Grand View University is currently home to about 1,500 full-time day students, plus another approximate 500 Graduate or Adult Learning students. It’s prominent identity is that of a private regional secondary institution in the Des Moines metropolitan area. However, what many people may not know is that it was founded on a religious basis, with strong ties to the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Grand View’s original intent was a “theological college,” complete with a seminary, used to educate pastors for the church. In 1960, the Seminary separated from Grand View and ultimately moved to Chicago. In the near years after, Grand View became solely a Lutheran college for young people to engage in higher education. There is no indication that even in it’s earliest stages, students were required to have any particular religious affiliation. There is also no clear evidence stating that students were required to attend religious activities on campus. Optional evening devotions were held, and most students attended, as it was seen as social time. In addition, the majority of Grand View’s Presidents have had a Danish background, been ordained pastors, or have studied theology. President Henning is only the third layman (non-ordained) leader of Grand View.

From it’s founding date to now, Grand View’s Lutheran identity has evolved and changed in significant ways. It’s current stance is a simple affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Although Grand View is fairly relaxed on student religious involvement, there are other institutes that are not. For example, Northwestern College, in Orange City, Iowa, requires students to attend chapel at least twice a week aside from religion classes. Northwestern also requires that faculty and staff incorporate Christianity in the classroom. Grand View appeals to students for many different reasons, and religious opportunities are one of them. There are many religions and traditions practiced by students and staff at Grand View, but only 9 percent of students at GV identify as Lutheran.

There are several university employees on campus that are open and willing to share their beliefs and opinions on the subject. Henning knows Grand View through and through and provides a clear voice on the subject, in conjunction with the school’s heritage. “Lutheranism teaches us to be open and welcoming to people who are different from ourselves,” he said; a value that is relevant and expected at Grand View.

Photo by Ben Moeller

Photo by Ben Moeller

Historical Photos courtesy of Sheri Muller

Photo by Ben Moeller

Dr. Ken Sundet Jones, ordained Lutheran pastor and Professor of Theology and Religion, says that the diversity on campus only strengthens Grand View, because fortitude is what comes of people being who they truly are. “We should be unafraid to be Lutheran, but also recognize that Lutheranism isn’t about rigidity. Being Lutheran isn’t about forcing something down another person’s throat,” he said.

Philip Herman, Lecturer of Liberal Arts, values the religious roots at Grand View. His viewpoint is that “a university needs to have some sort of moral fabric to what the school is about, and ultimately what it teaches it’s students.”

As Senior Campus Pastor, Russell Lackey’s mission is to get students engaged in Campus Ministry, ultimately living out Lutheranism on campus by serving one another. He said that more than anything, his goal is to “provide opportunities and experiences that make students think about God,” through different ministry events and activities.

Grand View students are exposed to religious opportunities several times a week through campus-wide emails, flyers, and postings that include information about ministry opportunities for students. Maddy Leahy, freshman at Grand View, said that she is aware of spiritual influences on campus, but it is never imposed on students.

“I see the emails about bible study and religious services, but I don’t feel the school tries to force religion on its students,” Leahy said.

Trevor Murano, a junior at Grand View, said that he does not perceive the campus to be religious, but he acknowledges the fact that Grand View students are required to take core classes that tie into religion. Students are required to learn about faith, but acceptance is not forced on any of them.

Most of the students interviewed did not feel that religion was a major factor on campus. However, that is not the view of every student at Grand View. Joel Timmons, a junior at Grand View, said he sees evidence of Grand View’s Lutheran background and appreciates its influence on campus culture.

“I liked the idea of a school with a Christian influence,” Timmons said. “I think that our campus has a lot of diversity with different religions and people at different stages of faith, but I definitely think that Christianity has a strong impact on our campus.”

While Grand View University does identify itself as a Lutheran College, it’s approach is somewhat hands-off compared to other religious institutions. Lutheranism teaches people to be welcoming of those who are different from themselves. The original heritage and customs of the school still live on, but the school will continue to be welcoming of students of all backgrounds. In the words of President Henning, “We (Grand View) are of the church, meaning we are shaped by the Lutheran Church, but we are for the world.”

*Advisor’s note: Cognizant of their important voice in this discussion, Viewfinder staff reached out to a number of faculty who ascribe to faiths other than Christianity. These faculty members chose not to comment on the piece and cited concerns about a national climate they perceive as unfriendly toward minorities and non-Christians. We respect their decision but regret the absence of their voice in the above story.