Donor Stories
Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.
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Concordia Transforms Couple's LivesGerald '58 and Lois '59 Olsen have fond memories of Concordia. Gerald toured Norway with The Concordia Choir under the direction of Paul J. Christiansen and the experience proved to be life-changing.
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Music, Faith and Science Intersect In Couple's GiftSusan Rovelstad James, left, with her parents, Dr. Homer and Phyllis Rovelstad. Read Susan's inspiring story about her time in the Concordia Choir and how she is carrying on her parents' legacy here.
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Education Is the Best InvestmentGary and Tammy Laurent '88 are investing in the future of education at Concordia. As a financial advisor for Edward Jones, Tammy Laurent '88 knows well the importance of good planning.
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Concordia ConnectionsThe cats were out. Concordia was in. During an estate planning session, my lawyer was sympathetic but firm: Do not leave your annuity funds to your cats. It gets complicated.
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Life at Concordia in the Eyes of Lyle and Joan RichJoan '54 and Lyle '54 Rich give back to Concordia. "Welcome to you. I'm a prehistoric Cobber," says Lyle '54 to the prospective student with an admissions folder in hand.
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Perfect Place to Receive GiftsMark '91 and Hiedy '91 Morey Give to Concordia. Giving is just a part of the DNA of Mark '91 and Hiedy '91 Morey, and their connection to Concordia makes it the perfect place to receive their gifts.
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Giving Matters at ConcordiaWithout Concordia, the Rev. Christine Bellefeuille '82 and Ted Olson '82 wouldn't be where they are today, and they show their thanks in any way possible.
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Supporting the College Dream for the Next GenerationHaving recently updated their will, Lisa and Steve Sethre-Hofstad began thinking about what institutions really made an impact on their life. Concordia quickly came to mind.
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A Family of CobbersIn the midst of endless classes, labs and study sessions, students at Concordia find time to make friendships and connections that impact their entire life.
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Committing to ConcordiaIt takes a special kind of person to brave the Fargo-Moorhead winters. One must show a great deal of commitment to the area. Tom '68 and Mary Lidahl show commitment to their hometown of Plentywood, Montana, their winter home in Fargo, and to Concordia College.
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The Value in Giving to ConcordiaIt doesn't take a Concordia degree to see the value in giving to Concordia. This is clearly displayed through Hiram and Ada Drache. Hiram graduated from Gustavus Adolphus and is a professor emeritus of history at Concordia and current historian-in-residence.
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Generosity's Ripple EffectLinda Lutter's experience at Concordia was life-changing. She wants future students to have those same opportunities. "Without the donations of those who believe in Concordia, the world could be deprived of the future students' gifts," she says.
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Living a Life of ImpactBefore they married, Mary (Anderson) Lawson and her husband, Ken, corresponded primarily by mail. With each letter they wrote, they established joint values and a plan for their life together: Decide on your principles and work on those.
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Giving Is Supporting His Concordia 'Family'For David Wee '68, giving to Concordia is about more than just donating to his alma mater—it's about taking care of family. After graduating from Detroit Lakes High School, David was determined to go to college and learn about life in a larger city.
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The Joy of GivingDr. Roland and Sherry Martinson, St. Paul, Minnesota, model the joy of giving through years of service, advocacy and financial support to Concordia College.
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Sharing the Harvest"Before we were married, I knew he wanted to farm again," reminisces Becky Grothe, about her husband, Paul Grothe (class of 1976). Paul grew up on a family farm in northern Minnesota.
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Learning a Lesson and Leaving a Legacy"This gift is in line with my values and anytime you can be generous you feel good about it. Giving within your lifetime can be minimal—I've been a teacher and counselor and making a lot of money hasn't been a priority.
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Win-Win-Win Situation for Professor Emeritus Ernie and Marti SimmonsWhen Ernie Simmons competed in a debate in 9th grade biology on evolution versus creation, you'd think the pastor and religion professor would have been on the side of creation.
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A Life of Adventure and EducationKaren Bjornson Shepard is an adventurous woman. Not long after graduating from Concordia College in 1960, her husband, Lee, was offered an engineering position in the oil industry in Aruba, Netherlands Antilles.
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A Trajectory in News, Politics, Business and Philanthropy"I decided to lock Concordia into my estate plan pretty young-I realize I am about 20 years early," Tammy jokes. "But truly, now is the time to do it. There is nothing easier than placing Concordia in your will.
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More Than a Conductor"The scholarship support and alumni connections have helped me immensely with my career exploration, especially in New York City. It's amazing…there are Cobbers everywhere!
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Look for the HelpersJohn and Linda celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on March 18, 2020. They met through a Cobber connection, Cynthia Moore '64, in Washington D.C. Cynthia was Linda's best friend and John met her at a Concordia dinner in D.C. in 1971.
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Meeting the Need of Future CobbersFay Ferguson '73 shares her story in this brief interview. You can also see the full interview with Fay to hear her hope for the future of the college and other interesting perspectives.
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A Legacy of Love and Service"...Paul likes to say, 'You can't outgive God.' One of the tools they have appreciated the most is giving from their IRA through required minimum distributions (RMDs).
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The Circle of Gratitude: Estate Gift Creates Legacy of Inspired Giving and TeachingPatricia "Patty" J. Lehrke '64 was inspired to include Concordia College in her estate plan. Her gift supports two funds: The Patricia J. Lehrke Dean's Fund for Education and The Patricia J.
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Alums Cherish Time Spent at Concordia, Use Donor Advised Fund to Give Back"Concordia is what got me going–it got me started and then once you get started it's up to you what you do with it," said Brent Lunke '80. "And Concordia gave me a really good start."
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Building Bridges to TomorrowBy making a gift to Concordia College through their IRA, Susan and Roger Eggen are helping ensure students today and tomorrow can benefit from the Lutheran academic tradition.
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The Beanie Toss: Meaningful Tradition for Students in TransitionYou may recall the feelings you encountered tossing your beanie in the air as a freshman at Concordia College. The feeling of comradery with your classmates.
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