Campus clips: All about community

Kam DeLano (left), campus safety officer at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA), Ann Arbor, Mich., is hosting activity nights to help CUAA students have the fullest possible campus experience this year. (CUAA)

This monthly column includes brief reports submitted by LCMS schools, campus ministries, universities and seminaries.

Activity nights

A campus safety officer at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Mich., is stepping up this year to build community and ensure students have a vibrant campus life experience. Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, Kam DeLano is volunteering her time, talents and, in some instances, money, to host weekly “activity nights” for students. A retired adapted physical education teacher for Detroit Public Schools, DeLano has organized such activities as kickball, badminton and scooter floor hockey. “It’s about maintaining a community for the students even though this year looks different for them,” said DeLano. “How can we give more opportunities to the students who are here so their year is special?”

Helping hands

Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marysville, Ohio, and students from St. John’s Lutheran school unload items they collected for the food co-op at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. (Kristine Bruss)

On Oct. 30, the Golden Eagles, a senior ministry group from St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marysville, Ohio, traveled to Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), to deliver donations collected for the seminary’s food co-op, which supports seminary students and their families. The group, accompanied this year by seventh- and eighth-grade students from St. John’s Lutheran School, attended chapel and toured the co-op before unloading their cargo, which filled the bottom of their charter bus.

“This is the first time I’ve gotten to witness what the Golden Eagles do,” said CTSFW President Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss, who greeted the group before they unloaded. “It’s like the way they used to put fires out in the old days — passing the bucket from one person to the next. What a blessing, what a boost in the arm, for our seminary to see and be the beneficiaries of such energetic support from one of our congregations. The seminary and our students are deeply appreciative of their generosity.”

Lasting legacy

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is hosting a celebration Feb. 20–22, 2025, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Pederson Field House. Former Preachers basketball players, coaches and managers are invited to reconnect, share memories and celebrate the legacy of the Pederson Field House. The event will include a dinner banquet, a tailgate-style party, worship, a special presentation and alumni basketball games. Registration is open until Feb. 6, and sponsorship opportunities are available. A limited number of hotel rooms at the nearby Cheshire Inn can be reserved at a group rate. This celebration aims to honor the lasting impact and legacy of the Pederson Field House. Learn more and watch a video.

New pre-seminary director

Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Mequon, Wis., welcomed a new pre-seminary director this year. In his new role, the Rev. Dr. Josh LaFeve is responsible for recruiting future pre-seminary candidates and nurturing the individuals who are currently enrolled. CUW has long held the honor of hosting the most pre-seminary students in the Concordia University System and has a strong history of producing highly prepared candidates for seminary. LaFeve, a CUW alumnus, has served as a parish pastor for over 13 years, first in California and, most recently, in Michigan.

Beautiful Feet conference

Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn., hosted its annual Beautiful Feet Conference Nov. 7–9 under the theme, “Here, There, and Everywhere,” based on Acts 1:8.

This conference gathers students from across the Concordia University System to equip them in their Gospel witness through speakers, breakout sessions, service projects and worship. More than 185 participants and 35 speakers and exhibitors came together for this powerful event. Keynote speakers included the Rev. Jeff Cloeter, the Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann, the Rev. Dr. Justin Rossow and Director of Christian Education Shelly Schwalm.

Church work careers

Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., hosted a group of enthusiastic high school students at the Careers for Christ weekend in October. This year’s theme was “Formed in Christ for Service,” based on Isaiah 43:21: “This people I have formed for myself; They shall declare my praise.”

Future CUC students learned about pursuing a church work vocation via presentations on each of the university’s six church work programs. The high schoolers connected with current students and faculty and were inspired by the Word of God during a variety of worship opportunities. Fun activities included a bonfire, a Chicago-style pizza dinner, and a scavenger hunt around campus and the local community. Attendees had the opportunity to ask a panel of current students questions about studying church work, and they learned what it means to “Stand Tall” in their faith as they head to college.

New assistant dean

After a national search, Concordia University, Irvine (CUI), Irvine, Calif., has named Karl Hoenecke, MBA ’14, to serve as dean of the School of Business and Economics. Hoenecke has served as assistant dean and interim dean at CUI since 2022. Prior to that, he taught for seven years as an adjunct faculty member. Hoenecke brings decades of insights and connections from diverse business sectors. He also brings a broad view to business roles and responsibilities, having held positions from management trainee to president.

“[CUI] is blessed to have Professor Karl Hoenecke as the new dean of the School of Business and Economics,” said CUI Provost and Senior Vice-President Scott Ashmon. “Karl has a love of learning and wide-ranging practical wisdom to bring to this leadership role. His faith, business acumen, and desire to collaborate will shape a vision for the school that is faithful to the mission of the university and relevant for the needs of the business community in southern California and beyond.”

Christmas at Concordia

Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., hosted its annual Christmas at Concordia Weekend Dec. 6–8.

Across the four concerts, more than 3,000 community members, faculty, staff, Concordia students and their family members will gather for music presented by CUNE’s wind symphony, a cappella choir, handbell choir, men’s choir and women’s choir. The program will include Scripture readings, original music from faculty members, and traditional hymns presented in different arrangements by the various music groups.

Campus ministry at EWU

The LCMS U chapter at Eastern Washington University (EWU), Cheney, Wash., led by the Rev. Marc DiConti, reaches out to students on campus in a variety of ways. On Wednesday mornings, the chapter serves free “Warm Wednesday Cider” from a table outside the student union. DiConti also hosts a weekly lunch in his home just off campus. Afterwards, he leads a Christianity 101 course, which includes lessons on Luther’s Small Catechism, hymn singing and time for questions.

Posted Dec. 19, 2024