They were pioneers in the 1960s; today they are innovators. The Chapel of the Holy Trinity and the barn are the most iconic buildings to them. Small dorms and spiritual life are still producing lasting friendships. Homecoming football is something new and exciting; the feeling of homecoming when you return is powerful. These experiences define Concordia University Ann Arbor alumni.
It is the bond of friendship and unity in fellowship that keep CUAA alumni together. Relationships are strengthened in the communities of dorms, classrooms, athletic teams and student organizations. When you miss class, everyone knows … including your professor. If you need prayer, the campus rallies around you from friends to the campus pastor. You don’t get lost at CUAA.
Not surprisingly, CUAA alumni have expressed strong feelings about their school. An Alumni Planning Group formed over a year ago and has pulled together from several states to plan Homecoming activities, a Boar’s Head Festival reception and CIT alumni activities this year. They stood alongside the Class of 1965 and celebrated the 50th anniversary of their graduation during the 2015 commencement weekend. They mingled and shared memories with their fellow alumni at the Michigan and Ohio Church Workers conferences.
As the campus is strengthened and resourced through the merger with Concordia University Wisconsin, CUAA alumni continue to celebrate their heritage and look forward to new opportunities. The traditions of Boar’s Head Festival, a strong music program, and campus and mission ministry will be complemented by new outreach to alumni in ways that are relevant to careers, families, and fellowship. The mission to develop students in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the church and the world applies to all students, past and present. Wherever alumni can connect with each other or with resources to carry out the mission, CUAA is determined to prayerfully provide the means.
The mission to develop students in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the church and the world applies to all students, past and present.
Towards the end of the year, an Alumni Attitude Survey will be emailed to all alumni with active email addresses. This is an important step forward in empowering alumni to help to shape the future of CUAA alumni relations and activities. Just as important, it will help the administration to understand the enduring strengths of the Ann Arbor campus and what is truly meaningful to 51 years of graduating classes.
From the day they walked onto the half-built campus, the first alumni cohort knew they would be God-given friends for life. May God grant that Spirit and gift to all future CUAA alumni!
