Concordia Seminary Newsroom
Bound by Generosity
Reflections from Concordia Seminary’s gift officers
At Concordia Seminary, a dedicated team is committed to empowering the mission of nurturing future church leaders through effective fundraising and community engagement. Read personal stories from the Seminary’s gift officers and discover the genuine joy they experience in sharing the Seminary’s mission with generous supporters. Focused on Jesus, these donors humbly embrace the high calling of supporting the preparation of future pastors, deaconesses and church leaders through prayers and financial gifts — for the sake of the Gospel!
Roger Dow
Senior Gift Officer
Region of service:
I cover the East Coast, from Maine to Northern Florida as well as Northern California.
Professional background:
I started at Concordia Seminary in May 2012 and now have 12 years of service with 22 years of experience in fundraising for Lutheran organizations.
Favorite Bible verse:
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9 ESV).
Memorable moment:
I work with a gentleman who plans to leave his entire estate, valued at around $6 million, to Concordia Seminary. Influenced by a couple of wonderful pastors, he wants his gift to significantly impact the preparation of new shepherds who will guide others in faith. It’s heartwarming to see how much he values the Seminary’s mission.
Randy Fauser
Senior Gift Officer, Individual & Congregational Engagement
Region of service:
I serve donors in Colorado, Kansas, half of Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and all congregations in our Synod.
Professional background:
I’ve been with Concordia Seminary for five years. Before that, I served at LCMS World Mission and was CEO of Grace Place Wellness, now part of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF).
Favorite Bible verse:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10 ES
Memorable moment:
One of my memorable experiences was with a donor who supports Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and deaconess students through our Adopt-A-Student (AAS) program. She showed me three large binders filled with every single letter and note she has received from students over the past 30 years. She still corresponds with some deaconesses, celebrating their lives, children and faith journeys.
Mike Flynn
Director, Principal Gifts
Region of service:
I serve donors in Arizona, Southern California, Southern Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Texas (within a 100-mile radius of Dallas), Washington and some donors in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
Professional background:
I’ve been serving at Concordia Seminary since 2007, totaling over 16 years. Before that, I served at Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn., from 1975 to 2007.
Favorite Bible verse:
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Eph. 3:20 ESV).
Memorable moment:
A memorable moment was during a major building dedication when the donor with whom I served, who was battling cancer, emotionally shared with his family, “Look what the Lord has enabled us to do!” His joy, despite his condition that took his life four months later, highlights the impact and joy of sharing financial blessings for the Lord’s work.
Wayne Oliver
Senior Gift Officer
Region of service:
I serve donors in Northern Illinois, Southern Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Western Texas and Wisconsin.
Professional background:
I have been with Concordia Seminary for seven years and have over 30 years of experience in investment advisory services and banking.
Favorite Bible verse:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1 ESV).
Memorable moment:
Recently, I worked with a congregation and its members, many of whom are dedicated supporters of Concordia Seminary. Their stories of familial relationships and mission work from decades ago continually inspire me and highlight the significant impact of our shared mission.
Courtney Sielfleisch
Senior Gift Officer
Region of service:
I serve donors across Alabama, Arkansas, Southern Illinois, Northern Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Southern Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas (excluding Dallas).
Professional background:
I have been at Concordia Seminary for two years. Before that, I served for six years at the St. Louis County Library Foundation.
Favorite Bible verse:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6 ESV).
Memorable moment:
I had the privilege of working with two brothers whose parents were missionaries. Both graduated from Concordia Seminary and became pastors. Together with their spouses, they established an endowment to support international students in honor of their parents. Witnessing such deep family devotion and being a small part of their impactful initiative has been incredibly rewarding.