We take it for granted that all citizens have the right to vote regardless of their gender or race. We don’t think twice about seeing interracial marriages or “people of color” walking into a restaurant. In modern times these are considered normal. Few would say that we shouldn’t have given women or African-Americans the right…
Engagement in students
Two years ago, I submitted a piece for this publication discussing apathy among students at Concordia. At that time I felt that students at our school were uninvolved, uninterested, and lacked a real commitment in becoming responsibly engaged. Now, as a senior, I have been exposed to a new perspective, both from my own experiences,…
The nine circles of Halloween
Halloween is drawing nigh, and like just about everyone else I am feigning apathy. I’m jacked like you wouldn’t believe to see all of the ladies to be dressed like the elegant women they want to be and the men dressed as the hardcore gents they can’t handle thinking about. But really you guys I…
Alumni gifts; a response to Matt Hansen’s Oct. 12 column
I don’t agree with everything that Matt said in his article in regards to the gifts that we as a college receive from the alumni. I work closely with the gifts that we receive from the alumni, and I talk with many of them at numerous “Thank You” events throughout the year and I have…
The principles of Peterson’s taped comments
It’s not often a Congressman publicly calls organizations which previously endorsed him “extremists.” Tuesday, however, when noted Democratic candidates Collin Peterson, Al Franken, Kent Eken and Ben Lien came to speak to Concordia, Peterson became one such anomaly. Peterson, Minnesota’s 7th congressional district representative, has held his office since 1991 and touts his position as…
Concordia student secretly records Peterson comments
MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson isn’t backing down from his secretly recorded comments that an anti-abortion group that recently pulled its support was “extremist.” Concordia College junior Kate Engstrom had a friend videotape Peterson while posing for what he believed was a photo at the school. The Fargo Forum reports he also told the 20-year-old that…
Rethinking opinions: a response to Jacob Amos’ Oct. 5 2012 article
I don’t need to call the recent article by Jacob Amos a, “paradox”, “oxymoron”, “nonsensical” or even, “downright stupid”, I will simply call it– wrong. It is wrong because Mr. Amos’ essay is internally inconsistent and also because, if taken seriously, his ideas would destroy the very discourses he’s trying to protect. Amos states a…
Invasive hedge in president’s yard
The hedge at the president’s residence is an invasive species. Buckthorn, the plant in question, is an invasive species classified as a restricted noxious weed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This means it cannot be imported, sold or transported in Minnesota. There is no requirement to remove it from private property. According to…
Music vs. Athletics; comparing differences in department budgets
Concordia’s music and athletic departments get a significant amount of attention around campus. As a liberal arts school that emphasizes involvement, students may wonder if there is much difference between the two departments’ budgets. Concordia’s new athletic director, Rich Glas, is learning the ropes of the athletic department’s budget. When asked to compare the confidential…
The appeal of the sweater
One week a year. They come out of hiding on Sunday evening and make their way around campus until the following Sunday afternoon. The maroon button-up sweaters have been worn by Concordia’s Homecoming Committee since 1989. With a break from them in 1991 to honor the school’s centennial, they returned in 1992 and have been…



