What became of Cobbers?
As a part of the Cobberizing History Project, we needed to contact past 2003 graduates to find out what significance Concordia had on students' lives during and after their time at the college. Through our interviews, we concluded that all of the people that we interviewed had a fulfilling experience at Concordia that they took with them into their lives after graduation. All of the people that we interviewed only had positive things to say about the time they spent at the college. From building lifelong friendships and relationships, to participating in activities that helped these Cobbers decide what they would like to do for the rest of their lives. Their time at Concordia was a memorable experience that was filled with a combination of unparalleled academics to engaging relationships.
Students came from near and far to move into their new home in 1999. They participated in the generic, "get to know me," games and wore their maroon and gold beanie’s with pride. Some students came to Concordia to fulfill their majors because they knew that Concordia had a reputation of educating students to prepare them for their careers. After coming on campus one biology major, chemistry minor, said, "I was drawn to Concordia after I toured the college and felt it would be an excellent fit for me."[1] The college was an affordable home with a good education. Others came to the school to participate in certain activities like choir or CEC, and to fulfill certain majors.
The influence Concordia had on students started inside the classroom with professors who pushed the students to their limits. Education at Concordia is well known for being challenging with professors who look at their students as people, not just a number. Many students came for the education at Concordia but left with memories that went far beyond the lecture hall. A communications major said, "really though, my Concordia experience was more than what I learned in the classroom. I learned how to think and how to question at Concordia. I learned that it is more important to ask questions, than know all the answers. I also met some of my best friends there and continue to enjoy their friendship. I believe that I learned how to communicate better while at Concordia, and it has given me very fruitful and rewarding relationships in my professional and personal life."[2]
After graduating from Concordia, many of the students took more than just an education with them. College was a place for them to grow and find out who they really are and what they wanted out of their lives. One student said that, "for me, going to Concordia helped me grow into an independent, free-thinking adult. I think that the Liberal Arts education I received at Concordia helped shape me into a more well-rounded and intellectually curious individual. I treasure the memories and friendships that were formed while I was a student at Concordia."[3]
The 2003 graduates had nothing but good things to say about their experiences at Concordia. Many people go to college simply to make more money in a career. Students who chose to go to Concordia want more than just to earn an education for their career; they want to push themselves to get an experience that will prepare themselves for the rest of their lives. Another communications major finished off his interview with a quote stating, “College is whatever you make out of it. As much as you put into it, you’re going to get out of it. If you want to get involved and push yourself to the max, you’ll get the most out of it. That’s the biggest key.”[4] Whether or not you choose to make your experience something to remember is up to you. Concordia was more than just a college to the graduates of 2003, it was a place to grow and develop into the intelligent and driven people that they are today.
Students came from near and far to move into their new home in 1999. They participated in the generic, "get to know me," games and wore their maroon and gold beanie’s with pride. Some students came to Concordia to fulfill their majors because they knew that Concordia had a reputation of educating students to prepare them for their careers. After coming on campus one biology major, chemistry minor, said, "I was drawn to Concordia after I toured the college and felt it would be an excellent fit for me."[1] The college was an affordable home with a good education. Others came to the school to participate in certain activities like choir or CEC, and to fulfill certain majors.
The influence Concordia had on students started inside the classroom with professors who pushed the students to their limits. Education at Concordia is well known for being challenging with professors who look at their students as people, not just a number. Many students came for the education at Concordia but left with memories that went far beyond the lecture hall. A communications major said, "really though, my Concordia experience was more than what I learned in the classroom. I learned how to think and how to question at Concordia. I learned that it is more important to ask questions, than know all the answers. I also met some of my best friends there and continue to enjoy their friendship. I believe that I learned how to communicate better while at Concordia, and it has given me very fruitful and rewarding relationships in my professional and personal life."[2]
After graduating from Concordia, many of the students took more than just an education with them. College was a place for them to grow and find out who they really are and what they wanted out of their lives. One student said that, "for me, going to Concordia helped me grow into an independent, free-thinking adult. I think that the Liberal Arts education I received at Concordia helped shape me into a more well-rounded and intellectually curious individual. I treasure the memories and friendships that were formed while I was a student at Concordia."[3]
The 2003 graduates had nothing but good things to say about their experiences at Concordia. Many people go to college simply to make more money in a career. Students who chose to go to Concordia want more than just to earn an education for their career; they want to push themselves to get an experience that will prepare themselves for the rest of their lives. Another communications major finished off his interview with a quote stating, “College is whatever you make out of it. As much as you put into it, you’re going to get out of it. If you want to get involved and push yourself to the max, you’ll get the most out of it. That’s the biggest key.”[4] Whether or not you choose to make your experience something to remember is up to you. Concordia was more than just a college to the graduates of 2003, it was a place to grow and develop into the intelligent and driven people that they are today.
[1]Michelle Atchison MD, e-mail message to author, December 4, 2012.
[2]Amanda Storm Schuster, e-mail message to author, Decemeber 4, 2012.
[3]Michelle Atchison MD, e-mail message to author, December 4, 2012.
[4]Steve Sjoberg, Personal Interview by Laura Clark, Andy Johnson, Dani Skaggs, Novemeber 16, 2012.
Photo from:
Retrospect Concordia College Yearbook 2003. Chief Editor: Michael Boe, Volume 107, Archives LH 1 .C6 2003 c.3, Pg. 135.
[2]Amanda Storm Schuster, e-mail message to author, Decemeber 4, 2012.
[3]Michelle Atchison MD, e-mail message to author, December 4, 2012.
[4]Steve Sjoberg, Personal Interview by Laura Clark, Andy Johnson, Dani Skaggs, Novemeber 16, 2012.
Photo from:
Retrospect Concordia College Yearbook 2003. Chief Editor: Michael Boe, Volume 107, Archives LH 1 .C6 2003 c.3, Pg. 135.