Nunes Elected as President of Concordia College - New York

[Pr. Luke Zimmerman]

The LCMS college in New York has elected a new president: Rev. Dr. John Nunes.

As with all who are elected to positions of authority, including those within the Church, it is hoped that he will serve well in this new capacity.

With Dr. Nunes' past involvement at Lutheran World Relief, his name is known among many on the Forum. Maybe he can join his fellow college president, Dr. Daniel Gard, in posting here?

Details from the college's website: http://www.concordia-ny.edu/news/Rev-Dr-John-Nunes-Elected-9th-Concordia-President.cfm?grp_id=15865

[J.L. Precup]

At the end of September, Dr. Nunes preached for our Pacific Southwest Pastor's conference.  The sermon concluded with the spontaneous applause of all present.

[Dave Benke]

We're very happy with the selection of Dr. Nunes here in NY, in NYC, and in the Benke home, where John and Monique have been many times.  His insights on issues of importance in church and society would be an excellent addition to our forum, as you indicate, Luke.

Dave Benke

[Daniel L. Gard]

Dr. Nunes is an excellent choice and will serve Concordia New York with distinction. He is not only a colleague but a personal friend and I look forward to working with him in making Lutheran higher education stronger than ever in the years to come.

His Call and acceptance evokes one response from me: Soli Deo Gloria!!!!!!

[FrPeters]

Bronxville is a troubled school with an uncertain future.  I have watched with sadness over the last 25 years to see this institution languish.  The school needs to rediscover its mission and identity.  It has severe financial problems and a small student body.  That said I hope and pray that Concordia New York will find a resurgence of purpose and rebound with a strategic purpose and mission.  Clearly that required someone both visible and articulate, with East Coast credentials and stature in the wider Lutheran community.  John Nunes, my old friend, might be their last and best hope to reignite the old fire.  Bronxville once produced many faithful church workers and was once the home to very fine musicians like Ralph C. Schultz and Jerry Coleman who fostered a great musical program.  John will be our prayers as will Concordia in the hopes that this will open a vibrant new chapter in its history!

[Dave Benke]

Bronxville is a troubled school with an uncertain future.  I have watched with sadness over the last 25 years to see this institution languish.  The school needs to rediscover its mission and identity.  It has severe financial problems and a small student body.  That said I hope and pray that Concordia New York will find a resurgence of purpose and rebound with a strategic purpose and mission.  Clearly that required someone both visible and articulate, with East Coast credentials and stature in the wider Lutheran community.  John Nunes, my old friend, might be their last and best hope to reignite the old fire.  Bronxville once produced many faithful church workers and was once the home to very fine musicians like Ralph C. Schultz and Jerry Coleman who fostered a great musical program.  John will be our prayers as will Concordia in the hopes that this will open a vibrant new chapter in its history!

I'll forward your comment, Larry, to Dr. Viji George, President for most of the time-span you mention, and others at the Concordia community, although I'm sure you've communicated your concerns to them all along the way over the past quarter century.

  Last night at St. Peter's in Brooklyn we held the graduation service for four folks who completed their training in the Atlantic District Lay Deacon program.  Bp. Lecakes preached, and the second vice-president of the Atlantic District, Dr. Joshua Hollmann, was on hand to bring greetings for the NY Metro region, which he serves.  Josh is also a professor of theology/religion at Concordia, and the Pastor of Christ Lutheran, Woodside, NY.  His congregation is a vibrant and diverse multi-national body of believers which also is involved in overseas mission.  Both he and soon-to-be Dr. Paul Sauer are professors of religion as well as parish pastors in New York, and bring their passion for the lost as well as their articulate Lutheran worldview to the classroom, where they find the same kind of racial and ethnic diversity that is evidenced in their congregations. Both were recruited and supported by Dr. George.  In terms of music, there is a great Gospel choir at Concordia along with the other choral offerings presented by Jason Thoms. 

Dave Benke

[mariemeyer]

Bronxville is a troubled school with an uncertain future.  I have watched with sadness over the last 25 years to see this institution languish.  The school needs to rediscover its mission and identity.  It has severe financial problems and a small student body.  That said I hope and pray that Concordia New York will find a resurgence of purpose and rebound with a strategic purpose and mission.  Clearly that required someone both visible and articulate, with East Coast credentials and stature in the wider Lutheran community.  John Nunes, my old friend, might be their last and best hope to reignite the old fire.  Bronxville once produced many faithful church workers and was once the home to very fine musicians like Ralph C. Schultz and Jerry Coleman who fostered a great musical program.  John will be our prayers as will Concordia in the hopes that this will open a vibrant new chapter in its history!

I'll forward your comment, Larry, to Dr. Viji George, President for most of the time-span you mention, and others at the Concordia community, although I'm sure you've communicated your concerns to them all along the way over the past quarter century.

  Last night at St. Peter's in Brooklyn we held the graduation service for four folks who completed their training in the Atlantic District Lay Deacon program.  Bp. Lecakes preached, and the second vice-president of the Atlantic District, Dr. Joshua Hollmann, was on hand to bring greetings for the NY Metro region, which he serves.  Josh is also a professor of theology/religion at Concordia, and the Pastor of Christ Lutheran, Woodside, NY.  His congregation is a vibrant and diverse multi-national body of believers which also is involved in overseas mission.  Both he and soon-to-be Dr. Paul Sauer are professors of religion as well as parish pastors in New York, and bring their passion for the lost as well as their articulate Lutheran worldview to the classroom, where they find the same kind of racial and ethnic diversity that is evidenced in their congregations. Both were recruited and supported by Dr. George.  In terms of music, there is a great Gospel choir at Concordia along with the other choral offerings presented by Jason Thoms. 

Dave Benke

Bronxville is a troubled school with an uncertain future.  I have watched with sadness over the last 25 years to see this institution languish.  The school needs to rediscover its mission and identity.  It has severe financial problems and a small student body.  That said I hope and pray that Concordia New York will find a resurgence of purpose and rebound with a strategic purpose and mission.  Clearly that required someone both visible and articulate, with East Coast credentials and stature in the wider Lutheran community.  John Nunes, my old friend, might be their last and best hope to reignite the old fire.  Bronxville once produced many faithful church workers and was once the home to very fine musicians like Ralph C. Schultz and Jerry Coleman who fostered a great musical program.  John will be our prayers as will Concordia in the hopes that this will open a vibrant new chapter in its history!

Fr. Larry Peters, your comments cast dispersions on the presidency of Viji George.  I submit you owe him an apology.

However one may feel about Concordia Bronxville at the close of Dr. Viji George's presidencey, the college has a larger student body than in the past and is in a somewhat stable financial position. 

The presidents Albert Meyer, Robert Schnable, Ralph Schultz and Viji George each used their distinct abilities in service to God and the college.

BTW, John Nunes is not an "old friend," he is, in fact, a young man and long time friend.   Bill and I had the privilege of having John and his wife as guests in our Garden City "B and B" parsonage. 

Marie Meyer
Concordia Bronxville '58

[loschwitz]

This is a surprising departure from Valpo.  He's been a professor there for only a couple of years after leaving LWR.

[John_Hannah]

I'm not an alumnus but I am the Circuit Visitor here and Bronxville is part of my Circuit. Dr. Viji George has done a superb job. The college has grown and is therefore financially stable. The religion department thrives with new faculty (working parish pastors) coping well with the fact that there are virtually no Lutheran prospective students. Nonetheless there are today more pre-theological students.

Dr. George deserves his retirement and we here surely welcome Dr. John Nunes, also a young friend of mine.   

Peace, JOHN

[Donald_Kirchner]

...we here surely welcome Dr. John Nunes, also a young friend of mine.   

So, you haven't known him very long or just met him? 

[John_Hannah]

...we here surely welcome Dr. John Nunes, also a young friend of mine.   

So, you haven't known him very long or just met him? 

He's young. I've known him for more than ten years.

[Donald_Kirchner]

...we here surely welcome Dr. John Nunes, also a young friend of mine.   

So, you haven't known him very long or just met him? 

He's young. I've known him for more than ten years.

Oh, so he's an old friend. 

[Charles Austin]

Gee, am hearing the kind of inter-LCMS snipe-shooting that seems to happen every time the name of someone whose pedigree is deemed (by some) suspect appears?

[Dave Likeness]

A certain brother from the Mid-South District flunked his Dale Carnegie
Course.   Churchmanship requires us to avoid degrading the previous
President of Concordia, Bronxville.  Every LCMS University needs vigorous
recruitment of high-caliber academic students.  This is something in which
LCMS parishes on the East Coast can participate.  Pray for the Lord to bless
the new President Dr. Nunes.

[Daniel L. Gard]

To serve as a president of an LCMS university is a humbling and challenging thing. The higher education landscape is rapidly changing and a president must make daily decisions that affect many people as well as the future of an institution. Very few comprehend this - there are 9 of us in total plus those who have served before. We all make mistakes at times yet God, in His grace, continues to bless and preserve.

Please pray for all of us and especially for Dr. Nunes as he enters into this vocation. His experience and faithfulness will be needed as he guides our sister institution into a future that is known only to the Lord. Concordia University New York has a distinguished past and present but its best days lie ahead under Dr. John Nunes.

On a personal note, it will be nice not to be the newest kid on the block when the CUS Presidents next meet!