Established on 06.07.2013 by Wayne C. Blikre '67 †
The Concordia experience adds a dimension to students' learning that they will use throughout their personal and professional lives. It is a human dynamic that is not found in textbooks but rather is embedded in the culture of the campus. It is present during interactions with one's professors, classmates and friends, and is prevalent in campus activities. I feel fortunate to have received an education at Concordia.
I was born in Fargo and in first grade moved to Powers Lake, a small town in northwestern North Dakota, with my parents. After graduating from Concordia, I had a three-year stint in Army Intelligence with included a tour in Vietnam. Then I entered the business world where I would spend the next 38 years of my life. During those years, I enjoyed success in a range of industries in Chicago, Washington D.C., and Miami. My last employer was a global company in which I travelled extensively to Europe and had the privilege of working with colleagues from numerous cultures and nationalities.
What I found in those 38 years is that what makes a company successful is more than tending to the bottom line. Higher learning teaches business skills such as analyzing P&L statements, sustaining growth, and improving shareholder return, but a Concordia education contains that additional dimension of embodying the Christian characteristic of meaningful person-to-person relationships. In short, you learn how to treat people with trust, dignity and mutual respect from the custodian to the executives. The result is that they feel valued and engaged, and they don't simply mark time in their jobs. In turn, the company benefits and you have made the world a little bit better place to live.
These are traits I hope to perpetuate in the business world to create leaders who care not only about he bottom line, but for their fellow employees, customers and the preservation of the world for generations that follow.
Good luck and God bless you!
The Wayne C. Blikre '67 Endowed Scholarship in Business is awarded by the Office of Financial Aid. Selection is based on financial need and scholastic achievement.
† - Testamentary endowments may not be contributed to until they are fully established.