July 2023

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to Him and praise His name."

- Psalm 100:4

It’s always a pleasure to see CUW alumni at national events! Here are a few proud alumni who recently attended the national LWML convention.

Dear fellow alumni,

Campus is in full bloom. The MLB All-Star break is in the books. And not long ago, millions of people attended fireworks displays as a big part of their Independence Day celebration. Most Americans are spending more time at picnics or meeting around backyard grills--especially during the Fourth of July. Did you gather with family or friends to celebrate the national holiday this year?

For many of us, our country’s birthday provides a fitting back drop to gather together to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy; reflect on the sacrifices that were made; and give thanks for all that God provides. It’s good timing--a seasonal transition between spring and fall. It's halfway between January and December. One school year is complete and the next will soon begin.

The same is true at Concordia. Students graduate, start new jobs, and launch careers. Alumni gather to serve, reminisce, and reconnect. One academic year makes way for the next. New students enroll to embark on their college education. Many alumni reconnect at events like our Chinooks games where alumni share memories and learn what's new with one another.

It’s a time of transition; season to season, year to year. There is always a next step on our journey. As we face the transitions in life and the natural ebb and flow, I invite you to join in giving thanks to the Lord for His enduring love on every step of the way. He equips us and provides a multitude of opportunities as He calls us to live the mission of service to Christ in the Church and the world. God bless you as you embrace the opportunities He provides while you enjoy the rest of the summer!

God’s peace be yours,

Greg Witto '94

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Greg.Witto@cuw.edu

Business alumni Chinooks game rescheduled

July 27

Due to an air quality issue (think Canadian fires) on June 27, the Northwoods League canceled the Chinooks game, which required us to reschedule our alumni event. It has been set for July 27, same place; same time. All registered guests remain registered for the rescheduled game.

If you would like to attend but didn't purchase tickets to the original game, please contact alumni@cuw.edu or 262-243-2008. Check out photos from earlier events:

Schools of Education and Arts & Sciences

Schools of Nursing, Healthcare Professions, and Pharmacy

Concordia University System hosts joint-reception

during LCMS convention

August 1

Six Concordia campuses (including Ann Arbor and Wisconsin) are co-hosting an alumni reception at the Wisconsin Center on August 1 during the LCMS Convention in Milwaukee. Connect with classmates and friends. Come when you can and leave when you must. If you are attending the convention, plan to join us in the Wisconsin Center Ballroom on August 1. No registration is required.

Meet occupational therapist Whitney Kees

Many OTs work in traditional settings such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. But one of CUW’s OT alumni is branching out and paving her own way. Whitney Kees (MOT '13) was recently recognized with The Society of Advancement for Gerontological Environments (SAGE)’s David A. Green Award, which supports individuals looking to “improve physical environments for older adults.” Take a look at her journey in this amazing profession called occupational therapy!

Alumna and husband pay it forward to future Concordians

The concept of “paying it forward” is an ageless expression of kindness, appreciation and generosity, and for these Concordians, it’s a way to make an impact on future generations. Anna (Herbst) Bolha, senior physician assistant with clinical oncology at Flatiron Health, graduated from CUW in 2002 with a degree in biology. She was the recipient of the Emeritus Scholarship, which provided full-tuition and room and board for her undergraduate studies at CUW. Anna and her husband, Matthew, created the Mathew and Anna Bolha Endowment for juniors and seniors who have a GPA of 3.5 or above. They decided to fund the endowment through a life insurance policy for which Concordia University is the beneficiary. Through this giving vehicle, the Bolhas pay the premium, and when they pass, Concordia receives the value of the life insurance, which will fund the scholarship endowment. To learn more about this amazing couple and their gift, click here.

Seeking 2023 Hall of Fame nominations

The William C. Ackmann Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1995 to honor the most celebrated athletes of Concordia University Wisconsin. It is named after beloved and legendary Coach William C. Ackmann. After graduating from the St. Louis Seminary and serving in parish ministry, Coach Ackmann began his tenure at Concordia in 1928. He was both a visionary and a leader, coaching basketball and serving as CUW’s Athletic Director.

Do you know an exceptional CUW athlete alum or someone who has positively impacted CUW’s athletics? Nominate them for the Athletic Hall of Fame using our online nomination form.

Concordia hosts Summit for Lutheran Teachers and Leaders

August 10

The Concordia Summit for Lutheran Teachers and Leaders is a one-day professional conference August 10 on the campus of CUW. There are various sectionals available for different levels. This event is open to Lutheran teachers and administrators in the South Wisconsin District. Registration is required for this event. Click here for more information.

The high school class of 1973 makes history

Did you know the last graduating class of Concordia Lutheran High School is celebrating its 50-year anniversary in 2023? Many of the classmates will gather on July 22 to spend some time on the Mequon campus and enjoy the evening at a Lakeshore Chinooks baseball game. Members of the class are also invited to attend the Welcome Back Weekend events this fall, October 6-8. More information to come regarding the fall event.

New Falcons visit campus

Our newest students had a chance to recently visit campus on the final Falcon Day to get oriented to their new college home. What a beautiful day it was! To see more of the fun photos, click here.

Spotlight on Concordia’s International Office

At Concordia, we take pride in our staff and faculty. Click here to check out the amazing people in our International Office who work with our international students and bring cultural education to campus.

10 years together - two campuses, one university

The year 2023 marks 10 years since Concordia University Wisconsin’s merge with Concordia Ann Arbor. It’s a dramatic tale of faithful people who came together. At its start, Concordia in Ann Arbor, Michigan, existed to honor God and train up students to better serve the Lord throughout the world. The school prospered in its mission for several decades. However, somewhere around the turn of the century its path forward became difficult. By 2010, the institution was facing great challenges. Read more here.