Written by Cassidy Stephenson
What is your name, job title, and how long have you been at CUC?
My name is Steven Wente and I am the Distinguished Professor of Music and Organist to the Chapel at CUC since 1984.
How would you describe Concordia to a stranger?
I think Concordia is a small, quiet community of students, faculty, and staff. The strength of Concordia is in the dedication of faculty and staff, which in turn attracts, inspires, and encourages students to do their best work.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
I’ve been blessed to have a varied course load in my years at Concordia. I’ve always taught applied organ lessons, helping to guide organists to better lead congregations in song. In the early years, I was able to teach some music courses to education students. For a number of years, I served as department chair, through which I got to know better the workings of the department and a broader perspective of our work together. In the last three years, I have had the opportunity to teach in the first-year experience humanities courses. Through this experience, I have gotten to know a wider diversity of our Concordia student community.
Do you have a favorite memory during your time at CUC?
There are many: the open welcome of many faculty and staff when I first came to teach at Concordia; the opportunity to be involved with the annual Lectures in Church Music and Lessons and Carols for 35 years; the fine celebration of CUC’s 150th anniversary in 2014 and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
What’s your favorite dish that Sodexo serves?
I don’t get to the cafeteria very much, but the pizza is quite good, considering it is made in bulk. I’ve enjoyed the 3-buck lunches!
What are three things you can’t live without at CUC?
Every student who comes to Concordia has a story. Perhaps a Concordia coach made a good impression on the student. It may have been a teacher, a youth director, or a pastor who encouraged the student to come to Concordia. A number of students have a parent or grandparent who attended Concordia (my grandfather attended Concordia back when it was in Addison, IL).
Chapel occurs in the middle part of the day and is a centering experience. I know that time is tight for everyone, but chapel is a great gathering together of the community. Livestreaming chapel in recent years is a great addition.
Do you have a favorite song/hymn to play on the organ?
This is always a hard question, not unlike the one asked of a grandparent, “who is your favorite grandchild?” The answer: “the one I’m with at the present time.” There are so many hymns, each with its own purpose, message, and way of expressing the word “in meter.” When a hymn can reflect and expound on (and even proclaim) the word of God’s grace and love, that’s a great gift.
