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Alumnus Elected President & CEO ofConcordia Publishing HouseJonathan D. Schultz BA ’90 was named the ninth president & CEOof Concordia Publishing House (CPH), the publishing arm of theLutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Schultz had been serving asInterim President and CEO since May 2021.According to a CPH press release, Schultz began his service in1998. As vice president and corporate counsel, he worked closelywith the Board of Directors, coordinating all legal activities of thecorporation, and directing the human resources and contracts/rights/permissions departments. Before arriving at CPH, heand his wife, Sue, served as long-term volunteer missionaries inGuatemala for the LCMS.Schultz comes from a family with a rich tradition of service tothe LCMS through pastoral ministry and Lutheran education. Forthe last two decades he held various leadership positions on theboard of directors of Christ Community Lutheran School, and onthe board of directors of the Lutheran High School Associationof St. Louis. Schultz also serves as chair of the board of theLutheran Foundation of St. Louis, a 100-million foundation thatis committed in the name of Jesus Christ to seeing the improvedcare of hurting people in the greater St. Louis region.Jonathan D. Schultz BA ’90Free Enterprise Center Engages LocalBusiness LeadersThis spring, the Free Enterprise Center (FEC) in the College ofBusiness hosted tech innovator Sam Pitroda at the launch of theBusiness Leaders Breakfast series. Pitroda is credited with layingthe foundation for India’s telecommunications and technologyrevolution of the 1980s and as a leading campaigner to help bridgethe global digital divide. Following introductory remarks by Dr.Rachel Ferguson, FEC director, and University President RussellDawn, Pitroda delivered his keynote address, “Redesigningthe World.”Pitroda, who served as an advisor to two of India’s primeministers, remarked, “Our world now is very different becauseof hyperconnectivity—for the first time in history, we are allconnected.” Pitroda sees hyperconnectivity, and the changesbrought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as an opportunity toreshape the world to meet future challenges.Sam PitrodaThe purpose of the bi-annual Business Leaders Breakfast isto offer members of the Concordia-Chicago community anopportunity to network with regional business leaders and engagewith a vision for a more just, prosperous and free world. Stayapprised of future Free Enterprise Center events byvisiting CUChicago.edu/fec.7

Council For Exceptional ChildrenHonors Alumna for Commitment toSpecial EducationAs it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2022, the Council forExceptional Children (CEC) recognized 100 exceptional educatorsfrom around the world, “who have shown a passion, dedication, andcommitment to making a difference in the lives of the studentswho they teach.” Concordia-Chicago alumna Danielle Mitchell MA’20, a kindergarten through 2nd grade special education resourceteacher at Hawthorne Elementary in Elmhurst, IL, embodiesthat commitment.“There are so many things I am passionate about in my role as aspecial educator!” Mitchell says. “One thing I love the most is beingable to experience the successes my students achieve togetherwith them. They work so hard each day to do things that may comewithout challenge to others, and I value the opportunity to helpthem find areas of strength.” Mitchell adds, “After completing mymaster’s program at Concordia-Chicago, I gained the knowledgeneeded to advocate for the youngest of learners in education.”Dr. Gilbert Meilaender delivering his lecture in the Chapel ofOur Lord.The CEC is the largest international membership and advocacyorganization for special education professionals, dedicated toimproving the success of children and youth with disabilitiesand/or gifts and talents.Dr. Gilbert Meilaender of ValparaisoUniversity Discusses Human DignityThe College of Theology, Arts & Humanities welcomed Dr. GilbertMeilaender in March as the latest speaker in its Lectureship inChristianity, Humanities and Public Life. Meilaender delivered hislecture, “How Shall We Think About Equal Human Dignity?” to anaudience of faculty, staff, students and community members.Earlier in the day, a select group of students and faculty had theopportunity to interact with Meilaender in a salon-style discussionof his work.Meilaender is a senior research professor at Valparaiso Universityand the author of many books and articles in the field of Christianethics and bioethics. He has served on the board of directors ofthe Society of Christian Ethics, as an associate editor of ReligiousStudies Review, as a consultant editor of Studies in ChristianEthics, and as an associate editor of the Journal ofReligious Ethics.Established in the fall of 2021, the Lectureship in Christianity,Humanities and Public Life is a biannual series designed to explorethe intersection of and tensions within the humanities, scienceand the Christian faith. It is generously funded by Dr. and Mrs. C.Ross Betts.8Sophomore Pens First Novel“Ignotia: The Staff of Ivellious”President’s Honor Scholar and men’s soccer team memberGrayden McClellan put his love of writing to use during thepandemic, resulting in the self-published novel, “Ignotia: The Staffof Ivellious.” The book, which was published through Amazon,tells the story of a group of students with magical abilities whomust join together to stop their classmates from carrying out amurderous mission—but there is more to their devious plan thanmeets the eye. McClellan drew his inspiration from popular fantasybooks and media, including the Harry Potter series, “Avatar: TheLast Airbender,” and Dungeons & Dragons.With many activities canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, “I foundmyself with enough time to actually start writing something,” hesays. “It began as just one of those little creative writing projects,but I got far enough into it and I realized, ‘Oh, I have enough to sayto actually write a full story here.’”He has since written a second book that’s in the process of beingedited, “and I have a couple more in the works,” he says. McClellan,a middle grades education major with a math and sciencespecialization, looks forward to one day becoming a teacher,another passion of his. But he hopes that, no matter where hisvocation takes him, he will always continue writing books.

I T B E GA N ASJUST ONE OFTHOSE LITTLEC R E AT I V E W R I T I N GPROJECTS, BUT I GOTFA R E N O U G H I N T O I T A N DI R E A L I Z E D , ‘ O H , I H AV EE N O U G H T O S AYTO ACT UA L LY W R I T EA F U L L STO RY H E R E . ’ ”—Grayden McClellan,Undergraduate middle grades education major9

OUR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS NOT ONLY PROVIDEO N G O I N G G U I D A N C E B U T P L AY A K E Y R O L E I NCONNECTING THE UNIVERSITY WITH RESOURCEST O S U S TA I N O U R M I N I S T R Y. ”GrowingOur MissionConcordia-Chicago’s Foundation continually seeks to build partnerships to further theUniversity’s mission. Each collaboration is integral for success from both a ministryand operations perspective. This teamwork is so vital to our future that the effort wasdesignated as a theme of the “Focusing Our Future: 2025” strategic plan.Our alumni and friends not only provide ongoing guidance but play a key role inconnecting the University with resources to sustain our ministry. In this issue, we sharehow partnerships: Rally Mission-Focused Partners – Together,alongside the Lutheran Church ExtensionFund and LCMS Foundation, we are able toincrease opportunities for AfricanAmericans studying in full-time LCMSministry programs through the Dr. Rosa J.Young Opportunity Scholarship. Connect Students, Alumni and Partners – Ourrelationship with Christ can be deepenedthrough the fine arts, and generations ofmusicians have come together to ensure thislegacy at CUC is strengthened through thenewly named Gieschen Recital Hall. Develop and Organize an Intentional Networkof Friends – The new Lutheran Identity Fund,made possible by a community of believers,plays a significant role in the University’sability to demonstrate our faith and purposeas well as sustain those set apart to serve.Resident assistants partnerwith classmates on move-in day.Whether your vocation is in the Church, education, sciences or business, yourcontributions assist the University in preparing students for lives of influence andservice for the common good. We appreciate your support to continue enriching theirformative student experiences—today and in the future.Thank you for being a partner in this journey with us.God’s blessing,Jeff HynesSenior Vice President for University AdvancementFoundation President and CEO10

Support Concordia-Chicago Students:Carry On Dr. Rosa J. Young’s MissionDr. Rosa J. Young (1890-1971) is known for herlegacy as an educator and church planter,especially as an advocate for children in ruralareas. She taught more than 2,000 students,influencing their lives through her faith andher belief in the importance of education,at a time when opportunities for children ofsharecroppers were exceptionally limited.Dr. Young played an instrumental role in thefounding and development of 30 Lutheranelementary schools and 35 Lutherancongregations throughout Alabama. Sheled a life of service and enabled others to dothe same. Many of her students entered theministry, became parochial school teachers andspread the Gospel. Dr. Young was awarded anhonorary doctorate by Concordia TheologicalSeminary in May 1961—she was both the firstwoman and first African-American honored inthis way by the LCMS.To continue her mission, the new Dr. Rosa J.Young Opportunity Scholarship will providefinancial relief for African-American studentspursuing church-related professions atConcordia-Chicago. Thanks to a specialcollaboration between Concordia-Chicago, theLCMS Foundation and the Lutheran ChurchExtension Fund, every gift to the scholarshipcan be matched—up to 275,000!More than 70 partners have already sharednearly 40,000, unlocking the first matchingfunds to endow the scholarship. We areinspired by those who will help grow the fund to 550,000 and extend Dr. Young’s legacythrough African-American students atConcordia-Chicago.What about Concordia UniversityChicago inspires your partnership?“The University’s commitment to Christianeducation, especially preparing future teachersin our Lutheran schools.”—Beverly Betker BS ’63Young Opportunity Fund partnerDr. Rosa J. Youngcounseling youngteachers. Photofrom lcms.org.“Besides the history for the teachingprofession, and the fact that it is a Christianenvironment, I was so positively impacted bythe people who work there or were associatedwith (CUC).”—Laurie Midgette PhD ’21Young Opportunity Fund partnerPartners Fund Renovationsto Honor Gieschen LegacySince Dr. Thomas Gieschen servedas the first full time choral conductorfrom 1957 to 1993, Concordia UniversityChicago choirs have impacted thousandsof students and tens of thousands ofaudience members.Dr. Thomas Gieschen BS ‘52In summer 2019, the University completedPhase One of a 1.4 million renovation toits choir’s campus facilities thanks to theestate of Dr. Julia Hennig. Last updatedin the 1980s, the former McCormickRecital Hall choir room was upgradedby modernizing HVAC, lighting, flooring,ceiling, as well as repairing the roof andincreasing electrical capacity of the room.This phase also removed the existingrehearsal risers and refurbished of therecital organ.More than 130 choral alumni andfriends rallied to fund Phase Two of thetransformation while honoring the legacyof Dr. Gieschen. Acoustic engineersdesigned a custom plan to eliminate echoand reduce reverberation. New panelingcontinued on next page11

on north and east walls angle slightly and direct soundwaves up instead of across the room. The south wall hasacoustic fabric panels that cover walls at strategic heights.Wood treatments above the east entrance enhanceacoustics and visually connect to organ paneling along theopposite wall.The University now has a premier practice and performancespace that reflects the quality of its premier ensembles.This spring, CUC’s Board of Regents officially designatedthe space Gieschen Recital Hall, in honor of Dr. Gieschenand with thanks to those who gave in his honor. An officialcelebration will take place Sunday, Oct. 30, in conjunctionwith Kapelle’s home concert.What about Concordia University Chicago inspiresyour partnership?“We so much appreciated the music ministry of Dr. Gieschen when wewere students at Concordia.”—Joan (Willie) MA ‘75 & Bob Linden BA ’74Recital Hall Renovation partner“Music has always been an important part of campus life at ConcordiaUniversity Chicago. I’m privileged to be a leader in this unique choraltradition as the current Kapelle conductor.”—Dr. Charles BrownRecital Hall Renovation partnerNew Fund Partners inFaith-Forward InitiativesWith a founding gift from Lutheran Public Radio (LPR), ConcordiaChicago’s new Lutheran Identity Fund is taking shape to recruitLCMS faculty and students as well as to bring a more visibleLutheran presence to campus.CUC President Dr. Russell Dawn says, “Lutheran Public Radio andits listeners are wonderful partners helping Concordia-Chicagoto thrive. I’m grateful for their generosity and honored that theyfeel a kinship with our Lutheran mission.” More than 30 Universitypartners have already joined LPR’s commitment to educate a newgeneration for vocations in church, family and the world.Tremendous social and cultural pressures challenge studentsduring their college experience. This fund provides foropportunities to embrace and remain true to timeless Lutheranvalues. Contributions have furnished Christian visibility on campusincluding crosses hung in each classroom and campus bannersreflecting the tenets of truth, freedom and vocation. The fund alsoprovides for the theology courses taken by each undergraduatestudent, as well as the opportunity to attend daily Chapel.This effort assures the University’s faith-filled values and voicesremain prominent in the midst of uncertainty and change. Growingthis initiative will provide a more appealing choice for new facultymembers, as well as the students they teach, who share thisLutheran identity.Students work with Deaconess Kristin Wassilak.What about Concordia University Chicago inspiresyour partnership?“Concordia-Chicago’s recommitment to the mission and identityover the past couple years has been inspiring!”—Ryan Weseloh BA ’17Lutheran Identity Fund partner“Preparing young minds to meet the challenges that face us. OurLutheran heritage was passed on to us not as our possession, but atrust to be cherished and passed on to our children.”—Art Schroeder BA ’70Lutheran Identity Fund partnerTo partner with a CUC Foundation philanthropic advisor, call toll free at 866-448-3867 or emailFoundation@CUChicago.edu. Share your gift today at CUChicago.edu/GiveNow.12

Your Gift for ScholarshipImpacts LivesThrough Him.For Him.Your partnership helps instill in eachYour gift increases the vital financialConcordia University Chicago studentaid available for every full-timethat they were created by Him, thattraditional student. Partner today andeverything they can do is through Him,provide students opportunities to growand that no matter their degree or levelas they are formed for vocations in theof study everything we do is for Him.church, their families, and the world.Give for Scholarships atCUChicago.edu/GiveNow866-288-3926

See You at the LCMS Youth Gathering:Involvement Beyond the BoothBy: Anna Seifert, Communications AssociateThis July, tens of thousands of high school students, youth leadersand volunteers will come together in Houston, TX for the 15th triennialLCMS Youth Gathering, “In All Things.” Attendees won’t be able to missthe CUC presence there. With many alumni, students, faculty and staffserving in major roles, the University is making a significant mark onthe event both in front of and behind the scenes.Dr. Richard Fischer, distinguished professor of music at Concordia-Chicago, ispreparing to lead the Youth Gathering Wind Symphony for the seventh time. He willconduct approximately 15 CUC Wind Symphony members alongside 50 high schoolstudent musicians from around the country. “We send all the music out to themin advance, but we only have three rehearsals in person and a run-through of theprogram the morning of the final service,” he says. “So they’ve really got to know theirmusic before they get to Houston.”Providing the music for the closing service, in a stadium of more than 20,000 people,is “an incredible thing. As the culminating experience of the gathering, it’s prettymonumental,” Fischer says excitedly. “I think the high school students go ‘Whoa!’ It canbe intimidating because we typically don’t play for that many people.” But even amidwhat can be an overwhelming experience, the musicians always rise to the occasion,he says, adding, “I’m deeply honored that they would think of me to lead these highschool and college students.”With so many attendees expected, handling participant logistics is crucial. The YouthGathering welcomes individuals from all over the world. One of those responsible for makingthat happen is Dr. Debbie Arfsten, Concordia-Chicago’s DCE program director, who managesthe international participant experience. “We are planning to welcome people from India,Brazil, Hungary, Uruguay, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Honduras, Hong Kong andLiberia,” she says.Alumna Melissa (Christian) Luepke BA ’99 serves as a manager for the gathering ambassadorleadership team, selecting, placing and training the adults who will volunteer in many rolesbefore and during the Gathering. In carrying out this major responsibility, Luepke staysmotivated by the joy of bringing youth to Christ. “Youth need to know they are not alone ontheir journey of life and faith. Through this act of service I get to do, I am able to be a smallpart of what brings youth to meet Jesus,” she says. “Also, there is something so invigoratingabout having thousands of youth and adults gathered together to worship our Lord andSavior. I can’t wait to sing with everyone!”14

This year marks the third Gathering for which CUC English professor AndrewPederson BA ’01 is the script writer for the drama portion. He begins almost twoyears ahead of time with the Gathering’s creative team. “The theological advisorwrites a paper based on the theme, and we talk through how we can get thoseideas on stage,” he explains. After drafting initial scripts himself, Pedersonsubmits several rounds of drafts to the team until the final versions areagreed upon.He appreciates that drama is given such importance at the Gathering. “It showsthat creative writing has a place in the Church, and this is an impactful way thatit can be used. Part of participating for me is vocational—it’s an opportunity touse some of the gifts I’ve been given,” says Pederson, who, in addition to beingan English professor is also an accomplished playwright. “For me and my faith,working with the Gathering has been such a blessing,” he adds. “I look around and I say,‘These are people who deeply care aboutgetting Jesus into the lives of young people.’ For me, there’s nothing more important.”After Pederson finalizes his work with the planning team, the production team brings the scripts to life. One of the peopleresponsible for assisting with production is Brian Fruits BA ’03, adjunct professor at CUC and drama director for the YouthGathering stadium event team. Fruits has spent the last year assembling and rehearsing with a cast, many of whom areConcordia-Chicago students. They will have the chance to act in the live productions as well as in pre-filmed scene

In the U.S. News & World Report rankings released earlier this year, Concordia University . Chicago was nationally recognized for its online degree programs, climbing the rankings . to No. 26 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs. The University again made the lists for Best Online MBA Programs, Best Online Graduate Education Programs, Best .