt Fields, at line one, is 4-7 in singles matches and has tallied three wins in double matches. The women, meanwhile, have picked up three wins on the season, including a road win over LeTourneau. In home matches, the Tornados are 2-2 with a 5-1 win over Schreiner and a 7-2 defeat of Central College. The doubles teams of Juliette Garza, Serena Segel and Justus Aarhus, Leyla Martinez have both had strong seasons, each earning four wins in double matches this season.
The Track and Field team has competed in four meets, including a second-place finish for both the men and women at the Prairie View A&M Relays. Stefanie Saenz has been a huge contributor in the women’s field events, including a first-place finish in the javelin throw and a second-place throw in the shot put at the PVAMU Relays. Alexia Amaro took second and third in the 200m and 400m dash respectfully. Gabriel Spivey, last year’s ASC long jump champion, grabbed second in the long jump event and earned first-place in his 200m dash heat. In the 400m dash, Ross Edwards finished second in his heat for the Tornados.
For more stories and updates, visit athletics.concordia.edu or follow @CTXAthletics!
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S TA R T S O M E T H I N G
Take the world by storm, one gift at a time. Throughout the year, the Annual Fund helps Concordia students by providing them with financial and material support as they study, volunteer, work and play. Gifts of all size bolster the collective strength of the Annual Fund and gives students the opportunity to have the same life-changing experiences you remember. Help to empower them to join you in taking the world by storm! Make your gift today at concordia.edu/give.
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
ď„‹ TEXT YO U R G I F T A M O U N T TO (307)448-3289 [GIVECTX]
CAMPUS
news
Theatre for Social Change:
Concordia University Texas Theatre Applies Productions to Service Learning and the Common Reader B Y D R . K E L LY G O R D O N
For the past four years, Concordia Texas theatre has produced plays that thematically relate to the annual Common Reader and the issues explored during fall’s Service Learning Week. Whether examining human trafficking by staging Claire Bayley’s The Container in a shipping container on-campus or taking a closer look at the American justice system with Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s docudrama The Exonerated, students involved in production have the opportunity to study contemporary issues from multiple perspectives. As sophomore Brittany Drews points out, “tying [the play] into Service Learning gives us an opportunity to showcase the issues presented to our students in that particular year and allow them to make their own decisions instead of relying on written text.” Sophomore Cooper Kelm says this allows the audience and the production team to develop a “multifaceted understanding of whatever the University has chosen to study.” The Common Reader for the 20162017 school year was ecologist and environmentalist Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There (1949), and the theme of Service Learning Week was Environmental Justice. Concordia University Texas Theatre produced two plays that scrutinize the relationship between water, health and economics. Ibsen’s classic play An Enemy of the People, adapted by Arthur Miller, was performed in the fall. The play takes place in a Norwegian spa town that relies on the healing waters of its springs for income. When the town doctor discovers that the water has been contaminated by a local tannery, he is confronted by the mayor, who seeks to silence him before he causes the town’s ruin. The production team included 18 students: Carmen Acosta, Rachel Boord, Brittany Drews , Ross Edwards, Nathaniel Fomby, Amber Granado, Thomas Greinert, Cooper Kelm, Toure’
Manning, Ashley Maverick, David Messer, Tim Peterson, Emily Sandler, Rachel Stanford, TJ Stewart, Brice Tone, Chelsea Wallace and Breyanna Weekly. Actress and senior (now alum) Chelsea Wallace says of her experience, “During the beginning of the rehearsal period, my opinions lay staunchly with one major viewpoint of the play, but throughout the length of the process and performances, every time I delved into the work, I formed a new thought or opinion.” The spring play, The Way of Water, by Caridad Svich, told the story of two couples living on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The production team included 10 students: Rachel Boord, Brittany Drews, Thomas Greinert, Cooper Kelm, Nathaniel Fomby, Toure’ Manning, Tim Peterson, Emily Sandler, Rachel Stanford and TJ Stewart. In preparation for the play, the cast and crew watched the movie Deepwater Horizon and learned “about the true consequences of the BP oil spill, including the trauma it caused the heath of the people of the surrounding area.” (Drews). “I thought, especially having so many family members working in the oil industry that I knew ‘enough,’ but there were so many heart breaking and eye opening details that I never knew,” Freshman Emily Sandler explained. Both plays took a deep look at the nature of truth and ultimately, the connection between environment, ethics and quality of life. Students discover multiple benefits
An Enemy of the People, adapted by Arthur Miller
The Way of Water, by Caridad Svich
to theatre that is geared towards contemporary challenges. Of working on The Way of Water, Sandler says, “Working on this play really got me thinking about some tough things that I hadn’t bothered thinking about, and getting to share that with the audience every night and present them with those same tough subjects is an unforgettable experience.” According to Drews, working with theater for social change means standing up against ignorance. “Ignorance is our biggest enemy in life and bringing issues to life through theater lets us help others make decisions free of ignorance,” Drews says. The department strives to encourage participants and audience members to consider the multiple viewpoints involved in trying to solve complicated challenges—rather than telling them what to think. “Performance is a tool for communication, not a soap box,” Wallace says. “What happens on stage allows audience and cast to become more aware of others around them, and understand that their opinions and emotions are valid even if they don’t align.”
Concordia University Texas Theatre concordia.edu/academics/college-of-liberal-arts/theatre-program/ SPRING 2017
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THE N AT I V I T Y
THE STORY OF OUR HOPE O I L S T R E T C H E D C A N VA S , 2 0 1 6
DR. ALLEN R. BROWN
THE CRUCIFIXION
The series of four paintings displayed here, entitled The Story of Our Hope, was inspired by the stained glass panels found
THE RESURRECTION
in Concordia’s chapel and chronicles four critical events in the story of Christ. THE ARTIST – Dr. Allen R. Brown is a longtime professor at Concordia University Texas and Associate Vice President for Undergraduate
Studies.
The
paintings
were done in 2016 and presented to the University in 2017. They are dedicated, in Dr. Brown’s words, “to those who toil in service to the least among us.”
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
THE PENTECOST
CAMPUS
news
Faculty & Staff News Mike Aldridge, PhD, RN, CNE Dr. Mike Aldridge had an article published in the January edition of Teaching and Learning in Nursing titled, “‘Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Learning Psychomotor Skills: A Literature Review.” Dr. Aldridge reviewed 96 studies to identify six themes to help nursing faculty better understand student experiences when learning nursing skills. Greta Degen, Associate Director RN to MSN/MSN Online, and Associate Professor of Nursing Greta Degen, Associate Director RN to MSN, presented at the MSN Conference in February on portfolio development for masters programs. The presentation focused on assisting programs in nursing to develop their own portfolio process and use best practices to create design options to enhance program outcomes. Paul Muench, Communications Professor In May Dr. Paul Muench will return to Ethiopia to teach at a seminary of the Mekane Yesu Church for the third year in a row. Mekane Yesu is the Lutheran Church in Ethiopia, located in a city of Arba Minch which holds about 80,000 people. Dr. Larry Meissner In May Dr. Meissner went to the Hong Kong International School (HKIS) at the invitation of Dr. Alan Runge, now Head of School at HKIS and formerly the provost at CTX. Meissner met with a number of teachers and administrators about their service learning program and shared his best practices. He spent another week at Ma Chan Duen Hey Lutheran School and worked with junior high students learning English. They discussed American culture, nature, history, etc. and the major concepts of Christianity. In September he went to the Concordia International School in Shanghai, China and spent one week speaking to numerous classes about the intersection of faith and
Professor Joel Heck wrote a new book: From Atheism to Christianity Professor Joel Heck wrote a new book called From Atheism to Christianity: The Story of C. S. Lewis. This is about the spiritual homecoming story of Clive Staples Lewis, a careful and thoughtful scholar who spent 15 years journeying the long road from atheism to theism and, eventually, to Christianity. This semester Heck served as a lecturer at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Canada. He is teaching 3 classes: “The Pentateuch,” “The Writings” (i.e. a course on wisdom literature, poetic literature, and other books of the Old Testament), and “The Lifetime, and Theology of C. S. Lewis.”
science. He accompanied a group of high school students from the Concordia International School, all fluent in English and Cantonese, on a dinosaur fossil dig in the Gobi Desert of northern China where they searched two sites for dinosaur bones. They visited numerous historical sites such as the Great Wall, the Mogao Buddhist Grottos and several tourist cities.
p
Cari Chittick and Sarah Jean Baker
Sarah Jean Baker, Assistant Professor and Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education Cari Chittick, Assistant Professor and Director of Special Education Dr. Sarah Jean Baker and Dr. Cari Chittick have been working with Concordia’s
School of Education for seven years. This academic year they worked together to revise the undergraduate early childhood and elementary education major to include more special education course work. The additional special education courses will better prepare students seeking elementary certification to meet the needs of today’s diverse learners. Together this academic year with Dr. Joanne Antrim they also began building an alumni network for teacher education. Dr. Cari Chittick earned her EdD from Mary Hardin Baylor in May 2016. Her dissertation was titled Enhancing academic achievement of culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional learners: teaching strategies. This summer Dr. Chittick will be taking a group of special education majors to equip and support educators in Guatemala- creating more educational opportunities for exceptional learners in Guatemala. Dr. Sarah Jean Baker earned her PhD from Texas State University in December 2016. Her dissertation was titled #leadingmamas: A visual ethnography. She will be presenting at the annual BELMAS (British Educational Leadership Management Administration Society) conference this summer, again.
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ALUMNI
no tes
Where Are They Now? SEND US YOUR NEWS
We want to feature your incredible stories and celebrate all that our alumni are doing. Share your accomplishments and your vocation with friends and fellow classmates. Submit your alumni note at alumni@concordia.edu, and see it in the next issue of the magazine!
1990s Mr. Jeff Strege ’94 has returned home to Houston and to Sysco as their Senior Director of Risk Management. We are blessed indeed!
Torey Powell ’10, married to Natalie, earned his master’s in social work as well, and received the same fellowship as Natalie the previous year.
Ms. Elizabeth Cavner ’98 has completed classes for Medical Billing and Coding Certification. Next she will be a certification exam and official certification as a medical biller and coder and begin job searching. She is very excited to get certifed and looks forward to starting her career!
Samantha Herzog ’11 was named Teacher of the Year at Blake Manor Elementary in Manor ISD. Brooke Hunger ’11 recently passed state licensing to open a preschool called The Nest in her home.
2000s Alison Hughes (now Robinson) ’09 recently completed her PhD in History at the University of Houston, prompted by her experiences with Dr. Debra Allen, to become a history professor. Rebecca Williams ’09 received a distinguished award in “teaching as a new teacher” from her colleagues. Ms. Kori (Freeman) Crow ’99 was included in the “40 Under 40” Class of 2017 by the American Association of Political Consultants for her achievements in politics and public affairs. She is the co-founder of KC Strategies, an Austin-based consulting firm.
2010s
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Jeremy de Alcala ‘13, ‘15 is opening his own business, Green Space, which will offer natural foods and juices in Buda. He believes the Buda area is an under-served market and hopes to help meet their nutritional needs. His students in the Nutrition and Dietetics program at Texas State will help him launch his business. Whitney Ramirez ’13 was nominated for a Leander ISD teaching award and named a finalist. Caitlyn Bergman (now Caitlyn Mills) ’14, a former CTX Library employee, now works as a Public Services Specialist at Hailey Public Library in Hailey, Idaho, as she works toward her master’s degree. Mary Kathryn Brown ’15 is going to law school to further prepare her to work for local government and schools.
Mr. Errol Hardin ’10 Doctoral Candidate Organizational Leadership - Christian Ministries Grand Canyon University.
Brooke Helfers ’16 previously served as a CTX Library employee and is now completing her DCE internship.
Natalie (Lozano) Powell ’10 graduated with a master’s in social work with a concentration in political social work from University of Houston, received a prestigious fellowship and as part of it an worked with a federal agency in D.C.
Heather Reynolds ’16 works at Center for Autism and Related Disorders in Austin and is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at the Seminary of the Southwest.
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
Lindsay Salomons ’16 was hired to teach third grade at Naumann Elementary, a school she attended herself.
In Memoriam
Mr. Marc Valdoria ’16 has been hired to work at Concordia University Texas as the Inbound Content Specialist.
Jack Faszholz - Former Concordia Baseball coach Jack Faszholz, a member of the 2014 Concordia Athletics’ Hall of Fame, passed away on Saturday, March 25, at the age of 89.
MARRIAGES
Richard Dinda - Prof. Dinda served at CTX for 40 years and was beloved by students, faculty, staff and friends of Concordia. He passed away on Feb. 28, 2017 at age 89.
Esmeralda M. Trevino ’14 married George Trevino on February 20, 2016.
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From top to bottom: Jack Faszholz and Prof. Richard Dinda
T H A N K YOU TO OU R
Celebrate Concordia Sponsors
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In celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, Concordia University Texas in conjunction with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany hosted a social media photo contest from April 3-9 where students submitted photos of a Playmobil version of Martin Luther for a chance to win three Visa gift cards worth $50, $100 and $175. Entries were judged on artistic expression, creativity, message, originality and image quality. WINNERS: 1ST Place, Hannah Singer; 2ND place, Ashley Myers; 3RD Place, Genesis Carreon
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
#CTX500 #HEREISTAND
500 J O I N U S T H I S FA L L T O C E L E B R A T E T H E
TH
ANNIVERSARY
of the REFORMATION
October 31, 2017 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N :
concordia.edu/reformation
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11400 Concordia University Drive • Austin, TX 78726 512.313.3000 • concordia.edu
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