Concordia University campaign

SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS Yes! I want to reaffirm my partnership with Concordia University Ann Arbor by supporting the next generation of Christian leaders.

Enclosed is my gift of:

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My gift is for: Student Scholarships

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Contact me about a gift of stocks or retirement assets at: (Provide Phone or Email)_________________________________________ <<Addressee>> <<Addr1>> <<Addr2>> <<City>>, <<ST>> <<Zip>> <<ID>> AAFALL2017

Concordia Fund

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4090 Geddes Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2750 734.995.7317 www.cuaa.edu/give

Your contributions through Concordia help students like Jessica develop in mind, body, and spirit.

Please make your check payable to CUAA and return it with this reply form in the envelope provided. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Thank you!

<<AA, Recent Donor>> 4090 Geddes Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2750 734.995.7317 www.cuaa.edu/give

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“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

— Psalm 16:8

Concordia: An investment in the next generation of Christian leaders Dear <<Salutation>>,

There are few things as exhilarating for a student as standing on the precipice of big change, knowing that life is about to unfold in all kinds of new ways.

As a father of five myself, I remember how it felt to watch my kids take those first tentative steps out into the world. I remember wanting them to shine, to have fun, to be confident in their choices, and above all, to serve the Lord.

I remember willing them to succeed.

<<Salutation>>, I am sure you can relate. You may have fond memories of striking out on your own for the first time, or perhaps you have experienced the raw emotion of your own child leaving the nest.

For so many students, a new chapter begins this September. Those who have chosen Concordia University Ann Arbor are the next generation of Christian leaders—the ethical, responsible, thoughtful leaders we need in our world.

Will you reaffirm your partnership with Concordia today by supporting this next generation of Christian leaders?

Your generous gift, combined with gifts from other like-minded donors, will help provide the financial support students need to be empowered to live out their calling.

With the start of another academic year upon us, I am proud of Concordia’s continued commitment to help students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.

It is a commitment that drives us every single day. It is at the foundation of everything we do in every classroom and in every activity on campus. It is what has made us one of the leading Lutheran universities today.

(over, please)

The Concordia Fund

The Concordia Fund provides critical operational revenue for the University. Concordia Fund gifts are used in the year they are given, allowing us to offer Concordia’s students the increased quality and excellence that they expect.

The more the Concordia Fund is able to address urgent needs, the less tuition burden will be placed on the students.

Affirm your commitment to Concordia’s students and mission by supporting the Concordia Fund. The combined support from our alumni, parents, and friends makes an immediate impact on our students.

Consider a Recurring Gift

Automatic giving is a simple way to ensure the future for Concordia’s students. The benefits of automating your gift include: Confidence You can be assured that your online gift is secure and will be used for the benefit of students at CUAA.

Convenience How you make your gift—weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually—is up to you. You can also pre-determine when you want your gifts to stop.

Greater Impact Your recurring gift multiplies over time and allows us to plan as, together, we prepare more students for the future.

Start your automated giving online at www.cuaa.edu/give or call the Office of Advancement at 734.995.7317.

Jessica Russ is one of those students whose deep faith we are able to nurture here—and we need your support to make sure dreams like hers become a reality.

As a musician, competitive lacrosse player, and aspiring teacher, Jessica felt drawn to Concordia University Ann Arbor for many reasons.

“From the moment I stepped on the CUAA campus, I knew the people here cared,” she says. “I scheduled my visit months ahead of time because I was coming all the way from Alabama. That entire visit was personalized, which really made me feel significant.”

And even though the going got tough in Jessica’s first semester, she felt safe and cared for throughout.

“I was dealing with a bunch of things,” she recalls. “In October, a friend committed suicide. That hit me pretty hard. I was eight hours away from home. Personal and physical issues began to weigh on me and I started to doubt myself.

“That’s when I turned to my professors and campus pastor and just poured my heart out. They prayed with me; they listened; they were there for me. Despite the issues I was facing, I didn’t feel alone.”

Now a music education major who will graduate in 2020, Jessica is thrilled to be growing in her faith.

“I grew up going to church,” she says. “Once I got on campus, I realized it didn’t matter that I wasn’t Lutheran. We get to discuss how God is working in our lives and that really helped me grow in my own faith.”

Ultimately, Jessica hopes to teach at a performing arts-based school—and she knows she is able to dream big in this way because of the financial support she is receiving.

“I wouldn’t have thought in a billion years that a girl from Alabama would find a tiny college tucked away in Ann Arbor,” she says. “If I didn’t have financial support from generous donors, I would be doing something completely different. Their willingness to give is making our lives so much better.”

<<Salutation>>, will you stand alongside other students like Jessica? Will you help them have the means to be inspired and challenged? Will you help make sure they are equipped to do the work God is trusting them to do?

Jessica is excited about the future she is crafting for herself and about the opportunities she will have to be of service to Christ in the Church and the world.

Your support will help students like her experience these blessings.

Please partner with us to make sure that financial adversity does not keep students from enjoying the Christ-centered education they seek.

With gratitude,

Rev. Patrick T. Ferry, Ph.D. President P.S. In the coming year, I cherish the opportunity to empower student minds to provide Christ-like service and leadership. Please give today, as generously as you can, to help them do just that!