Editor's note: This story first appeared in the spring 2020 issue of the Concordian, the official magazine of Concordia University Wisconsin.


None of us knows what the future holds, especially in light of this year’s pandemic. Yet despite the very real concerns that this global epidemic has caused, I admit that I am optimistic about the future. There are two reasons that inform this optimism. The first is a trust in God and His care for us no matter what may be happening in the world around us. The One who gave His Son for us will certainly not abandon us. We have every reason to remain hopeful knowing that God is with us.

The second reason for this optimism about our future comes from the students, alumni, and friends of Concordia whom I know. What an amazing group. Their energy, joy, and love for our mission is indeed inspiring. While we often hear and read about young people abandoning the church, the faith that I see in so many Concordians reminds me that the Lord’s Church will endure until Jesus returns. In times of crisis, the Church is often at its best.

Students come to Concordia to receive a great education and to deepen their faith. None of them though would have ever anticipated what that would look like this year. Following the Spring Break, students started attending class virtually, that is, online, because of the coronavirus outbreak. While this was a significant change for students and their instructors, both rose to the occasion and the Concordia mission of developing students in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world continued. Not even COVID-19 could stop the Lord’s mission from being lived out at Concordia!

But while the mission continues, the economic impact on Concordia has been significant. Because students were not able to continue living on campus, it was only right and proper that they be compensated for unused services. This has created a significant and unexpected funding gap of over $2 million.

Even in the face of this shortfall, we remain grateful and blessed that alumni and friends who care deeply about seeing the Concordia mission continue strong have stepped forward to help us address this financial need. If you have not already done so, we ask that you prayerfully consider standing with us during these challenging days. You can help us fill the gap with your gift at www.cuw.edu/give. On behalf of our students and faculty, we all thank you.

Rev. Dr. Roy Peterson

President, Concordia University Foundation

The spring 2020 Concordian hit mailboxes in April. 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. 

If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.