“ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. ”
-- 1 Chronicles 16:34
This is a time of year we consider what we are thankful for in our lives. Here at CUW, we are thankful for you, our wonderful alumni who help support our students, faculty/staff, your communities, and each other throughout the year. We are also thankful for the abundance of blessings we receive from our Savior. He continues to guide our leadership to provide a strong, faith-based academic experience for our students.

As a faith-based university and knowing the power of prayer, I felt I could share some personal news with you. I was recently diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma. On November 12, I began my medical leave from the university and will most likely be off the next few months. If you are willing, I would appreciate your prayers for my medical team, my family, my coworkers who have to cover for me, and for a successful treatment of my cancer. If you so desire, click here for a Caring Bridge page for updates on this health and faith walk of ours. I know many of you are facing giants in your lives and as a community we need to uplift each other in prayer and in deeds. I encourage you to click here to listen to a sermon from my pastor, alumnus Rev. Joel Howard, that helped me in facing my giant; God is greater than anything we face in our lives.

Concordia University as a family always has news and stories to share. We have listed some items that might interest you below but there are so many stories to tell, so many student programs and professional development opportunities, local and regional events to list in this newsletter. I strongly encourage you to go to the website, at least weekly, for news and events . I hope you take the time to read below about some of the uncommon news and upcoming events for you. Plus send us your updates so we can share your news.

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving and Advent season,
 
Michelle "Mickie" Wagner '96
Registration now open for the
Bucks event and social
February 2
Registration deadline: December 30
Help us cheer on the Bucks February 2 during a game, reception, and behind-the-scenes tour. Purchase a ticket and not only get a chance to see the Bucks, but also a tour of Fiserv Forum, food and drink with friends, and support our scholarship fund for children of alumni. A portion of each ticket ($5) will be donated back to Concordia. Click here to register and for more information. Register no later than December 30.
Christmas at Concordia
tickets on sale now
December 6 and 7
The final concert of the fall semester is the annual “Christmas at Concordia” December 6-7 at 7:30 p.m. This annual yuletide celebration of music showcases all student music ensembles. Advance tickets, at $20 for adults, are required by calling 262-243-4243 or e-mailing Kelsey Flath . While the concert is free to youths 17 and under, everyone needs a ticket. The "Christ The King" concert will take place Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of The Christ Triumphant. For more information, click here .
Help us celebrate at the Hats off to You! Alumni and Student Reception
December 13
Alumni are invited to join our graduating students December 13 for a celebration at the Highland House, 12741 N Port Washington Road , , Mequon, WI. Come and meet our newest graduates and enjoy some food and a drink! This event is FREE and includes appetizers, one beer or wine, and unlimited soda. Additional options available for purchase. The first 50 people to register will win a free gift! So click now to register. RSVP no later than December 6.
CUW offers multitude
of new programs
Concordia University continues to grow and respond to the needs of learners in the 21st century. Click here to learn about our new offerings for all levels of learners.
Do you live in Florida?
Our Symphonic Wind Ensemble may be coming your way
January 14-19
We are pleased to be bringing CUW to the Florida area in January! We hope you can join us at one of the upcoming concerts featuring our Symphonic Wind Ensemble on their winter tour. Using a vast repertoire of sacred and classical music, the group engages audiences and congregations alike in both concert and worship settings. Please join us for a complimentary reception immediately following the concert. Contact Gail Milatz with questions at 262-243-4541 or via email .
LinkedIn specialist presents at Concordia University
November 18
Are you looking to grow your business, market your brand, find a job, or identify potential employees for your organization? Then you don’t want to miss this presentation by Wayne Breitbarth, nationally recognized LinkedIn consultant, speaker, trainer, and author of the book, The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success. His 35+ years of experience as a business owner have given him firsthand insight into how to strategically use social media to expand your reach and achieve your goals as an individual or organization. Wayne will be speaking directly to our students and alumni at Concordia University Wisconsin on Monday, November 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m To register, click here .
Concordia faculty demonstrate excellence in scholarship, research
Earlier this month, we celebrated Faculty Scholarship Week, offering our faculty experts an opportunity to share about their latest research efforts. Click here to see a roundup of interesting projects that have kept our faculty busy.
Save the date for
Class of 1970 50th reunion
May 15-16, 2020
Plans are underway to help you celebrate the Class of 1970 50th reunion, so mark your calendars for May 15 and 16, 2020. Join Gloria (Graham) Balgeman, Rosalyn (Metzger) Hammes and Al/Shirley Piepenbrink, who have already committed to being on your 50 th reunion committee. Please indicate your interest to attend, contact classmates or willingness to serve on the committee by clicking  here  to complete the 1970 class 50th reunion survey.
Jesus is not a story; He's real!
1972 alumnus Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck, pictured here in Israel with alumni Rev. Dr. Tom Feiertag (1972) and Rev. Dr. Tim Maschke (1966 CUW/1968 CUAA), writes about how certain sites they visited make Jesus not a story, but reality. Check out his blog here .
CUW partners with local couple to rebuild after a fire
After their home burned down, a Slinger couple is getting help from a CUW interior architecture and design student, who will get class credit to assist them during the rebuild. Read about this cool partnership here .
We want to hear from you!
Now is the time we begin taking nominations for next year's William C. Ackmann Memorial Athletics Hall of Fame. Who do you know who should be honored as a past athlete? Click here to read the eligibility criteria and to make a nomination.
Mark your calendars for #GivingTuesday
December 3
#GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Please consider a gift to Concordia University during this most wonderful time of the year. All donations—big or small—help our students pursue an education rooted in Christian values. For more information, please contact Katie Burton at Katie.Burton@cuw.edu or 262-243-4417. Find our giving site  here .

Opportunities to Participate!
Click on the links for more information on the event s.
Stay Connected
Michelle "Mickie" Wagner
Senior Director of Alumni Relations
12800 N Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097
262-243-2008