Student Spotlight: Harrison Robbins ‘27
Theology major, biblical languages minor, pre-seminary
For Harrison, discerning the possibility of a call to ministry has been shaped by faith, family and a community that showed up at just the right moment.
He grew up deeply rooted in his home congregation, attending church with his family from a young age and staying active through youth group. Music was also part of his faith life. His dad led the church’s praise band, and Harrison played bass and drums, giving him another way to serve. Through those experiences, he spent more time in Scripture and began to love what he was learning.
For a while, ministry wasn’t the plan. Harrison once imagined becoming a pilot in the Air Force. During high school, however, his pastor saw something more and encouraged him to consider pastoral ministry. He invited Harrison to attend a pre-seminary conference at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. That experience became a turning point and helped confirm what others already saw in him.
When it came time to look at colleges, Harrison and his mom planned a road trip to visit several Concordia universities. Concordia University Chicago was not originally on their list. But since they were already nearby, they decided to stop.
That visit changed everything.
From the moment he stepped into the Chapel, Harrison felt something different. His tour guide shared that she was part of the Lutheran Teacher Education program and Wind Symphony, giving him a glimpse of the many ways students live out their callings and gifts on campus. During the visit, a music professor took time to meet him, and a campus pastor invited Harrison and his mom to lunch. What happened next made a lasting impression.
As they sat in the cafeteria, theology and pre-seminary students began stopping by, nearly 15 of them, gathering around the table to share their experiences. One of those students would later become one of Harrison’s closest friends. Seeing students who shared his love for Scripture and theology, and who genuinely cared about one another, made the choice clear.
When Harrison and his mom returned to the car, they both knew. This was the place.
Now a junior at CUC, Harrison says his experience has been better than he ever imagined. He speaks highly of his professors, the theology program and the way classroom learning connects with Chapel and daily life. His parents see the difference, too. Each visit confirms what they already feel, that Harrison is exactly where he needs to be.
Surrounded by a close-knit community that supports both faith and learning, Harrison continues exploring the possibility of his call with confidence, gratitude and a strong foundation for what comes next.