Erickson Leads Painting of Shelter Mural
Though Concordia students volunteer regularly, most don't leave a piece of themselves with the organization. But thanks to Alyssa Erickson '12, Cold Spring, Minn., and the rest of the Art Club, a gift of their creativity remains on the walls of the Churches United for the Homeless shelter in Moorhead.
Their mural of a tree decorates the men's residence at the shelter.
"We decided to paint a tree because it's a symbol of life and growth," Erickson says. "We painted words like knowledge, change, hope, faith and united on the trunk because it fits Churches United. Everyone there is united and working together to bring change."
As a social work major, Erickson often volunteers locally, but says she especially appreciates the service opportunities she's had at Churches United.
"Service-learning is so important because you are able to help people who can't always help themselves," she says.
Learn about other places Concordia students are conducting service-learning projects at www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/Studentlife/Involved/servicelearning1.php.
Interning With National Treasures
Most people see national landmarks when they travel. During her semester in Washington, D.C., Bethany Weinzierl '11, Long Prairie, Minn., is sharing national treasures from rarely opened vaults with the public.
"Not many people can say they did that at work," Weinzierl says.
An internship at the National Archives is a perfect fit for the history and
organizational communication major. She's found her niche working in the Archives' education department.
Weinzierl's list of responsibilities includes archiving, guiding tours and writing lesson plans. She's also helping the public through the ReSource Room, a hands-on area that includes famous documents like the Declaration of Independence.
She says she's having a great time while learning the skills necessary for
future success.
"I'm getting priceless experience and professional networking," Weinzierl says. "Spending a semester off campus is a great way to put some of your knowledge
to work."
Read more about Concordia's study away programs at
www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/Offices/global1.php.
Dickey Shines at Trombone Workshop
A piece of music that hadn't been played in 25 years came alive again with help from Concordia's low brass professor, Dr. Nathaniel Dickey. The Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington, D.C., invited Dickey to be a featured performer at its March event at Fort Myer, Va.
Dickey and three fellow alumni from Oberlin Conservatory formed the featured low brass section in Raymond Premru's "Music for Three Trombones, Tuba and Orchestra." They were accompanied by the U.S. Army Orchestra.
"It was fantastic," Dickey says of the experience. "It was everything I hoped it would be and more."
Premru (1936-1998) spent the last 10 years of his life as a trombone professor at Oberlin, where Dickey and the other soloists studied under him.
"Our teacher really had a great impact on the world of music," Dickey says. "He had such a warm personality. To be able to honor him this way meant a lot to many of the trombone players who were there."
Learn more about the Eastern Trombone Workshop at www.usarmyband.com/trombone.
One of the 'Smurfs'
Kaia Lunde '13 enjoyed her spring break as an Olympic volunteer at the Sliding Center in Whistler,
British Columbia.
Watch her video at www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/lunde.