|
July 2003
Greetings ’83 Cobbers!
Perhaps the last time you and I visited, we were celebrating the 15th reunion of our graduation from Concordia and I was happily employed as Director of Development at the College. In a previous class letter, you learned that I had made a career move to “the dark side” – a Swedish church college - as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. At Gustavus, I met and quickly fell in love with a Southern Baptist-turned-Presbyterian low brass professor who came from Georgia via Julliard. You learned in last year’s class letter that I celebrated my 40th birthday with the gift of marriage to Scott Moore.
When beloved former colleagues Ernie Mancini and Mary Melroe appealed for a new Class Agent in last year’s annual letter, I didn’t hesitate to respond. You ask, “Why would a classmate employed by a sister college agree to serve as a Class Agent for her alma mater?” “Why would a person who does this development stuff for a living also want to spend her volunteer time doing the same thing?” I reply, “Why wouldn’t I want to do everything I possibly could to share my gratitude for the gift of a Concordia education?” “Why wouldn’t I want to do everything I possibly could to ensure that other young men and women have the opportunity to receive the gift of a Concordia education?” I am honored to renew your acquaintance, to serve as a conduit between the class of ’83 and the college, and to unapologetically solicit your continued partnership with Concordia and today’s students.
Can It Be 20 Years?!
How I hope to see many of you at our 20th Class Reunion, October 3 – 5. Everything you need to know about Homecoming Weekend is enclosed in this mailing. Knowing that many of you have children to entertain, I recommend that you join me in booking a room at the Ramada Inn in Fargo. The Ramada has one of the best swimming pools in town, and it’s also conveniently located across the street from West Acres Mall, just minutes from Concordia via I-94. The local number is 701-277-9000 or 800-2-RAMADA. We’ll have breakfast together on campus Saturday morning. Fargo-Moorhead classmates, if any of you would be willing to host a Saturday gathering at your home, please let me know. There are multiple possibilities for time together later that afternoon and evening.
Class Challenge Kudos
Congratulations, classmates! We will be honored at the Homecoming Banquet with a Decade Award for raising $22,256 during the ’02 –’03 Class Challenge. Exactly one-third of us made a gift to Concordia during the fund year. Thank you for your philanthropy!
C-400 Project 16 was successfully completed April 30, 2003. Beginning May 1, 2003, C-400 is an annual gift of $400 or more, given during the fiscal year (May 1 – April 30) instead of pledges over a period of years. A letter and brochure with a full explanation of the changes will be mailed to youlater this summer. If you have questions, please call the Annual Giving Office at 299-3454 or 800-699-9020.
Life Begins at 40-Something
Congratulations to Dorthy (Vanderpan) Tufte-Ludens upon her May 4, 2002 marriage to Allen Ludens, Sioux Falls, SD. Dorothy received her ministerial license with the Assemblies of God Church in April 2002. Blessings on your marriage and in your ministry, Dorothy.
Sheri (Booms) Holm and Perry Holm, Lauderdale, MN, were married November 27, 2002. Sheri’s vocation is all about the mission of Concordia as she “sends into society …men and women dedicated to the Christian life” through her work at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Sheri serves the Seminary as their Director of Publications.
Lucas Sullivan is one of the luckiest 2-year old boys in the world. His foster parents, Charles and Rebecca (Rice) Sullivan, became his adoptive parents last August. Lucas’ mom is amazing…in addition to parenting a toddler, she also teaches a room full of 2nd graders in Barstow, CA. Becca, I know that Lucas is an answer to your prayers…I’m so delighted for you!
Doug and Faith (Ronning) Hedman were blessed with the birth of a son, Adam, on February 9, 2002. Shortly following Adam’s arrival Doug became the “head man” (a.k.a. Senior Pastor) of Immanuel-Trinity Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac, WI. Congratulations, Doug and Faith.
Influencing the Affairs of the World
The future looks more promising for Lutheran higher education now that Augsburg College has hired Heidi Breen as Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Relations. Heidi, I expect that you display your beanie in a prominent place in your Augsburg office?!
The community of Duluth, Minnesota is grateful for the service of William Myers, a registered nurse in both the Burn Center and the Intensive Care Unit at its Miller-Dwan Medical Center.
Excellent Experience
Have you ever contemplated the impact of your Concordia experience? As I reflect on the College’s purpose to “influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life”, I am awestruck at the extent to which that mission is being realized through you, my classmates – civic leaders, educators, healers, justice seekers, clergy, capitalists, scientists, farmers, artists, coaches, philanthropists, mentors, parents, volunteers. Collectively, the impact of our Concordia experience on the world is inspiring. Please join me in increasing your annual Class Challenge gift to Concordia so that we might multiply our collective capacity to “influence the affairs of the world” through Cobbers to come.
I am so grateful for your leadership, your partnership, and your friendship. See you at
Homecoming! Stay in touch by email at bmoore@gustavus.edu.
Brenda (Peterson) Moore ‘83
|
