Concordians from all over the U.S. attend alumni social on July 21 to enjoy in the camaraderie.
The nights are just as hot as the days are long in New Orleans, so there is no better way to cool off than an evening of mingling with like-minded individuals in the Superdome. The Concordia University System (CUS) is a group of universities affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). There are currently six universities in the CUS: Concordia University Chicago, Irvine, Nebraska, Saint Paul, Wisconsin, and Ann Arbor.
Approximately 400 Concordia alumni attended a special social gathering on July 21, each adorning themselves with Mardi Gras beads of a specific color upon entry to reflect not only their school spirit, but to help others identify their alma mater. Some folks were proudly wearing multiple colors depending on what degree they obtained at which university.
Eric Vogel, director of alumni and parent relations for CUW, began planning this event back in early January with all of the CUS Alumni Team. The vast majority of alumni were also LCMS Youth Gathering attendees. “It was a great turnout,” says Vogel. “It was amazing to see so many different colors interacting with other alums.” Vogel is a CUW alumnus as well. He graduated with a double major in business management and economics in 2015.
Rev. Dr. Joshua LaFeve, CUW’s assistant professor of theology and director of pre-seminary, graduated from Concordia University of Ann Arbor and attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. LaFeve is no stranger to mixing with individuals from other Concordias as he studied pastoral ministry alongside them. So whether it’s bears, bulldogs, cardinals, or falcons, LaFeve says it’s great to see all of them—giving this event a reunion feel for him.
Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, president of the South Wisconsin District for LCMS, says this alumni event is a fantastic addition to the LCMS Youth Gathering itinerary. “We’re all focused on this wonderful opportunity we have to serve the church in our different vocations, not just church work, but beyond.” Meador has been to seven Gatherings now, and as far as he is concerned, this has been the most energetic one yet.
“I’ve never seen anything like last night in my life. That was unbelievable,” says Meador. “The massive event on Sunday night was the single best, massive event I’ve been to in the seven gatherings I’ve been at. It was amazing … It blew my mind.”
Wait … don’t bears eat birds?
Discussions were popping up all over the place as people reminisced on the events of the Gathering to light-hearted, get-to-know-you conversations about where they went to college. It was a night of friendly banter, combined with a bit of good-natured rivalry that filled the air of the Superdome Monday night.
As the 10th president of Concordia University, Saint Paul, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich says that the competition “helps every institution sharpen its spear and improve, and be even better tomorrow than it was yesterday.” Friedrich says he may be partially to blame for [the rivalry] because over the years, he has often said, “If you choose a Concordia, you can’t make a bad choice, but you can make a better choice. And a better choice is very subjective.” He smiles and says, “No, just kidding.”
One heart, many vessels
What was so unique about this particular event, according to Vogel, was that it combined all the CUS alumni, and not just CUWAA. The universities within the CUS share a common purpose: to develop Christian leaders for the church and the world, grounded in Lutheran theology and values.
“It starts with the name or the word Concordia, which means with one heart,” notes Friedrich. “And it’s just a great blessing to serve a Concordia and to serve with other Concordias.”
CUW’s videographer and photographer, Mike Zimmerman, assisted in the creation of this article.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.