Concordian - Summer 2015 - Above the Grade

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Callum

Concordian Summer 2015 centers on the idea of seeking goals “Above the Grade,” arguing that grades are useful but not the ultimate measure of learning. It outlines Concordia University Wisconsin’s Learning-Centered Community framed by its Lutheran Christian identity, highlighting innovative, Christ-centered learning, servant leadership, and faith connected to teaching. The issue also features campus stories and student achievements, including career guidance at March Career Night and community service activities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Welcome

Above the Grade

Outstanding CUW Students

Mission and Vision Themes

On the Bluff

Campus News

Why Are You Here?

Advance Your Career – Discover Your Calling

In the World

Service and Mission Trips

PUBLIC SERVICE One of Governor Walker’s top aides helping others. SCHOLAR-ATHLETE Award-Winning quarterback excels off the gridiron. FULL PLATE A Business Scholar student’s extraordinary gift of making time. T H E M A G A Z I N E O F C O N C O R D I A U N I V E R S I T Y W I S C O N S I N Above the Grade Outstanding CUW Students S U M M E R 2 0 15 WELCOME Above the Grade Occasionally, I wonder whether grades might actually be an impediment to learning. Obviously, that is not always true. No self-respecting college president would ever discourage students from striving to get good grades and doing well in their courses. To the extent that grades reflect student learning, they may serve a useful purpose. Perhaps the incentive to score high on tests, write excellent papers, and perform well in other graded activities can be a productive incentive. However, grades—even good grades—are not the ultimate goal or aim of our academic endeavor. Indeed, as this issue of the Concordian emphasizes, we are looking for something Above the Grade. As our leadership team has rolled out “Mission and Vision Themes” to guide our strategic thinking and decision-making, we have included this among our highest priorities. We are a Learning-Centered Community. Of course, most colleges and universities would emphasize student learning as a critical target. At Concordia, our commitment to this objective is framed within the context of our Lutheran Christian distinction. Defining more explicitly what Learning-Centered Community means within our Lutheran higher education community, under this Mission and Vision theme we state: • Students learn in innovative and Christ-centered environments. • Concordia employees are role models and servant leaders. • Christian faculty are outstanding teachers, active in scholarship and service, and successfully connect faith to learning. Good students typically earn good grades. Better students learn a lot in their courses. The best students take what they have learned inside and outside the classroom and translate it into a meaningful living that makes a difference in the lives of others. In the pages that follow, you will see examples of shining stars whose learning experiences have helped to prepare them not only to do well in class, but also to go far Above the Grade. We celebrate their inspiring fulfillment of Concordia’s mission in the many ways that they are“serving Christ in the Church and the world.” REV. PATRICK T. FERRY, PH.D. President Concordian CONTENTS SUMMER 2 01 5 | Features

12
Watch Out World
She may be years away from graduation, but she’s already making a huge impact.

16
The Skills to Succeed
CUW quarterback proves success on and off the field. |
14
Needing Newson
Alumnus connects employers with Wisconsin job seekers.

19
Setting the Stage
New graduate is ready to make her mark. | | --- | --- | 20 In the World CUW and CUAA come together in service. Fighting through a tough trip to Guatemala. An eye-opening mission trip to Appalachia. AlumNotes. 4 On the Bluff Inaugural Take Back the Night gathering. New school joins the Marathon Challenge. A fresh take on the Gospel of Mark. Community welcomes new Legion Post 1881. @ QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Email [us: Concordian@cuw.edu](us: Concordian@cuw.edu) or tweet us: @CUWisconsin SUMMER 20 15 Concordian 3 ON THE BLUFF Campus News Why Are You Here? Advance Your Career – Discover Your Calling was the powerful theme for the March Career Night held at all of Concordia University’s 13 Accelerated Learning Centers. The purpose of the evening was to inspire individuals to find something more meaningful in their careers. As a Christian university, part of the mission is not only to teach, but to empower people to gain a better understanding and richness of life. At each of the Centers, the community was invited to hear about and engage in that mission of

FAQs

What does the issue mean by “Above the Grade”?

“Above the Grade” frames learning as more than grades, emphasizing meaningful living, service, and the deeper purpose of education.

How does Concordia define its Learning-Centered Community?

It emphasizes innovative, Christ-centered environments; employees as role models and servant leaders; and Christian faculty as outstanding teachers who connect faith to learning.

What guidance was shared at Concordia’s March Career Night?

Speakers encouraged attendees to find their strengths, develop a compelling “why,” invest in the art and science of their work, build learning networks, seek mentors, and commit to execution while learning from mistakes.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Callum