About the Concordia Educational Foundation
Mission
Through God’s Grace, the Concordia Educational Foundation works to preserve and grow financial gifts for Concordia Lutheran High School to ensure its continued support of the school’s overall operations, individual programs and students’ financial needs.
Today, Concordia relies on substantial financial support to sustain its commitment to excellence in the 21st century and beyond.
In 1959, fifteen Concordia 1948 and 1949 alumni regularly met for lunch. During their time, a member of the group shared that a family wanted to send their child to Concordia but could not afford the tuition. He asked his classmates, as he passed his hat (literally) to give what they could and the child became a student at CLHS.
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit that same year, the Foundation now manages over $20 million in gifts, creating more than 200 endowments. From its inception, individuals, organizations, and member churches have contributed time, talents, and resources to advance the school’s mission.
For almost 90 years, alumni and friends have generously supported Concordia through prayers, volunteering, and words of encouragement. Are you interested in making a gift that keeps on giving? Consider creating an endowment in honor of a family member or relative to make a lasting impact on students, families, and faculty.
Purpose
Concordia Educational Foundation, Inc. shall exist to provide financial assistance for qualified students attending Concordia Lutheran High School, and to provide for the general support and expansion of the Concordia Educational Association of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Concordia Lutheran High School. The CEF may create and administer special funds for purposes related to Concordia Lutheran High School and its students and graduates which shall be administered in accordance with such agreements as are entered into with the donor and originator of such funds. All financially related activity of the CEF shall be subject to the current spending policies of the Corporation.
Supporting Concordia Lutheran High School’s Mission
Concordia Lutheran High School pursues Christ-centered Educational excellence that equips individuals
for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Students
Nurture Faith, Grounded in the Truth of God’s Word
Deliver Academic Excellence
Offer Diploma Flexibility for Post-Secondary Education
Provide an enriching Student Experience that Goes Beyond the Classroom
Staff
Be a Great Place to Work
Cultivate a Joyful Mission-Focused Culture
Recruit and Retain Talent
Space
Renovate and Upgrade Our Facilities for 21st Century Learning
Welcome and Support Students from All Demographics
Provide a Safe Place to Belong
Sustainability
Increase Fundraising Revenue
Grow and Maintain Optimal Enrollment
Execute and manage Well our Strategic Business Model
Grow our Endowments to support our mission now and in the future
Meet the Team
Matthew Konow
Chief Advancement Officer
Phone: 260-203-4424
Email: mkonow@clhscadets.com
Jenny Grisez
Development Coordinator
Phone: 260-203-4420
Email: jgrisez@clhscadets.com
Board of Directors (2024-2025)
David Lupke
President
President
Bob Michael
Vice President
Vice President
Craig Linnemeier
Treasurer
Treasurer
Dr. Ben Clinkenbeard
Secretary
Secretary
Tina Bennet
Board Member
Board Member
William Berning
Board Member
Board Member
Armondo Bustamante
Board Member
Board Member
Tim Durnell
Board Member
Board Member
Grant Goeglein
Board Member
Board Member
Kurt Gutman
Board Member
Board Member
Marsha Harris
Board Member
Board Member
Dr. William Kammeyer
Board Member
Board Member
Austin Knox
Board Member
Board Member
Don Luepke
Board Member
Board Member
Kevin Rush
Board Member
Board Member
Heidi Swiss
Board Member
Board Member
Caleb Patterson
Board Member
Board Member
Founding Board Members
Miles C. Gerberding
Carl G. Miller, Jr.
William A. Berning
Thomas E. Foelber
Ronald L. Gershmehl
Carl G. Miller, Jr.
William A. Berning
Thomas E. Foelber
Ronald L. Gershmehl
Duane E. Lupke
Lester A. Kassing
Milton H. Brackmann
David H. Cordes
Harold F. Goeglein
Lester A. Kassing
Milton H. Brackmann
David H. Cordes
Harold F. Goeglein
Lee A. Knake
Thomas L. Schoenherr
George W. Meyer
Thomas L. Lewis
Robert P. Leininger
Thomas L. Schoenherr
George W. Meyer
Thomas L. Lewis
Robert P. Leininger
Seated (L to R):
Dr. Robert Leininger, David Cordes, Tom Foelber, Miles Gerberding, Tom Lewis & Duane Lupke
Standing (L to R):
Dr. Milton Brackmann, Bill Linnemeier, Carl G. Miller, Lester Kassing, Tom Schoenherr, Bill Berning & Wayne Roesener
Founders unable to be present:
Ronald Gersmehl, Lee Knake, George Meyer, Harold Goeglein
Make an Impact Today!
Support the future of Concordia Lutheran High School today. Your donation empowers student success through scholarships and enriched programs. Make a difference—donate now!
