Campus clips: Confessing the faith on campus and beyond

Students in the School of Education’s doctoral program at Concordia University Irvine (CUI), Irvine, Calif., were able to visit either Washington, D.C., or Japan as part of their doctoral program. Students who went to Japan visited the Hiroshima Peace Dome with CUI President Michael A. Thomas (center front). (CUI)

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

Christ on campus

Aug. 25 marked a new era of campus ministry at University Lutheran Church, Bloomington, Ind., serving Indiana University students and the Bloomington community. During the 10:30 a.m. Divine Service, the Rev. Timothy Winterstein was installed as the new campus pastor. Winterstein takes the reins from the Rev. Richard Woelmer, who has retired after 36 years of ministry, 30 of them at University Lutheran. There have been many changes (computers, cell phones, artificial intelligence) since Woelmer first began serving in campus ministry, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for students to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, for the first time in nearly 20 years, the University of Washington, Seattle, has a dedicated pastor. In April, the Rev. Dillon Weber (Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, ’24) was called to serve as campus pastor for the university’s “Chapel on the Ave” (formerly known as “Agape House”). Although without a pastor since 2005, the campus ministry has been supported by Trinity Lutheran Church, Seattle, where Weber will also serve. A 2020 University of Washington graduate, he is eager to bring the Gospel to his alma mater and the students there who so desperately need to hear it.

Standing firm

Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., began its 161st academic year on Aug. 26, gathering together in prayer, song and fellowship during the academic year opening service. During his sermon, CUC Chaplain Rev. Simeon Raddatz introduced CUC’s theme for the year, “Standing Firm in the Faith.” Raddatz said, “The Holy Spirit encourages us in our day to stand firm in the faith, trusting in God’s grace through Jesus Christ and clinging especially to His eternal promises, which will not disappoint us.”

New faculty and staff, including two new members of the CUC theology department, were welcomed during the annual academic and ecclesiastical rites of induction. Longtime faculty members Dr. Carol Jabs and Dr. Mary Goetting also received distinguished faculty status in recognition of their dedication to educating CUC students.

Managing the data

Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., recently announced the launch of a new university undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Science in Data Science. This innovative program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s data-driven world.

The program will provide students with a comprehensive foundation in programming languages, data manipulation and analysis techniques. Students will study domain-specific knowledge in areas such as business, finance, health care and computer science to be able to apply data science techniques effectively in real-world contexts and gain practical experience through hands-on projects and internships with industry partners.

Student travels

This summer, students in the School of Education’s doctoral program at Concordia University Irvine (CUI), Irvine, Calif., had the opportunity, as part of the coursework for two CUI classes, to visit Washington, D.C., or Japan. Doctoral students in the Policy and Law class visited Washington, D.C., where they explored renowned institutions, interacted with policymakers and gained firsthand insights into the intricacies of policy making and legal frameworks. Students in the Change Forces in Diverse Settings course had the opportunity to journey to Japan, where they learned about navigating complex and dynamic intercultural environments and educational settings. Their experience in Japan emphasized cross-cultural communication skills and respect for diverse cultures as preparation for leading educational organizations in an increasingly mobile and rapidly changing world.

New academic year

The 2024–2025 academic year at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), St. Paul, Minn., began on Sept. 3 under the theme “In Christ, All Things Hold Together” (Col. 1:16–17). Enrollment for CSP’s 132nd academic year is strong, with record numbers projected for first-year and transfer students as well as for total enrollment across the university. Most notably, church work enrollment, including traditional and colloquy students, stands at more than 100 students. CSP continues working diligently to ensure those whom God calls into ministry can pursue their studies without the burden of high tuition costs.

Research grant

Dr. Christopher W. Cunningham, associate professor for the School of Pharmacy at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Mequon, Wis., is among a trio of Milwaukee-area researchers to receive more than $2.8 million in highly competitive grant funding from the National Institutes of Health. Cunningham is the first in CUW history to receive a coveted Research Project Grant, or R01. Each year, scientists across the nation submit tens of thousands of R01 proposals, with 35,072 applications submitted in 2023 alone. Through the grant, Cunningham will study a particular protein’s impact on the brain’s endocannabinoid system, a neurotransmitter system that is involved in regulating stress and anxiety. His research holds the potential to significantly impact the way in which mental health professionals treat anxiety. Learn more at blog.cuw.edu/nih-grant-anxiety.

Full fine-arts schedule

The Kreft Arts program at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA), Ann Arbor, Mich., offers an array of concerts, plays and other fine arts experiences throughout the fall semester. In September, the program sponsored a free musical theater dance master class and welcomed American novelist Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere. Future events include CUAA theater’s production of “You Can’t Take It With You” Nov. 1–3, the Fall Band and Orchestra Concert on Nov. 7, and CUAA’s Boar’s Head Festival Dec. 6–8. Visit blog.cuaa.edu/2024-fall-fine-arts-roundup for the full schedule and details on events.

Eyes on Jesus

The 186th academic year of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), began Friday, Aug. 23, with the opening service in CSL’s Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Fall classes began Monday, Aug. 26. The opening service, which concluded a week of orientation for new students, included CSL President Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Egger preaching on the 2024–2025 academic theme, “Let Us Fix Our Eyes on Jesus,” based on Hebrews 12:2 and Psalm 141:8. In all, four new faculty and eight new staff were recognized, and 11 faculty and staff were recognized for new positions. During the service, 43 distance students who received their vicarage and internship assignments were also recognized. The seminary anticipates 131 new students across its Ministerial Formation and Advanced Studies programs.

Teaching in Africa

The Rev. Dr. John Nordling and the Rev. Dr. John Pless, faculty members at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), traveled to South Africa in August to teach two-week intensive courses at Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS) in Pretoria. Nordling taught a course on Matthew in the morning, while Pless taught Advanced Homiletics in the afternoon. Nordling and Pless have made numerous teaching trips to South Africa, and both described this trip as particularly rewarding.

“It is a joy to witness the many good things that are happening at LTS,” said Pless. “Ground has been cleared for the construction of a new building that will include three classrooms, 20 dormitory rooms and a student commons. The library is well-organized and growing. LTS achieved accreditation status. While there are many challenges ahead, it’s inspiring to see God’s work here as His lively Word goes forth.”

Posted Oct. 17, 2024