Faculty, staff awards presented at 2026's Fall Update
Seven Concordia College staff and faculty members were honored recently for upholding Concordia’s values on and off campus and showing what it truly means to be a Cobber.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award
Cindy Schwartz was presented with the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award. She joined Concordia College in 1999 and has served the campus for more than 25 years as a trusted and indispensable member of Information Technology Services.
In her role as an ITS support generalist and business manager in the Solution Center, she has been a steady force behind the systems and processes that keep the college running. From coordinating technology purchasing and managing inventory to supporting refresh cycles and operational needs, Schwartz approaches every responsibility with precision, foresight, and care. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, yet it is essential to the success of the campus community.
Known for her calm, solutions-oriented approach, Schwartz brings clarity and steadiness in both routine operations and high-pressure situations. Colleagues across campus rely on her not only for her expertise but for her thoughtful communication, sound judgment, and unwavering reliability. She consistently goes beyond expectations by staying late, stepping in wherever needed, and ensuring work is done well without seeking recognition. She is the person others quietly trust when it matters most.
Through the course of her career, Schwartz has built deep relationships across departments, earning the respect and confidence of colleagues at every level. Her genuine care for people, commitment to excellence, and ability to create stability have strengthened Concordia in lasting ways. Through her example, she fosters a culture of trust, accountability, and service that elevates the entire community.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award
Trina Hall received the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award. She has devoted more than two decades of service to Concordia College, advancing its mission through her work in Admission and Advancement, and in her current role as director of development.
She has cultivated meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, alumni, and donors, helping to support scholarships, programs, and initiatives that have a lasting impact on the campus community.
A thoughtful and collaborative leader, Hall is known for bringing people together with clarity, trust, and purpose. She leads with curiosity, wisdom, and a strong commitment to listening, creating an environment where colleagues feel supported and valued. Whether mentoring team members or engaging donors, she consistently fosters a culture of encouragement and shared responsibility.
Her servant leadership has been especially evident during times of transition, stepping forward twice to serve as interim vice president for Advancement. In these roles, she provided steady guidance and continuity, leading with humility, integrity, and an unwavering focus on Concordia’s mission.
Through her dedication, compassion, and ability to elevate those around her, Hall has strengthened Concordia in lasting ways and exemplifies the spirit of distinguished service.
The Lean Innovation Award
Amy Arioglu was awarded the Lean Innovation Award. She has distinguished herself as a leader in advancing Lean principles at Concordia College through her work as a project manager in Communications and Marketing.
With a strong focus on organization, clarity, and forward momentum, she has implemented processes that improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and keep projects moving smoothly. Her attention to detail and clear communication consistently align teams and contributes to successful outcomes across campus partnerships.
A committed member of the Lean Leaders group, Arioglu brings energy, insight, and a collaborative mindset to campuswide improvement efforts. She actively supports new initiatives and helps move ideas into practice, contributing to 5S and value stream mapping projects that reduce inefficiencies and create more sustainable processes. She has the ability to see systems from the user’s perspective while maintaining a focus on quality and effectiveness.
Beyond process improvement, Arioglu fosters a culture of continuous improvement and shared ownership. She communicates the importance of Lean principles in practical, accessible ways and encourages others to engage in thoughtful problem-solving. Her supportive approach strengthens her team and builds trust across departments, while her ability to connect strategy to execution ensures meaningful, lasting impact.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Teaching Award
Dr. John Flaspohler was presented the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Teaching Award.
His teaching is marked by intellectual rigor, genuine care for students, and a deep commitment to inclusive, engaging learning environments. He consistently creates welcoming spaces where students feel both supported and challenged, bringing complex scientific concepts to life by connecting them to real-world issues. His approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of relevance that motivates students to engage deeply with the material.
Flaspohler’s classes are thoughtfully structured, clear, and energized by an enthusiasm that makes even demanding subjects accessible and enjoyable.
Flaspohler also provides extensive support to his students through review sessions, accessible office hours, and individualized guidance, ensuring that all students have the tools to succeed. He shows respect for students as individuals, meeting them where they are and fostering an environment where they feel valued and are comfortable asking questions. Flaspohler demonstrates an intentional commitment to inclusivity and equity, which is evident in the care he takes to remove barriers and support diverse learners.
Through meaningful relationships, consistent dedication, and a passion for teaching, Flaspohler embodies the highest ideals of the teaching profession that make him deserving of this award.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service to Recruitment Award
Dr. Leila Zakhirova received the the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service to Recruitment Award.
She has demonstrated outstanding service to recruitment through her energetic, thoughtful, and student-centered engagement with prospective students and their families. She consistently dedicates time to individual meetings and campus visit events, creating welcoming, personalized experiences that help students see how their interests align with academic opportunities.
Her enthusiasm leaves a strong impression on aspirant students who frequently note how valued and inspired they feel through their interactions with Zakhirova. As a collaborative partner, she contributes ideas, supports initiatives, and is flexible to support programs and give engaging presentations.
Beyond campus, Zakhirova extends her recruitment efforts to the larger region, building relationships with high schools and introducing students to the importance and value of a Concordia education. Through her initiative and belief in the impact of education, Zakhirova has made a meaningful contribution to recruitment efforts and is deserving of this inaugural award.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Advisor Award
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Advisor Award was conferred upon Dr. Teri Langlie. She is an exceptional advisor and mentor whose work reflects a deep commitment to the holistic success and well-being of every student.
She approaches advising as a relationship grounded in trust, attentiveness, and genuine care, creating an environment where students feel seen, valued, and comfortable sharing both academic and personal challenges.
With great listening skills and thoughtful insight, Langlie meets students where they are, offering guidance that is purposeful and compassionate, and encourages accountability and growth. She consistently goes beyond expectations by connecting students with resources, advocating on their behalf, and maintaining meaningful follow-up.
Langlie’s advising is organized and forward-thinking, helping students navigate their academic paths while inspiring them to pursue opportunities they may not have initially imagined. Through her advising, she fosters confidence and a strong sense of belonging in her students, often making a lasting difference for students who face academic or personal obstacles.
Driven by the dedication to do what is best for her students, Langlie combines high expectations and genuine compassion that empowers her students to persist and succeed, making her deserving of this award.
The Reuel and Alma Wije Distinguished Professorship Award
Dr. Douglas Anderson was presented with the Reuel and Alma Wije Distinguished Professorship Award. He is characterized by an exceptional combination of nationally distinguished scholarship, dedicated teaching, and long-standing institutional service.
In teaching, he is deeply committed and highly versatile, having taught nearly the full range of mathematics courses offered by the college. He consistently prioritizes student needs and adapts to curricular developments.
Anderson’s scholarly profile is a central highlight with more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, a wide network of international collaborators, and active roles as referee and editor. He is described as operating at the highest levels of the discipline nationally, even beyond the expectations typical of teaching-focused institutions. Importantly, his research often includes student collaborators, extending his scholarly impact into mentorship.
Equally striking is his institutional service. He has provided long-term leadership as department chair, chaired the Curriculum Committee, and served in numerous elected and appointed roles, demonstrating sustained commitment to the college’s academic life.
Anderson’s service extends beyond campus, notably through longstanding involvement with Habitat for Humanity, where he has regularly led student service trips — supporting students’ expressions of applied faith and mentorship.
The Concordia College Board of Regents also approved the following faculty members for promotion and/or tenure:
Promotion
- Dr. Jason Askvig
- Dr. Thelma Berquó
- Dr. Anne Jennifer Nash
- Dr. Krys Strand
- Dr. Leila Zakhirova
- Dr. Damian Lampl
Promotion and Tenure