The First Family

Apr 27, 2012

craft The inauguration of Dr. William J. Craft is a milestone in the life of Concordia College, but it is also a milestone for the Craft family.

Inauguration weekend has brought family members from far and wide to Concordia's campus, many for the first time.

"It's like a family reunion," jokes Marcia Andrews, Craft's sister. Between parents, children, siblings and in-laws, it is clear that Craft has a supportive family who are all excited about his new ventures.

This weekend, however, isn't the first opportunity for this close-knit family to gather and celebrate. Last year, in the very beginning of his work as president, the Craft family had their annual get-together at a beach in North Carolina. To celebrate the new chapter in their lives, his wife Anne conspired with the Cobber Bookstore to get every family member a T-shirt for the occasion.

"And we got one of those big Cobb hats," Anne says, her hands miming the large corncob-shaped hat that is sold in the bookstore. "Some of us even wrote him a song."

Overall, inauguration weekend has been very touching to all of the family members. His parents, Margaret and Harry, have been looking forward to this weekend for months.

"We're proud of him," Margaret says. "This is something Bill has worked for for a long time. It is very heartwarming."

Harry laughed.

"We've heard so many stories about Concordia people," he says, "we had to see if they were true."

Anne echoes the sentiments of how great it is to share this occasion with their family, and also how much she cherishes being embraced by the Concordia community.

"Chapel this morning - it was so meaningful. So beautiful," Anne says. "Bill loves his job, and this place. And I do, too."

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