Concordia College New York has recognized Chip May, Executive Director of Camp Arcadia in Arcadia, Michigan, with an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
For over twenty years, May has led the camp, a non-profit Lutheran family resort and retreat center on the shores of Lake Michigan. Concordia College’s president, Rev. John A. Nunes PhD, has served Camp Arcadia as a dean and guest lecturer for several years, and Concordia students have thrived in summer internship opportunities there. Camp Arcadia’s mission is to give Christian families and individuals the opportunity to vacation with God, fostering the renewal of the whole person — spirit, mind, and body — amid the beauty of God’s creation and in fellowship with other Christians. Under May's leadership, the Camp has thrived, strategically blending its rich spiritual heritage with an innovative vision for the future.
May holds a B.A. from Michigan State University and actively serves on the boards of non-profits including the Manistee County Community Foundation and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
President Nunes said: "Chip gives Concordia’s students an exemplary model of what it means to pursue a life of passion, purpose and service. His passionate commitment to his calling and his innovative spirit are unparalleled. When met with the challenges of pandemic, he swiftly reimagined Camp Arcadia's summer offerings to allow for the creative fulfillment of its mission. It is our honor to recognize him with this honorary degree."