Carl B. Ylvisaker
Carl B. Ylvisaker (b.1896 – d.1945)
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Religion Department Chair 1927-1945
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Dean of Men 1935-1936
Biography
Carl B. Ylvisaker was born in Robbinsdale, MN and graduated from St. Paul Central High School in 1913. He earned a degree from Luther College in Decorah, IA before graduating from Luther Seminary in 1920. In 1927, he was called to chair Concordia’s Religion Department. Besides teaching classes, Reverend Ylvisaker coached tennis, counseled campus religious organizations, and spent his summers at Bible camps.
Reverend Ylvisaker was noted by students as being a remarkable speaker and possessing great humility and kindness. He once said, “if you train men’s minds but not their morals, you train clever devils.” Many students sought him out for advice and he constantly provided wise counsel. In 1956, at the request of students, Concordia’s new library was named in his memory. A bronze relief of Rev. Ylvisaker greets patrons at the library’s entrance.