Whether you've realized it or not, there are certain things about attending Concordia University Ann Arbor that make the experience unique.
Experiences stick out to both current Cardinals and alumni that we call can relate to.
We posted a question on Instagram asking our followers to name ways in which they knew that they are clearly Concordians. After giving a few examples to students to get the ideas flowing—when Chris in the Cafe knows your sandwich order by heart—the answers started flooding in.
Here is what our students have to say:
You know you’re a Concordian when…
“You can say hi to almost everyone on campus… by name!”
Since there are roughly 1200 students that attend Concordia, it’s common to see the same faces on the sidewalks, in class, in the Cafe, or at campus events. Pretty much anywhere you look, you’ll find a familiar face.
“When you have YOUR pew in the Chapel”
This is definitely a thing for regular chapel attenders. By the first week of classes, most people have “their” pews in the chapel, where they prefer to sit every day. For me, I had close friends that followed this same habit. Most days, I could probably walk into Chapel with my eyes closed and be able to find where my roommate and friends are sitting.
“When you only wear red” or “When all my clothes are Concordia gear”
As a senior on campus, I can definitely attest to this as well. When I want to wear a T-shirt or sweatshirt, I often have to make a conscious effort NOT to put on another piece of Concordia gear that I own. From student event apparel to clubs and sports team gear, CUAA has a way of invading every student’s wardrobe whether we like it or not (but most of us like it.)
“The Chapel bells wake you up in the morning” or “You tell time by the Chapel bells”
The Chapel bells ring on the hour and half hour, and then play special songs and hymns every three hours. Every student, by the end of their first year on campus, will know the distinctive sound of the Chapel bells that can be heard, even from the Cardinal Stadium!
P-Ry runs the conditioning tests with you…
CUAA faculty and staff are involved in the lives of students both in and out of the classroom. Vice President Ryan Peterson (also known as “P Ry” or Pastor Ryan) is one of many faculty and staff members on campus that enjoy engaging with students in a less formal setting – even attending the most dreaded practices of the year for teams… conditioning tests!
“You go down to the docks to watch the sunset” or “Most of your camera roll is pictures of the sunset from the docks”
Ask almost any student who lives on campus to pull out their phone. I am sure it won’t take long to find a sunset picture from the docks. Well-known as one of the most scenic spots at CUAA, the docks hold a special place in the hearts of students for its stillness and beauty, especially on a clear evening.
There are a lot of unique ways that we, as students, know who we are on this campus. As you read through this list, what comes to mind for you?
How do YOU know that you are a Concordian?
— This story is written by Allie Milot, social media manager for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at alexandria.milot@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7403.
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