Skip to Main Content

Concordia University Honors Dick & Lynn Gast With The Great Commission Award

Concordia University Irvine presented The Great Commission award to Mr. Richard “Dick” Gast and Mrs. Lynn Gast during the 2013 Commencement Ceremony on May 4, 2013.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Ann Ashmon

Director of Communications
Concordia University Irvine
[email protected]
949.214.3152

Concordia University Honors Dick & Lynn Gast With The Great Commission Award

Irvine, Calif. (May 4, 2013) – Concordia University Irvine presented The Great Commission award to Mr. Richard “Dick” Gast and Mrs. Lynn Gast during the 2013 Commencement Ceremony on May 4, 2013.  The Great Commission Award honors recipients for their demonstration of commitment to furthering Christ’s Great Commission by noteworthy service through involvement and support of missionary activity and evangelism.  "It is truly an honor to be associated with the past recipients," said Dick Gast.  "Thank you for all the effort that you put into making Lynn and I feel welcome."  The ceremony was held at the UCI Bren Events Center, and had over 1,100 graduates. 

Inspired by the mission and ministry of sharing Jesus in one of the world’s largest secular events, the Gasts joined the Lutheran Hour Float Committee (LHFC) in 1990 as co-chairs of the Petal Pushers, a role that Lynn continues today.  In 1994, Dick became and continues to be the General Chairman of the Lutheran Hour Float Committee.  The 2014 Lutheran Hour Ministries Float, Jesus Welcomes All, will be making its 64th appearance in the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2014.  

The LHFC works throughout the year in the planning of the float for the next year.  A self-funded project of the Southern CA Luther Layman’s League, the committee is responsible for the float design, recruiting the Petal Pushers volunteers, PR, marketing and fundraising.  In addition to recruiting 5,000 volunteers to be Christian witnesses as they work nine floats, the LHFC has two Christian Witness booths, one at each decorating site. 

In addition to serving on the LHFC, the Gasts are on the California Orphan Grain Train Board and Dick is a member of the International Lutheran Layman’s League (LLL) Board of Directors. Dick and Lynn are active members of Salem Lutheran Church in Orange, CA. 

Other honorees at Concordia University Irvine's Commencement Ceremony included The Reverend Dr. Ronald Feuerhahn, receiving the Doctor of Divinity, and The Reverend Doctor Gilbert Meilaender, receiving the Doctor of Letters.  The Reverend Feuerhahn is professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis Missouri, where he served as a professor in the department of Historical Theology from 1986 until his retirement in 2009.  The Reverend Meilaender has taught since 1996 at Valparaiso University, where he holds the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Christian Ethics.  The speakers at the event included The Honorable Gaddi H. Vasquez as the Undergraduate Commencement Speaker and Dr.David Long as the Graduate Commencement Speaker.

About Concordia University Irvine

Concordia University Irvine is a U.S. News Top Tier Regional University that prepares students for their vocations—their calling in life. CUI offers undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree programs in a beautiful Southern California location, with online and regional cohort options.

A member of the Concordia University system of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions, Concordia University Irvine empowers students through the liberal arts and professional studies for lives of learning, service and leadership.  Connect with CUI through its numerous social media channels.

 

# # #

print
Back to top