Robert Alan Grimm Hall Marks a New Chapter in Concordia’s Service to Students

“The time for construction has ended, the time for instruction has begun,” resounded in front of Concordia’s new three-story Robert Alan Grimm Hall on Friday, March 30, 2007. The celebration attracted more than 500 donors, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and civic leaders.

Kari Grimm, wife of the late Robert Grimm, noted how Concordia’s mission in Christian education clearly reflected the Christian values of her late husband and how he would have been pleased to see the completion of this facility for the benefit of future Christian leaders for generations to come.

In front, holding the scissors:  Kari Grimm, wife of the late Robert Alan Grimm, for whom the building is named. Front row (left to right):  Concordia President, Dr. Jack Preus; Cindy Schlichtemeier ’91, Vice President of the Alumni Board; Ruth DeNault, Co-Chair of the Grimm Hall capital campaign; Craig Olson, Chair of the Board of Regents. Back row (left to right):  Paul Schroeder, Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees; Doug Cavanaugh, Co-Chair of the Grimm Hall capital campaign; and Tony Capitelli ’07, president of the student body.

The Robert Alan Grimm Hall, a part of the university’s original master plan, meets the needs of the growing student enrollment, contains advanced educational technology, showcases fine artwork, and is the new home for the School of Business and Professional Studies.

“Universities must have the very best facilities, but facilities alone do not ensure excellence.  Excellence comes from the passion and commitment of our outstanding faculty as well as from the support of our friends and supporters.  Facilities such as this would not be possible without the prayers and financial support of hundreds of friends,” said Concordia President Jack Preus.  

This $20 million state-of-the-art classroom facility is named in honor and memory of Robert Alan Grimm, a distinguished friend and major benefactor of the university. While providing a 45 percent increase in instructional space needed to accommodate enrollment growth of more than 2,300 students, the facility contains a vast array of technology to benefit both student and professor.

Each classroom contains ceiling mounted data projection, built-in computer, annotated presentations and document and Extron control system to manage media systems.  One of the many advantages of the technology is the ability for lectures to be recorded, available to students for access and replay on the web or on pod casts at any time.

The Hall also contains more than 44 pieces of art work in the John and Linda Friend Art Gallery including these masterpieces: Rembrandt’s “Abraham’s Sacrifice,” Marc Chagall’s “Angel of Judgment” and Salvador Dali’s “Le Christ.”  The artwork reflects Concordia’s mission to serve Christ’s Great Commission and expresses God’s hope and love through the eyes of many cultures and forms of fine art.

Just as the newly planted trees surrounding the facility sprout the first leaves of spring, Grimm Hall will become a place where students grow and learn to become wise, honorable and cultivated citizens in a global world.