Historical Timeline
1955
The idea of a "preparatory college in southern California" affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) is first voiced by Dr. Victor Behnken, president of the LCMS Southern California District.
1962
In a letter dated June 5, 1962, to Rev. Robert Einspahr, who was the chair of the committee surveying the possibilities of establishing a "preparatory college in southern California, The Irvine Company welcomes the idea of building a private Christian university in Irvine. During this period, LCMS officials looked at 87 sites in southern California.
On June 28, 1962, the Synod passes Resolution No. 1-22, authorizing the Board for Higher Education to establish a college in southern California.
1963
The Board for Higher Education votes to purchase the site where Concordia University is today on November 2, 1963.
1972
The Articles of Incorporation for a Lutheran College at Irvine is signed by Secretary of State Edmund G. Brown, Jr. on May 22, 1972.
1973
Rev. Dr. Charles Manske accepts the call to be the college's first president. He takes office on April 1, 1973.
The Lutheran College Irvine Foundation becomes incorporated on April 5, 1973. The founding trustees are Mr. Ray Grimm, Mrs. Molly Frick Wampler, Mr. James Beam, Dr. Arthur Oswald and Mr. Alvin Dierker.
The name of the college, Christ College Irvine, is selected on June 11, 1973.
1975
Christ College's first building, the Living Learning Center, is constructed. It contains classrooms, library, administration offices, dining facilities and student living quarters.
1976
Classes begin for the first academic year in the single-building campus with 36 students, 5 faculty members and 2 staff members.
1979
Founders Hall (classrooms and labs) and Alpha Building (Residence Hall) construction completed.
1980
Rev. Dr. D. Ray Halm becomes Christ College's second president.
Christ College heralds its first full-term (four-years) graduating class.
1981
Christ College earns full academic accreditation from the Western Alliance of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
1985
Sports Arena and Hallerberg Multi-purpose Center construction completed.
1988
Library and the Center for Worship and the Performing Arts construction completed. School of Education and School of Arts and Sciences formed.
1993
Christ College Irvine becomes Concordia University Irvine, the tenth campus in the national Concordia University System that was formed by the LCMS in 1992.
1996
Concordia launches its first comprehensive campaign of $30 million, On Wings of Eagles.
1997
CUENet (Concordia University Education Network) distance learning system established.
1998
Rev. Dr. Jack Preus becomes Concordia's third president.
Rodney Lawrence Grimm Memorial Student Union construction completed.
1999
School of Theology and Entrepreneurial MBA formed.
2000
Concordia is listed in the John Templeton Honor Roll of Character-building Colleges.
The Center for U.S. Missions formed.
On Wings of Eagles Campaign ends with $44 million received and pledged.
Women's Cross Country Team takes National Championship.
Twenty-year anniversary of the first graduating class (1980).
2001
Concordia University celebrates its 25th Anniversary (1976).
Chi Rho residence hall construction completed.
CU Accelerate Degree Completion Program formed.
2002
Chi Sigma residence hall construction completed.
Thirtieth anniversary of Concordia University recognized based on university seal, which reads 1972.
School of Business and School of Adult Studies established.
President's Advisory Council and School of Business Dean's Advisory Board founded.
First Endowed Chair established: Harry and Caroline Trembath Chair of Confessional Theology.
2003
Men's Basketball wins the NAIA Division I Championship.
First Faith & Business Forum held on campus on October 22.
First A Gala of Stars benefit dinner and auction held on May 15.
Tenth anniversary of the installation of the Concordia University Foundation (1973).
2004
MA in International Studies and MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration launched.
2005
Twenty fifth anniversary - 1st graduating class (1980).
2006
Concordia's 30th anniversary (1976).
Hundred-year anniversary of the California Concordia College in Oakland.
Construction begins on Robert Alan Grimm Hall formerly known as the Education, Business & Technology Center.
Dr. Mary Scott appointed Provost and Dr. Peter Senkbeil appointed Associate Provost.
Dr. Tim Peters appointed Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies.
2007
Concordia University merges with Arrowhead Lutheran Camp.
Robert Alan Grimm Hall completed and dedicated in March.
Nursing Degree Completion Program established.
