Flynn Called to Work at Concordia Seminary

Mike Flynn ’75 was set to study architecture at Iowa State when his pastor, John Ramsey ’49, encouraged him to attend Concordia University, St. Paul. Not knowing the many years of service he’d eventually give to Concordia, Flynn thought he’d give it a shot so he enrolled.

After completing his first year, Flynn transferred out of Concordia, but returned for his third year of undergraduate study. That year his father died and Flynn was amazed by the incredible support the Concordia community offered him. “It touched my heart in a big way,” said Flynn.

After graduating with a degree in education, Flynn’s first call was to be an admission counselor for the University. He moved on to be director of financial aid, director of development, vice president for development, vice president for advancement and vice president for special gifts.

Through his work, Flynn has enjoyed witnessing the joy people experience when given the opportunity to share their financial blessings. “I truly love people…I become totally enamored by who they are,” said Flynn.

His work could be considered “a transfer of blessings.” These transfers have led him to serve as the senior philanthropic advisor for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

While he still lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Ruth, Flynn travels regularly to St. Louis, Chicago and Arizona to meet with individuals who have intentions of sharing their financial gifts with the seminary.

Flynn says his encounters with the generous supporters of the University and the seminary are about “the blessing I get from people—their commitment to the organization and their faith.”