Theme: TIME MACHINE

Connecting the past, present, and future to build a legacy.

Barry Auditorium
901 8th Street S.
Moorhead, Minnesota, 56562
United States

Bonnie Klein

Executive Director of the Concordia College Career Initiative

Bonnie Klein has lived in seven cities and has had too many jobs to count in her 30+ years in the professional world. She lives what she teaches: career is a journey, identifying and staying connected to the things that energize and drive you will provide a map to career success, paying attention to the things happening around you will make you better at what you do, and taking chances and allowing yourself to fail is the only way you will ever find true success. Bonnie believes helping people find their best future is her second most important calling after parenting her own soon-to-be college student. Bonnie is a graduate of Michigan State University and Brooklyn Law School. In addition to practicing law and guiding people’s career choices as a recruiter, outplacement consultant, business development and networking skills trainer, and career navigator, Bonnie writes and speaks about the many things that go into creating the best professional you.

Dr. Heidi Manning

NASA Scientist and Professor of Physics

Dr. Heidi Manning is a Professor of Physics and Chair of the Physics Department at Concordia College where she has worked for the past 20 years. She also served as the Chair of the Division of Sciences and Mathematics at the college. She earned her Ph.D. in Physics in 1995 from the University of Minnesota. Her bachelor’s degree in physics was earned from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1990. Dr. Manning’s scientific research has focused on planetary science. As a graduate student, she helped develop an instrument that was flown on the Space Shuttle. Prior to coming to Concordia College, Dr. Manning worked as a research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, where she tested and calibrated an instrument currently orbiting Saturn on the Cassini spacecraft. While at Concordia College, her research has focused on studying effects of cosmic dust using the high-speed dust particle accelerator that was housed on campus.

Dr. Laurie Dahley

Medical Social Worker and Professor of Social Work

Dr. Laurie Dahley joined the Concordia College Social Work Department 12 years ago after more than 25 years in medical social work practice. Her career focused on working with patients and their families who were entering that sacred time we call “end-of-life”. During this final journey, she worked with families to improve communication within the family and with healthcare providers, advocate for the quality of life her patients wanted and to assist them in resolving “unfinished business”. Her research in life review revealed the potential of this intervention for enhancing communication within the family and thus impact end-of-life care through improved understanding. A frequent speaker in regional, state, and national conferences, she uses humor and her experiences to help her audiences view the “opportunities" within some of life’s most difficult situations.

Jennifer Schillinger

Consultant and Career Expert

Jennifer M. N. Schillinger is the Founder of Strengths Advantage, a local company dedicated to equipping teams and individuals to identify, develop, and apply their strengths. She is passionate about mentorship and experience based learning, encouraging others to find their best self and develop as leaders. She is an avid reader and loves connecting with people at every stage of life. Jennifer has her Bachelor of Science in University Students, major in Education with minors in Psychology and Communication Studies, and a Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Affairs from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and Meyers Briggs certified facilitator.

Justin Odney

Student

Justin Odney is an enthusiast of the arts, a fantasy football guru, and a community builder who is currently finishing his senior year at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. His background includes experience in event planning, digital marketing strategy, and community partnership programming. Majoring in marketing and finance, Justin aspires to further his education by obtaining a master’s degree in business administration.

Keaton Erickson

Student

Keaton Erickson is a current first-year student at Concordia College, who devotes a large majority of his time towards his Biology major and Chemistry minor. His passion for science and mathematics has given him a unique perspective as it pertains to his view on society and how the world works. Science principles surround his life, thus allowing him to fixate on science’s place in the world. Keaton says, “Science shapes our existence. It persuades; it dissuades; it proves; it disproves. Love it or hate it, numbers and scientific principles play a significant part in all of our lives and in our perceptions of society.” Keaton is overly excited to share his take on American society and how science influences that society.