INSIDE THE ON CAMPUS SPORTS National Reviews MATTERS of CU Serves Day a Softball's Christina Koch The Oscars great success Concordia Kickoff leads the way 2020 the HEART NEWS pg 3 pg 4 pg 6 pg 7 pg 8 THE CONCORDIA INVESTIGATE.INFORM.IGNITE.INVOLVE. Volume 14, Issue 10 Concordia University Irvine February 14, 2020 Dr. Michael A. Thomas Music Department inaugurated as Concordia's presents Fifth President Valentine’s Staff Report Day Concert Dr. Michael A. Thomas was John Symank inaugurated February 7 as the Staff Writer fifth president of Concordia University Irvine in the CU Arena. Concordia’s Men’s Chorus and The inauguration ceremony was Donne di Canto, the all-women’s attended by students, faculty, staff, choir, will be performing in donors and community leaders “A Night for Valentine’s,” the as well as Thomas’ family and his Valentine’s Day concert hosted at parents. the CU Center on Sat., Feb. 15. The Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, regional director of the North The performance is a America Lutheran Hour unification of two normally Ministries and a friend and separate groups, who will be colleague of President Thomas, performing both individual gave the inaugural address. pieces for their choirs as well Music participants included The as other group numbers. Concordia Choir, Concordia Styles of music provide a vast Sinfonietta, Concordia Concert range of genres, from jazz to Handbells, Contemporary contemporary pop to traditional Worship Ensemble and high choral pieces to a Canadian folk school choirs from Crean song. Shawna Gardner, freshman, Pictured Above: President Dr. Michael A. Thomas during inaugural Lutheran, Lutheran High, speech. Photo courtesy of Dion Chung. talked about some of her favorite Orange Lutheran and Victory pieces that will be performed. Academy. Also in attendance by Concordia Professor of passion for higher education, enrollment and student life. Gardner said, “I love ‘The Song of were representatives from the Anthropology Dr. Jack M. Schulz, makes him the ideal person to lead Many students were in Ruth’ by David N. Childs, ‘Savory, Concordia University System, the sterling silver cross illustrates Concordia Irvine into the future,” attendance at this inauguration Sage, Rosemary and Thyme’ Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Christ at the center of all things he continued. including ASCUI treasurer Dion arranged by Donald Patriquin, the Pacific Southwest District, with a gold center. Prior to being named President, Chung. “Dr.Thomas is really and ‘A Thousand Years’ by David various Concordia Universities President Thomas concluded Dr. Michael Thomas served as energetic and is very student Hodges and Christina Perry.” and Biola University and Chapman his speech by saying, “It is the Executive Director of the centric. He really goes out of his The two groups are excited to University. Dignitaries included extremely humbling and a sacred Lutheran Institute for Theology way to eat lunch [with students] be working together for the first State Sen. John Moorlach, 37th or even meet students on campus," time since the fall choral concert. district; State Assemblyman Steven said Chung. Choi, 68th district; and Christina “It is extremely humbling and a sacred honor Isabelle Upchurch, ASCUI Godesulloh Bawa, senior, said, Shea, City of Irvine Mayor . to serve alongside all of you as the fifth President and choir member, read “It’s a fun time, especially because In his address, President scripture at the ceremony. “Being we get so used to singing and Thomas spoke about being President of Concordia University Irvine. able to sing in the choir and read rehearsing with just tenors and faithfully curious. He talked Thank you and may God continue to bless the scripture at the presidential basses. It’s great to hear our sound about maintaining a sense of inauguration was an honor and as one choir.” Two pieces which wonderment through life as our collective mission and this university I was extremely humbled to be a will not only infuse jazz style into students, as well as adults. “As which is dedicated to living out the Great part of such a monumental day the concert but also help unite a very new member of this in Concordia’s history. I think the choirs are “Shaboom” and community, I bring one distinct Commission of Christ Jesus!” Dr. Thomas is going to be a great “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley advantage: I see Concordia with addition to this University and S qu are .” new eyes. I can tell you without a I am so excited to see how he The concert will be taking honor to serve alongside all of you and Culture and a Professor of doubt that the love and care that will continue to grow and evolve place the day after Valentine’s as the fifth President of Concordia Religion at Concordia University you have for students and for one the students and mission of Day because the music that another is palpable.” said President University Irvine. Thank you Portland. At the Institute, Thomas Concordia,” said Upchurch. has been chosen for the Thomas, “Certainly there are and may God continue to bless was responsible for the academic Dr. Michael Thomas earned performance is largely romantic challenges and obstacles, but this our collective mission and this and administrative oversight of his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal or centers around themes of love. community knows collectively university which is dedicated to academic disciplines, campus Arts from Concordia University Additionally, many pieces also that we provide an exceptional, living out the Great Commission ministry and external church Portland before earning his highlight a focus on God and His holistic education for all students.” of Christ Jesus!” relations. Prior to this role, Master of Arts in International love for humanity. Some pieces, He also shared about growing “Dr. Thomas brings extensive Thomas served as Dean of the Studies from the University of up as a first-generation college higher education experience,” College of Arts and Sciences, Washington’s Henry M. Jackson such as “The Song of Ruth” and student. He’s the first in his family said Ron Levesque, chair of the after serving as Director of the School of International Studies. “Set Me As a Seal,” take their to attend college. Following his Board of Regents. “He is highly Honors Program. Thomas has Thomas also holds a Ph.D. in lyrics directly from scripture. address, Thomas was presented relational and possesses a strong worked across multiple disciplines, Religious Studies: Christianity with a presidential medallion to commitment to Lutheran theology including curriculum, faculty and and Judaism in Antiquity from the Continued on pg. 7 mark his inauguration. Crafted that, when combined with his staff development, governance, University of Virginia. 2 On Campus February 14, 2020 February Let’s go clubbing: Word Search Nuestra Voz Ashley Grajeda generation students to expand in Grimm Hall 127. To be Staff Writer their options. Guest speakers considered a full member may consist of people with students must attend meetings, Nuestra Voz is Concordia’s similar careers that members hold a 2.0 GPA and complete Hispanic/Latinx club and is a are interested in and want to two hours of community great way for students to be know more about the steps service each semester. Nuestra involved with the school and or things needed to help aid Voz also offers culture sashes meet people that have similar them towards their goals. to graduating seniors who are interests. Their mission Members are allowed to make a part of the club as long as statement is: “Nuestra Voz suggestions on what they they meet club requirements. wishes to represent the unique would like to talk about at the For those who are cultures and perspectives of meetings or new things that interested in Nuestra Voz or Latino, Hispanic, Chicano they would like to incorporate. becoming involved with the and indigenous students Club meetings allow for club, you can go down to the on Concordia University, students to vocalize their academic advising center Irvine campus, to educate the opinions and perspective found in the Gym Breezeway campus and students about on current or past issues as and talk to faculty advisor these unique cultures and well as share experiences. Robert Marquez, as well perspectives, and to engage The club allows students to as senior board members the campus community as a have guidance and a sense of President Giovanni Brito, Word Search whole on issues relevant to us community. Senior, Victoria Treasurer Victoria Garcia, civically and culturally.” Garcia, the club Treasurer said, Vice- President Esmeralda Giovanni Brito, senior and “Nuestra Voz tries to create an Cardenas, Secretary Johanna Adore Hug club President, said “anybody environment where students Gardea or Marketer Yaileen can join the club, our club can meet others with similar Zamora who can all be reached Cold Love members do not have to be stories and experiences.” She at this email: esnuestravoz@ of Latin or Hispanic descent.” added, “I hope they gain gmail.com. For more Hearts Sweethearts Brito added, “our door is a better connection and information on upcoming always open and we want to understanding of cultures events and meetings follow continue to welcome new similar to their own, but also to their Instagram @cuinuestra. Kiss Chocolate members.” spread awareness of important voz. The club helps students stay customs and the differences.” Romance Flowers motivated and encouraged Nuestra Voz is an inclusive throughout their academic club, the students allow others Winter Joy years. They host events and to share their perspective of life have guest speakers at the and are ready to learn about Arrow Pink meetings. Brito said, “through other cultures. Brito said, “the activities and guest speakers best way we can learn about we learn more about what each other’s culture is when Cupid Valentines is attainable when we work we welcome diversity.