CONGRATULATIONS
to Concordia University Irvine
as they celebrate their fiftieth anniversary!
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The Lutheran Advantage
News from our Concordia Universities
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Greetings!
Welcome to "The Lutheran Advantage," an e-journal of the latest news across the Concordia University System.
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Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel, Vice President
Concordia University System
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A Wealth of Information at CUS.edu
The Concordia University System works to sustain unity in faith, doctrine, and confession among our several universities. Since the mid-19th Century, the LCMS has built a system of higher education on the strong Lutheran confession of Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and present among His people for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. A key element of our sustaining work is being transparent in all our actions and accountable to our Lord and the people we serve. One way that we do that is by maintaining a public presence on our website, CUS.edu.
The homepage contains basic information about CUS and our institutions, highlighting links to new information. The header always has quick links to our donation portal, scholarship portal, and the latest news and information. The header also includes a menu where readers can find an abundance of information.
Campuses
Here you will find basic information and links to each of our main campuses, along with a listing of each university's satellite campuses.
CUS News
Our monthly newsletters, radio and podcast interviews, and staff articles are cataloged here, with links to read, listen, or view.
Academics
This page is under construction and will be one of our most ambitious and comprehensive. Here, readers will peruse our program offerings across the system by degree, major, and location. A chart of church work programs at each of our universities is currently available.
Admissions
Links to each university's admissions department are available here, along with information and a data submission portal for our new Direct Admit program for students attending LCMS High Schools. A sub-page at this menu takes the reader to our ROTC programs.
Visitations and Reports
Visitation is at the heart of CUS's mission. Each triennium, CUS staff, board members, and stakeholders conduct two years of informal visitations. In the third year, a team of peers, a pastor, and a lay person conducts a formal visitation, curated according to the bylaws of the LCMS and a procedure set by the 2023 LCMS convention. The public reports of the formal visitations are uploaded to this page.
Protocols and Procedures
Want to know how CUS works and why it does things the way it does them? This is the page for you. You can find every charter document, policy manual, set of standards, and protocol that CUS follows here. Documents are uploaded as they become available and are updated as needed.
Resources
If you need a transcript, a financial aid form, or a CUS media resource, this page has links and files to help you. Some of the CUS resources still reside on archaic servers and are in the long process of migrating to our servers.
CUEnet
The Concordia University Education Network is an online resource for continuing education and theological education leading to commissioned roster status in the LCMS.
Our Partners
These menu links will take you to organizations with whom CUS works closely, including the Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools, Set Apart to Serve, and Higher Things.
About
This page includes facts about CUS, our staff, and the board of directors.
Donate
Our donation portal offers a user-friendly way to generously support CUS operations, scholarships, and faculty development.
Contact
We welcome your communications. This page provides our main email address, mailing address, and telephone number. The fastest responses come through email.
We hope you will bookmark our site, visit it often, and find the information you need. There is often something new to find.
| | | Concordia University Chicago | | |
Concordia-Chicago celebrates new Welcome Center with ribbon-cutting ceremony
On Friday, Sept. 18, the Concordia University Chicago community celebrated its new Welcome Center and the completion of renovations to Addison Hall with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Addison Pillars Lawn.
Funded through a capital grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, renovations include a restored porch space and entry staircase, a refreshed lobby area, a welcome kiosk staffed by student ambassadors, new University signage, and the Welcome Center—complete with a waiting area and meeting spaces where prospective students and their families can connect with admission counselors.
“We wanted a space that reflected the University and the great experience that awaits students,” said University President Dr. Russell P. Dawn.
For more information on the ceremony, see Concordia-Chicago’s website.
Looking ahead, keep an eye out for upcoming fall events, like the Alumni and Student Art Show in September and our annual Lectures in Church Music in October. More details on our events page.
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Passport to learning: Concordia-Chicago alumna sets sail with Royal Caribbean
Concordia University Chicago congratulates teacher, traveler, and alumna Trisha DePasquale, whose viral cruise-ship-inspired lesson earned her and her class a very real once-in-a-lifetime field trip on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
“When we learned about the creativity and dedication DePasquale brings to her classroom, we were incredibly inspired,” said Kara Wallace, chief marketing officer for Royal Caribbean. “Her commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences reflects the profound impact great educators have on their students. There was no better way to recognize DePasquale’s class than by bringing the adventure they imagined in the classroom to life.”
Read the full story on Concordia-Chicago’s website.
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Many hands, one song: The community behind the University’s Festival of Scripture & The Arts
This summer, longtime Professor of Music Dr. Jonathan Stahlke celebrated his 30th year at Concordia University Chicago with the world premiere of his original work “Song of All Songs.”
The performance took place alongside the two-day Festival of Scripture & The Arts, and many CUC faculty and alumni contributed their time and talent to bring the festival to life—including the theology, theater, art, and English departments.
“I am especially grateful for the many colleagues whose commitment helped bring Jonathan's vision to life,” said Music Program Lead and Arts Division Chair Dr. Charles P. Brown, who served as chorus master for the event. “The success of the festival stands as a testament not only to Jonathan's
creativity and leadership but also to the remarkable spirit of collaboration that made this extraordinary event possible.”
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the festival here.
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| Concordia University Irvine | | |
CUI Opens New Chapel and Performing Arts Center
Concordia University Irvine's newly renovated CU Center for Worship and the Performing Arts opened this fall with several new features, including a new sound system from Vienna, Austria-based Amadeus Active Acoustics. The system uses dozens of microphones and speakers spaced evenly throughout the hall to project natural-sounding reverberation and instantly processed sound waves. Instead of relying solely on hard surfaces to create a single reflected sound profile for the CU Center, the active acoustics system can modulate the reverberated sound. The system can be modified for chapel, choral events, orchestra, and events that combine several elements, adding reverberation to give the audience an immersive concert hall sound. Each setting uses advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to blend naturally with the CU Center’s acoustic properties, creating an organic-sounding atmosphere. Concordia is proud to be the first venue in the United States to join exceptional venues throughout Europe in taking a major step forward in acoustical technology for the 21st century. CUI is excited to officially premiere the renovated CU Center for Worship and the Performing Arts at its 50th Anniversary celebrations on October 2 & 3. Learn more at cui.edu/50th.
| | Concordia University, Nebraska | | |
Concordia Nebraska announces formation of Abundant Life Wellness Institute
Concordia University, Nebraska, recently announced the formation of the university’s Abundant Life Wellness Institute. The institute’s mission is to equip individuals, families, churches, schools and communities with Christ-centered education, practical resources and meaningful connections that foster emotional resilience, healthy relationships, spiritual growth and lifelong well-being.
Concordia University, Nebraska’s institutes provide outreach, service, and educational efforts that align with and advance the university’s mission and vision by engaging audiences beyond the campus while serving as a resource to the church at large.
The Abundant Life Wellness Institute began with a shared dream. Concordia Nebraska Director of Counseling Kathy L’Heureux and Kathleen von Kampen, program director for the university’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Family Life Education (FLE) graduate programs, recognized the tremendous need for a way for faith and wellness to come together to equip, encourage, and restore those who serve others.
“What started as an idea became a vision, and through God's guidance, supportive partners, and many dedicated people, that vision has become a reality,” explained L’Heureux. “The Abundant Life Wellness Institute was founded on a simple but deeply meaningful belief: that true wellness encompasses the whole person—mind, body, spirit and relationships.”
The name of the institute comes from Jesus' words in John 10:10: 'I have come that they may have joy and have it abundantly.’"
“Our purpose extends beyond simply addressing mental health concerns,” added L’Heureux. “We are passionate about creating spaces where people can learn, grow and be restored. We believe that caring for ourselves enables us to better care for others, and that wellness is not merely the absence of illness but the presence of hope, purpose, healthy relationships and a vibrant faith. Whether serving in ministry, education, healthcare, counseling or our local communities, we all need opportunities to be renewed so we can continue serving with compassion and strength.”
“Kathy and I understand and share a vision for opportunities to support and encourage holistic wellness on campus and for how Concordia can make a dynamic difference by equipping our church workers and communities with resources and education for an abundant life and Christ-centered wellness,” said von Kampen. “I anticipate that the MFT and FLE programs will be in a unique position to influence and intersect with the institute, not only to the benefit of our students and their professional careers, but also in our outreach to Seward, the Synod and the Concordia community.”
“Through the institute, we hope to continue bringing meaningful resources and opportunities for our students, professionals in the field and the church to grow and feel supported in all their vocations, to live an abundant life in Christ,” added Von Kampen.
L’Heureux said she envisions the institute becoming a regional resource for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, its churches and campuses as well as mental health professionals, educators and families.
“We hope to offer annual conferences, continuing education, wellness workshops, online resources, leadership development, research initiatives and outreach that supports individuals across the lifespan,” she said. “Ultimately, we want the institute to become a trusted source of Christ-centered wellness throughout Nebraska and beyond. My hope is that when people hear Abundant Life Wellness Institute, they think of a place where Christian faith informs compassionate, evidence-based care that restores hope, strengthens resilience and equips people to live healthy, purposeful lives. I believe wellness is not just the absence of illness—it's the presence of hope, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth and the ability to serve others with joy.”
Learn more about Concordia Nebraska’s Abundant Life Wellness Institute at cune.edu/alw.
| | Concordia University St. Paul | | |
CSP Leads the Nation in Tuition Reduction
Concordia University, St. Paul, is leading the way in higher education as the first college in the nation to implement a second tuition reset, returning traditional undergraduate tuition to its 2006 rate of $21,700 for the 2027-28 academic year.
As the cost of higher education rises, Concordia St. Paul is putting students first by making college degrees more affordable, providing transparent pricing, and helping students pursue their callings. “CSP has long championed new programs and initiatives that keep students first, and today is another step in that journey,” says the Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, President of Concordia University, St. Paul. “We know that a Christ-centered Lutheran education changes the lives of our students and their families. Wherever our graduates go, they touch the lives of countless people within their workplaces and communities, leading with knowledge, integrity, wisdom, and compassion.”
Concordia St. Paul also continues to offer its Church Work Tuition Guarantee; all church work students preparing to serve LCMS congregations and schools pay $0 in tuition each year. Additional scholarships from LCMS congregations and districts or other external sources may be used to lower the cost of room and board for church work students.
| | Concordia University Wisconsin | | |
New $250,000 Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant launches Concordia’s RISE Initiative
Concordia University Wisconsin has received a $250,000 Wisconsin Fast Forward Teacher Training and Recruitment Grant to launch RISE (Recruiting, Inspiring and Supporting Educators), an initiative designed to prepare special educators for high-need communities.
RISE will support 15 post-baccalaureate candidates pursuing Wisconsin Cross-Categorical Special Education licensure. Tuition assistance, flexible online coursework, mentoring and student-teaching stipends will help working adults pursue licensure while balancing employment and family responsibilities.
“This grant allows us to do more than simply offer a pathway to special education licensure,” said Dr. Adam Paape, assistant dean of Academic Operations and professor of Education. “It allows us to build a high-support pathway specifically designed for working adults who are already serving children and schools and want to take the next step toward becoming fully licensed special educators.”
Concordia will collaborate with LUMIN Schools, St. Augustine Prep, Milwaukee College Prep and Hope Christian Schools to recruit and support future educators.
RISE also reflects Concordia’s Christ-centered understanding of vocation and service.
“Our goal is not simply to produce more licensed teachers,” Paape said. “It is to prepare educators who are equipped to serve their neighbors, strengthen their communities and shine the light of Christ through the important work they do each day.”
Click here to read more.
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Concordia University, Chicago Informal Visitation
The Concordia University System conducted an informal visitation at CUC from September 21-23, 2026. During a triennium, the system conducts two years of informal visits, followed by a formal visitation in the third year. The purpose of these informal visitations is for “regular ecclesiastical and fraternal counsel and encouragement through annual, informal visitation that involves free exchange among peers.” Unlike the formal visitation, the informal visitation broadens the scope of connection with the university. Visitation team members sit in on at least two classes during the visitation process. Team members meet with administration, faculty, staff, and students in individual and small-group settings, preferably in their physical locations or office settings. This helps to ensure a more comfortable and inviting environment for conversations. The conversations with the informal visitation team aim to determine how CUS can help the institution continue to improve and what CUS may learn from the institution that will benefit our other institutions and the system. The CUS team enjoyed a warm welcome, cordial conversations, and productive brainstorming during the visit.
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CUS Board of Directors Meeting
The CUS Board of Directors met for its quarterly meeting on September 23-24 at Concordia University, Chicago. The board discussed updates and work assigned by the LCMS Convention in the summer, heard reports from its committees, and discussed new staff initiatives. The Board was warmly welcomed by the university community and enjoyed some time with faculty, staff, and students.
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Thank You to our Donors!
Donations to the Concordia University System have been very generous this year, and we give thanks to our Lord and our donors for this providence. Donations, both small and large, one-time or recurring, help CUS continue our mission in a variety of ways. Gifts and bequests allow us to continue our work of visiting the Concordia campuses, maintaining relationships with the university administration, faculty, staff, and students on behalf of the congregations of the LCMS, supporting our institutions, and providing scholarships directly to students studying for vocations in the church.
Donations may be made online at https://cus.edu/donate/ or by postal service to
Concordia University System
1333 S Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
Bequests from trusts and estates, as well as the transfer of real estate and investments, may also be directed to this address. The Lord has provided many scholarships and operating funding through generous estate planning.
To all of our donors - Thank you, and God bless you!
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