Ole and Lucy Flaat Awards were presented to faculty and staff at the State of the College event Aug. 20.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Jennifer DeJong, a 1994 graduate. DeJong returned to her alma mater in 2002 and is an associate professor of nursing. Her award stated she has a unique ability to organize and synthesize difficult course material in a concise and meaningful way. She includes a variety of effective teaching tools that facilitate integrative learning such as drawing, performing, and role-playing, using humor and dancing. Her students praise her passion and ability to make learning fun and meaningful.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Scholarship Award was presented to Dr. Richard Gilmore, chair and professor of philosophy. He joined the faculty in 1993. Gilmore has maintained a consistent record of scholarship resulting in four published books, more than 20 published articles and book chapters, and many conference presentations. His books and essays are used as central content for courses and his oft-cited, widely read book “Doing Philosophy at the Movies” have influenced the field of philosophy. Students describe him as a “mentor and an inspiration.”
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award was presented to Rachel Bergeson. A 2005 graduate, Bergeson joined the athletic department in 2006. She has been a student, coach, administrator and now director of athletics. She has lived her entire life in the Concordia community because of her family ties and is a Cobber to the core. Bergeson is described as thoughtful, articulate, and collaborative. She is steadfast in her dedication to the college, the coaching staff, Cobber student-athletes, and the community.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Inclusive Excellence Award was presented to Heidi Rogers. Rogers, a 2006 graduate, joined the Residence Life staff in 2008 and later served as an academic counselor. Her role working directly with students from a wide variety of backgrounds has equipped her with firsthand accounts of the challenges and successes of Concordia’s most diverse students. She has been a part of three initiatives that have helped strengthen Concordia and advance diversity and inclusion on campus. Rogers is a consultant, cheerleader, advocate, and campus partner to students and colleagues.
The Flaat awards, conferred by Concordia’s Board of Regents, were endowed by Ole and Lucy Flaat, lifelong farmers in the Red River Valley.