Gary and Laurelei Geier

"Christian education and sharing God's word as children mature, pre-kindergarten through college, is the most important endeavor that we can strive to accomplish," a sentiment that guides the actions and decisions of Gary and Laurelei Geier.

Gary, a Concordia alum and retired Minister of Religion, and his wife Laurelei, advocate the importance of God's Word in school, referring to Proverbs 22:6 as inspiration- "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This sentiment guides Gary and Laurelei as they work to instill devotion and love for Jesus Christ through their actions today and their plans for tomorrow.

Planning for tomorrow not only meant estate planning, but also exploring what it is they truly want to leave as their legacy. Gary and Laurelei knew their priority— glorifying the Lord by leaving a means whereby His word would be proclaimed. They decided what better way to spread the Gospel than to create an endowment to help young adults choosing to enter the teaching ministry.

"Through all the years we never thought that we would be able to fulfill our dream of leaving much to the college for the Lord's work here on earth, but since our retirement the Lord has blessed us and given us a financial advisor to guide us in making our dream of a more worthwhile gift possible."

Today the Geier's have secured plans for the Gary and Laurelei Geier Endowed Scholarship in Teaching and have a strong partner in Concordia in executing their dreams. "We hope that our endowment will encourage more young adults to go into the teaching ministry of the church." Through Concordia and their endowment, the Geiers' legacy of spreading the gospel will live on through the scholarship recipients and the children those students go forward in educating.

With their legacy ensured, Gary and Laurelei can focus on today. As members of St. John Lutheran church in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Gary and Laurelei remain active in the church: Gary serves on the Board of Elders, acts as Chairman of the Principal Call Committee and teaches Sunday School; Laurelei is a member of the Stewardship Committee; both are members of the adult choir.