Campus clips: Endings and beginnings

The monthly “Campus Clips” column includes brief reports from LCMS day schools, campus ministries, universities and seminaries.

Gala planned, graduates lauded

Evan Magness

Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., will host its 10th annual Maroon & Gold gala Sept. 19 at Eaglewood Spa and Resort in Itasca, Ill. Since the event’s founding in 2017, the signature fundraising gala has brought together alumni, faculty, staff and friends to support the university and raise funds for programs that prepare students for their vocations.

CUC also congratulates its new alumni, who crossed the stage during the doctoral, master’s and undergraduate commencement ceremonies, which took place April 30 and May 1. In addition, the university recognizes Evan Magness (BA ’26), a recent graduate from the pre-seminary program. Magness, who is preparing to serve the church as a pastor, recently received the Regents’ Scholarship Award from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW). The merit-based scholarship is awarded annually to two students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, a strong proficiency in biblical languages and leadership potential for future ministry.

“I’m incredibly grateful and blessed to have received such a generous scholarship,” said Magness, who will begin studying at CTSFW this fall. “I hope to be formed into someone who is equipped for the Office of Holy Ministry. I want to model Christ-like love and Christ-like behavior, and I am confident that Fort Wayne will be the place that forms me into a person who is suitable to model the way of Christ.”

Read these stories and more at cuchicago.edu/news.

Sent to serve

Christina Gronefeld, a 2026 graduate of Concordia University Nebraska’s DCE program, is congratulated by the Rev. Jonathan Rusnak, assistant professor of theology, during a Sending Service for church work students on May 8. (CUNE)

On May 8, Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., recognized professional church work graduates at its annual Sending Service, a worship celebration held prior to graduates taking a call, beginning an internship or continuing their education.

This year’s graduates included three pre-seminary students, four pre-deaconess students, three director of parish music students, six director of Christian education (DCE) students, one Classical Lutheran Educator, one Christian teacher diploma and 36 Lutheran teacher diploma graduates. During the service, each graduate was individually recognized and his or her next steps announced.

“All of Concordia’s graduates have been equipped to serve God through their vocations; the Sending Service celebrates the preparation professional church work graduates have received to go out and serve the world specifically through church work careers,” said Dr. Beth Pester, who serves as director of Dual Credit and organizes the Sending Service.

Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), St. Paul, Minn., also hosted a Service of Sending on May 8 to recognize students graduating from church work programs. This year, 31 students were honored, including a number of students who completed colloquy.

In addition, several students received awards from the Department of Theology and Ministry:

Jakob Nath and Deanna Ringler, for Exemplary Work in Theology and Ministry;

Robert Finch, for Exemplary Work in Biblical Languages;

Isabella Cloeter and Eva Gundermann, Servant of Christ Award; and

Katelyn Colleran, for Theological Practice and Christian Vocation.

In other CSP news, the Concert Band and Christus Chorus embarked upon their annual spring music tours, a tradition that spans almost a century. The Christus Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Paul von Kampen, traveled to Florida, while the Concert Band, under the direction of Aaron Isakson, headed west to the Dakotas and Wyoming. As CSP’s flagship touring ensembles, the groups are open to all students. They rehearse throughout the week and perform multiple times during the semester, spreading the Gospel message through song.

50 years of blessings

At the 24th annual Gala of Stars at Concordia University Irvine (CUI), Irvine, Calif., CUI officially kicked off the celebration of its 50th anniversary and raised $1 million for student scholarships. The event honored CUI’s chief mission officer, the Rev. Dr. Steven P. Mueller (CUI ’86), with the Servant Leadership Award, recognizing his contributions as an author, scholar, hymn writer and professor.

In honor of CUI’s 50 years, the university also recognized all alumni attending the event with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The evening’s entertainment was produced by CUI alumni through The Songwriter Initiative at CUI’s Center for Worship Leadership and performed by CUI alumni representing three decades.

Health partnership

Through a newly announced partnership with the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM), Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Mequon, Wis., is expanding opportunities for students preparing to serve in health care — right on the CUW campus. The partnership creates a clear, streamlined pathway for CUW students pursuing careers in medicine, including an articulation agreement that supports qualified students in gaining admission to ICOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Plans are also underway to establish an instructional site on CUW’s campus, pending accreditation approval.

This partnership reflects Concordia’s mission to develop students in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the church and the world. By integrating faith with rigorous academic preparation, the university continues to equip graduates for meaningful vocations.

Beyond the classroom, the collaboration will foster shared research, interprofessional learning and expanded clinical opportunities across the Midwest. Together, CUW and ICOM are not only opening doors for students but also strengthening the health care workforce — particularly in underserved communities — where compassionate, well-trained physicians are needed most.

Surprise celebration

The Rev. Dr. Arthur A. Just Jr. holds up a framed facsimile of his surprise festschrift before he was to make a presentation at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW). Also pictured is the Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss, CTSFW president. (Andrew Pohlod)

The Rev. Dr. Arthur Just Jr., professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), discussed his new theological memoir, Ever to Emmaus (Wipf and Stock, 2026), at a campus convocation May 6. Before Just began his presentation, the Rev. Dr. Charles Gieschen, CTSFW provost, surprised Just with a festschrift titled He Opened to Us the Scriptures: Essays in Honor of Arthur A. Just Jr. (Concordia Publishing House, forthcoming).

The festschrift, which honors Just’s significant contributions to the church, discusses three topics related to his work: the Scriptures, worship and the mission of the church. Contributors include CTSFW faculty members and several of Just’s colleagues from around the world.

After the festschrift announcement, Just reflected on Ever to Emmaus, elaborating on his experiences and study of pilgrimage; Jesus and Mary; and liturgy, catechesis, diakonia and missions. Thanks to generous donors, every residential CTSFW student will receive a copy of the book.

Faculty-led workshops

Faculty from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), along with other scholars, will share their expertise on topics including the apostolic fathers, the Epistle of James, biblical history, adult discipleship and more as part of CSL’s 2026 Prof Insights: Faculty-Led Workshop Series, held nationwide from June through November. Designed for pastors, other church workers and laity, the annual series offers in-depth study on contemporary topics that influence the practice of ministry and worship.

New this year are three joint classes with Concordia University Wisconsin. Find the list of workshops, presenters and registration information at csl.edu/workshop-series. For more information, contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.

Posted May 27, 2026