Awards Presented at 2022’s State of the College

From left: Gay Rawson, James Postema, Lisa Sjoberg

The Reuel and Alma Wije Distinguished Professorship Award and four Ole and Lucy Flaat Awards were presented at the State of the College event in August.

Dr. Gay Rawson, professor of French and chair of the world languages and cultures department, was presented with the Wije award. She joined the college in 2001 and since the beginning of her work at Concordia, she has been a pioneer in using technology to advance pedagogy in language teaching and learning by focusing on flexibility and adaptability. Her service on faculty committees including Core, Professional Growth, and Promotion, Tenure, and Evaluation shows her commitment to shared governance. Rawson has been a visionary in core curricular development, a loyal supporter of Concordia Language Villages, and a leader in online learning. She has received several awards including one from the French government and the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Teaching Award in 2021.

Dr. James A. Postema, chair of the English department, was presented with the Ole and Lucy Flaat Inclusive Excellence Award. He joined the college in 1989 and has garnered an impressive record of inclusive teaching and community outreach. Through his leadership and grant work with the Mellon Foundation’s Crafting Democratic Futures project, Postema is fostering partnerships with the Fargo-Moorhead Native American community to seek to address the problems caused by intergenerational trauma. In collaboration with Native American community leaders, he is helping to facilitate dialogue to restore trust between Native American families and government institutions. Postema has dedicated his academic calling to educate people about Native American culture and literature, thereby raising awareness about past and present social injustice.

Lisa M. Sjoberg was presented with the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award. She joined the college in 2002 as a teaching librarian and later served as college archivist and adjunct instructor. In 2019, she was appointed college registrar. Sjoberg is a consummate professional, always remaining calm and patient. She is committed to treating students with the utmost care and respect, making decisions dedicated to their well-being. She encourages others by bringing a positive attitude, sharing credit for good work, and regularly expressing appreciation to colleagues. Sjoberg is attentive to developing and adopting policies and procedures that are in the students’ best interests. Her research-oriented approach contributes to the rigor and depth of these conversations.

Dr. Krys D. Strand, who was unable to attend, was awarded the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Teaching Award. Strand, a 1996 Concordia graduate, returned to her alma mater in 2006 and is an associate professor in the biology department, director of the neuroscience program, and director of National Fellowships and Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. Dedicated to lifelong learning and the pursuit of teaching excellence, she has a unique ability to stimulate curiosity and inspire students to identify and follow their interests and develop knowledge, skill, and confidence in their abilities.

Dr. Kenneth W. Foster, who was also unable to attend, was awarded the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Advisor Award.  Foster joined Concordia College in 2007 and currently serves as chair of the political science department, chair of the President’s Sustainability Council, and director of Community Engagement. Foster consistently prioritizes his relationships with advisees, both formal and informal. Foster is known across campus for his deep care and authentic interest in students’ lives, and the thoughtful and engaging way he serves them. His advisees appreciate his detailed advising plans, his concern for their postgraduate goals, and his accessibility. But more than the nuts and bolts of academic advising, his students appreciate that he makes them feel safe, heard, and cared for.

The Flaat awards, conferred by Concordia’s Board of Regents, were endowed by Ole and Lucy Flaat, lifelong farmers in the Red River Valley. The Reuel and Alma Wije Professorship recognizes superior classroom teaching and significant service to the college and the church.