Forward in faith
Concordia University Irvine, Calif., concluded its Forward in Faith comprehensive campaign in December. Through God’s grace and the generosity of more than 10,000 donors, the campaign raised over $100 million for new facilities, academic programs, scholarships and endowments.
Strive for college
Despite high educational aspirations, first-generation college students and those who come from low-income households continue to be underrepresented on college campuses. Concordia University Texas (CTX), Austin, Texas, actively works to change this trend, and the national nonprofit Strive for College has taken notice. Strive for College recently named CTX as a “Strive Five” institution based on its commitment in five areas (inclusion, diversity, affordability, completion and outcomes) to students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
New doctoral tradition
In what will become a new university tradition, Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., held its first-ever doctoral hooding ceremony on Dec. 11. In his address to the graduates, CUC Marshal Dr. Kevin Borchers said, “Each of you has made countless sacrifices of time, energy and adjustments in your personal priorities to earn your degree. You knew the road to a doctoral degree would be long, and the journey difficult. We are extremely proud of you and the milestone you have accomplished.”
The ceremony, which was held online, featured videos of all participating doctoral graduates being “hooded” at home by a friend or family member. A video of the ceremony can be viewed at cuchicago.edu/live.
Lent/Easter workshop
The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn., hosted a Lent/Easter preaching, teaching and worship workshop titled “Your Kingdom Come” on Jan. 8. The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Center for Biblical Studies director, led the workshop, which was based on the Book of Zechariah. Attendees participated on campus and via Zoom.
Vaccine assistance
Faculty, alumni and students at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Mequon, Wis., are doing their part to administer COVID-19 vaccines. CUW received its first vaccine batch for on-campus personnel on Jan. 14. In addition, 16 faculty members and students from the CUW pharmacy department are volunteering locally to help administer vaccines, and another pharmacy professor has offered additional courses to certify qualifying medical personnel to administer vaccines.
Arts at CUAA
Hip-hop, poetry, digital portfolios and the Flint, Mich., water crisis are all elements of the Spring 2021 Kreft Arts Program virtual events lineup at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA), Mich. The program strives to foster the artistic, intellectual and creative experience of CUAA students and the surrounding community. For more information, visit blog.cuaa.edu/kreft-arts-spring-2021.
Esports season begins
The esports team at Concordia University Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., recently began its first season of competition, with weekly matches taking place over a nine-week schedule. CUNE is a member of the National Association of College Esports (NACE). Scholarships are available for prospective students interested in pursuing esports at the collegiate level. Learn more at cune.edu/esports.
Civil discourse
“Dialogues on the Quad” at Concordia College New York, Bronxville, N.Y., brings guests to campus for civil discourse on a variety of topics. Normally a one-day series of conversations in Sommer Center, this year’s dialogues have been spread out over several events. The series began in October with a discussion on health care. Conversations this spring will focus on strategies for discerning the truth in an age of misinformation, exploration of the intersection of First and Second Amendment rights, and arts and culture as tools for civic transformation.
Seminary news
Visit CSL
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), invites prospective students to two online events in February. Green & Gold Day, for college-age and second-career men and women thinking about becoming pastors or deaconesses, will be held Feb. 20. Taste of the Sem, for high school men considering becoming pastors, is set for Feb. 13–15. Both events are free. Interested participants can learn more at csl.edu/visit or by contacting the seminary at 800-822-9545 or admit@csl.edu.
CTSFW history
On Jan. 17, as part of a year-long lecture series commemorating the 175th anniversary of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), the Rev. Dr. David P. Scaer presented “1969–1985: Years of Change at the Seminary.” A video of the presentation is available at thelc.ms/175th-anniversary-lecture-series.
Posted Feb. 18, 2021
