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One Heart

One Heart

By Concordia University, St. Paul

For 130 years, Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) has been a university with heart: a heart for learning, a heart for service, a heart for community. Each individual who’s been part of this community brings their own heart and joins with others to become part of this one heart. These are the stories at the heart of the CSP community.
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Davaris Cheeks (DC), BA '23: Student Leader & Recent Graduate

One HeartMay 30, 2023

00:00
27:59
Eric Van Hecke: Preparing PAs

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.

Mar 27, 202441:17
President Brian Friedrich: Elevate the Promise

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.

Mar 19, 202451:31
Jerrod Brown: Addressing Food Insecurity
Mar 12, 202437:03
Emma McDowell: Celebrating CSPday
Mar 05, 202419:38
Tiffanie Loeb Schneider: A Heart for International Education

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.

Feb 27, 202424:06
Pastor Tom Gundermann: Living Out CSP's Promise

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.

Feb 20, 202433:06
Laurie Friedrich: An Educator At Heart

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.

Feb 14, 202428:55
Drew Prachar: Growing Spiritually at CSP

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.

Feb 07, 202410:40
Jeri Bates: Staying Active as an Alum

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.

Jan 31, 202416:34
Daniel Mueller: Serving the CSP Community

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.

Jan 23, 202420:51
Bella Woodford: The Intersection of Faith & Science

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.

Jan 16, 202412:55
Danielle Sarim: A Curious Writer

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.

Jan 09, 202436:35
Charlene Botones: Finding a Home at CSP

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.

Dec 19, 202310:50
Leah Martin: A Passion for CSP

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.

Dec 12, 202324:45
Rev. Vue Lee: A Calling for Missions

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.

Dec 05, 202325:08
Paul von Kampen: A Heart for Music
Nov 28, 202327:33
Thanksgiving Break: Pakhoua Vang Revisited

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.

Nov 21, 202323:48
Dillon LaHaye: School is Stability

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.

Nov 14, 202330:47
Mandy Brosnahan: A Passion for Biology

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.

Nov 07, 202319:52
Lee Pao Xiong: The Center for Hmong Studies
Oct 31, 202351:31
Dr. Lori Utech: A Heart for Healing Service

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.

Oct 24, 202328:06
Dr. Jerrod Brown: The Interconnectedness of Gut & Brain

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.

Oct 17, 202341:51
Kate Schnake, M.A. '23: Learning on the Road

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.

Oct 10, 202314:05
Dr. Laura Wangsness Willemsen: Fulbright Scholar
Oct 03, 202331:42
Matt Eicheldinger: Educator Turned Author
Sep 26, 202321:12
Mark Hill: Advancing the Mission Through Philanthropy

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

Sep 19, 202328:16
Rev. Bill Otte: Growing up at CSP

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.

Sep 12, 202328:31
Dr. Kimberly Craig: Vice Provost of CSP Global

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.

Sep 05, 202320:31
Eric LaMott: Provost & COO

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.

Aug 29, 202324:20
Regan McAthie: Serving Student-Athletes

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.

Aug 22, 202323:52
Mark Koschmann: Integrating Faith & Learning at CSP
Aug 15, 202336:10
Alexus Houston: Student Body President
Aug 08, 202311:08
Ren Clayton: WCCO Weekend Sports Anchor

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.


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Aug 01, 202324:03
Hollie Caldwell: A Heart for Nursing
Jul 25, 202324:04
Demetria Dyer: Finding Her Calling as an Attorney

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.

Jul 18, 202325:19
Carline Bengtsson: A Heart for Service

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

Jul 11, 202327:17
Jake Trippel: The Implications and Impact of AI

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.

Jul 04, 202343:52
Mike Houston, BA '04: 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year
Jun 27, 202318:36
Pakhoua Vang, BA '17: Discovering Her Calling at CSP

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.

Jun 20, 202322:56
Carrie Meyer: Regent & Donor

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.

Jun 13, 202321:55
Mychal Thom: Chief Diversity Officer

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.

Jun 06, 202327:18
Davaris Cheeks (DC), BA '23: Student Leader & Recent Graduate
May 30, 202327:59
Rachel Wightman, CSP Staff and Author

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:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Eerdmans


One Heart has an email address! Send us your questions, feedback, and ideas for future topics or guests at oneheart@csp.edu.

May 23, 202327:19
President Brian Friedrich, Part 2

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.

May 16, 202321:49
President Brian Friedrich, Part 1
May 09, 202329:14
One Heart Trailer

One Heart Trailer

One Heart, a new podcast from Concordia University, St. Paul, drops May 9.

Apr 19, 202301:36