June 13, 2024
Dear Concordia community,
I am writing to share an important update regarding the future of intercollegiate athletics on our Ann Arbor campus.
Before I share the announcement, I want to reiterate that Concordia is fully committed to supporting our athletic programs through the 2024-25 academic year. All intercollegiate sports that can be conducted with adequate roster sizes will continue throughout the upcoming year, including participation in any postseason competitions. From current reports, roster sizes for most sports appear to meet these requirements.
After the 2024-25 academic year, all intercollegiate athletic programs on the Ann Arbor campus will be discontinued. Initially, our leadership team hoped to preserve as many athletic programs as possible beyond the 2024-25 academic year. However, upon further analysis of our financial model, it became evident that continuing these programs in Ann Arbor beyond the upcoming year is not feasible.
I fully recognize that this decision is significant in the history of our university and in the lives of so many Cardinals. Our decision to discontinue athletics at the Ann Arbor campus is in no way a reflection of our exemplary Christian coaches and athletic staff who have poured their hearts into our students and helped to provide the personal undergraduate experience for which this campus is known.
Earlier today, the administration met with CUAA Athletic Director Lonnie Pries to discuss this decision and its implications. Our goal in sharing this information today is to equip students with enough information to allow them to make informed decisions about their future.
Our athletic programs, particularly under the direction of Lonnie Pries, have played an integral part in the transformation of thousands of men and women. Being a Concordia Cardinal was not just about notching wins in the athletic arena. It was about helping to develop men and women in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and world; It was about building champions of character. While athletics at CUAA are ending, the Cardinal legacy endures.
Information regarding academic programs beyond 2024-25 and pathways to graduation for current students will be communicated following a meeting of the Academic Council on June 19, 2024. For more information, please visit www.cuaa.edu/future where updates will be posted as they become available. If you have any questions or concerns, please use the attached web form.
Grace and Peace,
President Erik Ankerberg
Many have expressed a desire to contact leaders and Concordia’s Board of Regents. To help our leaders receive your feedback efficiently, we ask that you utilize the form linked below. Please know that all messages are being read and considered. We thank you for taking the time to share your concerns and questions and thank you for your love of Concordia.