Concordia Mourns the Death of Faculty Icon, Mission Author

Sep 18, 2012

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CONCORDIA MOURNS THE DEATH OF FACULTY ICON, MISSION AUTHOR

Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., is grieving the loss of Dr. Carl Bailey, who died Saturday at the age of 94. Bailey, a nationally prominent physicist, provided more than 40 years of faculty service and administrative leadership at Concordia. He was the college’s first academic dean and authored Concordia’s mission statement.

“Dr. Bailey leaves a remarkable legacy as an accomplished scientist, devoted teacher and thoughtful leader,” says Dr. William Craft, president of Concordia College. “The mission statement he conceived 50 years ago continues to guide us today. In the words of that statement, he endeavored, with humility and striking success, ‘to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedication to the Christian life.’ "

Born in Grafton, N.D., Bailey graduated from Concordia in 1940 with a degree in math and physics. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in physics from the University of Minnesota. From 1942 to 1946, he assisted on the Manhattan Project. Bailey joined the Concordia faculty in 1947 and continued as a teaching scholar for 41 years. From 1954 to 1971, he also served as academic dean. In 1962, he wrote Concordia’s mission statement. He also was instrumental in acquiring a hypervelocity dust accelerator from NASA to enhance research opportunities for Concordia’s physics students.

He was honored as the Reuel and Alma Wije Distinguished Professor in 1972, and in 1973 was the first recipient of the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award at Concordia. Bailey received an honorary doctorate from Concordia in 1992. He received Concordia’s highest honor for alumni, the Alumni Achievement Award, in 2001.

Arrangements are being made through Wright Funeral Home.

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