President Harold Ristau’s inauguration ceremony took place Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Casper, WY, where he was officially installed as President of Luther Classical College. We are grateful for the members of Trinity and all volunteers, staff, and supporters who made this event so successful. In addition to the nearly 200 people in attendance, we would like to thank the following distinguished guests for joining us on this very special occasion:

Rev. Ted Giese: Board of Directors, Lutheran Church—Canada on behalf of Rev. Dr. Timothy Teuscher, President Lutheran Church—Canada

Dr. Gene Pfeifer: President, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota

Mr. Kyle Washut: President, Wyoming Catholic College, Lander, Wyoming

Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle: Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana

During the rite of investiture, Rev. Christian Preus bestowed on behalf of the LCC Board of Regents the College Medallion upon Dr. Ristau as President of Luther Classical College. The medallion bears the seal of Luther Classical College together with a designation of office: “Praesidens.” This Latin term readily brings to mind the English word “president.” Literally, it means “one who sits in front,” with the connotation of watching, guarding, protecting, and defending the portion of the state or the church that has been entrusted to one’s care. Provincial governors and cathedral deacons have each been called “praesidens” in various historical settings. It is fitting that the same title apply today to one who manages the affairs of a college of the church that enriches the civic order and equips students furthermore to be godly “presidents”—fathers and mothers—within their homes.

A video recording and other highlights from the inauguration ceremony will become available in the coming days.

As those in attendance at the inauguration heartily sang, may Luther Classical College be “Built on the Rock” of our Lord Jesus Christ. We ask for your continued prayers as we work to build a college by Lutherans and for Lutherans, to the glory of God, and for the benefit of our fellow man.