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Alumni Notes

The history of Concordia St. Paul is written by the lives of our alumni, so big news or small, we want to hear it all! If you have landed a promotion, welcomed a new family member, or moved to a new city, let us know by submitting an alumni note. Help us fill our future publications with the incredible things our alumni are doing.

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  • Laura Gruett (Hillman)

    Class of 2009

    Laura (Hillman), B.A. ’09 and Tyler Gruett welcomed Edwin (Wynn) Tyler Gruett to their family.

    Laura Gruett (Hillman)

  • Michael Larsen

    Class of 2009

    Michael Larsen, MBA ’09, recently launched his second company, Covet—a digital platform designed to help individuals organize, value, and securely manage their personal assets and estate information. He’s pleased to offer fellow CSP alumni a special discount on the service. Use the discount code “friend20” during the subscription process.

  • Chanda Smith Baker

    Class of 2009

    Chanda Smith Baker, M.A. ’09 was selected as the President and CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation effective August 25, 2025.

    Chanda Smith Baker

  • Bernhard Lutz

    Class of 1952

    Bernard Lutz, H.S. ’52, J.C. ’54, shares that 73 years after graduating, four CSP alumni continue to “Share the Light”—Paul (Lippy) Pfotenhauer, Wayne Holtz, Bruce Casper, and Bernie himself—reflecting the light first kindled at Concordia. This past year, Bernie was blessed to dedicate St. Paul Cathedral in Yambo, South Sudan, and to lead a stewardship…

  • Bounkeuat Keomany

    Class of 1994

    Bounkeuat Keomany, B.A. ’94 recently moved to Fort Myers, Fla., and opened his own investment firm. He’s been working as an investment advisor for 20 years.

  • Betsy Knodel (Ahart)

    Class of 1985

    Betsy (Ahart) Knodel, B.A. ’85 was awarded the South Dakota Council of Teachers of English Teacher of the Year Award in 2025. She is in her 29th year of teaching at Menno Public School and has been an educator for 39 years. She plans to retire in May 2026. She and her husband, Keith, have…

    Betsy Knodel (Ahart)

  • Marilyn Friedrich

    Class of 1973

    Marilyn Friedrich, B.A. ’73 passed away on May 1, 2025.

  • Geoffrey Bruick

    Class of 2021

    Geoffrey Bruick, B.A. ’21 and Christine Messner were married on June 14th, 2025 in San Pedro, Calif. Gage Thalmann, B.A. ’21, Dylan Meyer, B.A. ’21, and Devan Arntson, B.A. ’21 by his side.

    Geoffrey Bruick

  • Corey Collins

    Class of 2023

    Corey, M.A. ’23 and Anna Collins welcomed their second child on August 29th, a boy named Crew James.

  • Danial Rgnonti

    Class of 1999

    Danial Rgnonti, B.A. ’99 retired in January and, along with his wife Karen, welcomed their 8th grandchild.

  • Travis Johansen

    Class of 2007

    Travis Johansen, B.A. ’07 is the head football coach for the University of South Dakota Coyotes. In their home opener, he notched his first win in that role.

  • Kathy Davis (Asimakopoulos)

    Class of 1969

    Kathy (Asimakopoulos) Davis, B.A. ’69 passed away on Sept. 5, 2025.