Concordia University Chicago to Break Ground on New Residence Hall

RIVER FOREST, IL — Concordia University Chicago will host a groundbreaking ceremony and building rededication on Friday, August 26.

The event will begin at 10:50 a.m. on campus and will feature a celebration including prayers, signage unveiling and a CUC student choir and brass band. The free event is open to the public.

The event begins in the campus “triangle” with the rededication of Mary Martha North Hall as Trusheim Hall. The residence hall is being renamed in honor of Dr. Ed Trusheim and his wife Ruth, both graduates of Concordia-Chicago. Dr. Trusheim, whose family will be present at the ceremony, made a significant challenge gift to refurbish the hall. Their gift set off a campaign to raise additional funds to complete work on the building. The funds were raised by May 2016, more than a year ahead of schedule.

“Ed Trusheim’s philanthropic spirit and generosity have a long history with Concordia-Chicago,” said Jim Miller, president and CEO of the Concordia University Chicago Foundation. “Over the years, Ed and Ruth have also funded significant endowments for music students. All of the generous donors to the residence hall project invested in a facility that will ensure great campus experiences and opportunities will be available to students today and into the future.”

The event will continue with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new residence hall including a special blessing, a plow to break the ground and music to celebrate. Attendees will participate in the “Stones of Blessing” ceremony, carrying a blessed stone from the west to the east side of the building. These stones will then be incorporated into a work of art that will adorn the new hall.

Concordia-Chicago’s first new residence hall since 1969, a five-story building, will provide students with a state-of-the-art facility including suite-style rooms, common lounge areas, air conditioning, digital keyless entry and Wi-Fi throughout.

“Many potential students base their decision of where to attend college, and whether to live on campus, on the conditions of the residence halls. We are pleased to be able to provide a modern, safe and comfortable place for them to live and learn for many years to come,” said Rev. Dr. Daniel Gard, president of Concordia University Chicago.

Learn more about the new construction initiatives and how you can contribute at CUChicago.edu/NewResidenceHall.

Submitted by Concordia University Chicago.