Concordia’s Vision 2025 initiative is long awaited, as it brings two major renovation and construction projects to the heart of campus. Its impact has been felt from the start of the 24-25 academic year, as students, staff and faculty accommodate the new expansive updates to athletic spaces and the beloved CU Center.

Students across disciplines and departments are adjusting to the differences in campus life due to Vision 2025, and have been reflecting on both the ups and downs of navigating construction on campus this year. 

“I like the new pathway they’ve made with the cement around the fences, and I like the way they decorated the fences so that it’s still representative of Concordia’s goals and structures with the ‘wise, honorable, and cultivated,’” said junior Annelise Jackson. She described the new version of Concordia’s Golden Eagle mascot, Marty, who wears a construction hat on many of the banners. “It’s still a way to liven up the campus in the midst of the disruption.”

Johnson did acknowledge that the construction can make navigating campus difficult, especially for new students. “The obstruction it creates through the center of the campus can make it more difficult to find classes,” Johnson said, “and navigate to places like the library or the Unity Center.”

Other students are curious to know what’s happening behind the fences and the progress that’s being made. “I do think campus has been handling the construction well,” said Maddie Durkin, senior. “However, I just wonder why there looks to be nothing done. I thought they had the whole summer and it looks the exact same as when I left.”

While some parts of campus are works in progress, students are enjoying the new campus features such as ice machines in the RES halls, a fire pit by the Library Annex and renovations at Good Shepherd Chapel. 

And there’s much to look forward to with Vision 2025, such as the Golden Eagles Fitness & Training Center. “I think the athletic center will be so exciting!” Jackson said. “It will be so nice to have the skybridge and the media tower. That will be really neat to be able to benefit the athletes when they use the new facility.”

Regarding the updates to the CU Center, Jackson was “disappointed” to know that the church pews will be replaced with built-in seats. However, the change will be significant, increasing the seating capacity from 500 to 800. “It will be good to be able to fit more people comfortably, especially for Friday chapel. And to make performances more accessible, as far as ticket sales go. I’m glad that we’re able to connect and cater to diverse interest groups on campus.”

The shift to Good Shepherd Chapel for worship services has been a common discussion point on campus, as everyone adjusts to the new location. “In terms of chapel and other worship services, I’m so delighted to be up there,” said Olivia Thoelke, junior. “It’s definitely a different feeling from the big auditorium type place that is the CUC. It’s nice to feel so close in worship and then to also experience God’s beautiful creation. The space is just more intentionally set to have the worshiper focus on God and what He’s doing there. I almost wish we could always do chapel in Good Shepherd even if it means that we have to set out chairs everyday (which I’ve been doing) but I have the privilege to get people connected to chapel life.”

“I also like the chapels being up on Good Shepherd,” said Jackson. “I was worried that it would be a barrier to people attending chapel, but so many people have been attending, and it’s been a great place for community building, as a nice safe haven and place away from classes to be able to worship.”

Thoelke did comment on the specific impact the change has had on her as a musician. “As an organist the lack of access to the CUC has been a bit of a hassle. I enjoy practicing organ and playing on the CUC organ was my favorite practice spot. I now have to be super intentional about getting up to Good Shepherd to practice. It will certainly be a test of self-control this semester.”

“[Overall] it’s made me realize that I am not the only puzzle piece in the picture. There are so many others and it’s beautiful to see it all work together!” said Thoelke. Concordia plans for Vision 2025 to be realized by the school’s 50th academic year in 25-26. To find out more about the initiative, contribute to the cause, and view images of the new designs, visit cui.edu/giving/vision-2025. 

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