About | Hispanic Leadership Conference| Concordia University Irvine

Our Story

Established in 1976 as Christ College Irvine with only 36 students, five faculty members, and one building, Concordia University Irvine (CUI) today is one of the region’s leading private nonprofit Christian liberal arts universities. Preparing students for their vocations—their callings in life—Concordia offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs through its six schools—Arts & Sciences, Business & Economics, Christ College, Education, Health & Human Sciences and the Townsend Institute. And its Lutheran heritage provides a thoughtful and caring Christian community that lives out the theology of “Grace alone. Faith alone.” Concordia ranked nationally among the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” universities by U.S. News & World Report. The only NCAA DII university in Orange County, Concordia enrolls about 5,000 students annually and is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Located in scenic Southern California, CUI is tucked away in natural open spaces in the City of Irvine, just minutes from beaches, bike trails, and retail centers.

2019: Concordia University Irvine became a Hispanic Serving Institution
2022: Concordia University Irvine received first $3 million HSI Grant
2023: Concordia University Irvine received $3 million Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Program Grant
2023: Concordia University Irvine received $3 million STEM HSI Grant

Our Mission

Concordia University Irvine, guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions, empowers students through the liberal arts and professional studies for lives of learning, service, and leadership.

Hispanic Conference Leadership Alums

Concordia University Irvine alumni, as well as community members, who have participated as keynotes, speakers, or panelists in Concordia’s Hispanic Leadership Conference through the years are referred to as “conference alums.” This family of high-profile first-generation college-grad professionals pour into future first-gen college students, by sharing their journeys, remembering where they came from, and the sacrifices that their parents made for them. Here are some of their stories.

First-Generation Student Program

You're the first in your family to go to college. We're here to journey with you. #CUIFirstGen

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About Christian Colleges and Universities

Christian colleges and universities play an essential role in our nation by filling the gap with doctors, nurses, teachers, and social workers, to being affordable. The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)—a group of US Christian colleges and universities—published these statistics to illustrate the impact that Christian higher education and CCCU-member institutions, like Concordia University Irvine, are having in our country.

Affordability

Christian colleges and universities provide affordable, high-quality education for students.
The majority of CCCU students do not pay the published sticker price at their university and are more likely to receive institutional aid.

Institutional Aid

95% of CCCU students
78% of students at private institutions.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS, 2017-18

Social Impact

Christian colleges and universities are vital in educating first-generation and low-income college students.
1 in 3 CCCU students are first-generation college students.

Source: Econsult Solutions, “The National Impact of Higher Education,” 2018

Careers*

CCCU students are overrepresented in fields that deliver social benefits, like human services (which includes counseling, mental health, and family services.)

Human Services

12.7 % CCCU institutions
4.2 % all (public and private) 4-year universities

Community Impact*

CCCU students are more likely to participate in community service.

Community Service

35.2 % of CCCU students
25.7 % of all college students

*Source: Econsult Solutions, “The National Impact of Christian Higher Education,” 2018

Planning Team

Erika Sanchez, HSI Project Director

Equipped with a bachelor's in Sociology and Biblical studies from Biola University and a Masters in Transformational Urban Leadership (MATUL) from Azusa Pacific University, Erika spent four formative years in the Philippines living in slum communities and launching faith rooted programs that equip and empower urban poor youth to critically address issues of urban poverty, environmental justice, land rights, health, and education in their community. She has 10 years of experience in higher education access work; scholarship development, first-gen support services, etc. Erika is a proud first generation Latina and Santa Ana native. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Tagalog.

As the HSI Project Director she oversees Concordia University-Irvine's largest federal grant in its history: $3 million from the U.S. Department of Education for its Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program. Her role is to ensure this grant enhances support services for Hispanic students and all Concordia students.

Daisy Rojas, Hispanic Leadership Conference Coordinator

Daisy Rojas is deeply dedicated to her work, driven by a strong passion for community engagement and education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Human Services from Cal State Fullerton.

With over 4 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Daisy has demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact. Her roles have ranged from facilitating classrooms for grades K-12 to coordinating events for K-5 and workshops for K-12 students.

Currently serving as the Hispanic Leadership Coordinator at Concordia University Irvine, Daisy continues to empower and inspire students to reach their full potential. Through her leadership and dedication, she strives to foster inclusive environments where individuals can thrive and make a difference in their communities.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Daisy enjoys serving at her church, spending quality time with her sister, soaking up the sun at the beach, and volunteering for causes close to her heart. She is a firm believer in the power of education and communication to drive positive change, and she looks forward to continuing her journey of service and impact.

Gerardo Duran, 2024 Student Affairs Graduate Assistant

Gerardo is a first-generation college graduate from Concordia University-Irvine. He obtained his Business Administration Degree with an emphasis in Management & Marketing in May 2022. Gerardo is also part of Delta Sigma Pi, a national Professional Business Fraternity. In his current role, he is the Graduate Assistant of the department of Student Affairs at Concordia, and is also working to obtain his Master's in Business Administration.

About Concordia University Irvine

Hispanic Leadership Conference