Commencement Awards

Commencement Awards are given at each commencement - December and May. These awards are voted on by the plenary faculty. To nominate someone please click here.

Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award

This award is to give recognition to an alumnus/alumna who has consistently demonstrated faithful stewardship of his/her talents and has rendered notable service to the church and to the University.

2023 Recipient: Ms. Harriet Pedersen

Christo ET Ecclesiae

This award is given to an individual(s) who has demonstrated a high and unusual interest in advancing Christian education, by using in a special way the talents with which the Lord has endowed him/her. This special interest may have been demonstrated in either of the following ways:

  • Service rendered to Christ and the Church at large by significant contributions in the academic area; e.g., scholarship, program development, leadership in education.
  • Consistent and unusual service in the whole area of Christian education, particularly at Concordia University Wisconsin, its students, and faculty.

2023 Recipient: Dr. Bill Hinz

Faculty Laureate

This award is an honor bestowed by the faculty on one of its own in recognition as the outstanding faculty member of the year. Overall consideration will be given to that faculty member who exemplifies Concordia as a way of life. One who has made an outstanding, general contribution and has brought distinction to the faculty and honor to the university. The candidate is a model of Christian life, excels in teaching, engages in scholarship, supports the co-curricular activities and community life of the campus, and/or is involved in church and community affairs. [Emphasis should be on current contributions; long-term service may be a factor, but should not be an overriding one.]

2023 Recipient: Dr. Ernest Stremski

CUW Master Educator Award for Secondary Education

This award recognizes the distinction, dedication, excellence and a love for learning in LCMS education to a secondary school educator. The recipient receives an award and stipend for his/her merits. The school at which the educator teaches also receives a stipend.

2022 Recipient: Mr. Todd Huebner

CUW Master Educator Award for Elementary Education

This award recognizes the distinction, dedication, excellence and a love for learning in LCMS education to an elementary school educator. The recipient receives an award and stipend for his/her merits. The school at which the educator teaches also receives a stipend.

2022 Recipient: Mr. Jeff Potter

Board of Regents Awards

These awards are voted on by the Board of Regents.

Christus in Mundo (Christ in the World) Award

The focus of the Christus in Mundo Award will be to honor individuals for exemplary Christian outreach or service. This award will neither challenge nor supplant the "Christo et Ecclesiae" Award, which is already in place and which honors people in the realm of Christian education. The Christus in Mundo Award will provide the university with the opportunity to honor people in a wider definition of Christian service. The qualifications for candidacy would include:

  • A respected servant in the Church, embodying the values of truth, goodness, beauty, and unity.
  • Have demonstrated outstanding service that has led to improving or uplifting the quality of life for people at the congregational level, a church-related ministry, or a wider ministry where they serve.
  • While Concordia University Wisconsin should look first to its own alumni to find candidates for this award, the candidate need not have any prior affiliation with the university.
2023 Recipient: Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss
Lux Mundo (Light of the World) Award

The focus of the Lux Mundo Award will be to honor individuals who have performed admirable community or humanitarian service. The qualifications for candidacy would include:

  • A respected servant leader in the community (in its broadest sense), embodying the values of truth, goodness, beauty, and unity.
  • Have demonstrated outstanding service that has led to improving or uplifting the quality of life for the people in the community where they serve.
  • While Concordia University Wisconsin should look first to its own alumni to find candidates for this award, the candidate need not have any prior affiliation with the university.
Regents Award

This award is given as an expression of appreciation to an individual(s) who has made exceptional financial contributions to the university, and who has distinguished him/herself in a particular field of endeavor.

Honorary Doctorates

Doctor of Divinity (D.D.)

The Doctor of Divinity degree (D.D.) is awarded to an individual who is a member of the clergy, and who has demonstrated significant contributions in the area of leadership or service to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

2019 Recipient: Rev. Dwayne M. Lueck

Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)

The Doctor of Laws degree (LL.D.) is awarded to an individual who has rendered invaluable service to Concordia, the church, the community, the state, or the nation, and comes from the ranks of business, religious, service, or political communities.

Doctor of Letters (Litt.D.)

The Doctor of Letters degree (Litt.D.) is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated significant contributions in the arts and sciences. These contributions may be in the areas of teaching, research, or publication.