President's Council
President's Council Purpose Statement
The President's Council is comprised of Christian civic and business leaders who share a deep concern and love for Concordia University, St. Paul. They share its ideals as an educational institution in a Christian context and they recognize its commitment to diversity and learning excellence.
The Council was established by the president in order to elicit a "fresh perspective" on the many issues, opportunities and challenges that face Concordia. The Council's role should be distinguished from those of the faculty and the Board of Regents in that it serves as an advisor to the president and acts on that advice at the request of and in partnership with the president. Council meetings are characterized by frank and open discussion. They focus on the president's vision for Concordia and attempt to bring practicality to that vision and, as important, to find financial means to support it.
Each member serves at the discretion of the president for a renewable three-year term. Annually, the president and members together assess the effectiveness of the Council.
The Council is an important source of guidance and support for the president. Its members are encouraged to think and advise boldly - with tolerance, wisdom and common sense.
Rev. Dr. Robert Holst
President, Concordia University
"I appreciate and enjoy the President's Council for both personal and professional reasons. Personally, I enjoy being with them because they have winsome personalities, creative minds and expressive faith. Professionally, I appreciate being with them because of their commitment to Concordia's mission, their experiences with reality, their understanding of excellence and their visions of opportunities."
Mr. Kenneth Behm
Chairman, Home State Bank
"As a member of Concordia University's President's Council, I can use my business experience to give advice to President Holst and the Board of Regents. My prayer is that I then can contribute to the continued growth of Concordia programs and help the University maintain its current high quality educational programs for training church workers and students who will be become tomorrow's Christian leaders in our business world."
Dr. Cheryl Chatman
Executive Vice President/Dean of Diversity, Concordia University
"Having the opportunity to meet with, interact and learn from the President's Council feels like a fringe benefit to me. It's one of the extra blessings or gifts I receive that's beyond the required compensation. I have never experienced working with such a consistently positive, supportive, caring, successful and genuine group of individuals on a regular basis. I always leave this group with feelings of excitement, strength and hope for the future."
Mr. Tim Davis
Sales Manager, Workday
"Being part of the President's Council has provided me an opportunity to work closely with President Holst and bring forth the vision that he shares for the University. As a former student of Concordia, I understand the historical struggles the University has faced and look at the changes and advancements that have been socialized and acted on within the President's Council. It has allowed the University to move quickly from idea to action."
Dr. Betty Duda
Professional Volunteer
"Serving on the President's Council at Concordia University, St. Paul has been a meaningful experience for me. The caliber of the visionaries on this council makes each meeting invigorating and worthwhile. Concordia University, St. Paul provides a Christian education, meeting the students needs and expectations. It is a joy to be a participant."
Mr. Bruce Engelsma
Chairman and CEO, Kraus Anderson Companies, Inc
"I am involved on the President's Council because I appreciate the role Concordia University has taken in the community by reaching out and inviting the community to become a part of Concordia. I believe that Concordia, as a faith-based urban university, has a unique opportunity to change lives."
Mr. Philip Fandrei
Vice President and Sales Coordinator, Sea Foam Sales Company
"It is an honor and privilege to serve on the President's Council at Concordia University. I have learned much about the many complexities in the field of education. I have been amazed at the wide range of knowledge, experience and wisdom of the Council members. This includes President Holst and his many leadership teams. I cherish them as wonderful new friends. I pray that God will continue to guide this leadership that His will and work may be done.With God's help, I pray that I contribute in a small way as I really enjoy being a part of this Council and working in His Kingdom. To God Be The Glory!"
Mr. David Frauenshuh
CEO, Chairman, and Founder of Frauenshuh Company
"The President's Council gives me the opportunity to serve. This service is important because it affects the most impressionable portion of our adult society. Concordia's faith-based liberal arts curriculum is somewhat unique and of great value."
Dr. Brad Hewitt
Senior Vice President | Fraternal Operations, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
"I enjoy being on the President's Council because it allows me to give some of the experience I have from my vocation to Concordia in order to make it strong and healthy. As a business leader it is fun to help think through problems outside your normal experience. I'm sure sometimes it is helpful and other times not so much, but the dialogue is always engaging!"
Dr. Eric LaMott
Vice President of Administration, Concordia University
"I continue to be in awe of the dedication and vision the members of the President's Council bring to Concordia. It is a privilege to engage in insightful dialogue about the future of Concordia University, St. Paul and the actions necessary to move it forward."
Mr. Lonn Moly
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Concordia University
Dr. Jim Storm
President, Center for Organizational Development
"Participation on the President's Council provides an excellent opportunity to assist in shaping an institution which is committed to values that recognize the equal worth and potential of its diverse student body."
Dr. Marvin Suomi
President and CEO, KUD International LLC
"This Council has been a wonderful experience for me-constructive discussions, great colleagues, and a receptive president."
Mrs. Alicia Winget
President, Alpha to Omega Properties, LLC
"I enjoy my time spent with the President's Council because of the free flow of creative ideas and the knowledge of so many different areas of the business world exhibited by my colleagues. I appreciate the unanimous devotion to Concordia University and the diligence in seeking the best ways that the Council can provide support. The discussions, which are sometimes lively, are exhilarating and always couched in the respect for one another's opinions."
