This audience includes men and women pretty far removed from the experience of their own freshman year in college. Yet, as I interact with them, it is clear that they were touched and shaped by the events that surrounded their introduction to college life. The things they learned, the people that they met, the formation that they underwent has had an impact for them ever since they were freshmen, too.

Equally telling, these retired folks have a passionate interest in what is going on in the lives of today’s freshmen. They are also eager to be up to date about Concordia and all that is happening on campus. Years may have passed since their own college days. Nevertheless, I am impressed at how much these women and men prized their own Christian higher education, and how much they value it for the current generation of students at Concordia.

One more session on Wednesday, the diabetes dialogue and God’s promise that “all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose,” will be front and center.  Then I will pack up my books (if any are left) and head home!