One year into his tenure as president of Concordia College, Rev. Tilahun Mendedo said he has seen many positives. But, he added, there is still work to do.

Mendedo joined leaders from the area’s business, education and religious communities Thursday for a celebration luncheon at the St. James Hotel to reflect on where the college has been and where it is going.

After 12 months on the job, Mendedo said he is ready to continue pushing the institution forward.

“What I have experienced in my first year as president of Concordia has been exciting and challenging,” he said. “In addition to doing a lot of listening, we have been taking bold action to ensure Concordia’s future through the development of a new strategic plan.”

The plan, he said, calls for significant growth in the student body and services to the community and region.

In a statement, Mayor George Evans, who was unable to attend because of illness, commended Mendedo.

“This has been a remarkable year,” Evans said. “(Mendedo) has overseen the expansion of programs and studies, extracurricular and the acquisition of the Methodist Church property.”

Securing the United Methodist Children’s Home and tripling the size of its campus, Mendedo said, was huge for the future of Concordia. The school, he said, plans to continue to use the property for its original purpose.

“The United Methodist Church has long been a vital part of this community,” he said. “The grounds and buildings that were established for raising a new generation are still being used to create future leaders.”

In one year the school’s enrollment has seen marked growth. There are currently more than 650 students, a 10 percent increase from last year, with more than half of those students living on campus.

Mendedo also said the college plans to open the historic chapel for Sunday service and use other buildings as a day care center, offering parenting and literacy classes for the community and host additional education classes for the students.

School officials also plan to increase capacity, grow enrollment and increase access to services, Medendo said.

To accomplish these goals, Mendedo said the college and community must work together.

“You can help us recruit students so we can have a bigger impact on the community and expand our educational offerings,” he said. “You can help us enlist the support of the businesses, churches and public institutions to help us secure the future of this institution.”