# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S181 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNODICAL REPORTS 81 Changes in the Commissioned Minister Rogter Entered Service Lett Service Reinstated to Service Retired or Died in Oftice CRM or Resigned Total Out iNet Change Cumulative CUENet Colleges find themselves surrounded by a technology revolu- tion that challenges the very concept of the traditional classroom. Education no longer has to be limited to a room with four walls, a blackboard, and desks. Technology provides educators with the ability to deliver multisensory instruction to students anywhere at any time. This is the reason for the formation of CUENet. The Con- cordia University Education Network is a multilayered distance learning enterprise inaugurated to reduce the barriers of time and distance for those seeking Lutheran education. Compressed video is essentially two-way television utilizing specialized computers and bundled telephone lines. Compressed video allows conversation between individuals or classrooms in two or more locations. Participants are allowed interaction without the need to travel. CUENet is making it possible for our seminaries, universities, colleges, and high schools to exchange courses across the country. New sites are being established in conjunction with the Interna- tional Center, District offices, Concordia Publishing House, and congregations. The Board for Higher Education has dedicated resources and personnel to make distance learning through technology a reality. Dr. D. Ray Halm, president of Concordia University, Irvine, was recently named the Executive Director of Distance Learning (CUENéet) for the Board for Higher Education. Under his leader- ship, higher education offers an extended enhancement of educa- tional delivery systems from our colleges, universities, and semi- naries to assist high school, college/university, and seminary students to participate in an educational experience previously not available in the LCMS system of higher education. Dr. Halm be- gins a full-time relationship role in this area effective June 1998. Significant Achievements: Individual Campuses . Concordia University System f a Concordia—Ann Arbor, James Koerschen, President ¢ Wired all rooms on campus. including every dorm room, into a local area network with access to a 37,000,000 volume library network, the Internet, and WWW Restored and renovated the Earhart Manor into the Otto G. Schmid Administrative Center ¢ Added a new student center Concordia—Austin, David Zersen, President ¢ Took on university status as of July 1, 1996, and added graduate programs beginning in the fall of 1997 ¢ Has maintained a balanced budget the last three years Renovated five of the major buildings on campus; in spring of 1998 will see the automation of the library Concordia—Bronxville, Ralph Schultz, President Installed a new campus chaplain to expand ministry and evange- lism to the campus community ¢ Hired new library staff to train and advise faculty in classroom use of technology * Built up a student organization dedicated to expanding volun- teerism within the communities surrounding Concordia Concordia—Irvine, Ray Halm, President Instituted the Ethnic Pastor Certification Program in cooperation with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; in its third year, the enroll- ment stands at 17 men representing 12 different ethnic groups Launched a pilot program in the seven-year baccalaureate artic- ulation program (BacPac) with the Lutheran High School of Or- ange County, California, through which qualified high school students matriculate to college courses while in high school, en- abling them to graduate from Concordia with a bachelor’s degree in three years Opened a freshman dormitory with a capacity of 116 residents during the fall semester of 1997; also constructed a student union, including dining facilities, health services, mail services, and three temporary classrooms Concordia—Mequon, Patrick Ferry, President Developed three strong new majors: physical therapy, occupa- tional therapy, and computer science ¢ Saw the building up of campus support staff, an increase in the number and quality of faculty, improved quality of incoming stu- dents, and a new president Achieved all-balanced budgets since 1980, the elimination of all campus debts, and endowment up $30 million Concordia—Portland, Charles Schlimpert, President Reaffirmed and strengthened its commitment to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through a revised mission statement Reviewed and adopted growth strategies (“VISION 2000”) based on the university’s revised mission, seeking to bring total enroll- ment to over 2,000 students by the year A.D. 2010, and provide the capital expansion necessary to support the expanded student body Implemented its first graduate programs (teacher education), re- ceiving preliminary approval from the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges to include these programs under the uni- versity’s accreditation Concordia—River Forest, George Heider, President Installed President George C. Heider on Sept. 1, 1995, replacing retiring president Eugene L. Krentz * Renewed an emphasis on church work professions, as well as preparation for service in the nation’s metropolitan areas and among diverse racial and ethnic groups « Embarked on a thorough “transformation effort,” designed to en- sure that the school can pursue its mission as a Lutheran Christ- ian university with increased effectiveness, efficiency, and ex- cellence in the new century Concordia—St. Paul, Robert Holst, President Developed a vision statement and seven strategic priorities to lead the institution into the next decade Enhanced academic offerings, including new degree programs in organizational management and information technology man- agement; incorporated distance learning classes and use of laptop computers Nurtured a thriving campus ministry program that involves stu- dents through daily chapel and Sunday worship services, mis- sionary work, outreach activities, and religious retreats Concordia—Selma, Julius Jenkins, President Received increased support during its 75th year for its “Expand- ing the Vision” appeal