A gracious and grateful group of approximately 170 alumni, spouses, widows, and guests attended the Concordia Seminary Alumni Reunion, held June 8-10 on the Seminary campus. This year’s reunion included graduating classes from years ending in a “5” or “0.”

This year’s theme was: “The Way We Were . . . Are . . . And Will Be: Under God’s Grace.” Under this theme those attending had many opportunities to celebrate and thank God for His blessing upon their past, present, and future years of service in His church.

The Reunion began with Evening Prayer in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. The Rev. Scott Sailer (1985) delivered the homily. A cookout (with members of the CSL faculty) followed, accompanied by a carillon concert.

On June 9, Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer and his wife, Diane, provided a Seminary update, sharing with the group the many blessings, challenges, and opportunities experienced in and through the ministry of Concordia Seminary. Many were interested to hear of the efforts being made to use some of our land to grow food (for the CSL family and the community), including the creation of a community garden area. Following the morning chapel service with students, Dr. James Voelz (dean of the faculty) gave a presentation on the past and present study of biblical hermeneutics. During a luncheon in Koburg Hall, Dr. Timothy Saleska (director of the M.Div. and Alternate Route programs) gave a presentation on the current work of curriculum planning, which included information gathered from students, alumni, congregations, and district presidents that is an important part of the planning process.

Dr. William Utech (class of 1985, associate professor of practical theology, and director of resident field education) served as preacher at the Jubilarian Service. Thirty-six members of the class of 1960 were present for their 50th graduation anniversary.

Reunion activities culminated on the evening of June 9 with a reception sponsored by the Concordia Historical Institute and a banquet held in Koburg Dining Hall. The featured speakers at the banquet were Drs. Gerhard Bode (1995) and Erik Herrmann (2000), faculty members in the historical theology department, who provided a presentation on “The Way We Were,” which included a movie clip of the Seminary’s dedication service. At the banquet, Rev. John Beiderwieden and Richard Bock (class of 1940) were honored with the Erwin T. Koch Award, an award given to the oldest reunion attendees.

Bus tours to the Missouri Botanical Garden, and to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center and Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM), took place the morning of June 10. At the International Center, guests were greeted by President Kieschnick and the vice presidents of the LCMS. At Lutheran Hour Ministries, guests were able to attend the chapel service with LHM staff members, hearing a homily from Dr. Ray Mirly (president of the Missouri District), and witnessing the installation of Rev. Mark Larson as director of U.S. ministries.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting alumni relations at 314-505-7370 or alumni@csl.edu.