Concordia College is grateful to announce an anonymous donor has given a $20 million gift to the Offutt School of Business. As the largest gift given to the Offutt School of Business and one of the largest ever made to the college, this offering will significantly enrich the educational experience for students, expand academic programs, and solidify the school's position as a leader in business education.
“This historic contribution will greatly enhance our capacity to nurture and equip the next generation of business leaders — individuals who will no doubt influence the affairs of the world with passion and purpose,” said President Colin Irvine during a public announcement.
The impact of this gift will be far-reaching, building on the Offutt School of Business’ liberal arts foundation and career-centric learning for its mission to create global, ethical, and entrepreneurial leaders.
The funds will be used to upgrade teaching facilities with state-of-the-art technology and finance initiatives that support students, such as global travel and the Cobbertunity Fund for students launching a business.
The gift will also sustain newly launched programs spurred by a previous $10 million anonymous contribution that initiated the momentum-building Invest to Grow campaign. The new gift will also foster the development of courses designed to meet evolving workforce needs.
Additionally, the funds will help the college retain and build its world-class faculty as well as create a new position focused on instructional design and educational innovation.
Concordia College is deeply committed to accessibility, as evidenced by the Concordia Promise. As part of that commitment, a portion of this gift is dedicated to scholarships for Offutt School of Business students, allowing even more students to benefit from the impactful education Concordia offers.
“This generous gift ensures that our future students will continue this legacy, armed with an education that not only meets the demands of today but anticipates the challenges of tomorrow,” said Chris Mason, dean of the Offutt School of Business.
Provost and Dean of the College Susan Larson emphasized that the gift lays the groundwork for expanding graduate programs. She announced the college is conducting comprehensive feasibility studies for an MBA program and will launch graduate certificates focusing on management and business analytics.
However, the impact of this gift extends beyond financial support. Alexandra Sousa, a junior marketing major from Norway, expressed her gratitude for what the funds will create.
“I'm grateful for this gift that will ensure future students will have even more opportunities to learn, grow, and follow their passions and for my professors who have provided me with so many experiences, connections, and opportunities to apply my learning in meaningful ways,” she said.
Jacob Pipho, a junior finance major from Decorah, Iowa, shared his appreciation for the donor for “believing in the potential of every student who walks through the doors of the Offutt School of Business.“
Echoing the sentiment, Larson thanked the donor for their visionary support.
“You have bestowed upon us not just the resources needed for growth but also the confidence to dream bigger and the means to achieve those dreams,” she said. “This gift is not just an investment in Concordia but a profound affirmation of the role that education plays in transforming lives and shaping our region and the world.”
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