On Friday, Concordia-Chicago will bid farewell to our head athletic trainer of the past 35 years, Terri Woods. Terri announced her retirement a few months ago and will be heading back to Missouri to begin a new chapter of her life.

The relationship between Terri and CUC, particularly the athletics department, has been a long and fruitful one since she first arrived on campus in 1984. She became CUC's first full-time certified athletics trainer in 1999. She was instrumental in the establishment of the training rooms, first in the lower level of Geiseman and, later in 2001, the training room in the CATS building. Terri has taught classes on athletic training, first aid and fitness development. Perhaps her greatest influence can be told through the 130 student workers she has supervised. Twenty of them have gone on to become Certified Athletic Trainers, while many others have gone to work in other health-related professions.

But just as stats and numbers can't tell the whole story of an athletic contest, neither can they do justice to Terri Woods' impact and influence at Concordia-Chicago. Indeed, as we have seen the last few weeks at receptions in Terri's honor, it's all about the "people moments." The stories, the laughs, the memories that have been shared by coaches, former athletes, alumni and others all attest to how much Terri has meant to us. Her words of encouragement have brightened many a day, and her faith-driven life has inspired many of us.

Terri, all of us here at CUC wish you the very best in your retirement, and the welcome mat is out any time you wish to return and visit. And by all means, treat yourself to some sprinkles. After all, "sprinkles are for winners!"