Concordia College New York Alumni

12/09/2025

We mourn the passing of alumna Lois Prokopy Doring, predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Rev. Arthur Doring. May she rest in peace eternal peace. Here’s her obituary which includes service information.

View Lois Ruth Doring's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/11/2025

Thank you, Julie Fromm Taylor, for always remembering William Wik, Concordia College New York alumnus, lost on 9/11/2001.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET, 9/11
Today we remember William Wik, graduate of Concordia's ADP Program in the 1990's, who perished in the towers on 9/11. He gave his life trying to save others.

From the New York Times:
He Helped the Rescuers

When William Joseph Wik called his wife, Kathleen, shortly after the first attack on Sept. 11, her message was emphatic: "I told him, `Get out!' " she said. Her husband, 44, an assistant director in the risk management service department of the Aon Corporation , on the 92nd floor of 2 World Trade Center, said, " `No, I can't do that, there are still people here,' " she recalled. "I wasn't surprised. Billy wasn't the type to turn his back on someone who needed help."

She, and the city officials who have examined his remains, believe that he joined the rescue workers, "possibly showing them where the other workers were," said Mrs. Wik, who lives in Yonkers. Her husband's body was discovered in a pocket of rubble along with the bodies of five firefighters. Mr. Wik was wearing work gloves and a mask and had an Emergency Medical Service flashlight in his hand; the equipment was probably handed over by rescue workers as he assisted them. Mrs. Wik said she believes that for her and their three children, ranging in age from 8 to 16, "the fact that he was located, and that we got his wedding ring and wallet; well, those are little miracles — a sense of closure for me and the kids.

08/21/2025

I know this is a long shot request, but I wanted to give it a try. I was contacted by the family of the late, great Rev. Arthur Doring (‘53). His widow, Lois Doring, recently moved across the country to live with her family in California. Somewhere along the way, Art’s framed Servant of Christ Award that he received (and treasured) at Concordia College New York’s 2009 Commencement was lost. The family is so sad as they hoped to have it on display for the Doring grandchildren as a reminder of the life of service he lived.

They realize it would be impossible to recreate the award, but it you have any photos from that day (Commencement 2009), please share them with me so I can forward to the family. I was able to find the attached photo online and they were thrilled to receive it.

Please forward this to anyone who might be able to help.

Thank you on behalf of the Doring family! ❤️

04/09/2025

A memorial service for Pastor Jim Zwernemann will be conducted on Tuesday, July 1 at 4PM at Village Lutheran Church (172 White Plains Road in Bronxville, NY 10708).

Atlantic District Lay Deacons, Ministers of Religion--Commissioned and Ministers of Religion--Ordained are invited to vest and process. The liturgical color of the day is green. A reception will follow the memorial service on the Great Porch at Village Lutheran Church.

Let us keep his wife Prof. Bonnie Zwernemann and all his family members and loved ones in our prayers as we grieve with hope and look forward to the day of the resurrection of all flesh in Christ Jesus.

--- from email sent by the bishop of the LCMS Atlantic District

02/22/2025

Viji George's funeral arrangements:

The visitation is at Fred H. McGrath and Son, Inc. Funeral Home (20 Cedar Street in Bronxville, NY 10708) on Friday, February 28 from 3PM to 7PM.

The funeral and reception is at Village Lutheran Church (172 White Plains Road in Bronxville, New York 10708) on Saturday, March 1 at 10AM. The worship service is being streamed and recorded: [https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-service-of-hope-for-dr-vijayasekaran-viji-george-chf4nwvckawsrealsiff](https://gkjs6mcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ePbKgZfEPBHz4SN1B1Z3PXBh_aDZGKasI3VjD5LHAIxjQTWPTIEf1Rw5LHlDNGq6vh6Qdbh_zHjCdFapGAmH517pYzYRsJoNj_fuJOydlDfYWofxi51PbB-W3dWFdJ3ILQx0dEKO-UW4UxI-QIDD7ZrAiJS4D3ZMhJPI4LQ9h3K04y8jLfulO37QsptLqPqRyv7veNn2bcD4aySD3riuDp7gJVVvEEjt__9TkqL3JZsoGvnRMdP__44tfTImvAgh&c=TadZwD06AXwiypo6-Vof3HzBDQ43TEAjNjA3nO34kaKR4zuFDg4iPA%3D%3D&ch=wtiQeHEVvZF7_0LbjwlJtKA0hIf5kVu_RdVuJomXgf11xBK63mwOSA%3D%3D)

02/20/2025

From the Bishop/President of the LCMS Atlantic District:

+ DR. VIJI GEORGE +

Greetings in the saving name of Christ Jesus our Lord.

It has pleased our Lord to allow His servant, Dr. Vijayasekaran "Viji" George to fall asleep in Christ Jesus. Having battled lymphoma with courage and bravery, he now rests from his labors.

As a Minister of Religion--Commissioned of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, Dr. George served nearly twenty years as a professor of psychology at Concordia College in Bronxville, New York and served there as Dean of Students and Assistant to the President before serving sixteen years as the college's President. He most recently served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of George and Associates Consulting. A member of Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville, New York, Dr. George founded and published The Good Shepherd Magazine and served with local and national entities like the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation, Thrivent Financial, and other non-profit boards. His energetic and relentless investment in the lives of individuals and families has spoken poignantly and prophetically to many through the years.

As funeral plans are available, they will be shared.

Let us keep Dr. George's wife Janet, his daughters Sarah and Emilie, and the entire family in our prayers as we grieve with hope and look forward to the day of the resurrection of all flesh in Christ Jesus.

Peace and hope in Christ Jesus our Redeemer and Lord,

Dien Ashley Taylor

09/30/2024

UPDATE re Dr. Schultz funeral service. Please see the information below, provided by Bethlehem Lutheran, with links for you to Livestream it.

Below are two possible links to view the funeral service for Ralph Schultz, which will take place on Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 a.m. (EST):

Website - www.blcdelmar.com/live-stream
Us this link to watch the livestream of the funeral service.

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/live/raRnOP6QnJs?si=5R4hGWEWkggRxNis
The recording of the service will be available through this link through October 10th.

09/26/2024

Funeral Arrangements for Dr. Ralph Schultz, from Tom Craig:

I received an update for visitation and funeral service for Ralph Schultz. Visitation and Funeral will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Delmar, NY.

Visitation: Friday, October 4, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at BLC

Funeral Service: Saturday October 5, at 10:00 am at BLC

Interment: Immediately following the funeral service.

Funeral Luncheon: In the Fellowship Hall at BLC following interment.

09/25/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/St4QvYGWM1zUKhZr/?mibextid=WC7FNe

+ Dr. Ralph C. Schultz +

Greetings in the saving Name of Jesus.

It has pleased our Lord to allow His servant, Dr. Ralph C. Schultz, to fall asleep in Christ. "Doc," as many affectionately knew him, was a Minister of Religion—Commissioned of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and obtained a Bachelor in Music degree from the Cosmopolitan School of Music in Chicago and also a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest (now Concordia University Chicago). He was awarded a Master of Music Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Sacred Music Doctorate from Union Theological Seminary.

After having served as a parish organist and teacher in Ohio, Dr. Schultz began his service at Concordia College in Bronxville as the head of the music department in 1961, a position that he held for fifteen years. Dr. Schultz then served as President of Concordia College in Bronxville for twenty-two years as he continued to conduct choirs and teach music while serving at Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville. During his presidency, he inspired many in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to work together to create the Concordia University System (CUS). A prolific composer of music for choir, organ, piano, oboe, strings, and orchestra, Dr. Schultz conducted music throughout the world, sharing his faith in Christ with humility, reverence, patience, and respect as he led many to sing for joy. Upon his retirement from Concordia College in Bronxville and having been named President Emeritus and Professor of Music Emeritus, Dr. Schultz served in his home congregation—Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Delmar—and founded the Jubilate Singers and Orchestra in the Capital Region of Albany, New York so that singers from area congregations could perform a variety of music using the gifts that the Lord had entrusted to them. A revered patriarch of his family and a commendable servant leader who was viewed by many as a mentor and father-figure, Dr. Schultz has guided generations in praising and serving the Lord with gladness.

When funeral plans have been finalized, they will be shared.

Let us keep Dr. Schultz's wife Dorothy, his children Deborah, Michael, Timothy, David, and Jonathan and all his many family members and loved ones in our prayers as we grieve with hope and look forward to the day of the resurrection of all flesh in Christ Jesus.

Peace and hope in Christ Jesus,
Dien Ashley Taylor

09/25/2024

During Covid, thanks to the efforts of George Heath, Amy Heath and Travis Basso, Dr. Schultz conducted an alumni choir singing Nun Ruhen. It brought us to tears then, and tears are flowing tonight listening to it again. Thank you, Jason Thoms.

Since 1963 the Concordia College Tour Choir has been concluding concerts and worship services with the singing of Bach’s Nun ruhen alle Wälder. This traditi...