On the evening of Sept. 19, Concordia University Chicago hosted its 10th annual Maroon & Gold gala at the Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, Ill. Established in 2017, the signature fundraising event brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University to raise funds for student scholarships and recognize those who have made significant contributions to the University, the church, and their communities.  

This year's gala—which marked a decade of gratitude, fellowship, and generosity—encouraged attendees to look back on Concordia-Chicago's more than 160-year history of Christ-centered education. It also encouraged attendees to invest in the future of the University, its programs, and the next generation of students.  

“Tonight, we gather in joy to celebrate the spirit that defines Concordia University Chicago, a spirit rooted in the Christian faith, the individual, excellence, integrity, and service,” said University President Dr. Russell P. Dawn in his opening remarks. “These values are not just words. They are the heartbeat of our community and the light that guides our work.” 

With vocation as a central theme, attendees heard from students and alumni across multiple callings, including the Education, Pre-Seminary, Church Music, Computer Science, Business, and Nursing programs. 

“While there are a lot of good schools in the Chicagoland area, CUC was always my first choice,” said Adlemy Salinas, a junior in the Elementary Education program who’s also pursuing a minor in Spanish.  At the event, Salinas spoke about the impact scholarships have made on her life.  

A first-generation student and Illinois Golden Apple Scholar, Salinas shared: “The best part is that my siblings now see college as an option. The navigation process is tricky, but now I have first-hand experience.” 

Guests also heard from Ayesha Aijaz, a graduate student pursuing Health Care Management in the Master of Business Administration program at CUC.  

Aijaz, who will join the Doctor of Dental Surgery program at Indiana University School of Dentistry next year, said: “It’s a bittersweet feeling to be graduating from CUC. Part of my family is here now. I will always be proud to say I am a CUC graduate.”  

Throughout the night, scholarship funds were raised through a Whimsy, Wine & Dine pull, paddle raise, and a golden-ticket raffle for an all-expenses-paid New York City getaway for two. Guests also enjoyed food, drinks, and fellowship while celebrating three individuals who exemplify the University’s core values in their lives and vocations. 

Lois Stewart (BA ’83) was presented with the Distinguished Undergraduate Alumni Award for her contributions and commitment to the field of Lutheran education for over 43 years. A former teacher, coach, and principal, Stewart has served the Northern Illinois District as a school service coordinator and mission facilitator since 2018, supporting Lutheran schools, educators, churches, and commissioned workers.  

“This recognition is not mine alone. It reflects the encouragement, guidance, and support I have received from my family, mentors, friends, and colleagues,” said Stewart, reflecting on her time as a student. “My time at CUC provided more than just an education. It instilled in me the values of faith, service, integrity, and lifelong learning. Those lessons continue to guide me every day.” 

Jeff Schwarz was presented with the One Heart Award, which celebrates an individual who embodies CUC’s core values, excels in their vocation, and expands the University’s impact. Schwarz is general manager of Lutheran Public Radio and executive producer of “Issues, Etc.” He has devoted significant time to serving The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, most recently as a member of the CUC Board of Regents and on the school board of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Hamel, Ill. He also received the 2014 Miles Christi (Soldier of Christ) Award from the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.  

“Through the grace of God, CUC has come a long way in fulfilling [its] mission,” said Schwarz. “Let each and every one of us give our children, our grandchildren, and the children in our congregations the opportunity to attend a Lutheran university committed to truth, freedom, and vocation with Christ at the center.”  

Dr. Manfred Boos (BA ’70)—a former provost, chief academic officer, and acting president from 2003 to 2004—was presented with the Spiritus Christi Award for his outstanding and influential service to the Church. A distinguished professor emeritus of mathematics and computer science who served Concordia-Chicago for more than four decades, Boos’ commitment to the University continues in his current role as a laborer for Christ.  

“No matter what vocation students choose first or later in life, it’s my strong hope that these students will put service to Christ and others above service to themselves because of the education they received at Concordia-Chicago,” Boos said.  

In every discipline, Concordia-Chicago students are being formed for their vocations, with much of that made possible by the generosity of donors. Thanks to this year’s Maroon & Gold, which raised more than $180,000, even more students will be able to pursue an education that turns work into service-centered calling.  

“To live out one’s vocation is to participate in the ongoing work of Christ’s love. In this way, vocation is not self-fulfillment, but self-giving—a tangible expression of the Gospel lived out in daily life,” Dawn said. “At home and at the office, in the classroom or congregation, in hospitals or the research labs, God is working through our faith, transforming duty into devotion and service into praise.”  

Didn’t make it to this year’s event? It’s not too late to make a difference. Visit CUChicago.edu/support to give a gift today!