Campus clips: Focus on faith

Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) resident assistants take part in CUW’s move-in day on Aug. 14. The fall semester began on Aug. 26. (CUW)

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

Grace Marshall

Hillert award

Grace Marshall of Greeneville, Tenn., a sophomore at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., was recently named as a co-winner of the biennial Richard Hillert Award in Student Composition for her composition, “What If This Present Were the World’s Last Night?”, a John Donne text (Holy Sonnet XIII) set for soloist or unison choir with piano.

The Hillert competition is sponsored by the Center for Church Music in partnership with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. Each award includes a $1,000 cash prize and public presentation and recognition of the student’s work. Prizes will be awarded on Monday, Oct. 21, during the annual Lectures in Church Music event at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.

Previous CUNE contest winners include Austin Theriot (2018), Thomas Johnson (2020) and Bethany Zeckzer (2022).

Faith-based skills

In the ever-evolving landscape of faith-based organizations, effective leadership and business acumen are essential for sustainability and growth. Recognizing this need, the Siebert Lutheran Foundation generously awarded a grant to Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., that provided 25 Lutheran pastors/administrators with scholarships to participate in the Business Skills for Faith-Based Organizations professional development program. This initiative has proven to be a transformative experience for many, equipping them with vital skills to enhance their ministry’s operational and strategic capabilities.

Anne Thies

Christian education

Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Center for Christian Education, with Dr. Anne Thies as director. Having started her career as a teacher, Thies has been an integral member of CUC’s College of Education since 2016, working to inspire future educators.

This fall, the center will kick off its community-focused programming with the goal of exploring, cultivating and expanding educational initiatives rooted in principles of faith.

“As the new director of the Center for Christian Education, I look forward to continued collaboration across the CUC community as we build unparalleled experiences and opportunities for our current students, alumni, faculty, staff and the wider community,” said Thies.

Interim campus leader

In August, Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) President Dr. Erik Ankerberg appointed a new interim campus executive for Concordia University Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Mich. Mike Duffy is a retired administrator from Adrian College. He will assist the CUWAA Office of the President in coordinating CUAA’s campus operations in connection with other university leaders. The university will open a search for a permanent replacement for the position.

Bible series

The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn., led by the Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, offers preaching, teaching and practical resources for increasing biblical knowledge, enhancing faith in Christ, and enriching the ministry of the local church. Upcoming events, held in-person and online, include:

Savior of the Nations Come: Isaiah 40:1–11 (Advent), Oct. 25, 2024

Singing with the Exiles: Isaiah 40–55 (Lent/Holy Week), Jan. 24, 2025

Isaiah: The Fifth Gospel (Bible Seminar), March 22, 2025

Learn more and register at csp.edu/center-for-biblical-studies.

Accreditation reaffirmed

The accreditation of Concordia University Irvine (CUI), Irvine, Calif., has been reaffirmed by the WASC [Western Association of Schools and Colleges] Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) for the maximum period of eight years. In their July 18 letter, the WSCUC Commission commended CUI for its deep commitment throughout the whole of the university, including among students, to its mission and core convictions.

“This success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, alumni and external stakeholders,” noted Deborah Lee, senior director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, who served as the accreditation liaison officer. CUI’s accreditation is reaffirmed through June 2032, with a required interim report in 2027.

Physical evidence

A newly endowed annual lecture on biblical archaeology and historical geography will debut this fall at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL). The inaugural presentation of the “These Stones Will Shout” Annual Lecture in Biblical Archaeology and Historical Geography of the Holy Land is set for 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in Werner Auditorium.

The lecture will be presented by Dr. Jodi Magness, the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“Scripture is eminently tangible and historical. Physical people lived in physical places at specific points in time. The Christian faith is built upon the historical people and events that are evidenced in the archaeological record,” said the Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, dean of Theological Research and Publications at CSL. “I look forward to this inaugural lecture from Dr. Magness and the future lectures in this series as opportunities to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the historical, tangible foundation of the faith.”

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.

Staying the course

In July, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) notified Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), that it had successfully completed its Open Pathway Year 4 Assurance Review, with no recommended monitoring. The Open Pathway is one of two options institutions have for maintaining accreditation with the HLC.

“Coming in the middle of our 10-year accreditation period, this is excellent news,” said CTSFW President Rev. Dr. Jon S. Bruss.

CTSFW was required to submit an assurance filing that demonstrated compliance with HLC’s accreditation criteria. A peer review team evaluated the filing and recommended that CTSFW remain on the Open Pathway.

“What stood out to me in the response from [the] HLC was the fact that reviewers saw how well CTSFW hews to its mission of forming servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost and care for all,” said Bruss. “That’s true across every sphere of our campus.”

Bruss was installed as CTSFW president on Saturday, Sept. 8. See the October issue of Reporter for a full wrap-up.

Posted Sept. 17, 2024