Words cannot adequately express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for Dean and his family. Today our entire MCAA family grieves the loss of our beloved Dr. Vieselmeyer. His extraordinary gifts and fond memories that we share will live on forever. We are eternally grateful for this remarkable man who has had a profound and positive influence on all of us. 

May God continue to bless and keep you,

Dean Vieselmeyer (1948–2023): The Lord’s Ambassador

Out of the abundance of God’s love for us, every now and then He sends someone like Dean Vieselmeyer to walk among us. These rare few like Dean share a few things in common. They are generous with their time and resources, kind to all, and compassionate to those considered least in the community. They will not compromise Truth, but are overflowing with Grace. They are driven to excel so that they may fully exercise all the gifts they have been given. Because they maximize their many talents and are so deeply and genuinely other-centered and servant-hearted, they leave a legacy that reverberates for generations.

As a coach, Dean was the inspiring force that propelled football teams to rarified heights. In that process he was beloved by players and fellow coaches alike because, while most coaches try to leave their mark on players, Dean planted seeds of faith, good character, and most of all, love, within every player and coach. Players and coaches who were led and inspired by coach Vies were changed forever by this humble, energetic, empathetic, and caring Man of God.

When it came to MCAA, Dean was instrumental in helping Tom White build the MCAA program and make it impactful, meaningful, and empowering in the lives of all 5,000 of our alumni and the countless student-athletes these alums have coached and led. Dean created and taught the MCAA Course on Ethics and Sport, an experience that has equipped and enriched every coach who has ever been in MCAA. Dean and his wife, Dian, who has also exceptionally taught and served in MCAA for many years, were also devoted to promoting and sharing the MCAA program with prospective students all over the country, knowing what a positive difference it would make in their lives. We could not have had two greater emissaries for our program and Concordia University Irvine. No matter where they went, they brought bope and opportunity to all those they encountered and enriched with their presence.

Finally, as Dean would want, I wish to remind us of The Source and Strength inside the incredible man who was Dean Vieselmeyer. When the Lord called to Dean early in his life and said, “Follow me,” Dean did exactly that completely and faithfully for his entire life. He committed his life to Jesus without hesitation or reservation and served Him with all his considerable and vast might. Dean was one of God’s handful of selfless Force Multipliers on His earth, a tireless ambassador for Him sharing the Good News of Jesus, always modeling how to care for and lift others up. He lived and loved well, and we will miss him dearly. But we are heartened and fortified in the knowledge and truth that one day, by the sacrifice and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will be reunited with our dear, beloved friend, teacher, coach, and family man, Dean Vieselmeyer.  

Let us resolve to always wisely choose to Follow Him just as Dean showed us how to.

God's blessings and comfort to you all!

"Dean Vieselmeyer was an inspirational servant leader who impacted countless lives.  Dean will be remembered and cherished for his unwavering energy, work ethic, hospitality toward everyone he ever met, enthusiasm for life, and love for his family and Jesus Christ.  I am sorry to have lost one of my dearest friends, but so thankful for the legacy that Dean has left behind and the joyful reunion we will all enjoy with him in Heaven." Dr. Kent Schlichtemeier

"Dean was a great inspiration to me throughout the years in the MCAA/MSCE program, as he was one of the first to welcome me to Concordia 10 years ago. He reminded me of my dad, as his kindness and care for others were invaluable. He was a true man of God, and consistently encouraged men and women to follow the teachings of the Bible and love one another. His legacy will live on through our program, and he will be truly missed. Reggie and I will always and forever love Mr. V and Mrs. V."  Sheila and Reggie Hannah, coworker and friend

"Dean was a special part of my growth and development in the MCAA program. Over the 17 years that I worked with him, he was a mentor, friend, and a true example of a servant leader. He gave of himself tirelessly in all aspects of his life. He pushed hard to strengthen and develop MCAA to be a shining light in the world of athletics. Through his work, he molded each student and spread the good Word of the Lord to hundreds of students with enthusiasm and passion. I will always admire Dean's smile and zest for life!  He touched my life not only professionally but spiritually over the years. I am forever grateful and blessed to have worked with such a generous spirit." Chelsea Mailhiot coworker

"Dean was such a special man to many and one of his best known qualities was that he accepted everyone; as an administrator in the program I witnessed it first hand. Additionally, he and Dian were encouraging, appreciative, and exemplified a great passion and love for MCAA. Their undying commitment and pure hearts for pursuing the next generation of students and caring for the current ones, was inspiring. They never said no to a request and embraced every opportunity whole heartedly. I will miss the way Dean told us stories and his infectious smile. Until we see you again Dean!" Rochelle Short MCAA graduate and coworker.

"It was a treat being around Dean. One thing you could always count on was him showing up with a smile from ear to ear. Then there were the stories. He had some of the best stories that brought me and our team some good laughs. It was a privilege to have worked alongside Dean." Lupe Valdivia coworker.

"I can’t even begin to thank one of the most dear and respectful human beings Dean Vieselmeyer who ever stepped into my life when I was accepted into the Concordia University family.  Dean was one of the most heartfelt individuals I’ve known in my 75 years on this earth.  I will always remember the great times over at Dean and Dian’s home during our Summer Coaches Convention for dinner and the great times at Coaching school in Texas and the opportunities to have Dean and Dian in Fresno on their recruiting trips. As hard as it is to know Dean isn’t with us here on earth, I know we all have gained a best friend and angel up in Heaven." Jerry Campbell, Adjunct Professor, MCAA 574 

"During his career, Dean wore many hats. It was, I think, the coaching hat that fit most comfortably. Dean devoted himself to teaching strength, technique, and tenacity, while instilling in his athletes the very best of humility, servitude, grace, and faith. Several years ago, he fairly danced on his toes when he told me he was asked to coach a long-snapper. No big thing, except the young man was blind. He couldn’t have been happier. 

For years, he was supportive of CIF Southern Section’s Champions for Character initiative, rewarding the best athletes who exemplified sportsmanship and character on the playing field. And why not? He taught the Ethics Class in the MCAA program, inspiring an entire cadre of coaches to mold individuals properly and positively. He enthusiastically embraced the transformative approach to coaching, focusing on building character over wins and losses. Of course, he knew that this approach resulted in wins over the long term.

Coaches touch the lives of generations of young people. Dean taught a huge cadre of football players who have moved on to inspire others and lead through faith and grace. He has left behind a legacy of Christian behavior and inspired leadership." Jim Staunton, MCAA Adjunct Professor

"Amazing man, coach, teacher and role model. Prayer for comfort for Dian and his family." Carrie Sherburne ‘16

"So sad to hear! He deeply cared, and was so passionate for his students and Concordia. Prayers of love and support to Dian and family." Jolinda Miller ‘17

"Dean was funny, knowledgeable, and showed great leadership and kindness. I was visiting socal for a conference not at CUI, but Dean invited me to lunch. We talked about our football coaching stories, and I was able to ask him about classes in the MCAA program (I was attending the program at the time). Great man, prayers for Dian and the family." Al Moolick ‘17

"Dean was one of my professors in the MCAA program. Dean was a wonderful example of the community that Concordia provides. He and Dian invited me into their home on multiple occasions, helping me get through school and teaching about life. His generosity of spirit and enthusiasm to serve students will hopefully live on at CUI forever." Tijmen Egtberts ‘16

"Dean epitomizes servant leadership - always has. Working beside Dean was a lesson in positivity and growth. He was always "on" and willing to do what it took to get the job done. His dedication to Concordia through the years and specifically the MCAA program most recently was his amazing legacy." Walt Herd

The role of food in promoting a strong immune system begins before you get sick. Promoting a strong immune system through consuming a balanced, nutrient-dense diet will make fighting off illness easier and faster. 

Strategies to Promote Immune Function

Consume enough food and nutrients to support your training needs. When you don’t eat enough, your body responds by increasing stress hormone levels, which in turn lowers immune function. 

Consume carbohydrates before, during, and after long training sessions to offset the suppressive effect of exercise on immune function. Carbohydrates help fuel immune cells in addition to fueling your body during training. 

Select lean protein foods, especially those that contain iron and zinc, to support immune function. Protein is an essential part of the body’s defense mechanism. Iron and zinc help the immune system to work properly and may help wounds heal. Some good protein sources include chicken, turkey, fish, beef, dairy, eggs, legumes and soy foods.

Stay hydrated at all times. Dehydration can increase production of the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to immunosuppression. 

Choose foods that contain probiotics to enhance gastrointestinal and immune health. 70% of your immune function comes from the healthy bacteria of your gut! Include pre- and probiotic foods in your fueling plan. Foods containing probiotics are milk, kefir, yogurt, kimchi, miso, kombucha and sauerkraut. Foods containing prebiotics are bananas, oats, onions, asparagus and legumes.

Eat foods rich in antioxidants (colorful fruits and vegetables) daily. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress (they neutralize free radicals) which can lead to cell damage and a weakened immune system. Fruits rich in antioxidants include oranges, cantaloupe, papaya, berries and apples. Vegetables rich in antioxidants include sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, onions and beets.  

Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids: salmon and other cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocado oil.

Ensure Vitamin D adequacy to promote immune defense. Vitamin D sources: fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna), fortified foods (milk, orange juice, tofu, soy beverages, some cereals).

Enrollment is happening now and our next session's start dates are listed below:

Winter Session Begins November 20, 2023
Spring Session Begins February 19, 2024
Summer Session Begins May 20, 2024
Fall Session Begins August 19, 2024

2024 California Coaches Conference June 24-28, 2024. Registration and more information coming soon.