Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.

Spring 2012

Alumni

Thiele Receives Sent Forth Award

The 2012 Sent Forth alumni award recognizes Joanna Thiele ’97 – who, through her example of career dedication and service to others, exemplifies the living mission of Concordia College.

Thiele is a registered nurse specializing in labor and delivery at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minn. She is the co-founder and former board member of the nonprofit Haiti Mission Project, which brings much-needed relief to the impoverished island nation.

Since 2005, Thiele has been both a missionary and a fundraiser for the Haiti Mission Project. Her efforts have helped build an orphanage, medical clinic and food storage building, in addition to helping countless individuals. Thiele’s work in Haiti exemplifies her desire to share God’s hope and love with those who feel hopeless, all the while making enduring friendships. She is about to embark on her 15th volunteer trip there.

After narrowly escaping injury in the 2010 earthquake, Thiele helped organize a field hospital and personally staffed the pharmacy, working each day until the job was done. The director of a maternity center in Port-au-Prince recalls Thiele’s 16-hour workdays and her calm, level headed, kind and affectionate care to the hundreds of wounded.

Thiele’s response to the call to serve is an inspiration to others. Because of her, many others have volunteered in Haiti and have fallen in love with the people of the beleaguered country.

Thiele’s volunteer work has included mentoring high school and college students, food packing for Feed My Starving Children and hospice. In recognition of her volunteerism, she has received the Park Nicollet Health Services Community Service award and the Sarah Harrison Knight award.

Thiele’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others, her positive outlook on life, and her zeal for action is contagious. These are traits to be celebrated, and Concordia College is honored to recognize them in Joanna Thiele with the Sent Forth Award.

Join us for Fall Family Fun

alumni Join the Family Weekend celebration, “Ear-Resistible Fun,” at Concordia Sept. 21-23. Chair Melissa Neeb ’13, Minneapolis, and the Family Weekend Committee will make sure there is plenty of fun for all ages.

Join other Cobber families for athletics, food, games, academia and worship. Family Weekend is a great way to spend time with your favorite Cobber.

Registration and ticket information will be mailed to parents in July. For more information, visit www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/familyweekend. Come be part of the Cobber family.

Homecoming Festivities Set

alumni Remember your roots by joining alumni, students and their families for Homecoming 2012, Oct. 12-14.

Nicole Lindor ’13, Cyrus, Minn., chairs this year’s event. With the theme “Remembering our Roots,” there are memories to be made.

Festivities include the Homecoming Banquet, Reunion Breakfasts, Parade, football game vs. Hamline, Homecoming Concert and All-Campus Worship. Reunions will be scheduled for classes ending in 2 or 7.

Information about the weekend can be found at www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/homecoming.