Stephen Anderson knew it was time for a new, complete history of TLU. As the university’s volunteer archivist—not to mention an alum and past longtime employee—he was the right person to tell the story, a tale spanning more than 130 years, encompassing the university’s founding in 1891, through its evolution from academy, to junior college, to full-fledged university. Forward in Faith: A history of Texas Lutheran University is that story, and in the year since its publication, it has garnered many fans. 

It’s also recently drawn attention from the Concordia Historical Institute, which, for more than fifty years, has spotlighted and honored the best in publications that have moved Lutheran history in North America forward in significant ways. Anderson received word this summer that Forward in Faith was selected by the CHI Awards Committee and the CHI Board of Governors to receive an Award of Commendation in the Institutional History category. 

“I am grateful and honored to receive this recognition of Forward in Faith by Concordia Historical Institute, and hope that the award will make even more people aware of Texas Lutheran University and its fascinating history,” said Anderson. “I'm also grateful to The Rev. Luther Oelke, TLU's director of college and church relations emeritus, who informed me of the institute and submitted the book to them for this year's awards competition.”

Forward in Faith will be formally recognized, along with Anderson, during an awards banquet at Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis this November. 

Get your copy of Forward in Faith at the TLU Bookstore, Pecantown Books and Brews, or by clicking here. Net proceeds benefit TLU’s Endowed Scholarship Fund, and sales have already generated $2,200!