David Hetland
David Hetland (b. 1947 – d. 2006)
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Director of Communications 1974-1982
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Director of Special Projects 1982-2006
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Designer of Christmas Concert Murals 1978-2006
Biography
David Hetland was born in Fargo and grew up in Grand Forks, ND where he graduated from Central High School in 1965. Though awarded a scholarship to study journalism at Northwestern University, he opted instead to enroll at Concordia and study art under Cyrus Running. Through Running, Hetland developed his skills and artistry in mosaic and stained glass pieces. Hetland graduated in 1969 and joined Concordia’s staff as the Director of Communications in 1974.
He started his own business, Hetland, Ltd., in 1979 specializing in liturgical art. In 1982, he became Concordia’s Director of Special Projects designing art pieces for campus spaces and special events. Hetland earned international acclaim in 1994 when he designed mosaics on behalf of the ELCA for Pope John Paul II, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the patriarch of the Orthodox Church in Istanbul. He is perhaps best known in the area for designing Concordia’s Christmas Concert murals for 28 years. In 1999, Hetland published his book, “On Our Way Rejoicing: Recollections from the Concordia College Christmas Concerts,” which details the beginnings of Concordia’s annual event and its evolution to present day.