J.O. Hougen, the man who suggested Concordia for the college's name
On April 14, 1891, members of the Northwestern Lutheran College Association conferred about the logistics of starting a Lutheran school in Moorhead. At this meeting, J. O Hougen suggested naming the school “Concordia” after the goddess of harmony and peace. In his book Concordia College through Fifty Years, Rasmus Bogstad states, “Literally it [Concordia] means hearts together—working in unison.”[1] Since Concordia was the first Lutheran higher education institution formed since the creation of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church in 1890, the latter translation honored the union of the three synods.
In the summer 1965 edition of the Alumni News, an article titled “Should Concordia Have a New Name?” sparked much attention. In the opening paragraphs, President Joseph Knutson argued that Concordia was being confused with other schools of the same name fearing that the recognitions Concordia received with its musical, athletic, oratory, and other talents were not always properly recognized. Many alumni wrote letters some of which supported the name change and offered suggestions such as Canon College, Cobber College, and Christus College. Needless to say, a name change never took.
Carl Bailey, physics professor from 1947-1992 and academic dean from 1954-1971
Concordia College’s name is not the only phrase by which the school is recognized. The institution’s mission statement is lived through the college’s curriculum, co-curricular activities, and programs. Crafted by Carl Bailey, academic dean and physics professor, in the 1950s as part of the Blueprint long-range planning process, the mission statement has not been altered since its creation. In 2007, President Pamela Jolicoeur met with students, faculty, and alumni to redefine what the mission statement meant to them a half-century later. While the mission statement did not change as a part of this process, its application and meaning has evolved.
Many logos have also been used as trademark symbols of the institution. In 1917, Concordia College adopted a Presidential Seal to be used only for presidential correspondence and formal events. In the 1960s, Concordia College began using a logo as an identifier on its publications. The first logo consisted of a “C” with a cross and an orb and was used from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. What has become known as the “butterfly logo” was used through the mid-1970s and 1980s. This logo consisted of two C’s and two M’s placed on top of each other. A logo was designed especially for the college’s centennial and was first used in 1989. In 1995, Concordia College unveiled a new logo based on the bell tower that was built for Concordia’s Centennial. Most recently, the college has moved to a word mark that was developed in the 2000s. In 1998, the Concordia College Corporation licensed its logo, seal, mascot, and name as property of the institution.