Concordia University Wisconsin: Shaping Leaders and Leaving a Mark
Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), a private Lutheran university located in Mequon, Wisconsin, boasts a rich history and a commitment to developing leaders who serve with excellence. Established in 1881, CUW has evolved from a small gymnasium focused on pre-theology education to a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. With over 32,000 alumni worldwide, CUW has a strong legacy of graduates making a difference in their communities and professions. This article explores the university's history, academic offerings, and notable alumni who have embodied CUW's mission of learning, service, and leadership.
A Foundation of Faith and Growth
In the spring of 1881, the Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) established a gymnasium in Milwaukee, which would later become Concordia University Wisconsin. The first classes were held in the basement of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee, with only 13 students attending. The college, initially known as Concordia College, expanded its curriculum over the years, adding one year of instruction each year until 1890.
Originally, the college's primary mission was to prepare young men for pastoral careers within the LCMS. For the first 83 years, it provided a classical education with a pre-theology emphasis. Graduates typically matriculated to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.
In 1978, the college received approval from the LCMS to become a four-year institution. Under the leadership of President R. John Buuck, the college purchased the former campus of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mequon, Wisconsin, in 1982. This new location became the permanent home of CUW.
On August 27, 1989, the college petitioned its board of regents for full university status, which was approved for the fall 1990 term. This made CUW the first among the ten Concordia University System campuses to achieve that standing.
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Expansion and Development
President Buuck's 17-year tenure saw unprecedented growth at CUW. Total enrollment doubled from 3,719 in 1995-96 to 7,485 students in 2010-11. Since 2000, CUW has added several new buildings to its campus. In the summer of 2011, construction of a School of Pharmacy building was completed. The School of Pharmacy program, launched in the fall of 2010, is a four-year professional program designed to prepare students for a variety of careers within the pharmacy profession. With the addition of the School of Pharmacy, CUW became one of three schools in Wisconsin to offer a Pharm.D. degree.
In 2013, Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) merged with Concordia University Wisconsin due to financial difficulties at the Ann Arbor campus. Following the merger, enrollment at the Ann Arbor campus nearly doubled, while enrollment on the Wisconsin campus significantly decreased.
Campus and Athletics
The university is located at 12800 North Lake Shore Drive in Mequon, Wisconsin. The 192-acre (78 ha) campus features over 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of indoor walkways, known as "tunnels," connecting all academic and residence halls except for the Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship.
Concordia Wisconsin teams, known as the Falcons, participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Division III and are members of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). In April 2012, CUW opened its new baseball field, Kapco Park, which also serves as home to the Lakeshore Chinooks, a local minor league baseball team.
In 2013, CUW added acrobatics and tumbling as its 24th sport. The university is represented by Freddy the Falcon.
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Notable Alumni
Concordia University Wisconsin has produced a diverse array of successful alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These individuals exemplify the university's mission of preparing students for lives of learning, service, and leadership.
Xa Xiong, M.D., D.C.
Xa Xiong, a 1991 graduate, is a family physician, community leader, author, and motivational speaker. After immigrating from Laos through Thailand, Xiong fulfilled his dream of becoming a medical doctor. He attended Christ College Irvine (now Concordia University Irvine) and later earned his Doctor of Medicine. Xiong's journey and dedication to serving others make him an inspiring role model.
Susan Buster, Ed.D.
Susan Buster, a 1982 graduate, is the Director of Professional Development and Digital Learning for the Moreno Valley Unified School District. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member for Brandman University and Concordia University Irvine. Buster's work focuses on improving the lives of students through curriculum development and professional development programs for educators.
Ralph W. Klein
Ralph W. Klein was a professor of Old Testament at Christ Seminary-Seminex and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He was known for his work on the Old Testament and his contributions to Lutheran scholarship.
Richard Lischer
Richard Lischer is a renowned theologian and author. He has taught at Duke Divinity School and is known for his writings on pastoral theology and preaching.
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John Scardina
John Scardina is a former professional football player who played in the National Football League (NFL). His athletic achievements reflect the diverse talents of CUW alumni.
Arooj Bhatti
Growing up in Pakistan as part of the Christian minority, Arooj developed a deep sense of strength - not in defiance, but in quiet conviction.
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