CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO ForesterCUChicago.edu Fall 2018 Celebrating Making a Difference in the Church and World PRESIDENT'S COLUMN This fall marks the beginning of my fifth year as Concordia-Chicago’s president. It has been an incredible journey for me thus far and I could not have envisioned the joy that this calling has brought me. That joy comes from seeing the light of Christ reflected by the members of the Concordia University Chicago family as they strive, in His Name, to make a difference in the world. This issue of the Forester is dedicated to celebrating the many ways that individuals can make an impact. Alumnus and storied Lutheran composer Carl Schalk, for instance, will receive the Spiritus Christi in honor of his service to the Church and the world. Not only has he been a positive influence on the lives of the many students he taught as a music educator, but we would not worship as jubilantly as we do today without his countless contributions to the Lutheran hymnal and church music in general. Concordia-Chicago’s impact isn’t limited to the borders of our great nation. You’ll also read about our faculty’s participation in a visiting scholars’ program with their Chinese counterparts. Expansion of the project is slated to bring together representatives of Chinese and U.S. corporations, as well as faculty from both countries, to explore and guide the future of global business. You will learn about undergraduate students serving Christ by working to feed the hungry in nearby communities, and, a few pages later, you’ll be reminded of the selfless gifts of our donors working to secure the future of Lutheran higher education. Concordia-Chicago’s impact on the world will only continue to grow. This year, a record number of students earned their degrees—again—including 31 doctoral students. We also awarded our first Associate of Arts as part of our Accelerated Degree Program. This fall we expect to enroll one of the largest freshman classes in the history of the University and anticipate total university enrollment to reach 6,000 combined graduate and undergraduate students. Others have dedicated their entire lives to making an impact through service to the Church and University. Dr. Denny Witte recently retired after 45 years as a member of the faculty and staff, following four years as an undergraduate student. And, as you may know, Dr. Fred Spurgat was called to his heavenly home after being connected to the University for an amazing 73 and a half years. It is through these inspiring stories that I am reminded how we are all to reflect the Light of the World in our own way. Jesus, who loves this fallen world, Himself reminds us of this when He says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 ESV). I pray that all members of the Concordia-Chicago community live a life of service. In whatever vocation and place God puts you, put the needs of others ahead of your own and serve them with the love that God has given to you. Every Christian makes a difference where they live, work and worship as He works through His people. Soli Deo Gloria! Table of Contents SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, NEWS AND COLUMNS ENROLLMENT AND MARKETING Evelyn P. Burdick 4 CUC News ASSOC. VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY 6 Swipe Out Hunger COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Eric Matanyi 7 University Events DESIGNER 8 Faith and Ministry Andi Whipkey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 14 Spring Commencement Celebrates New Milestones Paige Craig BA ’99, MBA ’14 19 Capital Projects Update Jim Egan BA ’82 Maria Gedroc 20 Karl and Shirley Kreft Legacy Kate Hawley Rev. Dr. Jeff Leininger 24 Advancing the Lutheran Liberal Arts Eric Matanyi 26 Factuly/Staff News Martina Reese Anna Seifert 27 Dr. Denny Witte Retires PHOTOGRAPHY 28 Alumni Relations Emily Adkins MISSION 29 Class Notes As a distinctive, comprehensive university of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 32 Remembering Dr. Fred Spurgat centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and based in the liberal arts, Concordia University 33 CougarTank Business Competition Chicago equips men and women to serve and 34 Remembering Scott “Scoee” Schuth lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized church and world. FEATURES VISION Concordia University Chicago is the university of choice for those seeking a Christian institu- tion in the Midwest which provides a broad, liberal arts based undergraduate education, as well as graduate and professional programs in areas of demonstrated competence, which serve a particular need of society and advance the mission of the Church. CORE VALUES We at Concordia University Chicago embrace these Core Values as essential to living together in a vibrant and influential Christian academic community and as productive citizens of the Church and world. 10 May Magic: Timeline 16 Alumni to be Honored 22 Chinese Scholars Bring CHRISTIAN FAITH. of an Epic Season at Maroon and Academic and The Christian faith is an integral part of Gold Banquet Cultural Exchange our community. THE INDIVIDUAL. As a member of God’s creation, each person ON THE COVER is unique and is blessed with inherent worth. The 2018 winners of Concordia University Chicago’s Distinguished EXCELLENCE. We strive for excellence in who we are and Awards represent a broad spectrum of achievement and service. Dr. Carl what we do. Schalk, shown directing the Chapel Choir in 1971, will receive the Spiritus INTEGRITY. Christi. See page 16. Our community demonstrates the accord between our beliefs and practices. SERVICE. CONTACT US Recognizing and addressing the needs of Forester Magazine: c/o University Communications & Marketing others is a response to God’s love for us, Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL 60305-1499 and a reflection of God’s love for them. 708-209-3111 | [email protected] cuchicago.edu 4 CUC News Teacher Education Programs Associate Director of Financial Aid Granted Prestigious CAEP Receives Professional Recognition Accreditation Vanesa Teran-Martinez, associate director of financial The education programs at Concordia-Chicago aid at CUC, was named Superhero of the Month by the have been awarded the coveted Educator Preparation Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of (ILASFAA) for March. Teran-Martinez was nominated by a Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP met on April 30 colleague, calling her “the engine that keeps the financial and granted the accreditation, with CAEP President aid train moving!” Dr. Christopher Koch writing, “Congratulations on your Her nomination stated, “Never one to back away from accreditation achievement. I appreciate your commitment finding an answer, her open door policy and kindness to excellence in educator preparation.” make everyone feel comfortable and at home when they Dr. Kristi Stricker, associate dean of the College step into her office for questions or a chat. She is truly an of Education, led the accreditation work, and Dr. John invaluable asset to the financial aid community, especially at Schwartz, coordinator of assessment and accreditation, Concordia-Chicago.” supported in data preparation. “I greatly appreciate all who The ILASFAA is a professional organization of financial assisted behind the scenes and led this thorough review aid administrators, which serves in an advocacy role for of our initial licensure teacher education programs,” said students, their families and all post-secondary institutions. Dr. Kevin Brandon, recently retired dean of the College of The organization spent the 2017-2018 school year focused Education. “This is truly an accomplishment in which the on celebrating the “superhero in all of us,” recognizing Concordia-Chicago community can take great pride.” financial aid professionals who work tirelessly to meet the CAEP (formerly NCATE) reviews are typically conducted needs of their students. every seven to 10 years. The University’s education programs received their first recognition by CAEP in 1962, Cougar Athletes Share Skills with and the colleges in which these programs are housed have received continual accreditation since that time. Chicago Children at CUC-Trinity Galewood Basketball Camps A few years ago, when Pastor Dave McGinley of Trinity Lutheran Church-Galewood noticed that the neighborhood kids were often outside playing basketball, he got the idea to reach out to the community and start a free basketball camp. McGinley, a CUC alumnus, met with Dave Williams, basketball coach at nearby Lovett Elementary School, and CUC men’s basketball coach Randy Rogers. As they brainstormed, they discovered that both Lovett Elementary and Concordia-Chicago students spent much of their school breaks with little to do. In an effort to change this, the Holiday Hoops Camp was born. In early January, more than 50 Lovett Elementary students arrived at Geiseman Gymnasium, where Concordia-Chicago men’s and women’s basketball players shared their skills over a two-day camp. Holiday Hoops was so successful that an additional camp, called Spring Jam, was added to coincide with Chicago Public Schools spring break. “Our student-athletes get to understand that these first- through eighth-grade kids really look up to them, because they play college basketball,” said Rogers. “They learn that coaching can be hard! And the young kids have a great time.” Lovett Elementary, Trinity Galewood and CUC hope to continue this partnership for years to come. 1 Fall 2018 Forester 5 CUC News 2 Triton and CUC Create Sports LCEF National Student Marketing and Recreation Management Competition Held on CUC Campus 3+1 Program The Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s (LCEF) 7th Students pursuing careers in sports and recreation Annual National Student Marketing Competition was management can earn their bachelor’s degree in a hosted by Concordia-Chicago in April.