Get to Know Concordia's National Alumni Board

Made up of 30 graduates from the 1960s through the 2010s, members of the National Alumni Board represent the interests of alumni in the life of the college and help guide the institution from the alumni perspective. During three annual meetings, the National Alumni Board is tasked with connecting current students and alumni, finding solutions for current college issues, and selecting the alumni awards each year. Members serve four-year terms and sit on one of several committees: Student Success, Cobber Pride, Diversity, and Giving.

Connecting Students and Alumni

When the National Alumni Board meets throughout the year, board members love connecting with current students. From hosting various events during Commencement Weekend to marching in the Homecoming Parade, the National Alumni Board wants to hear from current students about their Concordia experience. During the past year, members of the National Alumni Board have been a part of Homecoming festivities, Careers Connecting Cobbers, the Senior Banquet, the President’s Reception, and the Legacy Luncheon. The board also looks to engage alumni in the life of students – assisting in the enrollment process, helping provide networking and internship opportunities, and making sure students feel like Concordia is their home.

Solutions for College Life

Members of the National Alumni Board are called to sustain and advance the mission of Concordia through their work. Sometimes, this means crafting creative solutions and calls to action for the college. One example is the National Alumni Board’s interest in expanding diversity initiatives on campus. In 2016, the National Alumni Board members created a diversity statement urging the college leadership to continue taking action on expanding the college’s diversity efforts. This action is just one example of how the National Alumni Board continues to influence the affairs of the world and remain a strong advocate for the college.

Honoring Alumni

The National Alumni Board has the privilege of selecting honorees for the college’s three major alumni awards: Called to Serve, Sent Forth, and the Alumni Achievement Award. The Called to Serve award is given to alumni who have committed their lives to service to their faith communities, education, arts or other nonprofits. The Sent Forth award honors recent graduates of the last 20 years who have made significant contributions to their field. The Alumni Achievement Award honors graduates who are in the pinnacle of their careers, distinguishing themselves as leaders in their field. Conferring these awards is one of the highlights of the National Alumni Board’s work and showcases the wide variety of Cobbers who continue to influence the world after graduation.

While they may not be ever-present on campus, the National Alumni Board continues to build a strong network of alumni participation in the life of the college. Nominations are open for future board members.

Board Nomination

^{Published April 2019}