FORT WAYNE, IND. (Sept. 23, 2025) – Concordia Lutheran High School officially broke ground
today on the largest facilities upgrade in its 90-year history, launching a bold new capital
campaign titled A Bold Step to transform the campus and provide a 21st-century learning
environment for current and future generations of students.
The campaign includes a multi-phase construction plan that will modernize Concordia’s
infrastructure, much of which has remained untouched since the 1970s. The vision includes a
new academic wing, expanded student life spaces, safety and accessibility upgrades, and an
updated chapel-auditorium to better serve the school’s growing and diverse student body.
“Today is about more than new walls and windows, it’s about stepping out boldly in faith for our
students and our future,” said Jacob Pennekamp, Head of School at Concordia Lutheran High
School. “This campaign is a testament to the strength of our mission and the deep support of
our community. We're excited to create a space that reflects the excellence of the people inside
it.”
To date, the school has already raised $22 million toward its overall goal of $34 million, thanks
to the generosity of private donors, alumni, supporting churches, The Lutheran Foundation, and
The Mary Cross Tippmann Foundation. The goal is to raise an additional $12 million.
Concordia is now inviting the broader community to join in the campaign, as additional funding
is needed to bring all planned improvements to life.
“This project is a powerful example of what can happen when a community invests in education,
leadership, and faith,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker, who joined today’s ceremony. “I
commend Concordia for not only strengthening its own future, but also contributing to the vitality
of education across our entire city.”
Concordia’s campus improvement plan will be executed in phases. Phase 1 includes the
construction of a three-story academic addition with nearly 50,000 square feet of new space,
replacement of HVAC systems, windows, and the curtain wall, as well as a renovated main
entrance to improve safety and access. Phase 2 includes a full renovation and expansion of the
school’s chapel-auditorium and lobby. The project is being led by Schmidt Associates as the
architectural firm and FCI Construction as the construction manager.
All upgrades are funded entirely through private donations, not public funding, making this a
truly community-driven initiative. The school is calling on alumni, families, and local supporters
to join in securing the future of Christian education in Fort Wayne.
Community members are invited to learn more and contribute online, where they can explore
upcoming events, project renderings, campaign details, and giving opportunities.
“This is our moment to invest boldly,” added Pennekamp. “We’re asking everyone who has been
touched by Concordia, parents, alumni, partners, and friends, to take this bold step with us.”
Founded in 1935, Concordia Lutheran High School is a Christ-centered high school in Fort
Wayne, Indiana, serving over 700 students in grades 9–12. Owned and operated by 17 area
Lutheran churches, Concordia offers a rigorous academic curriculum, competitive athletics,
award-winning fine arts, and the region’s premier Army JROTC program. The school fosters a
family atmosphere rooted in faith, leadership, and service.
For more information on the campaign, to attend an event, or to learn about how to donate,
please visit the website at www.cadetsboldstep.org.