Campus clips: Service and leadership

Students at Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS), St. Louis, make use of a new flight simulator, recently received by the school, to experiment with principles of aviation. (CCLS)

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

Reaching new heights

Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS), St. Louis, is soaring to new heights in STEM education through a groundbreaking partnership with Students in Aviation, a nonprofit organization committed to making aviation careers accessible to students of all backgrounds. Thanks to this collaboration, CCLS has received a state-of-the-art flight simulator, giving students an unparalleled opportunity to experience the world of aviation firsthand.

The simulator allows students to practice aviation in a safe, cost-effective environment while building essential skills such as muscle memory, radio communication, weather response and navigation. These real-world experiences are invaluable for students interested in pursuing careers as pilots, air traffic controllers, aerospace engineers or aircraft mechanics.

Honoring military families

Christ Lutheran School, La Mesa, Calif., is proud to announce its recent California Purple Star School designation from the California Department of Education. This prestigious distinction is awarded to schools that go above and beyond to ensure a supportive environment for military-connected students and their families. Christ Lutheran School is the first Christian school to be recognized in this way in the state of California. After being notified of the Purple Star designation, Christ Lutheran honored its military families during chapel and celebrated them with a special lunch.

Sent to serve

Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., held its annual Sending Service on Friday, May 9, to honor graduates entering professional church work vocations. This year, 36 CUNE students are preparing to be Lutheran teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of parish music, pre-deaconess and pre-seminary students, and — for the first time — a classical Lutheran educator. The service affirmed and blessed the graduates’ callings as they prepare to serve the church or continue their education, offering a meaningful opportunity to recognize their dedication and mission as they go out into the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Graduates recognized

Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), St. Paul, Minn., conferred degrees upon more than 1,050 graduates during spring commencement ceremonies at CSP’s campuses in St. Paul, Portland and Denver. The university also conferred honorary degrees on the Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf, professor of theology at Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, Calif., and the Rev. Dr. Nabil Nour, LCMS fourth vice-president. In addition, in honor of their contributions to the church, CSP presented its Aeterna Moliri award to the Rev. Jim and Karen Laatsch of Lodi, Wis.

Graduates process during commencement at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), St. Paul, Minn., on May 3. (CSP)

Reaching out with the Gospel

With the help of a grant from generous members of St. Paul Lutheran School, Fort Wayne, and two Chicago-area pastors, Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., is endeavoring to show the love of Christ to its Hispanic and Latino students, which make up 39% of its full-time undergraduate population. The Rev. Ted Fischer, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Chicago, and the Rev. Jesus Morales, pastor of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Winfield, Ill., have joined CUC Chaplain Rev. Simeon Raddatz in the efforts to love and bless CUC’s Hispanic and Latino students. Through a visible presence on campus, visits to classrooms, interaction and collaboration with the Latino Student Union, and occasional bilingual chapel services, CUC hopes to build relationships with these students and to serve as the Holy Spirit’s instruments to draw them closer to Christ and His Word.

Creating future leaders

This summer, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., will launch “Called to LEAD,” a yearlong leadership development program designed to equip emerging faith-filled leaders for transformational ministry. In partnership with the Office of Continuing Education Studies and the Batterman School of Business — and generously funded by Lutheran Church Extension Fund — the program provides immersive training in Christ-centered leadership, including mentorship, coursework and real-world project implementation. Participants are supported by dedicated mentors known as “cultivators” and receive scholarships to help remove financial barriers. Built around four core values (Lift, Empower, Act, Demonstrate), “Called to LEAD” prepares participants to lead with purpose, integrity and compassion. The program culminates in a capstone project supported by seed funding and a three-year strategic plan. A second cohort is anticipated in 2026.

Caring for those who care

Physical therapy students at Concordia University Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Mich., hosted their first ALS Caregiver Lab in March, responding to a critical need in the community. The event provided individuals living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and their caregivers with hands-on training and education to improve safety and quality of life. Participants learned techniques for safely assisting loved ones with mobility — such as transfers from chairs to beds — and explored self-care strategies to prevent caregiver burnout. As movement specialists, physical therapists play an essential role in helping those with ALS maintain mobility, manage pain and use assistive devices effectively. The students offered both instruction and opportunities for caregivers to practice new skills.

“This event was so impactful in creating a connection between [the] community and health care students,” said Dr. Susie Steele, who helped lead the lab.

$1M raised for scholarships

In April, Concordia University Irvine (CUI), Irvine, Calif., held its 23rd annual Gala of Stars, raising over $1 million for student scholarships. The funds were raised through event sponsorships, silent and live auctions, Fund-a-Need contributions, and other gifts. Every year, proceeds from the Gala of Stars provide critical funds for CUI students, 100% of whom receive some form of financial aid. The evening centered around CUI’s theme for the academic year, “Refuge,” based on Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The evening featured a student speaker and performances from student musicians. CUI also awarded local arts supporters David and Darrellyn Melilli with a Lifetime Achievement Award and conferred an honorary doctorate on radio personality and vocalist Jennifer Miller Hammel. Read more at cui.edu/gala.

Learning from the past

Christian Dollar, a Ph.D. candidate from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), has been selected as a 2025 fellow in the Clergy and Religious Leaders Program of the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE). He is one of 14 international participants chosen for a two-week summer seminar in Germany and Poland, examining ethical leadership and the legacy of the Holocaust.

Dollar, whose research explores the interconnection of theology and human rights, is the sixth CSL student to receive this honor. Learn more.

Preparing pastoral leaders

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), has been awarded a $50,000 Individual School and Assessment Planning Grant as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. The planning grants are intended to help theological schools strengthen their capacity to prepare and support pastoral leaders. CTSFW is using its grant to assess congregational leadership needs through survey and focus group research, which will inform a significant review and further improvement of the seminary’s program and curricular offerings. If you have ideas to share for this program, send them to the president’s office at ootp@ctsfw.edu.

Posted June 17, 2025