Karen & Herman Doering

Karen and Herman's connections to Concordia-Chicago started long before they arrived as college freshman. Herman attended Lutheran South High School in St. Louis, where he learned about a Concordia summer music program for students from Lutheran high schools. Students spent five weeks between their junior and senior year attending classes and living on campus. He loved the experience and the city of Chicago, making Concordia-Chicago his college of choice.

Karen attended a Lutheran elementary school on the Southside of Chicago. The first time she visited Concordia-Chicago's campus was in seventh grade; she participated in a Concordia-sponsored science fair for Chicago area Lutheran schools. At an early age, Karen knew she wanted to be a teacher; once she set foot on campus, her mind was made up to attend Concordia.

The Doering's both began their careers as Lutheran school teachers and eventually moved into the financial services industry. They realized the education they both received at Concordia was just as strong or better than that of their Ivy League educated colleagues. Concordia's curriculum that required English, History and Science as part of their education degree provided a well-rounded education and enabled them to succeed in business.

"The communication skills you gain with an education degree are quite valuable in business. Concordia instilled in us the core values of integrity, service, excellence and viewing each individual as a special creature created by God. That was the most important lesson of all," reflects Karen, who currently serves on the university's Foundation Board.

They married late in life, did not have children and took the advice of Herman's father to "live below your means." Since Concordia meant so much to them, they decided to leave a legacy here on earth by including the University in their estate plan. "Christ asks us to be good stewards. We want to help CUC remain a thriving institution preparing students for their chosen career and challenging them to become strong and committed Christians dedicated to a life of service."