Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund awards grant for mission trip leader training

The Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund recently awarded Concordia Director of Global Opportunities Julie Hermann a grant for up to $21,000 to form a campus-based mission and study trip leader training series for members of Concordia’s faculty and staff, as well as practical experiences for these interested members to prepare to lead, advocate for or plan a travel opportunity.  

Hermann is Concordia’s Director of Global Opportunities. She runs the GO! Center, located in the lower level of Thom Leadership Education Center, where students can find resources to study, intern, take a mission trip or tour abroad. The grant money she received seeks to prepare members of the Concordia community to go out and spread the Gospel throughout the world.  

“I’ve been working with campus trip leaders for years, always encouraging faculty and staff to consider leading study tours and mission experiences with classes, teams and student clubs,” she said. “I’m excited to design and present a new training opportunity that would include an off-site trip so future campus leaders can experience first-hand the nuances and best practices of leading mission and travel experiences. Leaders who are excited and prepared to get out into the world will bring that energy to our Concordia students so more students can learn and grow in their understanding of the world around them.”  

The Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund was developed as part of Concordia’s SALT and LIGHT strategic plan to encourage and celebrate faculty and student scholarship, with a particular focus on how different disciplines intersect with the Christian faith. Learn more about the fund here.