INAUGUR ATION

DR. COLIN IRVINE | 12th President of Concordia College

10:30 a.m. Sunday, October 15, 2023 | Memorial Auditorium
 Dr. Colin Irvine
12th President of Concordia College

Beginning his service to the college in July 2023, Dr. Colin Irvine
previously served as the provost and executive vice president at Augustana
University in Sioux Falls, S.D.

A recipient of three Fulbrights and three teaching awards, Irvine received

a doctorate in English from Marquette University, an M.A. in American
Studies from the University of Notre Dame, and a B.A. in English from
Carroll College in Helena, Mont.

Irvine’s passionate leadership has extended into areas of institutional

growth, program development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion
initiatives. Already, President Irvine’s time on campus has been student-
focused as he attended a dozen classes and volunteered with incoming
students during Hands for Change.

Chiefly, Dr. Irvine seeks to partner with his fellow campus and community
leaders to pinpoint precisely where Concordia’s mission meets the market,
preparing students for fulfilling careers in fields where the world needs
them most.
 Inauguration of Dr. Colin Irvine
12th President of Concordia College

10:30 a.m Sunday, October 15, 2023

Memorial Auditorium

Prelude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Concordia Band

Dr. Peter Haberman, Conductor
“Three Chorale Preludes” – William Latham (1917-2004)
“We May Rise” – Elaine Hagenberg (b. 1979)
“Be Thou My Vision” – David Gillingham (b. 1947)

Processional
“Rejouissance” – James Curnow (b. 1943)

Call to Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Rev. Kim Adams

Campus Pastor
Welcome in the name of God our creator, redeemer, and sustainer.
Amen.
We have come together as thoughtful and informed siblings
dedicated to life that is rooted in faith and open in love.
We are gathered in hope. Soli Deo Gloria.
We have been made to be an active part of God’s creation,
reflecting God’s mercy and justice to a world in need.
We are gathered in peace. Soli Deo Gloria.
Rejoicing in our common call, and trusting in God’s faithfulness,
let us come with hearts together as we celebrate our shared mission.
We are gathered in joy. Soli Deo Gloria.

1
Opening Hymn
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – Joachim Neander (1650-1680)

Opening Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deacon Jon Leiseth

Minister for Vocation, Community, and Service
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
Let us pray: We give you thanks, O God, for all who respond
to the call to serve. Give them joy and fulfillment,
care and guidance in their tasks.
Help us all to give willingly and to receive thankfully the
gifts of leadership, that your name may be glorified, your
people live in peace, and your will be done; through Jesus
Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cal Irvine

Colossians 3:12-16
Response: Word of God. Word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Anthem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Concordia Choir

“Laudate” – René Clausen (b. 1953) Dr. Michael Culloton, Conductor

Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caroline Irvine

Isaiah 43:1-5
Response: Word of God. Word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Response
“How Firm a Foundation” – John Rippon (1751-1836)

Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary S. Ranum

Chair, Concordia College Board of Regents
The Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Bishop, Eastern North Dakota Synod
The Rev. William Tesch
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Bishop, Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Concordia College Board of Regents

2
Litany of Commitment
Each delegation of the assembly please stand as directed and remain standing as you are able.

President Emeritus Dr. Paul Dovre:

Gracious God, we offer our thanks to you today for your steadfast love and mercy, for
our ancestors of faith and their commitment to education. You have called your people
to fulfill this college’s commitment to serve young people and the world. We offer our
thanks for the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have gone before us and for all
those who are yet to come. We especially thank you this day for President Irvine and
for all who share a new and renewed commitment to a mission of learning and faith.

CONCORDIA STUDENTS
Jesus Gonzalez Ruiz, Concordia Student Government Association President:
We are grateful for our fellow students, for communities of faith, teachers, mentors, and
guides who have brought us to this day. We renew our commitment to lives of learning
that open our hearts and minds to service.
ALL: Let us grow in gratitude and service.

CONCORDIA FACULTY
Dr. Susan Larson, Provost and Dean of the College:
We are grateful for those who have taught and supported us in our own work of learning,
for teachers, colleagues, family, mentors, and friends. We pledge our knowledge,
imagination, and encouragement to the women and men who share our classrooms and
campus as together we seek to grow in wisdom, insight, and service.
ALL: Let us continue to grow in wisdom.

DELEGATES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

The Rev. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities:
We are grateful for this time and place, and for a larger community of learning
committed to scholarship and service to the world. We will continue to seek ways of
sharing with this campus and campuses everywhere our passion for truth and wisdom
and understanding.
ALL: Let us affirm our passion for truth.

CONCORDIA STAFF
Katherine Halvorson, Director of Annual Giving:
We are grateful to serve in partnership with faculty and students on this campus. We
give thanks for the people and experiences that have led us to this place. We renew our
commitment to share our talents and kindness with students as we are called to serve
each day.
ALL: Let us be renewed by our vocational calling.

3
CONCORDIA ALUMNI
The Rev. John Quello, former member of Concordia College Board of Regents:
We are grateful for the gifts we received from Concordia College and the heritage of
caring that we have taken with us into life. We recommit ourselves to sharing the gifts
of our education in our daily work and in our communities. We pledge our continued
love and support to this work so that Concordia may faithfully respond to the challenges
and opportunities of the future.
ALL: Let us respond to new challenges.

CONCORDIA BOARD OF REGENTS

The Rev. Gary Henderson, Concordia College Board of Regents:
As we look ahead to a bright future, we are grateful for the vision and devotion of those
who have preceded us and for the strength Concordia possesses in its faculty, students,
staff, alumni, and friends. We commit ourselves to work with all who share our loyalty
to Concordia’s mission and future.
ALL: Let us commit to a community of faith and learning.

ALL PRESENT
President Emeritus Dr. William Craft:
We are grateful for this time and place, for a community of learning that causes us to
wonder and grow, and for God’s goodness in giving us this shared mission of faith and
learning. May God bless Concordia College and the leadership of our new president,
Colin Irvine. May we all bear witness to God’s marvelous grace that calls us to serve.
Amen.

Presentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ranum

Bishops Tessa Moon Leiseth and William Tesch

Inaugural Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Colin Irvine

Offering of Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Lisa Sethre-Hofstad

Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life
Tairiq Booker – Athletics
Genesia Weekes – Music/Arts
Greta Almlie – Academics

Anthem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Concordia Choir

“Here I Am, Lord” – arr. Ovid Young Dr. Michael Culloton, Conductor
Andrew Steinberg, Accompanist

4
Offering Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Rev. Dave Adams
Let us pray: Campus Pastor
Gracious God, we thank you for the measure of faith you have given to each of us.
Increase in us generosity, compassion, and courage so we may continue
to be your body in and for the world. With thanksgiving, we pray. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Rev. Dave Adams

Lord, unite us in your kingdom and teach us to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Blessing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Rev. Gary Henderson

Concordia College Board of Regents

Closing Hymn
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Concordia Band

“Chorale Prelude: A Mighty Fortress is Our God” Dr. Peter Haberman, Conductor
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)/arr. Anthony O’Toole

5
 Delegates and Representatives
Willette Anita Capers Bob Otterson
Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity, President
Equity, & Inclusion Oak Grove Lutheran School
Augustana University
Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D.
Paul Cerkvenik Senior Vice President for University
President Initiatives, Special Advisor to the
Minnesota Private College Council President, Executive Director of the
Hendrickson Institute for Ethical
Laurie Daily, Ed.D. Leadership
Dean of Education Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Augustana University
Carola Thorson, M.A.
Timothy Downs, Ph.D. Wittenberg University
President
Minnesota State University Moorhead Kathi Winegar Tunheim, Ph.D. ’82
Vice President for Mission, Strategy and
Tim Flakoll Innovation
Provost Gustavus Adolphus College
Tri-College University
Rick Tupper
Peter Folliard, D.M.A. Associate Vice President
Dean, School of Music Augustana University
Augustana University

Rebecca John
Vice President, Operations
Augsburg University

Joel Johnson, Ph.D.

Interim Provost, Professor of
Government
Augustana University

Eric LaMott, Ph.D.

Provost & Chief Operating Officer
Concordia University, St. Paul

Checka Leinwall, Ph.D.

Associate Vice Provost for Integrated
Learning and Student Life
Augustana University

6
 Presidential Medallion
The presidential medallion is worn in academic processions and
at formal functions when the president officially represents
the college. The Board of Regents commissioned David J.
Hetland ’69 to design Concordia’s golden 4-inch medallion
that symbolizes the office of the president and the mission
of the college.
The figures surrounding the globe cannot be distinguished
by sex, age or race. They are interrelated and united in
common purpose. They symbolize many things – thoughtful
and informed men and women going forth into society to influence
the world on God’s behalf; a worshipping, sharing, celebrating community for whom
the Cross is central; faculty, students and staff united in their search for knowledge and
truth; a continuing progression of founders, upholding and supporting; a posture of
hope, expectancy, promise and growth. Concordia’s motto, “Soli Deo Gloria” – To God
Alone the Glory, is engraved on the cross that intersects the globe. The 12 crosses on the
perimeter signify discipleship.

The Concordia College Mace

The Concordia College mace was designed and created for the inauguration
ceremony of Pamela M. Jolicoeur, the 10th president, as a gift from the
former chair of the Board of Regents, Ronald D. Offutt. The mace’s
contemporary design features the official college seal.
Maces date back to the Middle Ages, when the long-handled clubs were
carried by knights and used to crush armor. They were later carried by
royal bodyguards and became more ceremonial in the 14th century. Today,
maces are a symbol of academic authority, growth and prosperity. They
are used in academic ceremonies and carried by the most senior faculty
member.

7
Presidents of Concordia College
Ingebrikt F. Grose 1891-1893
A graduate of Luther College and a professor of English, Grose
launched Concordia and presided over its early, enthusiastic
reception in the region. He opened Concordia in autumn 1891
with three professors and 12 students. More than 200 students
arrived by January.

Hans H. Aaker 1893-1902

Aaker was a strong advocate of “practical” courses that students
could put to immediate use. Norwegian church leaders, however,
urged students to enroll in the longer classical and normal courses
to prepare them for enlightened citizenship. Aaker resigned and
founded Aaker’s Business College.

Rev. Rasmus R. Bogstad 1902-1910

A graduate of Luther College and Northfield Seminary, Bogstad
raised critically needed funds and actively recruited promising
young faculty and students. He built “New” Main, which for 40
years was the academic and administrative center for the college.
His emphasis on combining the liberal arts and practical training
has characterized Concordia ever since.

Rev. Henry O. Shurson 1910-1911

A pastor in Henning, Minn., before joining the religion faculty,
Shurson was Concordia’s first official financial secretary and
fundraiser. He agreed to serve as president for two years. During
his tenure, the first student publication “The Crescent” appeared
and The Concordia band was formed and went on its first tour.

8
Rev. Johan A. Aasgaard 1911-1925
A graduate of St. Olaf, Luther Seminary and Princeton
Theological Seminary, Aasgaard continued the college’s linkage
with Norway and the region’s interest in Norwegian culture. He
traveled widely, preaching and raising funds, and his successful
efforts at debt reduction enabled the creation of a four-year
curriculum.

Rev. John N. Brown 1925-1951

In the early years of Brown’s presidency, the college earned
accreditation and assembled a first-rate faculty. However, the
1930s were days of economic disaster. The fact the college survived
this decade is testament of Brown’s determination. His vision
for the future was translated into master plans for the campus,
construction of Fjelstad and Brown halls, and groundbreaking
for Memorial Auditorium.

Rev. Joseph L. Knutson 1951-1975

As a parish pastor in Minneapolis, Knutson believed he was called
“to be a promoter” of Concordia in particular, and Christian
higher education in general. “Prexy Joe” presided over an era of
sustained growth for the college. Wherever he went he created
enthusiasm for the college and a sense of expectation for better
things to come.

Dr. Paul J. Dovre 1975-1999

A 1958 Concordia graduate, Dovre received a doctorate from
Northwestern University and studied for a year at Luther
Seminary. At age 39 he became the eighth president of the
college. His tenure was marked by highly successful fundraising
campaigns, close linkage with the Lutheran church, and major
expansion of the physical plant. Dovre served as interim president
in 2003-2004 and again in 2010-2011.

9
Rev. Thomas W. Thomsen 1999-2003
A graduate of Luther College and Luther Seminary, Thomsen
served two years as president of Grand View College in Des
Moines, Iowa. His tenure as Concordia’s president was marked
by a strategic planning process that engaged nearly 200 faculty,
staff, students, alumni and friends. He oversaw the preliminary
design for a new campus center and groundbreaking for the
upperclass student housing project.

Dr. Pamela M. Jolicoeur 2004-2010

A graduate of Santa Clara University, Jolicoeur earned her
master’s degree and doctorate from Purdue University. She served
as provost at California Lutheran University before becoming
Concordia’s first female president. Her tenure, cut short by
her sudden death, was marked by the completion of the largest
capital campaign in Concordia’s history and the construction
of Knutson Campus Center. She launched the Offutt School of
Business, established the vision for new initiatives in the sciences
and enhanced Concordia’s leadership in global education.

Dr. William Craft 2011-2023

A graduate of Westminster College, Craft earned his master’s
and doctorate degrees in English from the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served as vice president for Academic
Affairs and dean of the college at Luther College before
becoming Concordia’s 11th president. His tenure was marked
by the commissioning of a new strategic plan, the repricing of
Concordia’s tuition, the move to a Three Schools/One College
framework, and the establishment of the Grant Center for the
Offutt School of Business, the Integrated Science Center, the
Jake Christiansen Athletic Complex, the Center for Student
Success, and the Sanford Heimarck School of Health Professions.

10
 Concordia College
Board of Regents
MaryAnn Anderson Tammy Lee
Minneapolis, Minn. Hopkins, Minn.

Dr. Julie Blehm, Secretary Stephanie Lundquist

Fargo, N.D. Hamel, Minn.

Troy Butner Dr. Bradley Miller

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Minneapolis, Minn.

Ruth Anna Buffalo Rev. Jennifer Nagel

Fargo, N.D. Minneapolis, Minn.

Jean Bye Ronald Offutt

Madison Lake, Minn. Fargo, N.D.

Elizabeth Cheney Rev. Mary Pechauer

Hutchinson, Minn. Minneapolis, Minn.

Victor Everson Dr. Patricia Pepper

Minnetrista, Minn. San Diego, Calif.

Corey Haaland Harold Pope

Edina, Minn. Detroit, Mich.

Dr. Kathryn Hasbargen Mary Ranum, Chair

Fargo, N.D. Circle Pines, Minn.

Dr. Douglas Hastad Beth Ann Renner

Onalaska, Wis. Fargo, N.D.

Rev. Gary Henderson James Senske

Nashville, Tenn. Eden Prairie, Minn.

David Horazdovsky Rev. William Tesch

Sioux Falls, S.D. Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Mark Jordahl Rev. Lamont Wells

Edina, Minn. Philadelphia, Pa.

Robert Jossart John Ydstie, Vice Chair

Minnetonka, Minn. Chevy Chase, Md.

11
 National Alumni Association
Board of Directors
Ann “Lisa” Ahlness ’84
Bismarck, N.D. Elle Grothaus ’92
Minnetrista, Minn.
Barbra Anderson ’84
Long Lake, Minn. Rhoda Habedank ’85
Twin Valley, Minn.
Dulcie Bear Don’t Walk ’95
Crow Agency, Mont. Berit Harvey ’15
Fargo, N.D.
Eric Beenken ’88
Sidney, Mont. Brandon Huether ’10
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Steve Buchholz ’69
Plymouth, Minn. Kai Janovsky Western ’00
Fargo, N.D.
Jeff Cadwell ’89
Park Rapids, Minn. Christopher Jones ’98
Bismarck, N.D.
Liz Cheney ’03, President
Hutchinson, Minn. Sue Kortemeier ’76
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Joon Hyung Cho ’04
Chapel Hill, N.C. Krista Nelson ’72
Verona, Wis.
Layne Danielson ’95
Baxter, Minn. Kris Olson ’90
Fargo, N.D.
Scott Ellingson ’77
Moorhead, Minn. Peter Seljevold ’84
Moorhead, Minn.
Jon Evert ’68
Moorhead, Minn. Alexi Waul ’03
Redondo Beach, Calif.
Adam Frazier ’18
Edmonds, Wash.

12
 Inauguration Planning Committee
Jill Abbott – Deputy to the President

Dave Adams – Campus Pastor

Dan Biebighauser – Professor, Mathematics

Michael Culloton – Director of Choral Activities; Associate Professor, Vocal Music Education
and Church Music

Nat Dickey – Chair, Music; Professor, Low Brass (Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba)

Jesus Gonzalez – President, Student Government Association

Gary Henderson – Concordia College Board of Regents, Chair of Presidential Search Committee

Colin Irvine – President

Bill Ishaug – Campus Events Supervisor

Eric Johnson – Director of Alumni Relations

Anna Kronbeck – Vice President, Student Government Association

Susan Larson – Provost and Dean of the College; Professor, Psychology

Kristi Loberg – Program Director/Professor, Social Work

Josh Lysne – Vice President for Communications and Marketing

Mikel Olson – Chair/Professor, Psychology

Candace Harmon – Media Relations and Communications Strategist

Laurie Probst – Director, Library

Nathalie Rinehardt – Assistant Dean of Students; Director of Student Engagement

Carrie Rogers – Executive Assistant to the President

Dawn Rude – Executive Assistant to the Provost and Dean of the College

Forrest Viker – Catering Manager

Todd Wawers – Director, Conferences and Events

Sonja Wentling – Dean, School of Arts and Sciences; Professor, History

13
17051/PDF/1023