CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Overall student enrollment for the 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has increased by 10 percent in the last decade, said the Rev. W. Robert Sorensen, executive director of the ELCA Division for Higher Education and Schools. Enrollment for students of color increased by more than 64 percent.
The number of full-time students for the 1998-1999 academic year is 46,814 -- an increase of 4,265 students from 1988-1989. The number of full-time students of color enrolled for the 1998-1999 school year is 4,357 -- up 1,701 from 1988-1989.
"The number of international students studying at colleges and universities in the United States has decreased somewhat in recent years, and this is reflected in ELCA schools as well, with some increase having occurred in the last two years," Sorensen said. The number of full-time international students for 1998-1999 is 1,390 -- an increase of 89 students from 1988-1989. =20
Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, enrolled the largest freshman class in its history with 367 students -- up 17 percent from the fall of 1997 and an increase of 75 percent over fall 1996 figures. The total number of students enrolled at Texas Lutheran is 1,520 -- up 13 percent from 1,344 in the fall of 1997.=20
Enrollment for the 1998-1999 academic year at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, is 2,472 students -- the highest enrollment figure in the college's history, surpassing the previous record of 2,409 for the 1996- 1997 academic year. =20
Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa., had the highest enrollment figure in the institution's history with more than 1,600 students. The Class of 2002 is made up of 468 students with qualifications that are among the best ever at Susquehanna, said Pamela White, dean of academic services there.
Sorensen said the number of Lutherans enrolled in ELCA colleges and universities is "about one-third of the total -- a number that is holding steady despite the decline of high school age youth in ELCA congregations."
"From the beginning, Lutheran colleges and universities have thought of themselves as having two tasks," said Sorensen. "One is to educate Lutheran students, and the second is to be the means by which the church serves in the wider society. Not only do we serve our own but others as well."
There are colleges in parts of the country where there are very few Lutherans, said Sorensen. Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., for example, is located in a state where only two percent of the population is Lutheran, but 30 percent of the student body at the university is Lutheran.
"ELCA colleges and universities are there for all students qualified to enter. Part of the institutions' mission is to serve all students, whether they are Lutheran or a member of another denomination.
"The enrollment picture for ELCA colleges and universities over the last decade demonstrates their importance in assisting this church with its effort to connect with youth and young adults," Sorensen said.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
