Irvine, Calif., May 15, 2026 – Concordia University Irvine was saddened to learn that the Rev. Dr. Robert Holst has been called to glory.
Dr. Holst was one of the founding five professors who courageously followed God’s call to start Christ College Irvine. From 1976 to 1991, he served faithfully as Professor of Languages and Biblical Literature. His previous service included serving as a missionary to Papua New Guinea. Dr. Holst was a gifted scholar and teacher, instilling a love of the biblical languages in many students. His passion for the Great Commission shone throughout his work both in the classroom and in leading students to engage in God’s mission in Mexico.
Dr. Holst left Concordia University Irvine in 1991 to become the eighth president of Concordia University, St. Paul, where he served faithfully and effectively until his retirement in 2011.
His funeral is taking place at Concordia St. Paul this Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Graebner Memorial Chapel at 11 am. The funeral will be livestreamed.
As we pray for Dr. Holst’s family and all who mourn, we do so in confident hope, knowing he is in the presence of his Savior. “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
About Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine, part of the Concordia University System, is a private, nonprofit Christian university that is proud to be one of the founding institutions of higher education in Irvine, California. For nearly 50 years, we have developed “wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens” through distinctive Lutheran education. Today, we educate nearly 5,000 students on campus and online, and our alumni network has grown to over 25,000 worldwide. We’re recognized as a top-ranked university for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report and a fierce NCAA Division II PacWest competitor. Learn more at cui.edu.