Treasuring the Moments

Madison Wagner ’24 | Roseburg, Oregon
Major: Business Marketing

Please tell us about yourself.

I am a senior studying business marketing. I love photography, fashion, and outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and cross country skiing. I am from a somewhat small town in Oregon called Roseburg, and two awesome things that we have there are a Wildlife Safari and an In-N-Out Burger.

How did you hear about Concordia and why did you choose to attend college here? 

I actually lived in Moorhead for about five years when I was younger, and I went to Oak Grove Elementary School. Both my grandparents and mother graduated from Concordia. My grandpa was very involved in athletics where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Years later, he coached those sports as well! My mom also played volleyball and coached too. I chose to come back to Concordia because it felt like home and I loved the small class sizes where I don’t feel like just a number.

What advice do you have for out-of-state students looking to attend Concordia College?

Just go for it! Yes, being far away from home is really hard, but it has allowed me to break out of my shell, meet new people, and make long-lasting friendships. There are so many people who attend Concordia who are from another state too, so you are not alone! It’s really neat to meet people who are from a different state that is close to yours.

What do you enjoy about the Fargo-Moorhead community and in what ways are you active outside of Concordia? 

I enjoy all the activities that you can do in this area — whether it’s in the summer where you can visit the lakes, play Topgolf with friends, or attend the Red River Market — or in the winter where you can go ice skating at The Lights or see a Fargo Force hockey game.

Because it is a tri-college area, you have the opportunity to attend many sporting events that are just a minute’s drive away. This area also brings in a lot of great artists to the Fargodome, making it easy to attend fun concerts!

How did you decide on your area of study?

At first, I was going into physical therapy but, when I found that I didn’t enjoy that as much, I went into business finance. I then discovered that I wasn’t the best with numbers, so I took a step back and realized that I liked creating and selling things. That’s how I decided on business marketing.

Do you have a favorite course related to business marketing? If so, why?

My favorite class has been Fashion Marketing with Jiani Jiang because I work at a clothing store and, in the class I get to learn about fashion design, retailing, the marketing process, and how design, production, and business decisions are made within the fashion industry.

What is your favorite part about taking classes in the Offutt School of Business?

I love that you are able to take all types of business classes from accounting and management to ethics and leadership. It gives business students a very well-rounded experience where they can try out different business courses and see which one they are more interested in, and then they can explore that concentration further.

What campus activities are you involved in and what are your favorite aspects?

I have been very involved during my time at Concordia. I was a student worker for Dining Services and was later promoted to be student manager. Because of my work, I was the recipient of the Brian Horner Award, which is given to students who exemplify strong leadership skills, are reliable, and perform high quality work. 

Additionally, I am part of the only sorority on campus, Lambda Delta Sigma, where I have been the treasurer for two years now. I am also the treasurer for the Marketing Club. This past fall, I was part of freshman Orientation where I was one of the Orientation Assistants helping out with various tasks such as beanie patrol, hosting the info booth, and being “Secret Service” for President Irvine. Lastly, at the beginning of the year, I became a Student Ambassador, which means that I give potential Cobbers and their family a tour of campus while answering any questions they have about college life. 

What I value most about being a Cobber is that I have the opportunity to be a part of so many different activities while still being a full-time student.

I am grateful to be part of so many great organizations and clubs on campus. My favorite part about being involved is that I get to meet so many great students and staff. I think that the biggest thing I have learned through my many roles is how to communicate with people.

What is your role in the Campus Events Commission and how did you get involved? What is the best part about being in CEC?

I have been the digital marketing commissioner for CEC for the past two years and my job is to design, publish, and advertise fun student events happening around campus. Such events include bingo, silent disco, hot yoga, service work opportunities, and Cornstock, our big spring concert festival that’s free to students. 

I got involved with CEC because my classmate and now roommate, Greta Almlie, told me that I should join as a committee member where I could help make Instagram posts. I enjoyed it so much that when it became the end of the school year where they were hiring for the commissioner position, I applied and got the job! I would say that the best part about being in CEC is having a say in who gets picked to be our Cornstock artist. I love knowing who it is when students not in CEC won’t find out until it gets revealed in the spring.

What do you like most about Concordia?

How small and community-based the college is! Small class sizes mean that your professors know you by name, and you really get to know the people you share classes with.

In one word, how would you describe your Cobber experience?

Transformative.

How does Concordia allow you to pursue your passions?

Concordia allows me to pursue my passion by giving me the opportunity to challenge myself in different areas of study, as well as developing the basic life skills that will help me in my future career. 

What are your career goals?

To work in social media marketing or digital marketing.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Cobber experience?

My Cobber experience is one that I will never forget! I have tried to make the most of it by doing things that I never thought I could do. It has been beneficial to my overall development not only as a student but also as a human being.

^{Published May 2024}