Concordia University Irvine Alumni

✨ WOW Week 1981 ✨

Week of Welcome has always been about more than just the start of a school year. It’s where friendships are formed, traditions take root, and a new chapter begins.

From orientation games and faculty-student softball to registration, worship, and dances, WOW Week welcomed students into a community that would shape their lives for years to come.

Do you remember your WOW Week at ? Share your memories below. 💛🦅

1981 • Steven Leinhos

When Steven Leinhos arrived at in 1979, he found opportunities to grow in faith, leadership, and service that would help shape the rest of his life. It was also where he met his wife, making his time on campus even more meaningful.

As chairman of the Spiritual Life Committee, a member of the men’s basketball team, a work-study supervisor, and an active participant in student-led chapels and Bible studies, Steven embraced campus life and developed skills that would prepare him for ministry.

“The responsibilities and activities at CCI were invaluable in my serving and leadership skills development for becoming a pastor.”

After graduation in 1981, Steven attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, was ordained in 1985, and has faithfully served as a Lutheran pastor for more than 40 years.

Looking back, Steven treasures the friendships, faith, and community that continue to be blessings in his life.

“I have happy memories and still have many friendships among fellow students, faculty, and staff whom I treasure as blessings from God.”

CLASS OF 1980 — 50 Years of Friendship and Faith 💛

From classmates to lifelong friends.

What began as a small inaugural class has grown into something truly lasting — 50 years of friendship, faith, and shared memories.

Through every season of life, these bonds have remained strong, rooted in a shared purpose and deep connection to one another.

“I especially appreciated hearing how God has been working in their lives to share the gospel and Jesus’ love,” shared Cathy (Meyer) Leinhos ’80.

Here’s to 50 years of walking together — and to a legacy that continues to inspire future generations. 🦅

📸 Top row (left to right): Mark Brighton, Curtis Smith, Alan Rosnau, Linda Rosnau, and Rob Den Ouden.
Bottom row: Michelle Brighton, Bob Rossow, Kim Grewe, and Cathy Leinhos.

1980 • Robert Rossow

For Robert Rossow, attending was about much more than earning a degree. It was a time of spiritual growth, lifelong friendships, and discovering his calling.

“Academically, I grew thanks to the attentive faculty. Spiritually, the regular chapel attendance and integration of Christian theology into every discipline were transformative.”

As a member of ’s first graduating class in 1980, Robert majored in philosophy and prepared for seminary, following in the footsteps of his family’s legacy in ministry. He later returned to Concordia as an assistant professor, serving students for 15 years.

Concordia also became the place where Robert met his future wife, making his time on campus even more meaningful.

“It was a formative experience that I look back on fondly.”

As we celebrate 50 years, we are honored to share stories like Robert’s that reflect the faith, learning, and lifelong connections that have shaped from the very beginning.

This was the view that welcomed Concordia University Irvine’s first graduating class nearly 50 years ago.

One building, rolling hills, and a vision rooted in faith, learning, and community.

Today, generations of Golden Eagles continue to shape the story that began right here. 💛🦅

Save the dates!! 🎶 Our FREE Concerts on the Green series is back this July at Concordia University Irvine! Grab a blanket, bring some friends, and join us for summer nights on campus!

For 50 years, students have walked countless paths at Concordia University Irvine.

From classrooms to chapel, every journey has helped shape the story.

What part of your journey at Concordia University Irvine was meaningful to you? 💛

📸 Students making their way to Good Shepherd Chapel