@valpo95 I was shocked by those numbers of incoming students being Lutheran. However, I see this as a huge opportunity and makes so much sense to have someone dedicated to re-engaging the Lutheran community. I recall that Incoming classes in the early 80’s were between 800 and 900 students. Let say, 800 and half were Lutheran, so about 400 were non-Lutheran. In 2025, we had almost 600 incoming students that weren’t Lutheran. So, maintaining that group, plus reconnecting with Lutheran community is an excellent strategy. It seems that with correct focus, we should be able to attract a couple 100 Lutheran students each year and thus quickly bolster our enrollment.
Regarding a community and its association or animosity with a university, this situation is not unique. A long while back, many Evanstonians wanted little to do with Northwestern.
I am not Lutheran, but getting back to Lutheran roots is a good strategy for Valpo. However, and Konkol appears very aware and smart about this, the stances or differences in Lutheran affiliations should not prevent us in the success of the university.