The Donald & Deborah Christian Centennial Endowment at Concordia University Texas
THE DONALD & DEBORAH CHRISTIAN
CENTENNIAL ENDOWMENT
AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
TEXAS
Dr. Donald Christian served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Concordia University Texas for 10 years, from 2014 to 2024. His tenure at Concordia Texas was marked by significant achievements and transformative initiatives. Notably, under his guidance, Concordia Texas attained recognition as a Hispanic-serving institution in 2019, addressed college affordability, and oversaw multiple campus enhancements including a world-class softball field and a new residence hall.
Prior to assuming the presidency, Dr. Christian served as the Dean of the College of Business at Concordia Texas for nine years. During his tenure in that role, he oversaw remarkable growth in enrollment, the establishment of new academic programs, and the development of impactful initiatives such as a community-wide speaker series and the launching of the Concordia Texas MBA program.
ABOUT DONALD & DEBORAH CHRISTIAN
Beyond his academic leadership, Dr. Christian served the community by holding positions on various boards, including Austin ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness) and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized for his contributions, receiving the CEO of the Year award from the Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2021.
A key factor in Dr. Christian's accomplishments was his partnership with his wife, Deb. Together, they dedicated their lives to the mission of Concordia Texas and Lutheran education. Their journey in Texas began in 1986, and they have been steadfast supporters of the University and its community ever since. Deb's influence and support have been integral to their success and shared vision for Concordia Texas.
Deb has been deeply involved in the life of the University, actively engaging with students, programs, and events. She has hosted a young women’s Bible study, provided professional development for the men’s basketball team, connected the baseball team with ACTS Church Lakeway for community service, and been a constant presence at many campus sporting events. Before her involvement at Concordia Texas, Deb was the College Admissions Coordinator at Concordia High School in Austin for nearly nine years.
AMANDA KEETER
Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Christian! Your leadership has not only shaped my journey but also the paths of countless others. From my time in Concordia's inaugural MBA class to working alongside you, I've been blessed to witness your extraordinary ability to connect with people, ask the right questions, and be fully present in every moment. Your life’s work has impacted thousands in the here and now and for the eternal, and I am honored to be among those you've inspired. Wishing you all the best as you embark on this next chapter. You are truly one of a kind!
ANNETTE MATA
Deb, thank you for believing in me as an undergraduate student and creating the StormChasers cohort. Our group helped me make lifelong friends and grasp the value of connections, professionalism, and grit for the start of my career. Thank you for seeing my potential that I didn't see in myself at the time. I wish you and Dr. Christian the best in this next chapter of retirement. I am truly blessed to have been mentored by both of you.
STAN BONEWITZ
Thank you for the 20 years of service each of you has given to Concordia and the unwavering support for the Athletic Department that you have shown during your time. Deb, I want to especially thank you for your willingness to invest in the lives of our Men’s Basketball Players. You supported them while they competed in their games, both home and away, and you also invested personally in their personal growth as people off the court. Happy retirement to you both, and I hope this next chapter in life is as fulfilling as this one that has now concluded.
BROOKE GROSSMAN
Dr. Christian, your impact on students and staff will continue to be echoed for many generations. I know that I can personally say my time at Concordia would not have been the same without you and you directly helped shape the person I am today. Thank you for your service and happy, happy retirement.
ABOUT THE ENDOWMENT
Driven by a deep faith and profound gratitude, Donald and Deborah Christian established The Donald & Deborah Christian Centennial Endowment as a lasting tribute to Concordia University Texas.
Recognizing the University’s vital role in shaping the lives of its students and the broader community, the Christians created this endowment to ensure Concordia Texas’s enduring ability to educate and empower future generations.
Their vision is to provide flexible support through a fund that will address the University’s most pressing needs. From building new facilities to supporting excellent teaching or enhancing student engagement, the endowment will serve as a perpetual source of growth and innovation.
By inviting others to contribute to the endowment, the Christians aim to create a legacy of generosity that will sustain Concordia University Texas for years to come.
FUTURE IMPACT
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
The endowment will provide a steady stream of income that can help Concordia University Texas weather economic fluctuations and invest in long-term initiatives without relying solely on tuition and donations.
PROGRAMMATIC EXCELLENCE STUDENT SUCCESS
The unrestricted nature of the endowment allows the University to allocate funds to areas of greatest need, fostering innovation and excellence in academic programs, support student ministry initiatives, and faculty development.
The endowment can be used to fund scholarships, student success initiatives, and campus improvements, directly benefiting students and increasing their chances of academic and personal success.
Your gift to The Donald & Deborah Christian Centennial Endowment will have a lasting impact on generations of students. With your support, we can ensure that Concordia Texas continues to thrive as a center of academic excellence, faith development, and community engagement.
Use our fast and secure link by scanning the QR code to make an impact today.
Please indicate the funds are for the Don & Deb Christian Endowment.
Mail checks payable to Concordia University Texas and send to:
Concordia University Texas Attn: Office of Philanthropy
Don & Deb Christian Endowment 11400 Concordia University Dr. Austin, TX 78726-1887
To give by credit card or wire transfer, contact our philanthropy office at: 512-313-5101
