Hannah Christian
IRVINE, Calif. (May 17, 2022)—Each year Concordia University Irvine presents The Outstanding Senior Award to one member of the graduating seniors. Hannah Christian, liberal studies major with an emphasis in Lutheran teaching, received this year’s award during the Academic Achievements and Awards Ceremony.
The honoree is nominated and chosen by vote of the faculty from a list of students who have demonstrated exceptional qualities in academic and personal achievement. The criteria for selection are exemplary Christian lifestyle, active involvement in activities of the student body, outstanding contributions to the university community, and an academic grade point average of at least 3.00.
“I have very little doubt that many professors on this campus, when Hannah was in the classroom, wished that she was majoring in their discipline or tried to persuade her to switch majors,” said Dr. Kerri Tom, School of Arts and Sciences Assistant Dean.
Christian came to Concordia as an out-of-state student with no major in mind and no idea of what she might be able to be involved with beyond choir and the honors program. However, during her time at Concordia, she became involved in several parts of campus life.
Christian spent four years as a member of Concordia Choir, serving as their Vice President and soprano section leader her senior year. She welcomed incoming first-year students as a Peer Advising Leader senior year and helped new students acclimate to Concordia. Christian also led a women’s small group Bible study for three years and worked as the volunteer coordinator for abbeywest her sophomore year. Finally, through the honors program, she competed in the President’s Academic Showcase, moderated at academic conferences, and participated in CUI Bono.
Christian notes these experiences have taught her leadership and teamwork, allowed her to work with exceptional people, and encouraged her to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.
“I was beyond shocked to have even been considered for the Outstanding Senior Award and am humbled that the faculty selected me for this honor out of so many exceptional students this year,” said Christian. “I have been unbelievably blessed by the students, staff, and faculty at Concordia and am grateful for the opportunities and relationships that I have gained here.”
Dr. Rebecca Stanton, School of Education professor, does not doubt that Christian will be outstanding in her profession. “She is a delightful person who exemplifies wise, honorable, and cultivated,” said Stanton.
As Christian looks ahead to student teaching in the fall, she is excited to work with students who bring their experiences, gifts, and challenges to one place to learn, just as she has done in the past four years.
“I am excited to put everything I have learned into practice and hope to receive a call to teach in a Lutheran elementary school once I have completed student teaching,” remarks Christian.
About Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine (CUI) is a non-profit Christian liberal arts university governed by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). 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. Nationally, its undergraduate core curriculum program, Enduring Questions & Ideas, has earned public recognition. Concordia is a U.S. News Top Tier Regional University and has been named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the fastest growing private nonprofit master's institutions. The only NCAA DII university in Orange County, Concordia enrolls about 4,000 students annually, and is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).