On Monday, Dec. 17, Concordia University Ann Arbor welcomed 335 grade school students from throughout southeast Michigan Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod schools for the first annual Be A Cardinal Day.
CUAA’s Office of Admissions hosted the event to give students a taste of life as a Concordia Cardinal. For many, it was their first time on campus.
“We are at a point where we can start to introduce Concordia to families and kids at an earlier stage,” said Director of Enrollment Chance Childers. “We want them to know who we are spiritually and demonstrate the spirit of our campus leaders, our students, and our people. If we can do that, it’s going to be a good day.”
Childers said that the idea of trying new events like Be A Cardinal Day is purposeful as the university continues to build on the momentum of CUAA’s growth over the last few years.
Participants included 4th-8th graders from the following LCMS schools: St. Paul (Ann Arbor), Christ the King (Southgate), Guardian (Dearborn), St. Matthew (Westland), St. Michael (Wayne), and St. John Waltz (New Boston).
The day began with a chapel service in Concordia’s Chapel of the Holy Trinity. Director of Campus Ministry Rev. Randy Duncan shared a message on the greatest gift we could ever be given, the gift of Jesus, and worship was led by CUAA worship arts students.
The grade school students then split into various sessions depending on their grade level. Sessions included Bible and CUAA trivia, music sample, Christmas craft, ice breaker games, karaoke, campus tours, as well as sign-making for the CUAA women’s basketball game that the whole group attended together following the sessions.
“We are a blessed system of Lutheran schools in Michigan serving families from early childhood through higher education,” said Travis Grulke, Superintendent of Michigan Schools at the LCMS Michigan District. “We are thankful for Concordia being at the forefront of lifting up Christian education for our students across the state. I hope these types of days continue to bring our students of all ages on campus to experience why CUAA is our favorite university.”
To learn more about Concordia University Ann Arbor, visit www.cuaa.edu.
–Photos by Allie Milot (’21)
— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.
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