With the support of 88 Golden Bear football players as well as Comet the Golden Bear, Concordia University President Dr. Robert Holst officially dedicated the Fandrei Center in honor of Philip and LaVerne Fandrei.President Holst, Director of Athletics Tom Rubbelke and student-athletes Whitney Smetana (Sr., Women's Basketball) and Tyrone Ruffin (Jr., Football) gave speeches to recognize the Fandrei's for their contributions to Concordia University, helping the university achieve high standards in academics and athletics while emphasizing a strong spiritual foundation.
Philip and LaVerne Fandrei (pictured, right and top left) were the 2005 recipients of the Aeterna Moliri Award, which recognizes "builders for eternity" who further the work fo the church and its people through their vocation or service. The former founder and CEO of the Sea Foam Sales Co., Philip retired in 1997. He has subsequently been active with the Youth and Family Institute, as a member of the Concordia University President's Council, and with his church, Oak Grove Lutheran in Richfield. LaVerne is a former Catholic sister and school teacher who is an active volunteer in community organizations and the couple's church.The Fandrei Center, formerly the ACE (Athletic Conference and Events) building, was acquired by Concordia from St. Paul Water Utility. The Fandrei Center houses the athletic offices for Football, Softball, Men's and Women's Golf, Women's Soccer, Men's and Women's Cross Country and Men's and Women's Track & Field as well as the Sports Information office. The Conference & Events department is also housed on the first floor of the building. The Fandrei Center also features football meeting rooms, locker rooms for football and cross country, a fully equipped athletic training room, weight room and a classroom which is also used as a meeting and film room for the athletic programs.
The dedication plaque on the building reads, in part, "To God Be the Glory," an expression for which the Fandrei's have a particular fondness, wishing always to credit God for their blessings and ability to help others.
