The monthly “Campus Clips” column includes brief reports submitted by LCMS day schools, campus ministries, universities and seminaries.
Schools learn together
Mock Trial students from two LCMS high schools came together in St. Louis in early October to prepare for a national competition while strengthening a relationship rooted in their shared Lutheran identity.
Students from Lutheran High School South, St. Louis, and Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School, Las Vegas, participated in a two-day scrimmage in preparation for the upcoming Empire Mock Trial invitational. Mock Trial is an academic competition in which students portray attorneys and witnesses in a courtroom proceeding during which they master a case file, argue pretrial motions, deliver opening statements and closing arguments, and examine and cross-examine witnesses while entering exhibits and making objections using the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Competition, however, was only part of the weekend. Students from the two schools bonded over bowling on Saturday evening and gathered Sunday morning for worship before returning to the courtroom for their final trials. Spencer Owen, theology teacher at Faith, and the Rev. Joseph Cox, head of Teaching and Learning at Lutheran South, are eager to see the relationship extend beyond the two schools. Their larger vision is to create opportunities for Mock Trial students at LCMS high schools across the country to connect, compete, worship and encourage one another.
Warm welcome
On Sept. 18, Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., celebrated its new Welcome Center and the completion of renovations to Addison Hall with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Addison Pillars Lawn.
Funded through a capital grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, renovations include a restored porch space and entry staircase, a refreshed lobby area, a welcome kiosk staffed by student ambassadors, and new university signage.
Central to the renovation plan was the Welcome Center space, which includes a waiting area and meeting rooms where prospective students and their families can connect with admissions counselors. Together, these elements ensure that visitors experience CUC’s warm, Christian hospitality from the moment they arrive.
“We wanted a space that reflected the university and the great experience that awaits students,” said CUC President Dr. Russell Dawn.
Rising educators
Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Mequon, Wis., has received a $250,000 Wisconsin Fast Forward Teacher Training and Recruitment Grant to launch RISE (Recruiting, Inspiring and Supporting Educators), an initiative designed to prepare special educators for high-need communities.
RISE will support 15 post-baccalaureate candidates pursuing Wisconsin Cross-Categorical Special Education licensure. Tuition assistance, flexible online coursework, mentoring and student-teaching stipends will help working adults pursue licensure while balancing employment and family responsibilities.
“This grant allows us to do more than simply offer a pathway to special education licensure,” said Dr. Adam Paape, assistant dean of Academic Operations and professor of Education. “It allows us to build a high-support pathway specifically designed for working adults who are already serving children and schools and want to take the next step toward becoming fully licensed special educators.”
CUW will collaborate with LUMIN Schools, St. Augustine Prep, Milwaukee College Prep and Hope Christian Schools to recruit and support future educators.
RISE also reflects CUW’s Christ-centered understanding of vocation and service.
“Our goal is not simply to produce more licensed teachers,” Paape said. “It is to prepare educators who are equipped to serve their neighbors, strengthen their communities and shine the light of Christ through the important work they do each day.”
Organ refurbished
Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., recently rededicated its Casavant organ, housed in the Borland Center for Music and Theatre, following a substantial overhaul of the instrument’s electrical components. The work was completed by CUNE graduate Aaron Jackson (’21).
Originally installed and dedicated in 2008, the organ was rededicated Sept. 20 during a celebration attended by faculty, staff, students and community members. The event included Scripture readings, prayer and a rededication by the Rev. Ryan Matthias, followed by a recital performed by CUNE Professor of Music Dr. Jeffrey Blersch.
The Casavant organ was selected for its exceptional artistic quality and versatility and has become an important part of CUNE’s music program, used daily by students for practice, lessons and recitals. “An organ of the highest quality, and which is able to do just about anything one can imagine, presents limitless possibilities for student growth,” Blersch said. “Glorifying God with our talents means giving our very best.”
Professor honored
On Oct. 8, the Rev. Dr. Kendall Davis was placed into the Robert L. and Ruth F. Eckerman Endowed Chair in New Testament Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), St. Paul, Minn. Davis has served as assistant professor of New Testament at CSP since Fall 2025.
The chair was made possible thanks to a generous gift from the Rev. Jim and Karen Laatsch that has established two endowed faculty chairs and endowed the CSP Department of Theology and Ministry. CSP gives thanks to God for the Laatsches’ generous support and deep dedication to its mission.
Helping the hurting
The 36th Annual Theological Symposium at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), convened Sept. 22–23 under the theme “I Will Uphold You: Ministry in Mental Health.” During the two-day event, CSL students and faculty welcomed workers and laypeople from across the church to examine the church’s vital role in caring for those experiencing mental health challenges — particularly as the field is increasingly dominated by secular professionals.
Plenaries and breakout sectionals touched on issues such as despair, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatry, the relationship between psychology and theology, and more. The symposium offered many opportunities for people to connect and discuss how pastors, deaconesses and others in the church can care for a hurting world with the healing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Focus on evangelism
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), held its first Evangelism Week Sept. 28–Oct. 2, part of its strategic effort to prepare students for evangelism, missions and church planting. Special guests during the week included the Rev. James Woelmer, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Manhattan, Kan., who preached in chapel and led a convocation for faculty and students. The Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe of the LCMS Office of National Mission and the Rev. James Baumgartner of the LCMS Office of International Mission staffed tables in the Student Commons and spoke to students about domestic and international evangelism and mission opportunities. CTSFW faculty also connected their course content to evangelism, complementing what students heard outside of class during Evangelism Week.
Posted Nov. 6, 2026
