Campus clips: Students for life, health and wellness

Students from Calvary Lutheran High School, Jefferson City, Mo., lead the Midwest March for Life near the Missouri State Capitol on April 30. (Trina Lieb)

Students for life

On April 30, the Midwest March for Life recognized Calvary Lutheran High School, Jefferson City, Mo., as Missouri’s “Pro-Life School of the Year.” The award, which annually highlights school communities that have been active in advocating for life, was announced during the Midwest March for Life’s rally at the Missouri State Capitol. Calvary’s pro-life group, which is called GPS (“God’s People Serving”) for Life, led this year’s march. The group also participated in the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., in January.

“What an incredible day for our community,” said Calvary’s executive director, John Christman. “This award recognizes the heart and dedication that our students, families and staff have shown in advocating for the most vulnerable. This year’s trip to the Capitol was especially meaningful as our students joined thousands of others from across the state to stand together in support of the dignity of every human life. We are so proud of our students for their leadership and for representing Calvary with such grace.”

Solus Christus

Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), St. Paul, Minn., has expanded Solus Christus, an initiative dedicated to bringing grace-filled, Christ-centered conversation into every area of university life. Led by the Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann, vice-president of Faith and Ministry, and Bella Corley, coordinator, the initiative welcomes students from all majors and degree levels into a community grounded in Lutheran identity and the Gospel.

Students participate in weekly small-group discussions built around assigned readings, social and service opportunities, and attendance at lectures and events. At its heart, Solus Christus seeks to help students develop a deeper understanding of their God-given vocations — giving them, as program leaders describe it, “a place to land” where Christ and His grace remain at the center of study, community and life.

Celebrating church work students

Christ College, the school of theology and church vocations at Concordia University Irvine (CUI), Irvine, Calif., held its annual Celebration of Ministry on April 27. This event recognizes CUI’s students and alumni at transitional points in their ministry preparation: those receiving first calls, internships, vicarages or student teaching assignments, and those continuing in their vocations as students. Graduating students are also presented with medallions to be worn at graduation. A total of 26 students representing the areas of Christian education, parish music, Lutheran school teaching, pre-seminary and cross-cultural ministry were recognized.

Soul care

Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., will host “Rooted & Restored: Soul Care for Those Who Serve” on July 31 with both in-person and remote options. Designed for church workers, counselors, therapists and other human services professionals, the one-day event will focus on Christ-centered soul care rooted in Psalm 23:3: “He restores my soul.”

The symposium is the first presented by CUNE’s Abundant Life Wellness Initiative, led by Director of Counseling Kathy L’Heureux and Marriage and Family Therapy Program Director Kathleen von Kampen.

Featured speaker Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, senior professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will explore Martin Luther’s understanding of soul care and its relevance for ministry, counseling and daily life today, with practical tools and encouragement for those who regularly care for others.

Registration is $75, and lunch is included for in-person attendees. For more information, visit go.cune.edu/rootedrestored26.

Living well

Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Mequon, Wis., welcomed parish nurses, pastors, lay ministers and congregational health leaders May 13–14 for the Annual Parish Nurse and Congregational Health Ministries Conference.

Centered on the theme “Living Well,” the conference invited attendees to reflect on Deuteronomy 5:33 and explore what it means to care for the whole person through Christ-centered health ministry. Ninety attendees from 19 states participated.

Sessions emphasized caregiver support and spiritual well-being while addressing challenges such as compassion fatigue and burnout. Attendees also reflected on the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola, a longtime contributor to the conference, who passed away earlier this year.

Shared commitment

Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., and Lutheran Church—Canada (LCC) are pleased to announce a new partnership agreement affirming their shared commitment to confessional Lutheran education and the formation of Christian leaders across various disciplines.

Through this agreement, LCC recognizes CUC as its university of choice for post-secondary and graduate students seeking a university education supportive of their Christian faith and Lutheran identity. The agreement establishes a clear pathway to earn a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences education within a Lutheran academic environment.

“As institutions rooted in confessional Lutheran identity and dedicated to shaping Christian leaders, this partnership reflects our mutual mission,” said CUC President Dr. Russell P. Dawn. “We look forward to welcoming LCC students into our community and deepening relationships with a church body in altar-and-pulpit fellowship with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.”

Räsänen receives doctorate

Dr. Päivi Räsänen, a Lutheran medical doctor and longtime member of the Finnish Parliament, has endured seven years of court proceedings over public statements deemed “hate speech.” She discussed her battle in Finland’s Supreme Court at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), on May 16 after receiving a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from CTSFW on May 15.

Räsänen’s legal trouble stems from a social media post she made in 2019 questioning the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s support of a “pride” event, along with a church pamphlet she authored, Male and Female He Created Them. She was acquitted twice by lower courts, but in March the Supreme Court found her guilty of incitement against a group of people. She plans to appeal her case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Meyer honored

The Rev. Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president emeritus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from CUNE at the university’s honors dinner May 8. The degree is awarded to individuals who have provided prolonged superior service in their field.

Meyer’s storied tenure in the church includes serving as CSL president (2005–2015) and as a member of the faculty for 10 years before that. He has held the title of president emeritus since his retirement in 2020.

Meyer’s legacy also includes his service as speaker for “The Lutheran Hour” radio program 1989–2001), host of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ television show “On Main Street,” pastor to congregations in Illinois and writer of many literary contributions.

Posted July 1, 2026