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ANN ARBOR, Mich., February 28, 2009 – Donald Wharton of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was awarded the 2008-09 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Wharton will be presented with the award at Concordia commencement exercises on May 9, 2009.
Since 1979, Don Wharton has performed over 3,000 concerts (at least one in all 50 states), primarily at Lutheran churches, schools, and conventions. He has written over 250 songs and two books, recorded 20 album projects, and worked with notable Christian artists Carmen and Michael Card as well as 60's sensations Paul and Paula and acclaimed actor Beau Bridges.
On September 29, 1998, Don performed the first gospel concert at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He has written theme songs for synodical and district youth gatherings, Lutherans for Life, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
On August 13, 1993, Don was one of seven survivors of a small plane crash into the Bering Sea near Nome, Alaska. The group of seven was returning from a missionary/humanitarian aid trip to the Russian Far East when it lost both engines and plunged into ocean at nearly 100 m.p.h. The group was forced to float for 35-70 minutes in 36-degree water before being rescued by helicopter.
Don was a student at Concordia - Ann Arbor 1970-72 and was captain of the basketball team and a catcher on the first conference championship baseball team. He was a physical education instructor at Concordia from 1975-1978, coaching baseball, basketball and soccer. He performed his first public concert at Concordia in 1977.
Don and his wife Leslie met at Concordia and were married in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. They have five children and currently live in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
For more information about Don and his music ministry, visit:
http://www.donwharton.com/
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private, Christian liberal arts institution of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Concordia offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in an environment focused on the individual student. Concordia is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Concordia’s Family Life Program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). The athletics program has helped Concordia receive the recognition of a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character institution. Concordia is located at 4090 Geddes Road in Ann Arbor, MI. For more information, visit: www.cuaa.edu |
