When Concordia graduates receive their diplomas, most have received an amazing gift from someone who doesn't even know them. Alumni and friends of the college provide scholarships for 90 percent of students. It's this desire to give to students that is at the center of the new Concordia Annual Fund.

Previously named C-400 Annual Giving, the Concordia Annual Fund encourages support for the college on an annual basis.  The Concordia Annual Fund builds on the strong traditions that have led to successfully supporting Concordia students.

"We wanted to take advantage of the strong tradition of C-400 while meeting the desire of our donors," says Teresa Harland, acting vice president for Advancement. "Many of our donors have expressed an interest in knowing that their gifts support students."

Beginning May 1, all gifts of $1,000 or more will fund student scholarships, unless otherwise designated. These C-400 level gifts are crucial to providing access to those students who desire a Concordia education.

"C-400 Society continues to reinvent itself. We are inviting people to be a part of this important group by making gifts of $1,000 or more annually to support student scholarships," Harland says.

C-400 started more than 50 years ago. It was a challenge issued by board of regent members Eugene T. Paulson and J. Luther Jacobson in 1955. They pledged their support of $1,000 each and helped the college find 398 people to do the same in order to raise the $400,000 needed to build the library. Today, the C-400 Society is part of the Concordia Annual Fund and these annual gifts of $1,000 are needed more than ever.

"Without the help of people who give to the college, I would never have been able to come to Concordia and would have missed out on a great chapter of my life," says Kyle Weber '12, Aberdeen, S.D. " I would just like them to know how honored I am to be a recipient of their gifts."

When alumni Jim '70 and Anne (Graves) '70 Eidsvold reflect on C-400, they recognize the strength in the community of donors. "C-400 was a way to bond a group of committed supporters together," Jim Eidsvold says.

As supporters of the college, the Eidsvolds know momentum can build when people work together toward a common cause –  in this case, providing educational opportunities for students. And as those same students receive their diplomas and enter the world outside Concordia, they are grateful for the donors who helped to send them forth.  



For more information on the Concordia Annual Fund, visit the website at www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/giving or call (800) 699-9896 or (218) 299-3454.



C-400 Society

 giving levels

$1,000-2,499 Heritage

$2,500-4,999 Sustaining

$5,000 + Legacy