Campus clips: Concordias break ground, announce new partnerships

Students at Concordia Lutheran High School, Fort Wayne, Ind., participate in a groundbreaking ceremony marking the launch of a major expansion project. The students are flanked by Head of School Jacob Pennekamp (left) and Principal Patrick Frerking (right). (Kaitlyn McCollum)

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

Bold step

Concordia Lutheran High School, Fort Wayne, Ind., celebrated the public launch of its “A Bold Step” campaign with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Sept. 23. The event, which was attended by school board members, city and church leaders, students, staff and Fort Wayne’s mayor, marks the start of the largest facilities upgrade in the school’s 90-year history. Plans include a three-story academic addition, expanded student life spaces, safety and accessibility improvements, and a renovated chapel-auditorium, all funded entirely through private donations.

With $22 million already raised toward the $34 million goal, Concordia is inviting alumni, families and community members to join in making this vision a reality. To find out more, visit cadetsboldstep.org.

Tuition discount

Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., is excited to announce Advance with Purpose, a new affordable continuing education program that launched this fall for classes beginning January 2026.

The program offers a 50% tuition discount on master’s and doctoral programs at CUC for full-time employees of the LCMS, its entities and its Recognized Service Organizations. Advance with Purpose aims to make advanced degrees more accessible and applies to CUC’s 60+ graduate programs.

“CUC’s Advance with Purpose initiative reflects our deep commitment to removing financial barriers so LCMS leaders can grow in faith, expand their skills and lead with excellence,” said Dr. Jamie Kowalczyk, CUC vice-president for strategic operations.

“We have been known historically for a rich pedagogy preparing students for the church, family and the world,” said the Rev. Dr. Chad Kendall, CUC associate vice-president for church relations and mission. “Our graduate students are prepared to navigate their academic discipline and address the most important issues while becoming experts in their field.”

“We are excited to walk alongside LCMS ministries, helping their dedicated servants pursue advanced study in ways that strengthen both their vocation and the mission of Christ’s church,” said Dr. Anne Thies, associate professor of education and director of CUC’s Center for Christian Education.

Learn more.

Conference change

Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Mequon, Wis., recently announced that it has accepted an invitation to join the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), one of the premier NCAA Division III conferences in the nation.

CUW will officially begin competing as a CCIW member in the 2027–2028 academic year.

CCIW is widely recognized as one of the strongest and most respected conferences in Division III athletics. Its member institutions include Augustana College, Carroll University, Carthage College, Elmhurst University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Millikin University, North Central College, North Park University and Wheaton College. By joining the CCIW, CUW student-athletes will have the opportunity to build exciting new rivalries.

“Our coaches, student-athletes and campus community are excited for this transition,” said Rob Barnhill, CUW director of athletics. “At the same time, we are profoundly appreciative of the NACC [Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference]. The relationships and rivalries we’ve built there will always be an important part of our story.”

Learn more.

New academic year

Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA), Ann Arbor, Mich., launched its 2025–2026 academic year with a celebration of milestones that underscore academic excellence and a renewed purpose for strategic, mission-centered growth.

In September, Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor President Dr. Erik Ankerberg spent the day on campus, meeting with faculty and staff in the recently refreshed North Building, which houses programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies. The visit included sessions for open dialogue as well as recognition of faculty leadership.

These sessions came amid several significant developments for the Ann Arbor campus. CUAA’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program earned the maximum 10-year accreditation. In addition, the newly launched Healthcare & Humanities Lab integrates literature, philosophy, theology, ethics and the arts into healthcare education. The lab is designed to help future caregivers approach patients with empathy and cultural awareness.

These milestones, alongside campus renovations and ongoing program growth, reflect CUAA’s continued efforts to prepare students in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the church and the world. Learn more.

Lifelong learning

Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., recently announced the university’s new continuing education for lifelong learning program. The first online courses of the Christ-centered program, which is called Studia Vitae, will launch in January 2026.

The courses, which will earn continuing education units (CEUs), are short, non-credit courses designed for Christians who want meaningful growth without the commitment of a standard graduate-level course. Topics include leadership and Christian thought, foundations of Lutheran education, sport and faith formation, applied AI, fundraising and philanthropy for Christian organizations, children’s literature and faith formation, liturgical visual art, rural and small-town ministry, ludology (the study of games and gaming), and more.

Each CEU course is delivered in six one-hour sessions and is $150. Discounts are available for program participants who are members of preferred partner organizations. The short, focused sessions are available as scheduled webinars that will also be recorded for future viewing. Enrollment is flexible, with no prerequisites and no commitment needed to take additional classes.

For more information about Studia Vitae, visit cune.edu/ceu. For more information about preferred partnerships, visit cune.edu/partners.

Partnership on ice

Concordia University Irvine (CUI), Irvine, Calif., and the Anaheim Ducks have announced a 12-year partnership agreement making CUI the official education partner of the National Hockey League (NHL) club through the 2036–2037 season. The collaboration builds on CUI’s role as a founding partner and official education partner of Anaheim’s evolving entertainment district, OCVIBE (Orange County Vibe). The new partnership will feature CUI’s signage throughout Honda Center, The Rinks, and Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena, and will make CUI the presenting sponsor of two Ducks regular-season home games each season. The partnership also provides enhanced academic, career and community opportunities for local students, Ducks staff and fans.

Read more.

Future teachers

Concordia University, St. Paul  (CSP), St. Paul, Minn., was well- represented at the 2025 Lutheran Education Association (LEA) convocation, especially at the preceding “Grow a Teacher” event. A group of eight CSP students connected with others preparing to teach in Lutheran schools; learned the ins and outs of attending a professional conference; and gained new knowledge, skills and strategies to equip them for future ministry. CSP Assistant to the President Mychal Thom served as a speaker for the convocation, and Senior Development and Church Relations Officer Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson served as preacher for the worship service. Read more about the LEA convocation on Page 3.

Confirmation retreat

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), hosted a fall Christ Academy Confirmation Retreat Sept. 19–21. The Rev. Dr. Todd Peperkorn, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions and vice-president of spiritual formation, led students through the rich confession of the Apostles’ Creed. After the catechetical sessions, students went bowling and concluded the weekend by attending worship in downtown Fort Wayne.

Christ Academy hosts several other events throughout the year, bringing hundreds of students to campus for confessional catechesis, liturgical worship and life together in Christ. For information about upcoming Christ Academy events, visit ctsfw.edu/ca.

Rare books exhibit

On Oct. 29, the Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), opened a new exhibit: “Early Printed Bibles: An Exhibit Featuring Luther’s German New Testament 1523 with Apocalypse Woodcuts by Hans Burgkmair.” The exhibit features CSL’s newly acquired 1523 German New Testament as translated by Martin Luther. This third edition was the first of the Augsburg editions to include the full cycle of Apocalypse woodcuts by Burgkmair.

In addition, the exhibit showcases other early printed Bibles from the seminary’s rare book collection, tracing the evolution of biblical printing and translation across the centuries. The free exhibit is open during regular library hours. Informative pamphlets detailing the historical and theological significance of the 1523 New Testament are available for visitors.

Learn more.

Posted Nov. 18, 2025