January 2024

"Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."

- Isaiah 60:1

Photo by Greg Witto

Dear fellow alumni,

Consider a few thoughts about light. I’ve always been fascinated by lights. As an audiophile, I remember purchasing an equalizer/spectrum analyzer for my stereo system--you know, the bars of light that pulse according to the beat of the music. How cool, I thought as a teen! Fireworks are great fun for many to watch as the bright splashes of light pierce the void in the dark sky.

Maybe the fireplace is more your speed, with its flickering embers that warms on a cold winter’s night or the open flames that crackle in the crisp fall air, lighting up the faces around a campfire. In addition to trimming the tree, homes and businesses were bathed in a multitude of lights during the Christmas season. It is especially festive when the snow comes and each individual burst of brightness produces rays that reflect in so many unique and artistic ways.

The beams of the rising sun break the horizon and wipe away the darkness. It seems to radiate from the inside out even as the rays brush one’s face with warmth. It can refresh perspective, focus attention, and provide a certain resolve to embrace the new day.

As this new day begins, enjoy these important alumni updates from your alma mater. And as we enter this New Year, perhaps with some challenges ahead, but also opportunities, let us confidently, “Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”

Happy New Year & God’s peace be yours,

Greg Witto '94

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Greg.Witto@cuw.edu

Take a look at 2023 through the CUW camera lens

Save the date for CIT

January 26-27

Come cheer on the Falcons in the Concordia Invitational Tournament on January 26 and 27, held on CUW's campus. Watch the men’s and women’s basketball teams, cheer and dance teams, and pep bands of Concordia Wisconsin, Ann Arbor, Chicago, and Nebraska.

Here are the details!

CIT 2024 – see this link for a full schedule and ticket information.
The Bird’s Eye Lounge is available for CUW alumni and parents!
All Concordia Alumni Social: CUW alumni are welcome to attend the social on Saturday, January 27, from 3:30-5:30 pm in the Luptak Terrace Room.
Alumni booths will be available with updates and swag in the fieldhouse lobby.
The Hall of Fame class of 2023 will be introduced Friday, January 26, and inducted Saturday, January 27.
To participate in the alumni pep band, contact Johanna Anderson, CUW Pep Band Director, at johanna.anderson@cuw.edu.

Mike and Judy Maynard:

Why we give to the Concordia Fund

One could say the Maynards are a true legacy family here at Concordia University. Not only did Judy graduate from our Ann Arbor campus in 1981, but her daughters along with husband, Mike, graduated from our Wisconsin campus. Together, Judy and Mike, as well as Sarah (’15) and Brittany (’14), espouse Concordia’s values, especially service to others. In fact, this has motivated Judy and Mike to support the university through their gifts to the Concordia Fund. Click here to read more.

Save-the-date for alumni Bucks game and social

February 13

RSVP by January 15

Please join us for this annual alumni event! Registration is now open. We will be gathering for a pregame social and then attending the game to watch the Bucks take on the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum! Each paid registration includes:

Ticket to the Milwaukee Bucks game on February 13, tip-off at 7 p.m. (Tickets distributed at check-in for the social.)
Admission to the alumni social at the Wisconsin Club from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Valet parking at the Wisconsin Club & shuttle service between the Club and Fiserv Forum; departs 6 to 6:30 p.m. & returns after the game

Click here for more information. Please RSVP no later than January 15.

Former Interim President Dr. Bill Cario retires

William “Bill” Cario, PhD ('76), recent interim president of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, concluded more than three decades of faithful service to the university at the end of this calendar year. Cario’s celebrated 44-year career in education also includes 16 years as head of academics at Concordia—initially for the Mequon campus, and later, for both CUW and CUAA. A man faithful to God’s Word and the doctrine of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Cario’s steady leadership has helped to shape one of the nation’s premier Lutheran universities, impacting thousands of leaders for the Church at large throughout the world. Click here to read more.

Only a few minutes of your time to make a huge impact

Will you spare a few moments of your day on March 20 to help your alma mater with its annual giving day campaign? We are asking for your time and input as we prepare for this event. Please send an email to express your interest or ask questions.

Alumni spotlight: Kathy Adams and David Black

CUW’s School of Education annually recognizes outstanding Lutheran educators. This year, the Master Educator Awards were awarded to Kathy Adams (1985) and David Black (1988). These awards recognize the distinction, dedication, excellence and a love for learning in LCMS education to elementary and secondary school educators. Congratulations, Kathy and David. Click here to read more.

Save the date for the WIPCCC career expo

February 20

Whether you are looking for college student and alumni employees, or you are an alum looking for a job, the Wisconsin Private Colleges Career Consortium (WIPCCC), Career Expo is for you! It's the premier place to promote jobs and internships to Wisconsin’s private and independent college students and alumni. Want more details? Click here.

New music from Concordia students available online

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra have released new music for 2024!

Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.

Find the Symphonic Wind Ensemble here.

Find the Chamber Orchestra (pictured right) here.

Help needed: Volunteers for reunion committee

Attention, Concordia class of 1974. This is your year! It's been 50 years since your college graduation and it is time to celebrate. But we want your input, so we are putting together a reunion committee to help plan all of the fun details.

Are you able to join some of your classmates and help put the party plan together? If so, or if you have questions, please contact Greg Witto, director of Alumni and Parent Relations, via email or telephone at 262-243-4544.