Portlandians react to surprise Concordia University-Portland closure

After more than 100 years in operation, Concordia University-Portland announced this week via social media and their blog that they will be ceasing scholastic operations after the current semester. The news came as quite a shock for both locals and students of the prestigious educational institute.

Citing desperate financial troubles, Concordia University will host their last commencement ceremony this spring on April 25.

“After much prayer and consideration of all options to continue Concordia University – Portland’s 115-year legacy, the Board of Regents concluded that the university’s current and projected enrollment and finances make it impossible to continue its educational mission,” said Interim President Dr. Thomas Ries. “We have come to the decision this is in the best interest of our students, faculty, staff and partners.”

Students and faculty were caught off guard after the news broke, and the reactions spanned from complete shock to utter despair.

Three years of my life and student loans…and I may have to start my doctorate all over. *tears*
After 115 years, Portland’s Concordia University will close https://t.co/4709FKmSuV

— juliana🐢 (@JRoseWB) February 10, 2020

Today it hasn’t been an easy day. This morning we were getting up to receive the bad new that was going to represent an unexpected change in my life. As some of you will know, Concordia University is going to close due to their financial situation after this Spring semester. pic.twitter.com/I3ztzGZQqT

— Maite (@maitelaraaaa) February 11, 2020

What about online masters who’s term ends in May?! Will I be one credit short of a degree and have paid in full?!

— Señorita Hanna (@senorita_hanna) February 11, 2020

“Time and time again it is the students who are left holding the bag when underfunded private universities suddenly announce they are closing their doors,” said attorney Michael Fuller. https://t.co/NXYb4gw8NF

— Michael Fuller (@UnderdogLawBlog) February 11, 2020

Shocking news today… just been informed that Concordia University Portland is ending operations at the end of the Spring 2020 semester… was planning on graduating in December 2020… Crazy. Trying to stay positive.

— Lewis Coates (@lewytc7) February 10, 2020

Concordia University in Portland, which served 6000 students, will close this spring in what is becoming a cascade of failing liberal arts colleges across the nation, including 3 in Portland alone. RIP liberal arts. Making America Stupid Again.

— Elliott Young (@elliottyoungpdx) February 10, 2020

#higheredtalk: Lots of hot takes on Concordia University in Portland closing, but don’t forget to support the current students it impacts and be an advocate for them.

— Shelly (@swiftandnine) February 11, 2020

Some students are scared that their degrees are in limbo, while others wonder if they will survive a large ocean of athletes seeking post-secondary contract transfers. Even local student-focused law firm Underdog shook up the news by filing a class-action suit against the university on behalf of students who have paid tuition only to face an uncertain academic future.

Concordia’s closure marks the third private university closure in the Portland area in just four years. For more information from the university itself, browse the Closure FAQ on their website.