On Tuesday, February 13th President Ankerburg sent an email out to Concordia students detailing news of the university’s recently conducted financial health report. This report detailed some “fiscal issues” impacting Mequon and Ann Arbor, and the resulting news caused panic and anxiety on both campuses. One statement that caused panic noted that the Ann Arbor campus would need to be “reimagined” as soon as this coming fall. It was also explained that action would need to be taken on the Mequon campus, but no further details were given.
The vagueness of the email along with the ominous nature of undisclosed “financial issues” put students and staff alike in a state of anxiety. Lack of details in the original email allowed rumors to run rampant within the campus community. Meanwhile faculty and administration were trying to quickly and effectively reassure students that their education was still the highest priority. Soon after the email was sent out, another email announced a town hall meeting that would be given for students to provide more details about Concordia’s future and financial situation. This didn’t stop the rumors from spreading and people from worrying about the university’s future, but it did give students hope that answers to their questions were coming soon.
Thoughts From Current Students
I had the opportunity to reach out to a few students and ask for their thoughts on the situation and how they believe the administration dealt with the issue. Kathryn Sitas, a junior nursing student, shared her initial thoughts on the situation: “At first I didn’t think much of it because every business operation goes through some struggles. However when I learned that there were rumors Ann Arbor might be closing I started to become more concerned. I didn’t think it could ever be possible for our school to be in such a panic. I love this school and I care for the wellbeing of everyone here.” That seemed to be the common narrative among students across campus, since there wasn’t enough distinction between the fates of the two campuses in the first email that was sent. Another student who gave his thoughts on the initial email was student athlete, Andrew Elmhorst: “I was worried because I didn’t know at all if the situation was bad and if we were about to go under or if it was just precautionary measures in place. So I definitely was worried if I could continue my education here or not. “
A week after the original email was sent out, President Ankerberg and fellow administrators held a town hall to give details about the situation and to allow students to ask any questions they had about the future of CUWAA. The town hall was well-attended and President Ankerberg had a presentation prepared to share more in-depth information about the university’s financial situation. After the meeting, the Board of Regents met to determine what action needed to be taken to ensure that both universities could continue to function to the best of their ability. Students were reassured that they would be able to finish their education and graduate as planned despite any changes that would take place.
I asked both Kathryn and Andrew how they felt the administration and faculty handled the news of the situation and the time that followed. Kathryn said: “I feel that the original email sent out to students and staff was poorly written and its expectations were not clear. A lot of feelings were misled and hurt. I think administration realized quickly though that they needed to answer all the looming questions and put to rest some very valid concerns. The town hall meeting that President Ankerberg led was helpful in this matter and I think a lot of students appreciated the honesty. As of now, I believe that the Board of Regents has some difficult decisions to make but we also have to trust that God is watching over this entire situation and He is in control. ”Andrew also felt that the town hall meeting was helpful in answering student questions, saying, “I feel like the administration has done a good job at handling the issue. The new president has identified a problem and taken action to counteract that for future preservation. Also holding a town hall meeting to inform the students was a good way to make students more informed.”
Thoughts for the Future
The university has some tough decisions to make moving forward, but it is comforting to know we have an administration that is taking action. Junior Lydia Parish had some great thoughts about Concordia’s financial situation moving forward: “We have to trust that God has put leaders into their place at the right time to do what He wills. This situation is so hard, and no sinful human will be able to handle it perfectly, but they are trying to do what is best. It’s important to remember that we are putting our faith in our wonderful and loving Creator, and not just in the leaders of this institute and synod. I believe the best thing we can do is pray for all those involved and stand behind them united to fight for both schools.”
—Grace Velzke is a Blog Manager and Writer for The Beacon. She is a junior graduating in December of 2024 with a Mass Communication major and a Business Communication minor.