Alida Ogren-Gunderson810 Commons Circle #1038

Mt. Vernon, Iowa, 52314

Aogrengunderson09@cornellcollege.edu 319.431.0071

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Religion, May 2010
Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa
• GPA 3.9/4.0

Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2007-2008

• GPA 4.0/4.0

Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, 2004-2006

• GPA 3.9/4.0

SPECIAL PROJECTS
Senior Seminar (Cornell College 2009)
• Completed senior thesis entitled The Eye and the Sight: unity and duality in the
thought of Ibn al-‘Arabi
Islam and Postcoloniality, Cornell College, 2009
• Integrated academic and experiential learning during a study abroad in Morocco under
the guidance of two professors, Dr. Steven David Sacks and Dr. Devan Baty
• Performed a critical analysis of the relationship between the religious beliefs of a
Sufi leader in Fez and the dominant religious ideology
Iowa Sociological Association Annual Conference, Cornell College, April 2009
• Presented a paper entitled Listening to the Silence: what is and is not said about
menstruation, a sociological analysis of the significance of communication about
menstruation
Honor’s Project, Kirkwood College, 2008
• Conducted independent research on Muhammad Iqbal with emphasis on
his lectures in The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam
• Culminated in a written analysis of Iqbal’s philosophy of change and possible
implications for the modern era
Independent Honor’s Study, Concordia College 2006
• Studied the relationship between religion and science from an Islamic perspective
under the tutelage of Dr. Basit Bilal Koshul

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Chair of Executive Functioning, Students Together Eradicating Poverty (S.T.E.P)
Cornell College, April 2009 - May 2010
• Create and distribute educational materials regarding local, national, and
international poverty
• Coordinated volunteer opportunities for students in the local community

President, Mathetai (Interfaith Dialogue Student Organization)

Concordia College, April 2006 - December 2006
 Alida Ogren-Gunderson

• Devised and implemented three campus-wide religious diversity education and

appreciation activities
Straight and Gay Alliance
Concordia College, August 2004 - December 2006
Co-leader, April 2006-December 2006
• Organized and conducted a diversity education program for the Residence Life
Staff on campus, emphasizing sensitivity and awareness
• Acted as an ally to the LGBT community, serving as an important facilitator for
dialogue about sexual diversity within my collegiate community
Secretary
• 2005-2006
Member
• 2004-2005

HONOR SOCIETIES, AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS

American Bible Society Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies 2009
National Society of Collegiate Scholars 2005-present
Phi Theta Kappa 2005-present
Trustee Scholarship (Cornell College) 2008-present
Academic Excellence Scholarship (Concordia College) 2004-2007

WORK EXPERIENCE
Career Assistant, February 2009-present
Career Services Office, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa
• Help students to find and utilize the resources they need for career exploration
and preparation
• Interact with students, faculty, and staff in a professional manner
• Provide office support for career counselors by answers telephones, making
appointments, and greeting and assisting students

Service Trainer/Server, May 2008-December 2008

Taste of India, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Educated individuals and families about Indian food and traditional Indian dining
practices
• Demonstrated consistent leadership and professionalism
• Maintained patience and good humor in a high stress work environment

Assistant Teacher, February 2007-March 2008

Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Communicated sensitive information to clients in a tactful and
discreet manner
• Fostered positive relationships between teachers and clients

Student Worker, August 2006-December 2006

Instructional Technology Center, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota
• Assisted students in the conceptual creation and physical production of
multimedia visual aids