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Eight days of events in Mequon and Ann Arbor to mark the inauguration of
Erik P. Ankerberg, Ph.D.
President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor
Inauguration Ceremony
Friday, September 29, 2:00pm (CST)
R. John Buuck Field House
Those who are not able to attend in person, the inauguration ceremony will be livestreamed here.
Looking Back, Looking Forward, Hearts Together
For generations in both Mequon and Ann Arbor, thousands upon thousands of students have learned of God’s love in Christ and have been equipped in mind, body, and spirit to serve Christ in the church and in the world.
The theme for Dr. Ankerberg’s inauguration week celebration, “Looking Back, Looking Forward, Hearts Together,” invites our CUWAA community to look back with thanksgiving for God’s gracious providence, but also to look forward with confidence, knowing that the work that God has begun among us at CUWAA will, with His help, continue for generations to come.
Schedule of events
All events are free to attend. No registration is needed, unless otherwise specified. Livestreamed events will be accessible here.
Monday, September 25
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. David Juhl, Pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Wisconsin
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium or via livestream
- Speaker: Dr. William Cario, Special Assistant to the President
- Noon Poetry Contest Readings, Albrecht Lounge
- Poetry contest winners will be announced. Hear the winners read their works.
Tuesday, September 26
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Michael Henrichs, Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and member of the CUWAA Board of Regents
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium via livestream
- Speaker: Rev. Dr. Scott Bruzek, Senior Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois
- 4:00 p.m. Lawn Games & Wiffleball Tournament (Students vs. Faculty/Staff), Chapel Courtyard
- Sponsored by Chick-fil-A, Glendale
Wednesday, September 27
- All Day Ankerberg Favorites Day
- Represent Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite sports teams. Wear your Bucks, Brewers, Bears, Concordia gear or Concordia colors
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. John Berg, Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium or via livestream
- Speaker: Paul Burmeister, Assistant Dean of Advising and Professor of Art at Wisconsin Lutheran College
- 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Ankerberg's Favorite Community Non-profit, Rinker Lobby
- Support Tailwaggers 911 Dog Rescue in Saukville. Sign up to volunteer, donate and visit rescue dogs.
- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ankerberg’s Food Favorites, Siebert Dining Hall
- Enjoy Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite foods in the cafeteria
- 7:00 p.m. Ankerberg’s Favorite Flick, Regents Courtyard (rain location: Albrecht Lounge)
- Enjoy a showing of The Natural with popcorn
Thursday, September 28
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mark Nuckols, Pastor at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Greenfield, Wisconsin
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium or via livestream
- Panelists: Dr. David Andersen, President and Co-founder of Synoptix Software and member CUWAA Board of Regents; Dr. Erik Ankerberg, President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor; Dr. Adam Francisco, Director of Academics and scholar in residence at 1517
- 12:15 p.m. 80s Kahoot-style Trivia, Siebert Dining Hall
- How well do you know Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite decade? Play to win prizes!
- 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium or via livestream
- Keynote: Dr. Peter (Pano) Kanelos, Founding President of the University of Austin
Friday, September 29
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Dr. Patrick Bayens, Professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago
- 10:00 a.m. Pastries with the President, Chapel Hallway
- Enjoy some of Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite treats after chapel
- 2:00 p.m. Inauguration Service, R. John Buuck Field House, Concordia University Wisconsin campus or via livestream
- Speaker: Dr. John Kolander, Provost of Wisconsin Lutheran College
- 6:00 pm-Midnight Hearts Together Gala, Hilton Milwaukee City Center
- RSVP required. Reservation information coming soon.
Monday, October 2
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Dr. Richard Ray, Provost and Professor of Kinesiology, emeritus, at Hope College
Tuesday, October 3
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Dr. Mark Looker, Professor Emeritus of English at Concordia University Ann Arbor
Monday, September 25
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. David Juhl, Pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Wisconsin
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium or via livestream
- Speaker: Dr. William Cario, Special Assistant to the President
Tuesday, September 26
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Michael Henrichs, Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and member of the CUWAA Board of Regents
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium via livestream
- Speaker: Rev. Dr. Scott Bruzek, Senior Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois
Wednesday, September 27
- All Day Ankerberg Favorites Day
- Represent Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite sports teams. Wear your Bucks, Brewers, Bears, Concordia gear or Concordia colors
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. John Berg, Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium or via livestream
- Speaker: Paul Burmeister, Assistant Dean of Advising and Professor of Art at Wisconsin Lutheran College
Thursday, September 28
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mark Nuckols, Pastor at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Greenfield, Wisconsin
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium or via livestream
- Panelists: Dr. David Andersen, President and Co-founder of Synoptix Software and member CUWAA Board of Regents; Dr. Erik Ankerberg, President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor; Dr. Adam Francisco, Director of Academics and scholar in residence at 1517
- 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Todd Wehr Auditorium or via livestream
- Keynote: Dr. Peter (Pano) Kanelos, Founding President of the University of Austin
Friday, September 29
- 9:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of Christ Triumphant or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Dr. Patrick Bayens, Professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago
- 2:00 p.m. Inauguration Service, R. John Buuck Field House, Concordia University Wisconsin campus or via livestream
- Speaker: Dr. John Kolander, Provost of Wisconsin Lutheran College
Monday, October 2
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Dr. Richard Ray, Provost and Professor of Kinesiology, emeritus, at Hope College
Tuesday, October 3
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Dr. Mark Looker, Professor Emeritus of English at Concordia University Ann Arbor
Monday, September 25
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. David Juhl, Pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Wisconsin
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Dr. William Cario, Special Assistant to the President
Tuesday, September 26
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Michael Henrichs, Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and member of the CUWAA Board of Regents
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Rev. Dr. Scott Bruzek, Senior Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois
Wednesday, September 27
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. John Berg, Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Paul Burmeister, Assistant Dean of Advising and Professor of Art at Wisconsin Lutheran College
Thursday, September 28
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mark Nuckols, Pastor at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Greenfield, Wisconsin
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Panelists: Dr. David Andersen, President and Co-founder of Synoptix Software and member CUWAA Board of Regents; Dr. Erik Ankerberg, President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor; Dr. Adam Francisco, Director of Academics and scholar in residence at 1517
- 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Keynote: Dr. Peter (Pano) Kanelos, Founding President of the University of Austin
Friday, September 29
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Dr. Patrick Bayens, Professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago
- 3:00 p.m. Inauguration Service, Livestream
- Speaker: Dr. John Kolander, Provost of Wisconsin Lutheran College
Sunday, October 1
- TBD Hearts Together Dinner, DoubleTree Hotel (Ann Arbor North)
- By invite only. RSVP information coming soon.
Monday, October 2
- 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Pastries with the President, North Building
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. David Fleming, Executive Director for Spiritual Care of Doxology, Associate Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and member of the CUWAA Board of Regents
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Speaker: Dr. Richard Ray, Provost and Professor of Kinesiology, emeritus, at Hope College
- 12:15 p.m. 80s Kahoot-style Trivia, Cafe
- How well do you know Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite decade? Play to win prizes!
- 3:00 p.m. Wiffleball Tournament (Students vs. Faculty/Staff), East-side field (behind Krieger)
Tuesday, October 3
- All Day Ankerberg Favorites Day
- Represent Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite sports teams. Wear your Chicago Bears or Concordia Cardinals colors or gear.
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Rodney Zwonitzer, LCMS Pastor Emeritus
- 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Ankerberg Favorites, Cafeteria
- Enjoy Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite foods for lunch
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Speaker: Dr. Mark Looker, Professor Emeritus of English at Concordia University Ann Arbor
Monday, September 25
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. David Juhl, Pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Wisconsin
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Dr. William Cario, Special Assistant to the President
Tuesday, September 26
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Michael Henrichs, Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and member of the CUWAA Board of Regents
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Rev. Dr. Scott Bruzek, Senior Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois
Wednesday, September 27
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. John Berg, Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Speaker: Paul Burmeister, Assistant Dean of Advising and Professor of Art at Wisconsin Lutheran College
Thursday, September 28
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mark Nuckols, Pastor at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Greenfield, Wisconsin
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Panelists: Dr. David Andersen, President and Co-founder of Synoptix Software and member CUWAA Board of Regents; Dr. Erik Ankerberg, President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor; Dr. Adam Francisco, Director of Academics and scholar in residence at 1517
- 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Inauguration Speaker Series, Livestream
- Keynote: Dr. Peter (Pano) Kanelos, Founding President of the University of Austin
Friday, September 29
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Dr. Patrick Bayens, Professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago
- 3:00 p.m. Inauguration Service, Livestream
- Speaker: Dr. John Kolander, Provost of Wisconsin Lutheran College
Monday, October 2
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. David Fleming, Executive Director for Spiritual Care of Doxology, Associate Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and member of the CUWAA Board of Regents
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Speaker: Dr. Richard Ray, Provost and Professor of Kinesiology, emeritus, at Hope College
Tuesday, October 3
- All Day Ankerberg Favorites Day
- Represent Dr. Ankerberg’s favorite sports teams. Wear your Chicago Bears or Concordia Cardinals colors or gear
- 10:30 a.m. Chapel, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Preacher: Rev. Rodney Zwonitzer, LCMS Pastor Emeritus
- 11:00 a.m.-Noon Inauguration Speaker Series, Chapel of the Holy Trinity or via livestream
- Speaker: Dr. Mark Looker, Professor Emeritus of English at Concordia University Ann Arbor
Poetry Contest
CUWAA students, you are invited to try your hand at a turn of phrase as part of the presidential inauguration celebrations. A professor of English, President Ankerberg is a lover of poetry and invites you to submit your own work for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to the CUW bookstore or Cardinal Closet. Poems should highlight the theme of “mind, body, spirit.” Click here to submit your original poem by September 16, 2023.
Gifts to Commemorate Dr. Ankerberg
In honor of Dr. Ankerberg’s Presidential Inauguration, please make a gift to Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor to support either our students through scholarship aid or to support the University’s greatest need, the Concordia Fund. Gifts of any size are appreciated and do make a difference!
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