The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber (The Chamber) has named former Concordia College President, Paul J. Dovre, the recipient of the 2024 Legacy Leader Award! This prestigious award recognizes and honors the profound impact and commitment of long-time local leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving and shaping our community and the greater region. It symbolizes a dedication that has left a mark on the lives of many and encourages us all to reflect on the enduring legacies we can create through our actions and commitments. 

On Thursday, October 10, The Chamber will host its Annual Celebration, an uplifting afternoon dedicated to celebrating all that has been accomplished in the community, recognizing and thanking volunteers, looking ahead to future priorities, and honoring the 2024 Legacy Leader, Paul Dovre. 

Paul Dovre grew up on a farm near Porter, Minnesota. After graduating from high school in Canby, Minnesota, he attended Concordia College to study speech and economics. After two years at Concordia, military service brought Dovre to Fort Bliss, Texas, to serve on a radio communications unit for two years. Following his service, he returned to Concordia to complete his education, graduating in 1958. He then went on to earn his master’s and doctorate degrees at Northwestern University. 

In 1963, Dovre returned to Concordia, becoming an assistant professor of speech and director of forensics in 1963. While director of forensics, he coached teams to national tournaments across the country. He was promoted to associate academic dean in 1967 and then academic dean in 1970. In 1975, Dovre was named president of Concordia at the age of 39 and served a long, successful presidency of 24 years until his retirement in 1999. 

During his time at Concordia, President Dovre became a highly respected spokesperson and advocate for higher education, particularly Christian higher education. He was named as one of the top 100 college and university presidents in a study at Bowling Green University. Some of his accomplishments for Concordia include raising more than $150 million dollars for the school to help fund a significant number of student scholarships, as well as the building of the Olson Forum, the Centennial Mall and Campanile, and the renovation of the Hvidsten Hall of Music. His other leadership accomplishments include receiving the prestigious Olin Foundation and Knight Foundation grants, creating academic planning documents that guided innovative curriculum and program development, establishing Concordia’s leading role in Habitat for Humanity, and becoming a strong advocate for student travel and study abroad. In addition, he spearheaded two visits of Norwegian Royalty in 1982 and 1996. 

Following Dovre's retirement announcement in 1998, Ron Offutt remarked, "Paul Dovre's leadership has made Concordia one of the most respected colleges in this country. His foundation is rock-solid, his commitment to his work never strays off-course and his heart is always in the right place. To say that these are big shoes to fill would be an understatement. Dr. Dovre leaves us with a legacy that positions Concordia College extremely well for the future." 

Dovre’s impact also extends well beyond Concordia’s campus through his extensive community involvement, including board service for the Moorhead Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, FM Symphony, Heritage Hjemkomst and Oak Grove Lutheran School board. He also dedicated time as a volunteer with hospice care. Dovre’s Statewide service includes roles as a member and chair of the Regent Candidate Advisory Committee, a member of the Judicial Selection Committee and a member of the Minnesota Humanities Commission. He has also been active in the Lutheran Church, serving as vice chair of the Lutheran Council of the USA, a delegate to the Lutheran World Federation meeting in 1990 and co-chair of the ELCA Task force on Education from 2003 to 2007. 

Paul Dovre and his wife, Mardeth, have two children: Erik, a physician in Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Louise, a member of the Minnesota State Court of Appeals. The Dovres are members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota. 

Dovre’s impact leaves a lasting legacy in the university and community he served with passion. His leadership and commitment to civic engagement have shaped countless organizations, initiatives and lives. Dovre’s influence will be felt for generations, as his vision and dedication continue to inspire and guide the growth and well-being of our region. The Chamber is proud to name Paul J. Dovre as the 2024 Legacy Leader. 

The annual Legacy Leader award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the community. The award recognizes and emphasizes the vital role and contributions of long-time local leaders in both shaping and serving the metropolitan community and greater region.  

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