Graduation Tales: A New Class Enter the Ranks of Concordia Alumni

For the 114th year in a row, Concordia has sent its graduates out into the world where they have distinguished themselves in many fields. Here, a few of the graduates from this year’s class – traditional, degree-completion and graduate students – share their hopes for the future.

Following in the footsteps of the generations of Concordia alumni who precede them, the Class of 2007 is poised for an exciting future.

Andrea Christensen (’07) | Sociology major, Psychology and Criminal Justice minors
Wabasso, Minnesota

I will be working for the Minnesota Literacy Council this summer where I’ll be working with children to improve their reading skills. In the fall, I will be attending graduate school in the Social Work program offered in partnership through the College of St. Catherine and the University of St.Thomas. After I receive my master’s degree in Social Work, I hope to either go into the field of adoption or work with the geriatric population in a nursing home or in an assisted living complex.

Elizabeth Jacobson (’07) | Studio Arts major
Roseville, Minnesota

I’ll be using a research grant from Concordia to work on a research project in Mexico City, with the final result of the research taking the form of a short documentary film. I will also be creating a new body of work over the summer and into next fall using an Art Fellowship from the Southern Graphics Council for Printmaking, through which I will be investigating and experimenting with the process of hand papermaking as it relates to printmaking. In the future, I’ll be exploring options for graduate studies in Art.

Kami Jo Kuesel (’07) | Director of Christian Education major, Parish Administration minor
Elmwood, Wisconsin

After living out my last five years at Concordia, it is hard to imagine what life will be like once I accept my diploma and drive away. Of course,the whole reason I came to Concordia was to prepare to become a Director of Christian Education. Now I am pursuing that dream. I have accepted a call to Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, Fla., and anxiously anticipate beginning my career there. I look forward to having time to build relationships in the congregation, entering the Crossways Program and simply reading a book on the beach!

Adrian Perryman (’07) | Communication Studies major
St.Paul, Minnesota

I will be working this summer with Admission Possible, a program that helps local high school students with the college application process. I will also continue my career as DJMV, entertaining whoever loves music from birthday parties to weddings to funerals. I will never forget my time at Concordia. The past four years have made me who I am today. Regardless of how people have perceived me I will miss everyone - my teammates, classmates, roommates, teachers, everyone.**tear**

Yvonne S.Silcox (’07) | Marketing Management & Innovation
State College, Pennsylvania

The first thing I’ll do is hug my husband, Joe,and thank him for his unshakable encouragement, support and love throughout my educational journey here at Concordia. Following graduation, I’ll put my marketing education to work, as my husband and I have just recently purchased our family motel located in Clearwater, Fla., which was originally built in 1947 by my grandfather, Fred Gangelhoff. So, if you’re in need of sunshine, warmth and friendliness, come see us at Summerside Inn!

Kirk Wetzlich (BA ‘05,MA ‘07) | Criminal Justice major
Bloomington, Minnesota

I plan to keep my close ties to Concordia so I won’t have to miss the true family atmosphere. I have begun training to become an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice program,and I hope to continue working as a part-time security guard for the University. I also plan to continue working at the Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement, training future police officers. I plan to use my master’s degree to obtain a position at a law enforcement agency,and I hope to achieve my ultimate dream of having a wife and children.