Excerpt of the first issue of the Concordian, dated Nov. 24, 1920
As Concordia’s college program gained strength in the 1920s, the institution became “a modern American church college.” This decade was important not only because of the college curriculum, but also the establishment of the co-curriculum. Student publications, the Concordian and the Cobber Yearbook, originated in 1920. The first issue of the Concordian was published on November 24, 1920. The 1920 yearbook was dubbed the Scout, a name that honored the yearbook published under the same namesake at Park Region Luther College. When the students of Park Region Luther College came to Concordia, the College honored the relationship with a nod to the old moniker. The Cobber title was adopted in the 1930s.
Cover of the 1920 Scout, the college's first yearbook
Forward from the 1920 Scout
Concordia athletics also entered collegiate status when the college joined the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) in 1920. It was during this decade that Concordia’s moniker, the Cobber, was first used. Concordia’s student body was distraught about the lack of a “definite and satisfactory name,” which was of increased importance because of the school’s advancing athletic program. In 1923, Vikings was suggested as a proper nickname because of the Norwegian ancestry connection; however, the name was never adopted.
A 1921 Concordia College Class Ring
Many of the traditions that are still celebrated and recognized today were also born in the 1920s including the iconic Cobber ring and beanie. Concordia’s first annual Homecoming was held in 1921 and included events such as the football game and bonfire. Homecoming continued to expand through the 1920s with the addition of the parade in 1923 and the first Homecoming royalty in 1926. The first Christmas Concert was held on December 15, 1927, in Old Main’s Auditorium after the annual Christmas Tree Party. These significant milestones during the first few decades of the 20th century were critical to Concordia’s future. It was during this time that the college established itself as a liberal arts college of the church and developed many of the traditions we know today.
Homecoming game, 1920s
Homecoming float showcasing the classics and science departments along with athletics, 1925
Annual tug-of-war game between freshmen and sophomores that took place during halftime of the Homecoming football game, 1925