Concordia College announces that the 2025 Alumni Achievement Awards will go to The Rev. Michael Housholder ’86, Stephanie Lundquist ’98, Dr. Arthur Molvik ’64, Dr. Patricia (Vold) Pepper ’86, and Dr. Kevin Urdahl ’87.
The 2025 Sent Forth Award recipients will be Dustin White ’05 and Andrea (Hydukovich) Stordahl ’05, and the 2025 Called to Serve recipients are Peter Smerud ’86 and Bonnie (Schon) ’69 and Roger ’69 Neugebauer. Linda (Hoag) Dorn ’90 will receive the 2025 John S. Pierce Ambassadorship Award, and the 2025 Special Recognition Award will go to Eric Johnson ’82.
2025 Alumni Achievement Award
The Rev. Michael Housholder ’86 has led Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa, for 31 years, growing it into a 26,000-member congregation. A dynamic leader, he champions community outreach, global mission efforts, and faith-driven service, making a lasting impact locally and beyond. He is also a respected mentor and speaker, inspiring faith communities nationwide with his vision for vibrant service-centered ministry.
Stephanie Lundquist ’98, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Cargill, oversees HR strategy for 155,000 employees globally. Previously, she held executive roles at Target, driving business transformation. A 1998 Concordia College alumna and Board of Regents member, she champions leadership and inclusion in her field. She is widely respected as a mentor and role model for emerging leaders.
Dr. Arthur Molvik ’64 retired from his position as a physicist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California in 2007, following 35 years of contributions to physics and technology — including progress toward controlled thermonuclear fusion. After retiring, he continued as a lab associate. His publications include collaborations with scientists at CERN, the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, and the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society and a referee for multiple physics journals.
Dr. Patricia (Vold) Pepper ’86, a retired U.S. Navy captain, physician, and medical educator, has trained hundreds of residents and contributed to groundbreaking diabetes research. A dedicated leader in military medicine and humanitarian efforts, she continues to influence healthcare through teaching and consulting. Widely respected for her mentorship and compassionate care, she exemplifies Concordia’s mission of service and impact.
Dr. Kevin Urdahl ’87 is a leading physician-scientist whose research on tuberculosis has transformed our understanding of immunity and vaccine development. As a professor at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, his work is globally recognized and funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He is a dedicated mentor and leader in tuberculosis research.
2025 Sent Forth Award Recipients
Dustin White ’05 is a visionary leader, analytics expert, and entrepreneur. As Visa’s GM of risk and identity solutions, he drives strategic advancements that leverage artificial intelligence to prevent financial crime. A dedicated philanthropist, he supports Unseen, combating human trafficking around the world. White exemplifies Concordia’s mission through service, mentorship, and transformative leadership.
Andrea (Hydukovich) Stordahl ’05 has revitalized McIntosh, Minnesota, by transforming vacant buildings into thriving businesses and community spaces. Through Minnesota Rust and McIntosh Properties LLC, she has fostered entrepreneurship and small-town renewal. Her dedication to rural revitalization and community service exemplifies the spirit of the Sent Forth Award.
2025 Called to Serve Recipients
Bonnie (Schon) ’69 and Roger ’69 Neugebauer founded a magazine, Exchange, and the World Forum Foundation. These two creations helped to revolutionize early childhood education and allowed for greater communication between educators. Their leadership and commitment to early childhood education is evident. Through Exchange, they created a platform that has empowered generations of educators and leaders, while the World Forum has united professionals from more than 100 countries in a shared mission of equity, sustainability, and care for young children. Even in retirement, the Neugebauers continue to mentor, write, and inspire with humility, wisdom, and generosity. Their global impact and dedication to service reflect the heart of Concordia College’s mission to influence the affairs of the world through thoughtful leadership and compassionate action.
Peter Smerud ’86 has dedicated his life to environmental education and service. As executive director of Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, he has raised more than $20 million to expand its programs and led the first renovation project in the world to achieve full Living Building certification. In 2025, he helped establish Minnesota’s Outdoor School For All Act, ensuring every child in the state has access to outdoor learning. Internationally, he shared Wolf Ridge’s model in China, helping launch nature-based programs abroad. Named the 2023 National Nature Center Leadership Award recipient, he continues to inspire learners of all ages with humility, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose — exemplifying the mission of Concordia College.
2025 John S. Pierce Ambassadorship Award
Linda (Hoag) Dorn ’90 has been a dedicated advocate for Concordia College, serving as a class agent, reunion chair, National Alumni Board member, and Twin Cities CORD committee leader. She has helped organize dozens of alumni events, mentored students through the Insight Exchange program, and regularly supported career networking opportunities on campus. Professionally, she is the assistant director of stewardship at Carleton College and the owner and travel advisor of Northstar Journeys by Linda. She and her husband, Mark, have generously supported Concordia scholarships and mission-driven initiatives for many years.
2025 Special Recognition Award
Eric Johnson ’82 served Concordia College for nearly 20 years in the Advancement Division, most recently as director of Alumni Relations. A proud Cobber and former U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General, he brought a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Concordia’s mission to his work. He strengthened key traditions such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and Move-In Day, launched the SALT (Students and Alumni Linked Together) program, and expanded alumni programming across the country and globe. Known for his energy, humor, and dedication, he built meaningful connections among students, alumni, and the college community that will endure for generations.
About the awards
Concordia’s National Alumni Board recognizes alumni who are notably carrying out the mission of the college and who have distinguished themselves in their careers and service to others by conferring upon them the Alumni Achievement Award (alumni of more than 20 years) and the Sent Forth Award (alumni of less than 20 years). Alumni of any age who are devoted to local community service are honored with the Called to Serve Award.
The awards will be presented to the recipients during the Homecoming Banquet on Friday, Oct. 3.
More
- Concordia announces 2024 Alumni Achievement Award recipients
- Concordia honors alumni with Sent Forth award
- 2023 Alumni Achievement Award recipients
- Alumni Recognition