C-400 History

What began with only 400 members now includes thousands making timely contributions to guarantee the successful pursuit of our mission “to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life.”

For more than 50 years, C-400 has been a creative catalyst, helping to construct new facilities, remodel and update existing buildings, provide for equipment acquisition and debt retirement, and endow critically needed scholarships. Today C-400 represents an annual leadership gift of $1,000 or more.  Gifts of $1,000 or more are directed to student scholarships unless otherwise designated.

The Story Behind C-400
When Concordia College’s Board of Regents opened bids for a new library in 1955, the members weren’t sure how they could raise the $400,000? One of the board members, Eugene T. Paulson, turned to fellow board member J. Luther Jacobson, and with a wry smile said, “What we need is 400 people who will each contribute $1,000.” Jacobson laughed, but the more he thought about it, the more excited he became. One day, over a cup of coffee, he and Paulson pursued the subject seriously and ended the conversation by each pledging $1,000 on the back of a coffee shop menu. They then set out to find 398 others “crazy” enough to do the same thing.

See all of the C-400 Projects.

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students