Editor's note: This story first appeared in the fall 2019 issue of the Concordian, the official magazine of Concordia University Wisconsin.
Even as some students are still learning their way around campus, prospective students and parents are visiting us and considering if Concordia is the right place for them. They might be drawn to us because of a specific program, it could be that they have heard how beautiful our campus is, or perhaps the reputation of our faculty and the Christian ethos that permeates our culture causes them to check us out. Whatever the motivation, we are glad to welcome them to campus so that they can experience Concordia firsthand.
After that initial visit, many factors will determine if they will become one of our students in the future. Even if the fit seems perfect, one factor that often plays an important role for many families is the matter of finances. While many quickly recognize the value of a high-quality, Christ-centered education, the reality of how to pay for it cannot be ignored.
Thankfully, significant financial aid is available to help make a Concordia education possible. With more than 99 percent of our traditional students receiving scholarships, grants, and other financial aid, students can focus on their education and preparation in “mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.” In other words, living the Concordia mission.
But where does all of this financial aid come from? While the sources are many, a vitally important part of the financial aid package comes from gifts made to the Concordia Fund. The Concordia Fund receives gifts of all sizes that help offset the cost of education. Through the generosity of alumni, past and current parents, friends, businesses, and congregations, the Concordia Fund is a keystone to student support. No gift to the Concordia Fund is too big or too small to be appreciated, and to make a difference for our students.
If you annually support the Concordia Fund, thank you. On behalf of the thousands of students who benefit in many ways from your annual gift, thank you. You may never know the name of any specific student who was touched by your gift, but rest assured that you are having an impact on the life of another person.
And if you have never made a gift to the Concordia Fund, please accept this invitation to begin the tradition today. Doing so is easy and is explained on the back page of this issue. You can also always go to our website and select the “Donate” link at the top of the page.
Whether your support of the Concordia Fund is a first-time experience or continues decades of support, every student who comes to Concordia will be blessed. Thank you.
Rev. Dr. Roy Peterson
President, Concordia University Foundation
The fall 2019 Concordian hit mailboxes the end of September. View a PDF version of the magazine here. If you are not on our mailing list, but are interested in receiving a free copy, call 262-243-4333.
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