A lesson on beauty: Dr. David Rogner’s four decades of poetry, hymns, and teaching

The office of Dr. David Rogner (BA '82), distinguished professor emeritus of English and hymn writer, looked exactly as you'd expect: a dense jungle of books, papers, and mementos covering nearly every surface. "I'm not one of those clean desk people," said Rogner as he tried to clear off a small portion of his desk. It was immediately clear that there wasn't enough space to contain 40 years of service and scholarship. As Rogner plans to retire on July 1, 2026, his legacy and contributions to teaching spill out of every drawer and shelf in sight.

Motif, mentorship, and the meaningful

One of the most rewarding parts of his career has been his work as editor of Motif, Concordia University Chicago's annual creative arts journal that began in 1960. Rogner, who took on the role in 1997, has been the longest-running editor to date.

As editor, Rogner's vision was to resurrect the ethos of the journal. For inspiration, Rogner looked to the 1960s, bringing back hymns and a sermon in each issue as his predecessors, Dr. Henry Lettermann (HS '50, BS '54) and Dr. F. Samuel Janzow, professors of English at Concordia-Chicago, had done.

It's his way of keeping tradition alive and providing a place for students across the arts to publish their works. "The most gratifying thing is when Motif is unveiled, and students come and start picking them up… I mean, I love teaching literature, but the part where I get to mentor students in their creative work is really meaningful to me."

While Rogner will no longer be in the classroom, his investment in the creative arts will still be felt throughout the English department. A few years ago, he set up the Rogner Family Scholarship Endowment in Creative Writing. Upon his retirement, a small scholarship will be awarded to a creative writing student each year. In addition, a portion of his estate will ensure Motif lives on long after he's gone. Both highlight Rogner's commitment to his students and the continuation of tradition, teaching, and the arts.

The above is just an excerpt-for the full story, check out the summer 2026 edition of Forester magazine.