Concordia College Announces Naming of School of Business

Sep 23, 2010

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ROGER DEGERMAN, Senior Director for Communications and Marketing
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AMY KELLY, Media Relations director
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CONCORDIA COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NAMING OF SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

    Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., announced the naming of the Offutt School of Business during a news conference on campus today. The school is named for 1964 alumnus and businessman Ronald D. Offutt.

      Offutt has provided the lead gift for a $50 million campaign to support the undergraduate business program and facility.  The chairman and CEO of R.D. Offutt Company and RDO Equipment, Offutt has served as a long-time member and chair of the Concordia Board of Regents.
      
    “Ron has been a visionary leader and exemplar on Concordia’s behalf for many years,” says Interim President Paul J. Dovre.  “This is the kind of impact gift that shapes the history of an institution like ours.”
   
      To date, the sum of campaign gifts received is nearly $37 million. Offutt's lead gift, which is confidential, represents the largest in Concordia's history. Offutt cites his lifelong affinity for the college, as well as his respect for President Pam Jolicoeur, who died in June, as key factors motivating his investment.

      “I am so pleased that we are able to carry forward the vision set by President Jolicoeur,” says Offutt. “She was the driving force in creating a business school that delivers distinctive value for today’s students.”

      The Offutt School of Business will emphasize leadership, global reach, ethics and practical experience. The curriculum will be infused with four critical themes: leadership development, global understanding, an entrepreneurial perspective and an ethical standard. Students will interact with business leaders and apply what they learn in real-world settings.    
      
      “Now more than ever the world needs ethical business leaders,” says Offutt. “We need leaders with integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. That’s what the Offutt School of Business is all about.”
     

      Work on a $12.9 million project to repurpose Concordia’s Grant Center as the home for the Offutt School of Business is expected to start next spring and be open for classes by fall 2012. The space, which is situated directly between two residence halls, will include smart technology, board rooms, trading rooms and space for conversations between faculty and students. Business students also will have opportunities to run a coffee shop in the facility.


    Details about the Offutt School of Business are available online at www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/offutt.

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