Offices Impact of Giving

Hello, my name is Leah, and I am a student at Concordia University Ann Arbor, nearing graduation with a bachelor’s in Hospitality and Event Business. I’m sincerely grateful for everything that I have been able to experience CUAA. And I’m grateful to you for helping make the Concordia experience possible.

During my four years at CUAA I’ve been enriched with countless activities and opportunities. Twice I’ve traveled to New Orleans to serve in the mission field during spring break. I’ve interned at the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament as a partner with Prime Sport. I’ve held board positions on our student activities team as well as an organization named New Crew, which hosts retreats for middle and high school youth. I’ve worked for our athletic department for four years and watched as we added new athletic teams and expanded our facilities. Each one of these experiences has been made possible by donors like you. You have helped to shape my college experience, and because of you, I am ready to graduate and work in the hospitality industry.

Again, I cannot thank you enough for your gift. The Christ-based, caring community at Concordia is one that I think every student should experience. I thank you for making the Concordia experience possible for me and other students like me.

Sincerely,
Leah Tweedale

Hello! My name is Alison and I am a sophomore in the Haab School of Business at Concordia University Ann Arbor, studying business management and minoring in hospitality and event management. I am very thankful to be able to call Concordia my home, which is all thanks to your amazing generosity.

I have been blessed with many opportunities to serve on and off of Concordia’s campus. Some of these experiences include serving with a ministry in South Africa for four weeks, and going to serve in New Orleans two years in a row. These life changing experiences would not have been possible without your financial support. I also have been able to grow in my education by traveling to California for an experiential learning opportunity at which I put on an event in Los Angeles for the National Basketball Wives Association.

On campus, I have the opportunity to serve as a student worker for Campus Ministry, where I help to enrich the ministry held on campus. I also serve as a tutor for a few business classes, and I assist with art exhibits each semester at the Kreft Center for the Arts.

It is because of your generosity that I am able to say that I have a future at Concordia. Thank you. Concordia provides me with so much more than a simple education. Thanks for allowing me to be immersed in the experience of being a Concordia Cardinal.

Sincerely,
Alison Rein

As I look back on my time at CUAA, one word comes to mind—blessed. I didn't realize what a huge impact this community of “one heart” would make on my life, future career, and my spiritual walk with Christ.

Since I was 3, I knew I wanted to be a missionary. Throughout the years, God has showed me just how large and diverse that word really is. Our mission field is so broad—it spans from our backyard to the deepest corners of the world. I will be graduating with a degree in Family Life Education with a focus in churchwork, Youth Ministry, and Children’s Ministry. After the conclusion of my internship, I plan to follow God’s plan for my life in fulfilling His mission—whether that is within the U.S. or outside of it.

Through my time at Concordia I have been blessed to be a part of many amazing ministries, clubs, activities, and opportunities, from singing in the Concordia Choir and participating in a variety of student leader roles, to being a Campus Ministry Coordinator and board member of the Life Team. Another unique thing about Concordia is all of the events off-campus that benefit the mind, body, and soul. My favorites have included Spring Break mission trips, LCMS conferences, and community service and outreach experiences.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support and love to Concordia students—both financial support and prayer support. Thank you for your heart toward higher Lutheran education and the impact it can make on our next generation. Because of you, I and many other Concordia students have gained not just education, but also increased spiritual depth, strength, and edification.

May Christ ever bless you and be evident in and through you!

Only through Christ,
Sarah Hettig

Hello! My name is Alarik Morris and I graduate from Concordia University Ann Arbor in December with a bachelor’s in Family Life Community Services and a minor in Theological Languages. During my time at CUAA, I have been the recipient of multiple acts of kindness and support from my peers, parents, faculty, and donors. I arrived at Concordia from my hometown of Chaplin, CT, without a car, any close relatives, and without knowing a single person in Ann Arbor. Not knowing what to expect, I was able to quickly make friends, become a part of campus life, find a part-time job, and even help lead a youth ministry team called New Crew. The campus and community welcomed me with open arms and I was able to become part of a new family out here in the Midwest.

During my time at Concordia, my family underwent some major changes and the business my family owned was forced to close. They moved to Maine, away from my childhood town. This time was especially tough for me as I had to work hard to pay for my school and face these drastic changes. Ann Arbor became my home away from home, and thanks to the generosity of donors, I was able to finish my school and am accepted to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where I plan to enroll in the masters of divinity program to become an LCMS pastor.

I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. Your contribution has had a direct impact on my education and future plans.

Your Brother in Christ,
Alarik Morris

Being a student at Concordia University Ann Arbor has changed my life. Because of the wonderful community and loving environment, I have grown physically, mentally, and most importantly spiritually. Concordia has given me the chance to develop my faith while expanding my academic responsibilities and preparing me for a successful future. My aspirations to become a physical therapist will continue after graduation in May, as I am currently applying to several Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.

With all of my roles in campus activities—such as being a dual athlete (women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse), Campus Ministry coordinator, Worship Arts leader, Student Athlete Leadership Team representative, and member of the women’s chorale—I have experienced so much of Concordia and have been extremely blessed to be a student here. Thanks to donors like you, I have been able to see so many wonderful changes in the four years of my undergraduate studies. From the new athletic facilities and beautifully renovated music hall, to the North Building, and so much more, Concordia has blossomed. I have graciously been able to utilize the facilities and new advancements daily, and have enjoyed every minute.

Thank you for being so faithful and for offering not only me, but current and future students a better chance for success at a higher education university where excellence and growth are invigorated. I am proud to be a Cardinal, and because of donors such as you, I can start my future on the right foot.

Again, thank you for your generosity. Blessings to you and your family this holiday season!

With a sincere heart,
Grace Stadler

Every little girl has little dreams that one day, with faith and God’s grace, they hope will become a reality. Well, I have had many dreams growing up and I still have numerous ambitions. Some are elaborate and far-fetched, while others are concise and average. One was leaving home and starting on my own. Another was being a collegiate athlete.

These dreams seemed nearly impossible at one time based on my background. However, with the beautiful hearts that donors like you possess to serve this current and potential Concordia community, you have become a giant part of fulfilling significant dreams of mine. The efforts you provide to support students like me grant us the opportunity to construct our own individual futures. We don’t just get to aspire to be something extraordinary, but we get to achieve something extraordinary with your help.

There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am for your generous contributions to my education. So simply, thank you! I am humbled to be a part of this Concordia family as it has impacted so many aspects of my life. And I am appreciative that you are a part of this Concordia family as you have impacted so many students’ lives.

Sincerely,
Jessica Russ

Hello. My name is Timothy Felska, and I served six years in the United States Navy as a submarine mechanic. Currently, I work as a paramedic in the Detroit metropolitan area, and have done so for about 13 years. During this time, I have also served with Military Avenue Church, a ministry serving the people of Southwest Detroit, as well as Covenant Community Care Clinic, which is dedicated to providing medical care for the impoverished and underinsured.

I am telling you of these things because you are directly helping me—a service-oriented disciple of Jesus Christ—to receive training at Concordia University that will enable me to help these people in a higher capacity. You are very generously helping me to become a registered nurse. As an RN, I will be able to provide much more care than I can now as a paramedic. Serving Christ has taken me to many wonderful places, and has allowed me to meet many of my brothers and sisters overseas. I eagerly look forward to seeing what deeds God has for me in the future. In the meantime, I enjoy serving with my classmates. Without your help, I would not be getting anywhere. I cannot thank you enough. Your help doesn't simply remove some of the financial obstacle. It inspires me to keep moving forward. You remind me that somebody cares.

Sincerely in Christ,
Timothy William Felska

When a player, extends his hand to help another player stand, it is termed, “sportsmanship.” When a woman proceeds to walk up or down a flight of stairs and a man extends his hand to assist, it is phrased, “being a gentleman.” As a donor to Concordia, you embody every aspect of kindness behind both acts. That person who extends a helping hand aids in shaping communities, growing economies, and taking the act of kindness to new heights. That is the person I aspire to resemble. That person is you.

In 2018, I will graduate and begin my exploration into the professional world. As I embark on this journey, my memories will include people who have helped me get to graduation. It is individuals like you that I will hold deep in my thoughts. You and your contributions to Concordia help people like me discover happiness, independence, and management of priorities. Your commitment to our university is incredible, and because of that commitment, students like myself can continue to develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. I am grateful for your generous donation and the helping hand offered.

With my deepest sincerity,
Turome Chandler