As a part of its efforts to encourage the next generation, the Center for Church Music offers two biennial awards open to students in any Lutheran college, university or seminary in the U. S. and Canada.

Purposed to cultivate interest in the music and the visual art of the Church, these competitions are carefully juried, not only selecting a winner but also offering individual critique and direction for these budding composers and artists.

Each award brings a $1,000 cash prize and public presentation and recognition of the student’s work.

William Wolfram Student Award in Liturgical Art

The Center for Church Music invites applications for the William Wolfram Student Award in Liturgical Art. Offered biennially beginning in 2022, the award’s name honors William Wolfram, Professor Emeritus of Art at Concordia University Nebraska, whose artwork graces church sanctuaries throughout the United States, for his distinguished service in the Church.

2026 Award Winners

The Center for Church Music is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 William Wolfram Student Award in Liturgical Art. This year's competition attracted submissions from 11 eligible students representing five colleges and universities. After careful deliberation, the panel of jurors selected two winners, recognizing exceptional artistic achievement and commitment to creating works that enrich Christian worship.

2026 William Wolfram Student Award in Liturgical Art Winners

Norah Kratz
Simul Justus et Peccator
Oil paint, gold leaf, and beading on panel (44" × 30")

Hunter F. Remington
At the Lamb's High Feast
Stole created with polyester plain weave, cotton, linen, and thread

Both recipients will receive a certificate and a $1,000 monetary award during the banquet at Concordia University Chicago's 2026 Lectures in Church Music. Their winning works will also be exhibited during the conference.

Richard Hillert Award in Student Composition

The Center for Church Music, in partnership with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, wishes to honor the legacy of Concordia University Chicago distinguished professor of music Dr. Richard Hillert.

2026 Richard Hillert Award Winners Announced

The Center for Church Music, in partnership with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM), is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Richard Hillert Award in Student Composition.

Established to honor the legacy of Concordia University Chicago's distinguished professor of music Dr. Richard Hillert, the biennial award recognizes outstanding student composers at Lutheran colleges, universities, and seminaries. The recipient receives a $1,000 cash prize, presented at the ALCM Biennial Conference, where the winning composition may also be performed. The Center also provides a $500 travel stipend for the winning composer to attend the conference.

2026 Award Winners (Tie)

Soren Ficklin
What Wondrous Love Is This
SATB choir and piano

Zachary Heiss
Built on the Rock
Toccata for organ

Previous Winners

  • 2018 – Austin Theriot, Psalm 8
  • 2018 – David Gilson, Isaiah 12
  • 2020 – Owen Duncan, I Am Still Seeking You
  • 2020 – Thomas Johnson, Closet Prayer
  • 2022 – Bethany Zeckzer, An Evening Prayer
  • 2024 – Katrina Jurica, O Antiphons (SA/SSA choir and congregation)
  • 2024 – Grace Marshall, Holy Sonnet XIII (John Donne text for soloist or unison choir and piano)

Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients for their outstanding contributions to sacred music composition.

The 2026 Richard Hillert Award competition has concluded. Information about the next competition cycle will be announced when available.