50th Anniversary
“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
50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend Recap
On October 2 – 3, 2026, Concordia University Irvine celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary. Thousands of alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, civic leaders, synodical leaders, neighbors, and friends braved the heat and participated in gatherings, ribbon cuttings, a symphony concert, Fall Family & Friends Festival, Fall Festival of Hymns and Celebration Service, Oktoberfest, and 50 years of alumni reunions. It was an epic celebration honoring the blessings from God and the people who have guided Concordia over the past 50 years. A special thanks to LCEF for sponsoring the Oktoberfest beer and also to our generous donors and friends who graciously supported this celebratory event.
Always: Reflection on Concordia’s History
by Rev. Dr. Steve Mueller ’86, Chief Mission Officer
In 1976, an audacious little college opened its doors. Thirty-six students, five professors, and two full-time staff members arrived on a campus consisting of a single building overlooking the emerging city of Irvine, California. Together they took a leap of faith, trusting that God had guided this humble beginning and would bless it.
Watch From This Hill
Discover the origin story of Concordia University Irvine. This new documentary brings together interviews and archival photos to tell how Christ College opened its doors 50 years ago.
Our History
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.
The Bird Sanctuary
When Christ College was being developed in 1975, a simple structure known as the Bird Sanctuary was built on the then-empty hills of Irvine. It served as the stage for the college’s groundbreaking ceremony and became a focal point of campus life when the college opened in 1976.
Over the years, the Bird Sanctuary hosted chapels, student gatherings, special events and the college’s first commencement. It remained in use for more than a decade before being removed to make way for further campus development.
Building in Irvine required careful attention to city regulations, even in the college’s earliest days. Working with the City of Irvine, the college developed an ingenious solution that allowed for quick construction: a structure designed with a place for birds to roost above and a platform below that could serve as a stage. Thus, the Bird Sanctuary was born—a practical and memorable part of the young campus.
Inspired by the original Bird Sanctuary, this structure recalls Christ College’s humble beginnings and the creativity, resourcefulness and blessings that helped shape the campus we know today.
Save the Date The 25th Annual Gala of Stars | May 1, 2027
Plan to join us for the close of Concordia’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at an epic event: The Gala of Stars. Registration opens soon.
2026 Servant Leadership Award Rev. Dr. Steve Mueller ’86
For decades, Rev. Dr. Steve Mueller has helped shape the heart and mission of Concordia University Irvine, and his life reflects a deep commitment to faith formation, theological clarity, and service to the Church
From his days as a Christ College student to his current role as Chief Mission Officer, Mueller has faithfully served Concordia as a theology professor, dean, and member of Concordia’s administrative team. His contributions as a hymn writer and author on Christian doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, worship, and C.S. Lewis have been far-reaching within The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and beyond.
2026 Lifetime Achievement Award
In honor of Concordia University Irvine’s 50th Academic Year, we honor the 28,000+ alumni around the world as a recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made a lasting impact through philanthropic work, community service, and/ or dedication to the arts. Each alumnus/a has played a critical role in Concordia’s history!
50 Alumni in 50 Weeks
Follow along and experience the stories that make up our history from 50 alumni over 50 weeks.
Historic Photos
Always: Reflection on Concordia’s History by Rev. Dr. Steve Mueller ’86, Chief Mission Officer
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