One Heart
By Concordia University, St. Paul
One HeartMay 16, 2023
Jenny Zafke: Raising Up Sonographers
Jenny Zafke, program director for CSP's Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program, joins One Heart to talk about her career journey, her love for teaching (especially at CSP), and how the university's DMS prepares students to serve patients well.
Kelly Matthias: Engaging Students Holistically
As Director of CSP's Center for Student Engagement, Kelly Matthias is on the front lines of creating meaningful experiences for students to engage in learning and growth outside of the classroom. In this interview, she shares about her work at CSP in creating and launching programs that allow students to learn about themselves, their gifts, and how they can serve in the world.
Paul Perseke: Enhancing the Value of a CSP Degree
Paul Perseke, B.A. '88, is proud of CSP and grateful to give back through his service on the President's Advisory Council and philanthropic gifts. In this interview, he shares about his experiences as a student at CSP, why he gives back, and how CSP's growth increases the value of a CSP degree for alumni.
Eric Van Hecke: Preparing PAs
Dr. Eric Van Hecke began his work as the first Program Director for CSP's Physician Assistant (PA) program in January 2024. He shares about his background, what PAs do, what steps need to take place to launch a PA program, and what skills PAs use in their vocations.
President Brian Friedrich: Elevate the Promise
Last week, CSP announced the Elevate the Promise campaign, a $55 million effort to ensure each student at CSP has what they need to fulfill their potential. President Brian Friedrich joins the podcast to talk about the campaign, how it benefits our students, and how it helps CSP to thrive for generations to come.
Jerrod Brown: Addressing Food Insecurity
With approximately 25% of undergraduate college students experiencing food insecurity nationwide, it's incredibly important to identify and support students experiencing this issue so they can be successful. Dr. Jerrod Brown, the Director for the Master of Arts in Human Services program at CSP, shares what food insecurity is, how it affects college students, and what interventions can help alleviate this epidemic.
Emma McDowell: Celebrating CSPday
CSPday is March 14, 2024. Emma McDowell, Philanthropy Engagement Coordinator, joins us to talk about how our community comes together on CSPday to make a significant impact for our students.
Tiffanie Loeb Schneider: A Heart for International Education
In fall 2013, CSP's student census showed 82 international students. A decade later, that number is more than ten times greater at 855. Director of International Student Services Tiffanie Loeb Schneider joins the podcast to talk about her personal experiences with and love for international education and how CSP serves its burgeoning population of international students.
Pastor Tom Gundermann: Living Out CSP's Promise
In his role as University Pastor, Tom Gundermann seeks to embody CSP's promise to "honor Christ and welcome all" through his ministry. Reflecting on his long family history and legacy at CSP, he shares why CSP means so much to him and how grateful he is to serve the CSP community.
Laurie Friedrich: An Educator At Heart
No matter where God has called Dr. Laurie Friedrich, she's been able to fulfill her calling and passion for education students of all ages. Now as a professor in CSP's graduate teacher education programs—and wife of President Brian Friedrich—she shares about what it means to serve her alma mater and follow in the footsteps of professors that made a lifelong impact on her.
Drew Prachar: Growing Spiritually at CSP
First year student Drew Prachar joins the podcast to talk about his experiences over his first semester at CSP. He shares how he came to choose CSP, the ways he's grown and changed as a college student, and the activities and faculty members who have made an impact on him thus far.
Jeri Bates: Staying Active as an Alum
Alumna Jeri Bates has built a career in the recruiting and human resources world, finding a fit with her natural giftedness and inspired by her experiences at CSP. She continues to be an active alum and encourages other alumni to use their gifts and experiences to serve CSP students.
Daniel Mueller: Serving the CSP Community
Alumnus Daniel Mueller serves as President & CEO of Volm Companies and shares his story of being a student at CSP, pursuing his career, and giving back to CSP through Volm. As a significant donor to CSP, Volm has provided scholarships and internship opportunities for CSP students and recently committed to an academic program start-up gift.
Bella Woodford: The Intersection of Faith & Science
With a double major in Biology and Theology, legacy student Bella Woodford shares why she chose CSP and how her academic pursuits are preparing her for a life of service.
Danielle Sarim: A Curious Writer
As a dual degree alumna (BA in English and MFA in Creative Writing), Danielle Sarim developed close relationships with faculty in the English department and beyond. These individuals helped her explore her calling as a writer and develop new skills and mindsets about her art, where she explores her natural curiosity for people and the world. In this episode, she talks about her experiences at and love for CSP and how these have guided her in her career.
Charlene Botones: Finding a Home at CSP
Student Charlene Botones shares how she's found her home at CSP, from the moment she set foot on campus as a visiting student to the present. As a psychology major with minors in communications and music and involved in a number of extracurricular activities, Charlene is active and engaged as a vital member of our community.
Leah Martin: A Passion for CSP
Leah Martin earned her B.A. in studio art and an M.A. in Organizational Management at CSP and has spent the past 15 years as part of CSP's enrollment management/admissions team. In this episode, she shares how significant a part of her life CSP has been and how the passion of faculty and staff drive student success.
Rev. Vue Lee: A Calling for Missions
Rev. Vue Lee came to CSP as a traditional student when he was 33 to pursue a course of study in CSP's pre-seminary program. Through his experiences at CSP, he began a Hmong Bible study, and went to seminary to become a pastor. He now serves as the mission executive for the Minnesota South District of the LCMS, where he comes alongside churches and leaders to help them with outreach and evangelism efforts.
Paul von Kampen: A Heart for Music
Paul von Kampen serves as the Director of Choral Activities and Director of Church & School Relations Through the Fine Arts at CSP. He shares about his passion for music and how students can be part of something unique and special as members of music ensembles. As the lead for A Concordia St. Paul Christmas, Paul lays out his vision for this festive concert, which will be held December 8-10. Order your free tickets for this event by visiting www.csp.edu/tickets.
Thanksgiving Break: Pakhoua Vang Revisited
Happy Thanksgiving, listeners! We're taking a week off from posting a new episode and replaying Pakhoua Vang's interview from earlier this year. We return next week (Nov. 28) with a new episode featuring Paul Von Kampen.
Dillon LaHaye: School is Stability
Dillon LaHaye, B.A. '15, came to CSP to study marketing and play football. After graduation, he began a career in school transportation, routing buses for various school districts, where he discovered gaps in transportation for students experiencing homelessness and other challenges. This led Dillon to start a company called Collaborative Student Transportation, which ensures that all students have a way to get to school and experience stability in times of crisis and difficulty.
Mandy Brosnahan: A Passion for Biology
Growing up on a farm, Dr. Mandy Brosnahan became fascinated with infectious disease and discovered her calling in biology. After joining the CSP faculty in 2013, Mandy has been a passionate educator and researcher and now serves as the Dean of the College of Health and Science, a growing part of CSP's academic offerings.
Lee Pao Xiong: The Center for Hmong Studies
Lee Pao Xiong is the Director of the Center for Hmong Studies at CSP. This one-of-a-kind institution is a remarkable museum and archive of the rich history and legacy of the Hmong people. In this interview, Lee Pao shares his personal journey from his early years in Laos to his time in refugee camps in Thailand, to his eventual emigration to Indiana and move to Minnesota. He unpacks what the Center for Hmong Studies exists to accomplish and how it's a rich treasure for the CSP community and beyond.
Want to tour the Center for Hmong Studies? Reach out to Lee Pao Xiong for a tour or head to the basement of the Library Technology Center at CSP to view the timeline and other artifacts.
Dr. Lori Utech: A Heart for Healing Service
As a retired family physician, Dr. Lori Utech, B.A. '79 saw her career as more than a job or practice, but an opportunity to serve others, including launching a free clinic in St. Louis for uninsured people. In this episode, she shares about her calling as a medical doctor, her experiences at CSP that prepared her for that experience, how she's served CSP as a member of the Board of Regents, and what it meant for her to receive the Alumni Distinguished Service Award this year.
Dr. Jerrod Brown: The Interconnectedness of Gut & Brain
Dr. Jerrod Brown, assistant professor of forensic behavioral health, directs the Master of Arts in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health and a second emphasis area in trauma, resilience, and self-care strategies programs at CSP. He is deeply curious about human behavior and among his interests is the gut-brain axis and how so many everyday factors can impact our physical and mental health. In this episode, he unpacks the gut-brain axis and provides insight into how we can better take care of ourselves and those we live and work with.
Kate Schnake, M.A. '23: Learning on the Road
After an inflection point in her life, Kate Schnake decided to live in a van and travel across the country. At the same time, she explored her options for further education and discovered CSP's MA in Strategic Communication Management program. She shares how CSP Global allowed her to complete her degree while building meaningful friendships with her cohort and attending classes in 24 different states.
Dr. Laura Wangsness Willemsen: Fulbright Scholar
Dr. Laura Wangsness Willemsen, associate professor in CSP's doctor of education program, shares about her research in Tanzania about the effects of climate change and how she received a Fulbright Scholarship to support this work. Laura also explains how she connects her own scholarship to her pedagogical work with CSP students. Click here to view a few of Laura's photos from Tanzania.
Matt Eicheldinger: Educator Turned Author
Matt Eicheldinger, B.A. '09, M.A. '12 is an educator who used stories from his life to motivate his middle school students. When he found that not only were these stories effective, when written down, they inspired even the most reluctant of readers. This put Matt down a path of becoming a published author. In 2021, he launched a Kickstarter campaign to self-publish Matt Sprouts and The Curse of Ten Broken Toes. When the book became a hit, he was able to sign with an agent who quickly sold Matt Sprouts to a publisher. Matt shares how he became interested in being an educator, how he navigated the process of becoming a published author, and his future plans for more books.
Mark Hill: Advancing the Mission Through Philanthropy
Last week, CSP announced its largest single philanthropic gift in our 130 year history, a $10M gift from Rev. Jim and Karen Laatsch. Vice President of University Advancement Mark Hill joins the podcast to talk about this gift and how his department engages with alumni, donors, and friends of CSP to build meaningful relationships that benefit these constituents and CSP's students.
Read the Laatsch story here
Learn about ways to support our students
Rev. Bill Otte: Growing up at CSP
CSP celebrates its 130th birthday on September 13, so it's the perfect time to take a look back at some of the university's history. Rev. Bill Otte, H.S. '64, J.C. '66 grew up on CSP's campus as his father, Dr. Harold Otte, served on the faculty and administration. Bill later became a high school and college student and witnessed many changes at CSP and the surrounding area over the 15 years he spent on campus.
Dr. Kimberly Craig: Vice Provost of CSP Global
As we celebrate the start of CSP's 131st academic year, Vice Provost of CSP Global, Dr. Kimberly Craig shares what fall enrollment looks like, how CSP is countering trends within higher education, and what exciting new programs and academic offerings are coming soon.
Eric LaMott: Provost & COO
After an exciting summer of campus updates and preparations for the 2023-24 academic year, Dr. Eric LaMott, CSP's Provost & COO, shares about the myriad of projects the university has undertaken and how CSP responds to challenges and opportunities by remaining focused on students and its strategic plan.
Regan McAthie: Serving Student-Athletes
Go Golden Bears! Director of Athletics Regan McAthie joins the podcast to talk about her journey into this role, how CSP serves students athletes, and some of the hot topics around intercollegiate athletics.
Purchase your tickets for 2023 CSP Bears football, soccer, and volleyball games here.
Livestream CSP Bears games by clicking here.
Mark Koschmann: Integrating Faith & Learning at CSP
Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann serves as CSP's Associate Vice President of Faith & Ministry, a role in which he leads the Department of Theology & Ministry and CSP Ministry, teaches theology classes, and heads up the Solus Christus Fellows program. He shares about his personal calling into ministry, how God led him to CSP, and how the University's Lutheran identity undergirds life together at CSP.
Visit the Faith & Ministry webpage
Email us with questions, comments, and suggestions!
Alexus Houston: Student Body President
Senior Alexus Houston, CSP's Student Senate President for the 2023-24 academic year, joins One Heart to talk about her experiences at CSP. She shares about how she came to CSP, what it's like being a Division II student-athlete, her plans for Student Senate, and her future educational and career goals.
Ren Clayton: WCCO Weekend Sports Anchor
Ren Clayton Souvannasoth, B.A. '14 was recently promoted to be the Weekend Sports Anchor at WCCO-TV, the Twin Cities CBS affiliate. He joins the podcast to talk about his experiences at CSP that prepared him to pursue a career in journalism, how his career has evolved to this point, and what his day-to-day work looks like covering the teams he grew up cheering for.
Learn more about Concordia University, St. Paul
Hollie Caldwell: A Heart for Nursing
In this episode of One Heart, Dr. Hollie Caldwell, who serves as dean of the College of Nursing at Concordia University, St. Paul, shares her journey into the nursing field and the various experiences she's had in her career. Hollie also explains about the BSN and ABSN programs CSP offers in St. Paul and Portland, what market needs there are for nurses in Minnesota, Oregon, and beyond, and what skills and traits make a successful nurse.
Learn more about CSP's nursing programs: https://www.csp.edu/nursing-programs/
Send us a message: oneheart@csp.edu
Demetria Dyer: Finding Her Calling as an Attorney
While still in high school, Demetria Dyer, B.A. '13 had an attorney speak to her class, and a seed was planted. At CSP, that seed was watered and she discovered that her calling was to pursue a career as an attorney. In this episode, she reflects on her journey as a student at CSP and how she prepared for this career that she finds deep satisfaction in.
Carline Bengtsson: A Heart for Service
Carline (Jackson) Bengtsson, B.A. '86, spent the majority of her career in the corporate world. After being laid off, she launched into a new venture called Dine4Dinners, where she creates private dining experiences and donates a portion of the proceeds to hunger-related charities and other nonprofits. She's also a long-time volunteer at CSP through the Alumni Advisory Council, College of Business & Technology Advisory Council, and the President's Advisory Council.
Buy Carline's Fork & Cork cookbook here: https://dine4dinners.org/store
Contact Carline to inquire about hosting your own event in the Twin Cities: https://dine4dinners.org/contact-us
Jake Trippel: The Implications and Impact of AI
Jake Trippel, MBA '18, began his tenure as Dean of the College of Business & Technology (CBT) at Concordia University, St. Paul in April 2023. He shares his experiences as a student and faculty member and what his vision and hopes are for the CBT. He is currently wrapping up his Doctor of Education degree at CSP with his dissertation focused on artificial intelligence (AI). Jake dives deep into what AI is and how it's impacting our world now and into the future.
Mike Houston, BA '04: 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year
In this episode, 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year honoree Mike Houston, BA '04 shares about his journey to CSP as a student, what his nearly two decade career experience as an educator at Harding High School has been like, how he gives back to CSP today as a contracted faculty of practice (adjunct), and the process and emotions around being named Teacher of the Year.
Connect with the One Heart podcast by emailing us at oneheart@csp.edu to share questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.
Pakhoua Vang, BA '17: Discovering Her Calling at CSP
In this episode of the One Heart podcast, alumna Pakhoua Vang, BA '17 shares how she came to CSP thanks to the influence of her siblings that attended, how she was involved in a wide range of activities and experiences as a students, and how she found her calling working alongside college students.
Carrie Meyer: Regent & Donor
In this episode of One Heart, Dr. Carrie Meyer, current Board of Regents member and active donor, shares about her journey as an audiologist, how she came to serve on CSP's Board of Regents, and why she loves and supports CSP's work.
Mychal Thom: Chief Diversity Officer
In this episode of One Heart, Mychal Thom, who serves as the Chief Diversity Officer at Concordia University, St. Paul, shares about his background, how CSP serves a diverse student population, and how this work aligns with our mission and promise as a Christ-centered Lutheran university.
Davaris Cheeks (DC), BA '23: Student Leader & Recent Graduate
In this episode of One Heart, recent graduate Davaris Cheeks, BA '23, known better as DC, shares about his journey to CSP, his active involvement as a student leader and student athlete, his academic path and career goals, and his internship this summer.
Learn more about Concordia University, St. Paul at csp.edu.
Connect with the One Heart podcast by emailing us at oneheart@csp.edu.
Rachel Wightman, CSP Staff and Author
In this episode, CSP's Associate Director of Instruction and Outreach, Rachel Wightman, shares about her new book, Faith and Fake News: A Guide to Consuming Information Wisely, including how she became interested in the topic, what led to the creation of this book, and why this topic is so important today.
Purchase Faith and Fake News at the following retailers:
One Heart has an email address! Send us your questions, feedback, and ideas for future topics or guests at oneheart@csp.edu.
President Brian Friedrich, Part 2
In this episode of One Heart, Concordia University, St. Paul President Brian Friedrich talks about the state of higher education, including some of the challenges and opportunities that face institutions like CSP. He covers topics such as demographics, closures, current happenings within the LCMS and more.
President Brian Friedrich, Part 1
In this first episode of the One Heart podcast, President Brian Friedrich shares his love for Concordia University, St. Paul, his family legacy at CSP, his time as a student, his career journey, and what brought him back as CSP's 10th president. Learn more about Concordia University, St. Paul by visiting our website: https://www.csp.edu/.
One Heart Trailer
One Heart, a new podcast from Concordia University, St. Paul, drops May 9.