Established on 06.23.2024 by Susan Wold Rohde '78 and Rev. Paul H. W. Rohde
Pete and Kay Wold lived in rural Underwood, MN, tending the farm which had been homesteaded by the Wolds in 1872. They practiced lavish hospitality, care of the earth, and faithfulness in church and community throughout their lives. Susan ‘78 and Paul have continued to nurture these values. Susan served as a classroom teacher, Kindermusik, piano and music specialist teacher, and music ministry as a deacon in the ELCA. Paul is a pastor and served Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, as campus pastor from 2001-2020.
Pete and Kay’s love of Concordia College began when their pastor, Rev. Wes Haugen, invited them to the Concordia Christmas Concert in the 1960s. It quickly became an annual tradition for the Wold family. Kay said the concert launched the spirit of Christmas for her. The concert was never more thrilling for them than when their granddaughters, Sarah ’07 and Anna ’09, sang in the choir.
Pete and Kay’s commitment to education was evident in supporting all three of their children with college educations. When Kay’s aunt, Edna Benson, an alum of Park Region College (an institution that merged with Concordia College in the early 20th century), passed away, they used the inheritance to establish an education fund for their grandchildren. Each of the nine grandkids enjoyed a week at Skogfjorden, Concordia’s Norwegian Language Village, and a substantial gift each year of their undergraduate education.
Susan and Paul’s daughters, all graduates of ELCA colleges, serve well. Sarah is an ordained ELCA pastor, Anna became a teacher and is a high school administrator, and Inga served the L’arche Community in Tacoma, WA, for a decade and currently is an occupational therapist.
It is Susan and Paul’s hope that this scholarship will extend the Wold legacy of music and learning to an outstanding music or education major.