Saleska Scholarship Endowment

The Rev. Dr. John Saleska founded the Concordia Bible Institute (CBI) back in 2000 after retiring from his 23-year faculty position at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In the summer of 2014 he retired a second time, as it were, by becoming the Director Emeritus of CBI, even as he maintained an office on campus and still came to work early every morning with briefcase in hand. Dr. Saleska then received his heavenly inheritance on September 12, 2017.

In honor of his legacy of teaching “Christ in Every Word” among us, CBI has established “The Concordia Bible Institute Saleska Scholarship Endowment,” whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to pre-seminary students at Concordia University Wisconsin. In an age of biblical illiteracy, it is hoped that this endowment will help future pastors carry forward Dr. Saleska’s lifelong conviction of teaching “Christ in Every Word” as they read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Scriptures.

Please, reach out to Jeff Klocko, Director of Donor Relations, for details about this exciting opportunity to support Pre-Seminary students. He can be reached at jeff.klocko@cuw.edu or 262-243-2170.

 Donate Online

Donate Online Now

 By Postal Mail

Make check payable to “CUW Foundation,” with “Saleska Scholarship Endowment” on the memo line.

Mail check to:
Concordia University Wisconsin Foundation
Attn: Office of Advancement
12800 North Lake Shore Drive
Mequon, WI 53097

 By Phone

Call 262-243-4423 for:

  • Stock transactions
  • Electronic transfers
  • Credit card gifts via telephone
  • Memorial gifts (a memorial packet will be mailed to you)

Saleska Scholarship Endowment Video

The Saleska Scholarship Endowment is an excellent opportunity to provide financial assistance to CUW pre-seminary students who are on their way to becoming exceptional pastors. Please watch this 4 minute 20 second video to find out more.

President Harrison on the Need for Pastors

“Some things never change…

I received an excellent education from Concordia that prepared me for parish ministry. Nothing has changed. Our District interviews men from CUW that are going to the seminary. I am constantly impressed with the students moving toward this vocation. As one elderly lady that serves on our District Interview Committee shared: “I could see that young man being my pastor.” The past few years have been a new experience at the seminary level. There are more congregations than there are seminary candidates. Our smaller parishes around our District hear about the shortage and feel as if they will not have a pastor in the future. We need men hungry to share God’s Word with God’s people.”

Rev. Dr. Dwayne Lueck, District President, LCMS North Wisconsin District

“The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod finds itself in an emerging shortage of church workers; both pastors and teachers. One of the great concerns for church leaders and students is the cost of education and student indebtedness. A well funded scholarship process is a wonderful way to encourage students to enroll in church work programs, and will assist them as they set their sights on graduating with little or no educational debt. The generosity of the church and its people is essential in bringing this about. We need pastors who will serve existing congregations, pastors who will plant new confessional Lutheran congregations.

Please consider a gift to help make this happen.”

Rev. Dr. John C. Wille, District President, South Wisconsin District

“The Pre-Seminary Study Program of Concordia University Wisconsin formed me for the Pastoral ministry in a way my Seminary study did not. I can’t imagine the gap I would have had personally, relationally, spiritually and theologically without my CUW experience. My wife, Marie and I, are investing in the next generation of Pastors and Church Workers and we invite you to join us.

I love this initiative

and its impactful purpose including honoring one of the Church’s faithful servants, Rev. Dr. John Saleska, a Seminary Professor and of mine, and hundreds of others.”

Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, LCMS Northern Illinois District President

Rev. Noah Kegley - CUW Class of 2014

Comments about the pre-seminary program at Concordia University Wisconsin by alumnus, Rev. Noah Kegley, and others.

Watch Videos

How Individuals Can Help

  • Watch the Scholarship Video above and use this website to learn about the scholarship.
  • Pray that the Lord would add at least one million dollars to the endowment.
  • Make a personal gift.
  • Identify individuals who might be willing to make a gift and direct them to this page (concordiabible.org/Saleska) or have them contact Jeff Klocko at jeff.klocko@cuw.edu or 262-243-2170.
  • Tell others about this scholarship (especially those who want to help pre-seminary students and those who knew Dr. Saleska). Use the resources listed below.
  • Host a meal in your home or a restaurant as a fundraising event.
  • Encourage your congregation, group, or foundation to give.
  • Serve as an advocate for this scholarship in other creative ways.

How Congregations/Groups Can Help

  • Visit and encourage others to visit this website (concordiabible.org/Saleska) to learn more and to access resources (listed below).
  • Play the Scholarship Video above for your congregation or group.
  • Tell others about this opportunity to help pre-seminary students.
  • Take a special offering.
  • Make a one time or recurring gift.
  • Make giving to the endowment part of the yearly budget for your church or group.
  • Host a meal or other fundraising event.
  • Invite a representative from Concordia University Wisconsin to speak about this scholarship at your service, meeting, or event. Please contact Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola at daniel.paavola@cuw.edu or 262-243-4446.
  • Host an event, led by a representative from Concordia University Wisconsin, on supporting the Saleska Scholarship through your Christian estate plans. Please contact Jeff Klocko at jeff.klocko@cuw.edu or 262-243-2170.
  • Encourage other congregations, groups, and foundations to give to this scholarship.
  • Serve as advocates for this scholarship through personal relationships and social media (see resources below).
  • Serve as advocates for this scholarship in other creative ways.
  • Click on the commitment form below to tell us your plans.

How will your Congregation or Group show support?

The need for pastors is great, and YOU can help. Tell us about your congregation’s or group’s commitment to supporting this scholarship for pre-seminary students, by clicking on the button and filling out the form.

Congregation/ Group Commitment Card

Resources