50th Celebration | Concordia University Irvine

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20

Historic Photos

Schedule of Events

All events are free and open to the public

Friday, October 2, 2026

2:00 p.m.	Ribbon Cutting – CU Center for Worship and the Performing Arts
2:30 p.m.	Concordia Symphony Orchestra concert in CU Center
3:30 p.m.	Ribbon Cutting – Golden Eagle Athletics Complex (GEAC)
4:00 p.m.	Live Music on GEAC Terrace Tours of new and renovated facilities
5:00 p.m.	Rodney Grimm Student Union opens for dinner
6:00–8:30 p.m.	Fall Family & Friends Festival (registration opens soon)

Saturday, October 3, 2026

2:00 p.m.	HymnFest & Celebration Service in CU Center
3:30–8:30 p.m.	OktoberFest Celebration & Alumni Reunions

Hotels and Travel

Our History

1964
1972
1973
1975
1976
1980
1981
1988
1993
1995
1998
1999
2000
2002
2003
2004
2007
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2016
2017
2019
2020
2021
2023
2025

1964

113 acres purchased from the Irvine Company for approximately one million dollars.
1972

The Articles of Incorporation for a Lutheran college at Irvine are 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 acting president and vice president of academic affairs, taking office on April 1. The name Christ College Irvine is selected on June 11, 1973.
1975

June 8: Groundbreaking for Christ College’s first building, the Living Learning Center – today’s Administration building.
1976

Sept. 27: Classes begin for the first academic year on the single-building campus with 36 students, 5 faculty members, and 2 staff members.
1980

Rev. Dr. D. Ray Halm becomes Christ College’s second president. The college heralds its first full-term (four-year) graduating class.
1981

Christ College earns full academic accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
1988

The School of Education and the School of Arts and Sciences are formed.
1993

Christ College Irvine becomes Concordia University Irvine, the tenth campus in the national Concordia University System formed by the LCMS in 1992.
1995

The Ethnic Pastor’s Certification Program (now the Cross-cultural Ministry Center) launches in partnership with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, preparing missionary pastors for culture-crossing ministries.
1998

Rev. Dr. Jack Preus becomes Concordia’s third president.
1999

The School of Theology is formed – theology, philosophy, and biblical and classical languages. Christ College remains a separate school until 2006, when the School of Theology combines with Christ College. The MBA program is formed.
2000

The Women’s Cross Country team takes the National Championship.
2002

The School of Business is established.
2003

Men’s Basketball wins the NAIA Division I Championship.
2004

The MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration is launched.
2007

The Nursing Degree Completion Program is established.
2010

Dr. Kurt J. Krueger is inaugurated as Concordia’s fourth president. Concordia unveils The Core Curriculum, its innovative general education program, and launches the Around-the-World Semester® program.
2011

Baseball captures the NAIA National Championship.
2012

Men’s Basketball wins its second NAIA National Championship; Women’s Volleyball wins the NAIA National Championship.
2013

Men’s Volleyball wins the NAIA National Championship in its inaugural season; Women’s Softball wins the NAIA National Championship; Forensics wins overall team sweepstakes at the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) Championship Tournament.
2014

Concordia offers its first doctoral program, the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
2016

The Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling launches in partnership with New York Times bestselling author Dr. John Townsend.
2017

Concordia joins the NCAA as the first Division II school in Orange County.
2019

Concordia reaches Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation.
2020

Dr. Michael A. Thomas is inaugurated as Concordia’s fifth president; Christmas concerts air on PBS SoCal.
2021

The “Forward in Faith” comprehensive campaign exceeds $100M – the largest campaign in the university’s history.
2023

Spectrum Campus opens; Men’s Lacrosse wins the MCLA Division I Championship.
2025

Fall launches the 50th academic year.