A generous donor has committed $40,000 in support of Stritch students looking to study education at CUW.
Representatives from The Robert M. and Margaret J. Lampert Foundation notified Concordia leaders last week of their desire to support Cardinal Stritch students who decide to transfer to CUW.
“We were impressed with the care and immediate responsiveness Concordia University demonstrated amid Cardinal Stritch University’s unfortunate announcement of its closing,” said Colleen Burmesch on behalf of the foundation. “To lighten the load of displaced Cardinal Stritch education students and in keeping with the mission of the Lampert Foundation established by a lifelong educator, we wish to provide financial assistance to transferring Cardinal Stritch education students. It is the start of a great adventure.”
The $40,000 donation amounts to a $500 transition grant awarded to each Stritch transfer student. To qualify, students must:
- Qualify as a Cardinal Stritch enrollee in the 2022-23 academic year
- Pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, or certificate program, at CUW in an education-related field
- Require 6 or more remaining credits toward completion of their program
- Begin their program at CUW by summer 2024
The Concordia promise to Cardinal Stritch students
In the wake of news that Cardinal Stritch University would close at the end of the academic year, Concordia University’s leaders rallied to respond and provide a soft landing for displaced students.
“Sadly, this isn’t the first time we’ve witnessed a peer institution close,” said Vice Provost of Student Engagement and Enrollment Michael Uden, PhD, citing examples of about six institutions that shuttered operations within the past five years. “Any time a university closes it is a loss for that community. We at Concordia want to do whatever we can to extend Christian care and concern in times like these.”
Within 48 hours of Stritch’s announcement, Concordia communicated clear transfer promises for Stritch students:
- All completed Cardinal Stritch credits in compatible programs will automatically transfer
- Upon receipt of a completed application and individual FAFSA information, Concordia will provide a response (summary of credit transfer and remaining program credit requirements and an initial financial aid award) within two business days
- Graduate-level tuition prices that are equal to or lower than what students paid at Stritch
Action steps for Stritch students
- Apply – Even if they are still considering options, we encourage Cardinal Stritch students to start the application process. Completing an application is free and does not commit the student to Concordia; however, it does help expedite the process should they ultimately decide on CUW.
- Update your FAFSA – Include Concordia on your FAFSA. Our ID is 003842.
- Visit – Register for a special Wednesday, April 26 open house just for Cardinal Stritch transfer students. Times run all day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and include group tours and individual advising sessions.
Welcome transfers!
Concordia is already fielding dozens of applications from Stritch students. Some have even committed to CUW already, including Stritch SGA President Jacob Carlson.
Carlson shared in a post on Linkedin about his decision to choose Concordia:
The past couple of days have been a little overwhelming and bittersweet, to say the least. But I am very happy to announce that I have been accepted, and that I have committed to Concordia University Wisconsin to continue my education. Thank you Alex Riehle (Director of Undergraduate Admission) and CUW for your kindness and support throughout the entire application process, and for making my transfer a smooth and easy transition.
While I’m excited to start a new chapter, Cardinal Stritch University will always have a very special place in my heart, the memories made, the friendships built, and the experiences that Stritch has given me will be something that I carry with me for the rest of my life. Throughout this entire process, my Stritch family has shown me guidance, mentorship, compassion, and love, which I’m forever grateful for. Without everything you have done for me, not only recently, but throughout my entire time at Stritch, I would not be the person that I am today.
I’m very excited for the future, the new memories to be made, friendships to be built, and the new experiences to be had.
Want in?
Our programs focus on optimizing your abilities to serve students, schools, and the community through education. We develop well-rounded educational professionals who can teach and lead in rural and urban communities. With a Christ-centered focus, relevant curriculum, and engaging faculty, Concordia will equip you to play a meaningful role in the world of education.