Diversity

Concordia celebrates diversity

It has been said that in diversity, there is beauty and strength — words Concordia University takes to heart every day. As a Lutheran Christian community, we embrace a spirit and discipline that advances equity and diversity. On our campus and through our online programs, our strength is enriched by our rich tapestry of differences. As a Lutheran university, we celebrate each individual as a gift from God – where every person is uniquely and wonderfully made – and we are honored to see students from various walks of life share their journey with us.

This rich diversity creates lively exchanges and challenging conversations inside and outside the classroom. Students who have classmates, professors, and mentors from different backgrounds are exposed to new viewpoints and perspectives. As a result, they are more likely to become open-minded global thinkers - a part of our goal for our students at Concordia University. Diversity enriches the learning experience and prepares students for today’s multifaceted world – a world where people, places, and events are more interconnected than ever before.

In the Concordia community, all are welcome

Diversity at Concordia University encompasses a variety of ever-changing aspects of life and people. At Concordia University, we care about who you are, where you come from, and what you stand for. That’s why whatever your background, whatever your values, you are welcomed here — with an open mind, a generous spirit, and a caring heart. 

What is Concordia doing to celebrate diversity?

Here at Concordia, we all share responsibility for equity and diversity. Along with enriching campus life and the academic experience, equity and diversity are critical to issues of campus culture and climate, and fundamental to everything we do. The links below provide a snapshot of some of the ways we celebrate diversity.

University Sponsored Organizations and Events

• ASCU - Student Government 
• Student Service Corps
• Arts & Multicultural Events
• Disability & Learning Services
• Office of Multicultural Services
  • Diversity Week
  • Global Ambassadors
• Outreach for the disabled
  • Respite Day: Giving Back for Good
  • Bike First: Life in the Fast Lane
  • Special Olympics
• Community Outreach
  • Oregon Food Bank: Feeding the Hungry
  • Backpack Lunch Program: Helping Feed Kids in Need
  • Night Strike: Welcomed Guests
  • Neighborhood Tax Prep: Making tax time less taxing for neighborhood residents
  • Poverty Simulation: Walking a mile in the shoes of someone in poverty
• Title IX: It’s On Us
  • For Title IX concerns please contact Megan Bouslaugh, Vice President for Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator.
  • For workforce compliance concerns please contact Nicole Cossette.
• 3 to PhD

Multicultural Partnerships

• Latino Network
• Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
• Urban League of Portland
• I Have A Dream Foundation
• Native American Youth and Family Center
• Partners in Diversity
• Urban League of Portland
• Portland Public Schools
• Faubion School
• Concordia Neighborhood Association
• World Affairs Council
• World Arts Foundation
• Highland Christian Center
• Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (HIV Day Center)
• Airways Science for Kids
• Black Parent Initiative
• Albertina Kerr
• Bike First!
• Jessie F. Richardson Foundation
• Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators
• Oregon Campus Compact
• Building Blocks to Success, Inc.
• Self Enhancement, Inc.
• Trillium Family Services

View all Concordia partnerships

Student Sponsored Clubs

• Black Student Union
• Hawai’i Club
• Social Work Club
• Student Services Corps
• Student Veterans of Concordia University Club

View all student sponsored clubs

Everyone has a story. Your background, history, and life lessons make you who you are — and make you unique. That’s the diversity we celebrate at Concordia. We encourage you to add your story to the fold, helping us all grow and become better global citizens.