Freedom To Explore Campaign | Concordia University Irvine

Anthony R. ’22

Anthony grew up in Orange County and takes pride in his faith. He enjoys working out and being there for others whenever they need something. Anthony enjoys all of the campus events and loves that he can always see a friendly face on campus. He is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity. Anthony has made lifelong friends on campus and even stays in touch with folks who have already graduated.

“I have learned from the faculty what it means to serve God in every stage of my life. Whether it be through my job, family, friends, or any business for that matter. God is at the center of each of my tasks.”

Kelli C., M.A. ’22

Kelli is from Orange County and worked in corporate marketing for years but never felt satisfied in her career. She made a career shift in 2020, deciding to go back to her roots in psychology (B.A. in Psychology from California State University Long Beach) and pursue a counseling degree at the Townsend Institute in her 40s. She says it was the best decision ever! She is a mother of three children, ages 25, 18, and 3. Kelli shares her "class of 2022" status with her 18-year-old son, who just graduated from high school. She and her husband enjoy taking their toddler to the beach, spending time with extended family, and wrangling their four dogs. She is also a published author!

“When I researched graduate counseling programs, I was looking for an online program that was reasonably priced, reputable, and had a spiritual foundation. Concordia exceeded my expectations.”

Hyung K. ’18

Hyung retired from the army and was looking for his next career. He knew he still wanted to help people and that some kind of medical career was for him. He loved that Concordia had an accelerated BSN program and, after talking to the Admissions Director, he knew it was the school for him. Kim says it was a rigorous program, but he is thankful that his professors not only taught the skills learned by the books but also had real-world experiences that couldn’t come out of a textbook. Kim has a 5-year-old daughter and a 19-month-old, so free time is hard to find, but when he and his wife do find time, they like to spend their time at their local church helping out. He also works with Concordia’s SSG Matthew Thompson Veterans Resource Center and started his doctorate in nurse anesthesia.

“Concordia is more than a private higher educational institute. It is where one can build his/her life on a solid foundation in Christ, which is priceless and a blessing.”

Sammy P. ’23

Sammy is super outgoing and loves to meet new people. “Working at Abbey West as a greeter at chapel helps with that,” she said. Sammy is a transfer student and this is her first year attending Concordia as a junior. Before she came to Concordia, Sammy went to Santiago Canyon College for her freshman and sophomore year. At SCC, she was in Associated Student Government as Director of Marketing and Senator and also was a part of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She felt like the new kid when she first started, but she says the only way to get past that is by putting yourself out there, which she loves to do!

“Concordia has prepared me for my various callings in life by always making sure I trust God in everything that I do because I know He will be there for me no matter what I want to do with my life.”

Mia Y., M.A. ’22

Before the pandemic, Mia didn’t really see herself as a school leader. She was happy teaching her students and felt like she could be just fine to carry out that career path until retirement. But during the pandemic, she and a colleague created a Facebook group called Distance Learning Educators to help facilitate the sharing of resources for teachers who were teaching online for the first time. The group took off and grew to 25,000 educators. It helped Mia realize her potential as a leader and as a resource. A friend told her about Concordia’s School of Education and she immediately enrolled to earn her master's and administrative credential.

“Now that I have a master’s degree and an administrative credential I have more opportunities to grow as a leader.”

Veronica P. ’25

Veronica is from Southern California and commuted to campus for her freshman year classes. She feels at home with Concordia and loves all the ways she gets to interact with the community, even though she doesn’t live on campus. She stays involved on campus being a part of the Theatre Department and loves attending sporting events and cheering on her friends. Veronica loves spending time on Concordia’s beautiful campus and how friendly everyone is.

“Concordia has helped me to grow in faith and as a student. I've learned so much here, and have been challenged to grow and become a better person.”

Priyanka P., M.A. ’22

Priyanka lives near Concordia but studied online. She did her research and chose Concordia’s MAED in School Counseling due to the flexibility of the university. She loved the online experience and how accessible the professors were. Priyanka never felt alone with the friendly online like-minded classmates who now feel like family. She feels Concordia really helped her find her calling and plans to take that with her and hopes to pass that along to her future students.

“Concordia’s community is unique due to its diversity in education, students, and campus location. The campus is filled with friendly staff and students that are always available to help.”

Samuel H. ’25

Sam was very familiar with the Concordia campus even before he started his undergraduate studies here — his father has been a music professor at Concordia for almost Sam’s entire life. Originally involved with track at Concordia, an old injury has since sidelined his athletics, but that did not keep Sam from being involved around campus. Sam is co-leader of Athlete Bible Study and a part of the Ultimate Frisbee Club. He will also be serving as the Men’s Ministry coordinator with Abbey West, the campus ministry, next year. Once graduated, Sam wants to go to seminary and become a pastor to devote his life to teaching others about Christ and his sacrifice for us, spreading the Gospel wherever he can.

“The opportunity that I have had to teach my fellow students about Jesus is the biggest way that I have grown in my faith. Every day, I am in a fellowship of believers that supports me in many ways.”

Amanda N. ’15

Amanda found out about Concordia on an AVID field trip with her high school. She immediately fell in love with the university and committed to coming here as a first-generation student. Amanda’s involvement in student leadership inspired her to work in higher education. Now she has her dream job in Student Affairs and gets to teach leadership development here at Concordia. She also gets to supervise two leadership teams that she served on as an undergraduate student. Talk about full circle!

“My experience at Concordia helped me grow as a servant leader and fulfill my mission to inspire and influence others. It truly changed my way of thinking.”

Keryn C. ’25

Keryn stays very involved on campus at Concordia. She is a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative and will become the Vice President and Diversity Coordinator for the program next year. Ryn also runs cross country and is on the track and field team. When she is not staying busy, you can find her reading or hanging out with her friends at the local beaches. Ryn loves the strong sense of community at Concordia and how easy it was for her to form relationships with not only other students, but professors as well.

“Concordia has ensured that I am receiving a credible and reliable education. I feel as though every day I leave my classrooms more knowledgeable than I was when I first entered.”

Jonathan H. ’04

Jonathan grew up in Southern California and fairly close to Concordia. He wanted a Christian university but wanted a different experience outside of California. He ended up going to Preview Day at Concordia and instantly fell in love with the campus. Jonathan was amazed at just how friendly everyone was as he toured the school and knew that’s where God wanted him to be. Jonathan jumped at the opportunity to work for Concordia when he found out a position was available and loves what he does. When he’s not getting to talk to others about Concordia, he enjoys going on trips with his family and taking his three kids to their sporting events.

“Concordia has such a caring, loving community while providing top-quality education from professors who are incredibly intelligent and respected in their fields.”

Samantha F. ’23

After graduating high school, Samantha thought she wanted that big college atmosphere. She soon realized that it wasn’t for her and decided to transfer to Concordia. Samantha grew up in Southern California and had always known about Concordia, so she was excited about the opportunity to continue her education there. She is a part of the women’s basketball team and attends the Athlete Bible Study group regularly. Samantha loves the tight-knit community of Concordia and has made connections that she already knows will last well after graduation. She is eager to become an elementary school teacher and wants to pursue her master’s.

“I can’t wait to become an elementary school teacher, and Concordia is getting me one step closer to that dream.”

Mark M. ’94

Mark has some amazing stories about his time at Concordia, one of which is that he met and married his wife, Heather, while they were both students in the early ’90s! His older sister also attended Concordia, and one of his sons graduated this year as well. Needless to say, his family has a strong passion for everything Concordia. Mark works as a pastor now,serves on the Alumni Board of Directors at Concordia, and frequently speaks at Chapel.

“Concordia is a small Christian community where the faculty and staff care about the students and build meaningful relationships with them.”

Greg G., M.A. ’22

Greg is in his 23rd year of teaching and, because of the pandemic, is no stranger to online learning, but this was his first time being on the other side of the computer being taught online. The M.A. in Education program has helped Greg look deeper into his profession and practice to better understand how to teach children and support a school community. Through his studies at Concordia, Greg has a fuller understanding of education, and if anything, he wishes to learn more.

“Even being an online student, everyone is very interested in supporting student success and achievement.”

Delainie D. ’24

Delainie first saw Concordia’s beautiful campus coming to cheer on her older brother who plays baseball for Concordia and quickly got the feeling of “home.” She stays busy on campus and currently is the Social Media Manager and Graphic Designer for the Sports Business Club here on campus and also holds an internship position in the Marketing Department as the Social Media Intern. Concordia has given her various opportunities to meet and connect with individuals in her desired career field and have helped Delainie truly understand what it is that she wants to do as a career, as well as what kind of person she wants to be in the world.

“My courses and internship give me a taste of what my career could potentially look like, and it directs me toward the different possibilities that I could achieve.”

Jessica J. ’19

Jessica was very invested in student leadership and life during her time at Concordia. She developed a relationship with God through her understanding of His work through various subjects and disciplines and in relationships with other believers on campus. Jessica started attending a local college ministry, led a Bible study on campus, and ended up serving as student body president on ASCUI her senior year. After a move to Texas to pursue her master’s in higher education, she returned to Concordia in August 2021 and now oversees the orientation experience and Peer Advising Leaders. She also teaches a course at Concordia!

“The people who work here are relentless in their pursuit of student success.”

Isaiah D. ’25

Isaiah was fairly familiar with Concordia before he started his undergraduate studies here; both of his parents are alumni and his mother is a professor at Concordia. He originally wanted to go out of state for college to experience something new, but like so many others, when he visited the campus and talked to some of the professors, he knew Concordia was where he wanted to be. Isaiah is also part of the cross country and track and field team which has helped him meet others and stay involved on campus with the Athlete Bible Study group. Isaiah plans to go into ministry full time and wants to serve as a Director of Christian Education in the LCMS.

“Concordia is exposing me to what my vocation is and the various vocations I have in my life.”

Emma M. ’23

Emma fell in love with Concordia when she toured the college. She says everyone was so friendly and loved the campus, so knew that's where she wanted to be. Emma stays involved on campus and has also started a thrift club called Eagle Exchange that students can donate to when they go back home for summer break. CUI Active has been helping her get to know more people on campus.

“Concordia is preparing me for my various callings in life through professors who connect with me and challenge me and an internship that has given me great career advice and experience.”

Megan S., Ed.D. ’24

Megan is busy, to say the least. She is a research assistant for the Servant Leadership Institute, earning her doctoral degree, AND a mother of 11-year-old triplets! She loves her Concordia cohort and frequently stays in touch with them throughout the program. She says the flexibility of the online program really helps her in her busy life. Megan and her daughters take karate together, and they will be eligible to test for their black belts in early 2023!

“The culture is so open and welcoming. You know you’re home and always pushed to grow.”

Peter A., M.A. ’10

Growing up in Irvine, California, Peter Abe graduated from Irvine High School before earning his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton in 2005. Currently holding a Physical Education Teaching Credential, Peter also completed his Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration in 2010 at Concordia University Irvine. Peter has spent his career teaching physical education, video productions, and study skills, while coaching football and track & field at every level of high school and the youth level in either Head and/or Assistant Coach positions. After teaching and coaching at Irvine High, South Lake Middle, and Villa Park High School, Peter transitioned into a role as a member of the inaugural Leadership/Planning Team that worked to open Portola High School in 2016, where he currently serves as the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach.

“Concordia not only helped mold me into the coach and educator I am today, but one that also inspired me to look deeper into my own beliefs and practices as a leader.”

Dr. Espinosa

Assistant Professor and Director of Engineering Dr. Espinosa joined Concordia University Irvine in 2021 to launch the engineering program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in applied physics from Yale University and then completed M.S. and Ph.D. programs in biomedical engineering at Saint Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis, respectively. Dr. Espinosa’s postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California – Irvine was focused on the biomechanics and tissue engineering of cartilage, and she hopes to continue this work with Concordia students. Outside of the classroom and the lab, Dr. Espinosa can be found chasing after her three children. She and her husband – a local Lutheran pastor – were married in 2008 and have called many places all over the country “home.” The Espinosas are now happily putting down roots in Southern California!

“The community at Concordia University Irvine feels close… like a family. We all know families have ups and downs together, but even as we push each other, we’re also there to catch each other.”

Dr. Kenney

Dr. Kenney has served as a college professor for 41 years. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry with high distinction from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Utah. He did postdoctoral research in the Chemical Physics Program at Washington State University. He served as a Physical Chemistry professor at Eastern New Mexico University for 20 years and Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Physics at Concordia University Irvine for 21 years. While at Eastern, Dr. Kenney did spectroscopic research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Rocket Propulsion Laboratory at Edwards AFB, CA. He has served as Director of the Chemical Physics Laboratory at Eastern and at Concordia. Dr. Kenney is known for his off-scale energy and enthusiasm in the classroom and also in the research laboratory. He is known in the scientific community for his track record in inspiring and motivating students to excel.

“At Concordia, opportunities abound. There is no limit to how far you can go and how high you can reach. The collective achievements of Concordia alums are nothing short of amazing.”

Rev. Dr. Mueller

Rev. Dr. Mueller is the Vice President and Chief Mission Officer of Concordia University Irvine. He also oversees campus ministry, church relations, and human resources. Rev. Dr. Mueller has served at Concordia for 27 years, including as Dean of Christ College. He is an alumnus of Concordia University Irvine, graduating in 1986.

Rev. Anderson

Rev. Anderson is Lead Pastor and Assistant Vice President of Spiritual Life and Development at Concordia University Irvine. He is also a Concordia alumnus.

Coach Turgeon

Head Baseball Coach Turgeon is starting his 15th year at Concordia — his eighth year as Head Coach. During his career, he guided the Baseball program into Concordia’s NCAA Division II transition. He previously served as the Assistant Baseball Coach and was part of Concordia’s NAIA National Championship Team in 2011. Before Concordia, he spent two years on staff at California State Fullerton Baseball.

“Concordia guides each and every student with their walk with our Lord. Concordia will teach you to do what is right for those around you above and beyond yourself. Students walk out of Concordia with a heart to serve, guide, and lead in all endeavors.”

Coach Kawano

Coach Kawano is the temporary compliance assistant and serves on the Concordia Softball coaching staff. A graduate and former All-PacWest shortstop at Hawai'i Hilo, Coach Kawano worked primarily with the Concordia infielders during her time with the softball team. As a player, she earned First Team All-PacWest honors in 2017 and was named to the All-PacWest Academic Team as a junior. At Hawai'i Hilo, Kawano earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in business administration. During her last semester of college, she received the NCAA Degree Completion Award and was a volunteer student assistant coach for the softball team. She earned a Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia in 2022.

Freedom to Explore
Your Future and Faith

Explore Our New Marketing Campaign

Meet the Cast

Anthony R. ’22

Kelli C., M.A. ’22

Hyung K. ’18

Sammy P. ’23

Mia Y., M.A. ’22

Veronica P. ’25

Priyanka P., M.A. ’22

Samuel H. ’25

Amanda N. ’15

Keryn C. ’25

Jonathan H. ’04

Samantha F. ’23

Greg G., M.A. ’22

Mark M. ’94

Delainie D. ’24

Jessica J. ’19

Isaiah D. ’25

Emma M. ’23

Megan S., Ed.D. ’24

Peter A., M.A. ’10

Dr. Espinosa

Dr. Kenney

Rev. Dr. Mueller

Rev. Anderson

Coach Turgeon

Coach Kawano

Explore Our New Brand

Join Our Community

Freedom to Explore Your Future and Faith

Explore Our New Marketing Campaign

Meet the Cast

Anthony R. ’22

Kelli C., M.A. ’22

Hyung K. ’18

Sammy P. ’23

Mia Y., M.A. ’22

Veronica P. ’25

Priyanka P., M.A. ’22

Samuel H. ’25

Amanda N. ’15

Keryn C. ’25

Jonathan H. ’04

Samantha F. ’23

Greg G., M.A. ’22

Mark M. ’94

Delainie D. ’24

Jessica J. ’19

Isaiah D. ’25

Emma M. ’23

Megan S., Ed.D. ’24

Peter A., M.A. ’10

Dr. Espinosa

Dr. Kenney

Rev. Dr. Mueller

Rev. Anderson

Coach Turgeon

Coach Kawano

Anthony R. ’22

Kelli C., M.A. ’22

Hyung K. ’18

Sammy P. ’23

Mia Y., M.A. ’22

Veronica P. ’25

Priyanka P., M.A. ’22

Samuel H. ’25

Amanda N. ’15

Keryn C. ’25

Jonathan H. ’04

Samantha F. ’23

Mark M. ’94

Greg G., M.A. ’22

Delainie D. ’24

Jessica J. ’19

Isaiah D. ’25

Emma M. ’23

Megan S., Ed.D. ’24

Peter A., M.A. ’10

Dr. Espinosa

Dr. Kenney

Rev. Dr. Mueller

Rev. Anderson

Coach Turgeon

Coach Kawano

Explore Our New Brand

Join Our Community

Freedom to Explore
Your Future and Faith