Letters to the Editor

Dear Lindsey,

After reading the spring 2008 issue of the Concordia St. Paul magazine, I would like to make some observations and suggestions. On the basis of my experience as the former alumni paper editor and especially feedback from alumni at district and synodical conventions, professional meetings, and many personal conversations, I would like to offer a few thoughts for consideration. These are also based on alumni publications from my three alma maters and many others I have seen.

Are we established well enough to have a name for this publication? It seems a bit demeaning to simply call it “magazine” (without even a capital M). Check with the titles of similar publications from the other Concordias, especially Chicago, Seward, St. Louis, and others. Even have a contest among our alumni for suggestions and a vote of our readers.

The first and best read section of our publication has always been alumni news which needs to include obituaries. Remember many of our alumni do not receive church or synodical publications of the LCMS, and many are members of other denominations. Obituaries in newspapers are public information, and there is nothing legally or morally wrong about putting such notices in our magazine (e.g. Washington University in St. Louis). The spring issue had an emotionally powerful story and picture about Matt Woodford but Dick Nachtsheim was only mentioned in the class notes section. Since his daughter Susan was a homecoming queen, that item had additional interest. Also, several more names should have been published.

Remember alumni identify strongly with students and faculty whom they knew while students. At reunions and other gatherings some alumni invariably inquire about former professors. Faculty notes in the magazine should also include accomplishments of retired faculty. More alumni know faculty members with 20 to 40 years service to CSP than those who have served just a few years. That doesn’t mean ignoring current faculty activities, but do consider your reading audience. For example, in recent months, the In Memoriam column should have mentioned Rev. Dr. Willard Kehrberg, Psychology professor and registrar for over 10 years; Rev. Roger Hett ‘62; Adeline Wagner Galchutt ‘67; Dr. Marvin Wippich ‘67 and others.

Please consider these observations so that CSP may continue to have an even better publication for our alumni and other friends of the institution.

Yours for a bigger and better university in serving the Lord and His people,

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Kaden
Prof. Emeritus and Concordia Alumni Council member

Dear Rev. Dr. Kaden,
The formal name of the magazine is “Concordia St. Paul.” It is a common practice among higher education institutions to name their magazine the name of their institution. In fact, my alma mater, Clarke College, just overhauled their alumni magazine and changed its name from “On Campus” to “Clarke.” Do readers think we should rename our magazine? I’m eager to hear thoughts from others!

We strive to ensure that “Concordia St. Paul” has a broad mix of news about institutional activities, alumni accomplishments and activities of current and former faculty. I agree that many alumni enjoy hearing about professors they had as students here. Currently we publish all condolences and obituaries brought to our attention. They are condensed, if necessary, and placed in the class notes section. I welcome readers to submit updates regarding alumni and emeriti. You can write, e-mail me or submit items online on Concordia.Ave. Thanks for your letter and desire to see a publication more people can relate to and enjoy.

Lindsey Brown
Editor, “Concordia St. Paul”

Dear Lindsey,

You have outdone yourself. First, you are taking the magazine to places it hasn’t been before. Great job! Second, I’m immensely proud of Mike Conner. The article “Alumnus Cooks Up Unique Career” in the spring 2008 issue really captured the real Mike, along with a number of his buzz phrases he really does say all the time! Mike is one of the most genuinely nice people I’ve ever met who holds firmly to his faith, ethical, family and life values. The article captured them all and very accurately. Hats off to you for a great magazine and great article; we’re blessed to have you at CSP.

Scott Harr
CSP Criminal Justice Institute Chair

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