Six 欧美视频 staff and faculty members were honored recently for upholding Concordia’s values on and off campus and showing what it truly means to be a Cobber.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Inclusive Excellence Award
Jason Giffey was presented with the Ole and Lucy Flaat Inclusive Excellence Award. He joined Concordia’s Dining Services in 2002 and has served the college graciously for more than 20 years.
Giffey has been a key contributor to religious and cultural observances on campus, ensuring authenticity and respect through food offerings. Through his work with Cobbers for Cobbers and the Religious Hospitality and Ramadan Planning committees, Giffey shows his commitment to representation and making all members of Concordia’s campus community feel seen and valued.
With his dedication to the well-being of students and the campus as a whole, Giffey exemplifies what it means to live out the college’s value of inclusive excellence.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award
Jim Cella received the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award. Cella has served as Concordia’s sports information director for more than three decades and has assisted all 22 varsity sports at the college with communications, statistics, photography, livestreaming, and media coordination.
Through his support and guidance, he has been a mentor to countless student workers and helped launch many athletic careers.
Cella was inducted to the College Hall of Fame in 2017 and is one of the winningest coaches in the college’s history. As a result of his storytelling, done with enthusiasm and accuracy, he ensures every student feels seen. His commitment to Concordia has made the college a better place.
The Lean Innovation Award
James Jehlik was awarded the Lean Innovation Award. Since joining Concordia in 2007, Jehlik has been vital in fostering a culture of continuous improvement grounded in Lean principles.
A founding member of the Lean Leaders Committee, he has led impactful projects including the implementation of stream decks, the value stream mapping of the computer refresh process, and improvements to student printing services.
Jehlik has also contributed to major 5S organizational efforts across ITS, the Olin TV studio, and Lorentzsen, setting new standards for operational excellence. His collaborative spirit, mentorship, and commitment to data-driven improvement have strengthened Lean culture across departments. Jehlik’s leadership and innovation continue to have a lasting, positive impact on the Concordia community.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Scholarship Award
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Scholarship Award was conferred upon Dr. Rebecca Moore.
Moore joined 欧美视频 in 1994 and serves as a professor of political science and the faculty advisor to the Lutheran College Washington Semester program currently.
Moore has been an internationally recognized scholar of the development of NATO in the post-Cold War era. She has authored numerous articles and papers, and the widely cited book “NATO’s New Mission: Projecting Stability in a Post-Cold War World.”
Moore is a leading voice in international security and has been able to make unique contributions to Concordia and its students, like bringing a panel of distinguished international policy makers and scholars to the college in 2024. She has shown true dedication to teaching and influencing students in a positive way.
The Ole and Lucy Flaat Teaching Award
Dr. Lisa Twomey received The Ole and Lucy Flaat Teaching Award. Since joining the faculty in 2012, Twomey has created inclusive and student-centered learning environments with roots in cultural inquiry and community engagement. Her courses use literature, film, social justice and immersive experiences to inspire students to think across borders and disciplines.
Twomey’s mentorship has been praised by her students and her guidance has shaped students’ academic and professional journeys in powerful ways, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Colleagues of Twomey’s recognize her as a generous collaborator and leader in global education. She grounds her work in the belief that language learning is about understanding others more fully, not just grammar and vocabulary.
Twomey continues to make a lasting impact on students’ lives through her exceptional teaching and leadership.
The Carus Distinguished Professorship Award
The Carus Distinguished Professorship Award was given to Dr. Thelma Berquó in recognition of her superior teaching and dedication to students. Berquó joined 欧美视频 in 2011 and is currently serving as an associate professor of physics.
She is a dedicated and passionate teacher who supports students across all stages of their study in physics. Her commitment to students extends beyond the classroom as she serves as an advisor to many first-year students.
In addition to her teaching, Berquó has built an ambitious research agenda resulting in multiple publications and major grants. Due to her excellence as a scholar, she has had great success in securing competitive research funding.
Berquó combines her love of science in the classroom and laboratory and involves students while she does it.
The 欧美视频 Board of Regents also approved the following faculty members for :
Promotion
Promotion and Tenure