Four musical ensembles from Concordia University, Nebraska will perform two combined concerts in April. The Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. on April 21, 2016, in the Recital Hall of Concordia’s Music Center. The Male Chorus and Women’s Chorale will perform at 4 p.m. on April 24, 2016, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska.

The Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra will each perform a variety of musical pieces.  The Chamber Choir will perform “The Blue Bird” by Charles Villiers Standford, “Jubilate Deo” by Peter Anglea and “Come Away to the Skies” by Alice Parker.  (David sent his pieces to you yesterday, correct?)  In addition the two groups will combine to perform Megan Sparling’s “Sing My Tongue, the Glorious Battle” a student composition, hymn setting that was premiered by the A Cappella Choir on tour in March.

The Male Chorus and Women’s Chorale concert will include “Beautiful Savior” by F. Melius Christiansen, “Benedicamus Domino” by Greg Gilpin and “Put On the Whole Armor of God” by Les Taylor, to name a few. The two ensembles will combine to sing Mozart’s ‘Laudate pueri” from “Vesperae Solennes de Confessore (K. 339),” “The Prayer of St. Francis” by René Clausen and “Singer on the Isle of Stones” by Robert Bowker.

Students performing in the Chamber Choir include (alphabetical order by state, city, last name):

Jacob Fink, sophomore, Long Beach, Calif.

Meredith Locke, sophomore, Winter Haven, Fla.

Amanda Henson, senior, Herrin, Ill.

Matthew Kortze, freshman, Rockford, Ill.

Jennifer Reynolds, senior, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Austin Theriot, junior, Lake Charles , La.

Emily Sievert, sophomore, Frankenmuth, Mich.

Benjamin Hayter, junior, Concordia, Mo.

Vanessa Marsh, freshman, Concordia, Mo.

Talitha Elbert, senior, Albuquerque, N.M.

Megan Sparling, senior, Columbus, Neb.

Clara Rich, senior, Lincoln, Neb.

Micah Most, freshman, Ogallala, Neb.

Students performing in the Chamber Orchestra include:

Sarah Krause, junior, Rockford, Ill.

Kasaundra Kosberg, freshman, Spring Hill, Kan.

Jordyne Vanselow, freshman, Greenwood , Mo.

Caleb Staehr, freshman, Grand Island, Neb.

Mary Carnoali, junior, Hampton, Neb.

Anna Schleusener, junior, Utica, Neb.

Grace Woelmer, junior, Allen, Texas

Krista Schmidt, sophomore, Giddings, Texas

Emma Gremmer, freshman, New Braunfels, Texas

Students performing in the Male Chorus include:

Christopher Wilson, senior, Fremont, Calif.

John-Robert Hicks, freshman, Ewa Beach, Hawaii

Joel Prince, sophomore, Mascoutah, Ill.

Jacob Roggow, freshman, Moro, Ill.

Micah Schalow, freshman, Rockford, Ill.

Kaleb Busche, PB, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Garion Consier, freshman, Churdan, Iowa

Caleb Pfeil, senior, Hiawatha, Iowa

Isaac Golke, freshman, Milford, Iowa

Kaleb Weinkauf, freshman, Basehor, Kan.

Daniel Spaulding, sophomore, Armada, Mich.

Thomas Wyatt, senior, Bethel, Minn.

Ryan Maser, junior, Little Canada, Minn.

Mark Esser, sophomore, Mayer, Minn.

Aaron Hentges, junior, Concordia, Mo.

Zachary Kollbaum, senior, Concordia, Mo.

Kenton Burgess, sophomore, Lee's Summit, Mo.

Andrew Crist, junior, Springfield, Mo.

Chris Genszler, sophomore, St. Louis, Mo.

Sean Carpenter, senior, Hollis, N.H.

Peter Deberny, freshman, North Tonawanda, N.Y.

Caleb Staehr, freshman, Grand Island, Neb.

Michael Sanderson, sophomore, Hastings, Neb.

Michael Duffy, sophomore, Kennesaw, Neb.

Paul Nelson, junior, Norfolk, Neb.

Nathan Stolze, freshman, Norfolk, Neb.

Andrea  Anderson, sophomore, Omaha, Neb.

Micah Jeppesen, sophomore, Pleasant Dale, Neb.

Benjamin M. Middendorf, junior, Scotia, Neb.

Cameron Loges, sophomore, Seward, Neb.

Joel Ristvedt, sophomore, Utica, Neb.

Justus  Utecht, freshman, Rosebud, S.D.

Devon Thompson, sophomore, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Andrew Vought, sophomore, Three Lakes, Wis.

Students performing in the Women’s Chorale include:

Sarah Huhn, sophomore, Excondido, Calif.

Laura Wiederrich, senior, Lodi, Calif.

Jordan Haywood, freshman, Arvada , Colo.

Megan Vieselmeyer, freshman, Holyoke, Colo.

Grace Stults, sophomore, Monte Vista, Colo.

Annie Schmidt, freshman, Rifle, Colo.

Brianna Bossle, junior, Coral Springs, Fla.

Lauren Sperry, sophomore, Oneida, Ill.

Mariah Boberg, freshman, Park Ridge, Ill.

Rachel Krause, senior, Rockford, Ill.

Anne Jesgarz, freshman, Shelbyville, Ill.

Hannah  Gillet, sophomore, Wheeler, Ill.

Elizabeth Moses, freshman, Columbus, Ind.

Morgan Eggert, sophomore, Atkins, Iowa

Robin Consier, sophomore, Churdan, Iowa

Charity Espinosa, sophomore, Clarinda, Iowa

Morgan German, freshman, Holstein, Iowa

Elizabeth Ericksen, freshman, Le Mars, Iowa

Rebecca Eichler, senior, Webster City, Iowa

Jayme Lowe, freshman, Atchison, Kan.

Elizabeth Frakes, freshman, Ellinwood, Kan.

Katherine Wehling, freshman, Liberal, Kan.

Leah Werling, freshman, Solomon, Kan.

Emily Fehn, sophomore, Freeland, Mich.

Samantha Welch, freshman, Glencoe, Minn.

Libby Klein, junior, Northfield, Minn.

Brianna Cripps, sophomore, Winona, Minn.

Shannon O'Brien, freshman, Winona, Minn.

Emma Gottschamer, sophomore, Lee's Summit, Mo.

Erin Rowland, freshman, Saint Peters, Mo.

Amanda Segebart, freshman, Sioux City, Mo.

Sarah Brutlag, junior, St. Louis, Mo.

Sabrina Hayter, sophomore, Union, Mo.

Samantha Coomer, sophomore, Wentzville, Mo.

Allison Ebel, sophomore, Billings, Mont.

Erika Borslien, junior, West Fargo, N.D.

Elizabeth Larson, senior, Aurora, Neb.

McKenzie Akeson, sophomore, Chappell, Neb.

Lauren Loop, freshman, Columbus, Neb.

Allison Mackie, sophomore, Columbus, Neb.

Brooke McNiel, sophomore, Holdrege, Neb.

April Bayer, sophomore, Leigh, Neb.

Jessica Delgado, freshman, Lincoln, Neb.

Emma Haas, freshman, Lincoln, Neb.

Chelsea Irwin, freshman, Lincoln, Neb.

Angelica Blomenberg, junior, Norfolk, Neb.

Ari Rathke, freshman, Norfolk, Neb.

Katherine Draucker, freshman, Ogallala  , Neb.

Elyssia Finch, senior, Omaha, Neb.

Hailey Hoemann, freshman, Omaha, Neb.

Sarah Rogge, freshman, Pleasant Dale , Neb.

Rosa Gonzales, sophomore, Schuyler, Neb.

Michaela Curran, senior, Seward, Neb.

Annie Wunderlich, freshman, Seward, Neb.

Melody Niemoth, freshman, South Bend, Neb.

Emily Hayes, sophomore, Superior, Neb.

Emma Heidorn, freshman, Utica, Neb.

Kelsey Higgins, freshman, Valentine, Neb.

Sierra Jacob, freshman, Winnebago, Neb.

Victoria Woodburn, freshman, York, Neb.

Kaitlyn Ternus, freshman, Valley Springs, S.D.

Melody Easter, freshman, Houston, Texas

Kaitlyn Christensen, freshman, Kenosha, Wis.

Abigail Wisniewski, freshman, Withee, Wis.

The Concordia University, Nebraska health and human performance honor society, Phi Epsilon Kappa, inducted three students on April 17, 2016. 

New inductees into Phi Epsilon Kappa include (alphabetical order by state, city, last name):

Kelli Niemeier, senior, Beatrice, Neb.

Adam Meirose, senior, Lincoln, Neb.

Claire Hoy, senior, Seward, Neb.

“These students have demonstrated academic excellence, service to the department and Concordia community, involvement in extracurricular activities and commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and we are proud to induct them into Phi Epsilon Kappa this year,” said Patti Jensen, assistant professor of health and human performance.

Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity is a national professional fraternity for persons engaged in or pursuing careers in physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine and sports management.

According to phiepsilonkappa.org, “PEK offers students the opportunity to connect now and throughout their professional careers with like-minded individuals who share their passion for health and human performance. Those connections include opportunities to connect to, and participate in, current research in the field of health and human performance and to work with the professionals conducting it.”

The best of Concordia University, Nebraska students’ artwork, as judged by Concordia’s full-time art faculty, are on display at the Marxhausen Gallery of art from April 17 through May 4, 2016. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Art majors are required to enter their work to be judged. If accepted, their artwork will be displayed in the gallery and will be eligible for monetary awards. Endowed scholarships are among the awards.

The Annual Student Art Exhibition is a spring ritual for the university’s art community. First- and second-year art majors must submit five works of any type of art. Third- and fourth-year students must enter seven pieces. If desired, students are able to sell their art during and after the exhibition.

The Marxhausen Gallery is located in Jesse Hall and is open Monday–Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Concordia students with artwork selected for exhibition include (alphabetical by state, city, last name):

• Sophie Thorsen, freshman, Huntsville, Alabama
• Amanda Wygant, junior, Oceanside, Calif.
• Allise Loomis, sophomore, Centennial, Colo.
• Hope Martin, sophomore, Denver, Colo.
• Jordyn Sturms, junior, Lone Tree, Colo.
• Grace Hollenbeck, senior, Parker, Colo.
• Emily Writebol, freshman, Parker, Colo.
• Carlos Acosta Davila, junior, Cali, Colombia
• Grace Stange, junior, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
• Chelsea Wohlgemuth, sophomore, Alton, Iowa
• Elizabeth Davidson, junior, Atlantic, Iowa
• Sarah Johnson, junior, Carlisle, Iowa
• Emily Patton, junior, Hartley, Iowa
• Naomi Pfeil, senior, Hiawatha, Iowa
• Hannah Willison, junior, Manning, Iowa
• Sean Doran, senior, Dublin, Ireland
• Ben Vallin, sophomore, Eagan, Minn.
• Micah Witt, senior, Faribault, Minn.
• Jordyne Vanselow, freshman, Greenwood, Mo.
• Kelly Snader, sophomore, Higginsville, Mo.
• Sylvia Braun, senior, Jefferson City, Mo.
• Hannah Fortna, senior, Macon, Mo.
• Evan Rodriguez, junior, Princeton, N.J.
• Lislette Engler, sophomore, Tonawanda, N.Y.
• Courtney Jurgens, junior, Beatrice, Neb.
• Cynthia Campbell, senior, Columbus, Neb.
• Jade Rowe, sophomore, Cozad, Neb.
• Amber Deepe, senior, Deshler, Neb.
• Brittany Arent, freshman, Elkhorn, Neb.
• Amber Hopp, junior, Elkhorn, Neb.
• Gavin  Grimaldo, freshman, Friend, Neb.
• Kathie Nguyen, sophomore, Grand Island, Neb.
• Sierra Salazar, junior, Hastings, Neb.
• Courtney Kuehn, freshman, Kenesaw, Neb.
• Leah Guenther, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb.
• Emma Jacoby, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb.
• Eva Lube, junior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Mitchell Volk, senior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Taylor Workman, junior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Hannah Rose, junior, Louisville, Neb.
• Tyler Ganskow, junior, Madison, Neb.
• Marissa Fuchser, freshman, Malcolm, Neb.
• Jessica Wang, freshman, Milford, Neb.
• Stephanie Coley, senior, Mitchell, Neb.
• Danielle Harstad, senior, Norfolk, Neb.
• Sarah Bowe, senior, Omaha, Neb.
• Erika Ewing, senior, Omaha, Neb.
• Clyde Ericson, junior, Osceola, Neb.
• Aubri Bro, junior, Papillion, Neb.
• Abigail Schroeder, freshman, Schuyler, Neb.
• Cole Berry, junior, Seward, Neb.
• Megan Boye, freshman, Seward, Neb.
• Joshua Brumm, freshman, Seward, Neb.
• Hayli Frosheiser, sophomore, Seward, Neb.
• Fabricio Mendez, sophomore, Seward, Neb.
• Emmiline Moll, junior, Seward, Neb.
• Zachary Moll, junior, Seward, Neb.
• Jessica Orwen, sophomore, Seward, Neb.
• Miranda Stamm, freshman, Seward, Neb.
• Jessica Moss, sophomore, Wood River, Neb.
• Grace Woodburn, sophomore, York, Neb.
• Austin Romine, senior, Fort Worth, Texas
• Taylor Rankel, sophomore, Spring, Texas
• Laura Sattler, senior, East Troy, Wis.

Concordia University, Nebraska will hold its 109th commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the Walz Human Performance Complex arena.

Colonel Eric Teegerstrom of Firth, Nebraska, will present the commencement address and will receive the Distinguished Service Award from Concordia during the ceremony. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated the use of God’s gifts in outstanding public service. Teegerstrom, a well-respected leader in the United States Army, has given 24 years of service to our country, executing extensive, commendable military service with dignity, integrity and dedication.

Five additional individuals are being recognized with honorary degrees or awards. Those receiving honors are Roland Temme of Lincoln, Nebraska, the Doctor of Laws degree; Dr. Frederick Schamber of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, the Doctor of Letters degree; John Bobzin of Concordia, Missouri, the Master Educator Award; and Virginia Von Seggern of Orchard, Nebraska, the Crest of Christ Award. Dr. David Hahn of Saratoga Springs, New York, is also honored this year. He is unable to attend the commencement ceremony; therefore, he received the Doctor of Laws degree at the 2016 Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools Conference in March 2016.

Concordia alumni from the class of 1966 who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation also will be honored.

Music for the commencement ceremony will be provided by the University Chamber Choir, conducted by Professor of Music Dr. Kurt von Kampen, and the University Symphonic Band, conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Andrew Schultz.

The ceremony will be webcast live at cune.edu/commencement.

A baccalaureate service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Rev. Dr. Dirk Reek, associate professor of theology, will serve as preacher for the service. Rev. Ryan Matthias, campus pastor, will serve as the liturgist.

Baccalaureate service music will be provided by Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music and university organist; the University A Cappella Choir, conducted by Professor of Music Dr. Kurt von Kampen; and the Concordia Brass Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Wendy Schultz, adjunct professor of music.

A reception will follow the baccalaureate service, hosted by the Concordia Tower Guild, and the A Cappella Choir and select musicians will perform a short concert.

Four students from Concordia University, Nebraska took part in the fifth annual Lutheran Church Extension Fund national marketing competition April 15, 2016, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Each of the students worked together to create and present a comprehensive marketing plan to the judging panel. The plan reflected the team’s ideas for new loan strategies and increased knowledge of the services that LCEF provides.

Nine teams from colleges and universities across the country participated in the event and were awarded cash prizes ranging from $5,000 for first place to $750 for participation.   

Concordia students who participated in the competition include:

• Collin Christiansen, senior, Palmer, Alaska
• Ana Cuellar, Kansas City, Mo.
• Jon Bartels, senior, Omaha, Neb.
• Sarah Bowe, senior, Omaha, Neb.

Early childhood specialists and teachers are invited to gather for “The Young Child’s Way” Early Childhood Conference on June 15, 2016, at Concordia University, Nebraska. The conference is open to the public, and registration is open until the date of the event. Early registrations may be submitted by June 1 to receive a discounted rate.

“Our annual Early Childhood Conference is a professional development opportunity for those who serve young children, ages birth through second grade,” said Annette Oliver, director of the conference and director of the Early Childhood Education program at Concordia. “This year’s conference offers a rich experience to early childhood teachers who are passionate about the social, academic and spiritual development of our young children.”

Dr. Anne Meeker, author and musician, will deliver a keynote address titled “Developing Language and Literacy the Young Child’s Way Through Music and Play” during the conference. Meeker is a music therapy consultant. She focuses on helping educators learn how to playfully embed music in the lives of young children to support communication, self-regulation and social connection. She is the author of the “Baby Sing and Sign” book series and her CDs earned National Association for Parenting Publications (NAPPA) and Parents’ Choice Awards.

The conference will also feature Rev. Terence Groth, who teaches New Testament, doctrine and ethics at Concordia University, Nebraska. Groth, who will speak at the luncheon, has a love for music and poetry.

In addition to keynote speakers, the conference includes a Scholastic Book Fair and two breakout sessions with a variety of topics available, including faith development, social/emotional development, music, art, literacy and leadership.  

The conference cost is $45 per person for the conference ($55 after June 1) and an additional $13 for those who plan on attending the luncheon. Housing will be available also.

Conference schedule:

• 8 a.m.              Registration, Thom Leadership Education Center, lobby
• 8:30 a.m.         Welcome and introduction of keynote speaker, Janzow Cattle Conference Room
• 8:45 a.m.         Opening keynote speaker Dr. Anne Meeker, Janzow Campus Center
• 10 a.m.            Break
• 10:15 a.m.       Sectional I, TLEC
• 11:45 a.m.       Lunch, luncheon speaker Rev. Terence R. Groth, Janzow Campus Center
• 1:15 p.m.         Sectional II, TLEC
• 2:15 p.m.         Break
• 2:30 p.m.         Closing keynote speaker, Dr. Anne Meeker, Janzow Campus Center

For a complete list of sectional topics, to register online or to access a printable registration form for the event, visit cune.edu/ecc.

The Department of Natural Sciences at Concordia University, Nebraska recognized outstanding work and contributions to the science department at its 15th annual awards banquet on Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

“The Science Banquet is one of the highlights of the year in the department,” said Natural Science Department Chair Dr. Robert Hermann. “This is an opportunity to get out of the lab, out of the classroom, to be together as friends and to celebrate the amazing blessings and the fantastic success that God has blessed on our students.”

The Natural Sciences Scholarship, funded by current and emeriti faculty, is awarded to outstanding students who will be seniors the following academic year in a natural science program. This year’s recipients were Chandler Folkerts, Elizabeth Holle and CJ Muller.

Outstanding lab assistant work and excellence shown in special classes were also recognized during the event.

Students who received awards include (alphabetical by state/country, city, last name):

• Justin Lawrie, senior, Winnipeg, Canada, Outstanding Lab Assistant in Biology
• Josiah Rensner, freshman, Effingham, Ill., Outstanding Freshman in Chemistry
• Mark Anderson, senior, Morton, Ill., Outstanding Lab Assistant in Physics
• Christine Bennett, sophomore, Ida Grove, Iowa, Science Careers Support Scholarship
• Erin Rowland, freshman, St. Peters, Mo., Science Careers Support Scholarship
• Samantha Boardmann, junior, Henderson, Neb., Golden Scalpel Award/Outstanding Student in Gross Anatomy
• Sydney Olson, senior, Lincoln, Neb., Outstanding Lab Assistant in Biology
• Michael Waldron, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb., Outstanding Freshman in Chemistry
• Ryan Carsten, senior, Milford, Neb., Outstanding Lab Assistant in Chemistry
• Chandler Folkerts, junior, Milford, Neb., Natural Science Scholarship
• CJ Muller, senior, Omaha, Neb., Natural Science Scholarship
• Elizabeth Holle, senior, Stewartstown, Pa., Awesome Terrific Person Award/Outstanding Student in Biochemistry and the Natural Science Scholarship 

The class of 1966 will reunite for its 50th anniversary May 5-8 as part of the Concordia University, Nebraska commencement activities. The Class of 1966 will lead the commencement processional on May 7, 2016, at 10 a.m. and be recognized during the ceremony.

“What joy it is to work with our alumni who are so passionate and enthusiastic about coming back together and celebrating memories and friendships,” said Director of Alumni and University Relations Jennifer Furr. “This year’s class is especially engaged and excited to celebrate their 50th reunion. We look forward to saying ‘welcome home’ to so many of our alumni this year!"

Social gatherings will celebrate the class’ anniversary on both Thursday and Saturday evenings. Class members will be honored at a luncheon with current graduates on Friday and at a dinner with Concordia President Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich prior to the baccalaureate service on Friday night. The class of 1966 is also invited to attend a Sunday morning brunch.

Registered attendees include (alphabetical by last name):

Phillip Abbuhl, Ponca City, Okla.

Arlin Bauer, Warsaw, Mo.

Marlene (Rafert) Baughman, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Donna (Kolterman) Bierbaum, Sedona, Ariz.

Edward Bierbaum, Sedona, Ariz.

Stan Bluma, Omaha, Neb.

Eugene Bode, Riesel, Texas

Katherine (Abel) Bode, Riesel, Texas

Karen (Knapp) Boerger, New Palestine, Ind.

Mark Boerger, New Palestine, Ind.

Ronald Brandhorst, Denver, Colo.

Celeste (Lawin) Craemer, San Rafael, Calif.

Glenda (Gierhan) Dobbertien, Seward, Neb.

Nancy (Seim) Ebel, Red Lodge, Mont.

Charles Falk, La Mesa, Calif.

Joanene (Vander Hamm) Falk, La Mesa, Calif.

Betty (Beckman) Fehlhafer, Utica, Neb.

Stanley Fehlhafer, Lincoln, Neb.

Anina (Lund) Ferguson, Tahlequah, Okla.

Sharlyn (Bumann) Fritz, Houston, Texas

Roger Glawatz, Seward, Neb.

Eunice Goldgrabe, Seward, Neb.

Jane Gronau, Kiron, Iowa

Ruth (Kringel) Gugel, Utica, Mich.

Norman Harley, Lincoln, Neb.

Michael Held, Cypress, Texas

Kathy (Wellenkamp) Herbst, Brookfield, Wis.

Jim Holste, Bryan, Texas

Leanora (LaSell) Hotker, Menora, W. Australia

Marilyn Illsley, Oviedo, Fla.

Carol (Karg) Kamprath, Sheboygan, Wis.

Suzanne (Petterson) Kemper, Murrysville, Pa.

Barry Kolb, North Richland Hills, Texas

Thomas Krueger, Leander, Texas

David Kruse, Colby, Kan.

Lavern Kruse, Commerce Township, Mich.

Evelyn (Kroger) Kubert, Lincoln, Neb.

Joe Micanek, Burwell, Neb.

Ray Mirly, Buckeye, Ariz.

Jane (Pechacek) Moeller, New Braunfels, Texas

Gary Mueller, Saint Louis, Mo.

Bonnie (Moeller) Noack, Lincoln, Neb.

Dennis Oetting, Emma, Mo.

Thomas Orlowski, Lansing, Kan.

Myra (Ludwig) Patterson, Pearl City, Hawaii

Karen Rader, Sanborn, N.Y.

Donald Roth, Perryville, Mo.

Martha (Wages) Schamber, Rapid City, S.D.

Linda (Rieschick) Schmelig, Bella Vista, Ariz.

Jim Schubarth, Torrance, Calif.

Joanne (Bloechle) Schubarth, Torrance, Calif.

Carolyn Schuette, Glendale, Wis.

Carol (Forke) Senechal, Colorado Springs, Colo.

John Senechal, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Carolyn (Stroebel) Sims, Mission Viejo, Calif.

Catherine (Seim) Spencer, Gainsville, Ga.

Gertrude (Schmidt) Stigge, Ponca City, Okla.

Ruth (Schuessler) Wurster, Orchard Park, N.Y.

Concordia University, Nebraska will recognize six individuals with honorary degrees and awards at its 109th commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the Walz Human Performance Complex arena. The degrees and awards celebrate the contributions and service of these individuals to the Concordia community and the world.

Colonel Eric J. Teegerstrom of Firth, Nebraska, will present the commencement address and will receive the Distinguished Service Award from Concordia during the ceremony. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated the use of God’s gifts in outstanding public service. Teegerstrom, a well-respected leader in the United States Army, has given 24 years of service to our country, executing extensive, commendable military service with dignity, integrity and dedication.

Five additional individuals will receive honorary degrees or awards during commencement. Those receiving honors are Roland A. Temme of Lincoln, Nebraska, the Doctor of Laws degree; Dr. David M. Hahn of Saratoga Springs, New York, the Doctor of Laws degree; Dr. Frederick H. Schamber of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, the Doctor of Letters degree; John C. Bobzin of Concordia, Missouri, the Master Educator Award; and Virginia Von Seggern of Orchard, Nebraska, the Crest of Christ Award.

For full biographies about the 2016 recipients of honorary degrees and awards, as well as details about Concordia’s commencement ceremony and related activities, visit cune.edu/commencement.

The best of Concordia University, Nebraska students’ artwork earned top awards and scholarships for their creators during the annual Student Art Show in April 2016.

“The Annual Student Art Show is a celebration of our students and the gift of creation they have been given,” said Professor of Art Don Robson. “It's an opportunity to showcase the depth of their talent with families, friends and the Concordia University, Nebraska community and beyond.”

The artwork was judged by Concordia’s full-time art faculty. Art majors were required to enter their work to be judged. When accepted, the artwork was displayed in the Marxhausen Gallery of Art on campus and eligible for monetary awards, including endowed scholarships:

• Leo Sieck Endowment: Awarded to a student who shows great potential as a scholar in art history, theory and research. Majoring in art and in the upper 10% of his/her class.
• Class of 1933 Endowment: Awarded with preference to students in Lutheran teaching education and service to the church.
• Marxhausen Endowment: Established by Reinhold Marxhausen and family to recognize great artwork across a broad group of students. Exceptional ability.
• Wayne and Wanda Lillich Endowment – Lillich Graphic Design Award: This award recognizes a student(s) in the area of graphic design that exemplifies professionalism, high attention to the craft of the discipline and overall quality of their design work.
• Brommer Endowment – Brommer Art Award: The winner of the Brommer Art Award shall demonstrate a strong witness of Christian faith, great work as a student and strong representation in the student exhibition.

The Annual Student Art Exhibition is a spring ritual for the university’s art community. First- and second-year art majors must submit five works of any type of art. Third- and fourth-year students must enter seven pieces. If desired, students are able to sell their art during and after the exhibition. 

Art students who earned awards and scholarships include (alphabetical by state/country, city, last name):

• Allise Loomis, sophomore, Centennial, Colo., Marxhausen Endowment
• Jordyn Sturms, junior, Lone Tree, Colo., Brommer Scholarship
• Carlos Acosta Davila, junior, Cali, Colombia, Marxhausen Endowment
• Grace Stange, junior, Lawrenceburg, Ind., Marxhausen Endowment and Best of Show
• Chelsea Wohlgemuth, sophomore, Alton, Iowa, Marxhausen Endowment
• Sarah Johnson, junior, Carlisle, Iowa, Marxhausen Endowment and Best of Show
• Hannah Willison, junior, Manning, Iowa, Marxhausen Endowment
• Sylvia Braun, senior, Jefferson City, Mo., Class of 1933 Endowment
• Evan Rodriguez, junior, Princeton, N.J., Leo Sieck Endowment
• Cynthia Campbell, senior, Columbus, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Jade Rowe, sophomore, Cozad, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Amber Hopp, junior, Elkhorn, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Kathie Nguyen, sophomore, Grand Island, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Courtney Kuehn, freshman, Kenesaw, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Eva Lube, junior, Lincoln, Neb., Leo Sieck Endowment and the Wayne and Wanda Lillich Endowment
• Tyler Ganskow, junior, Madison, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Jessica Wang, freshman, Milford, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Danielle Harstad, senior, Norfolk, Neb., Class of 1933 Endowment
• Clyde Ericson, junior, Osceola, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Aubri Bro, junior, Papillion, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Emmiline Moll, junior, Seward, Neb., Marxhausen Endowment
• Laura Sattler, senior, East Troy, Wis., Class of 1933 Endowment

Two musical arrangements written and recorded by Concordia University, Nebraska’s Professor of Music and University Organist Dr. Jeffrey Blersch will be featured during the second hour of American Public Media’s weekly production “Pipedreams” on May 30, 2016.

Blersch recorded the two featured arrangements, “Still, Still, Still” and “While by Our Sheep,” on the 2008 Casavant Frères organ, Opus 3868, in the Recital Hall of the Music Center on campus at Concordia.

Blersch is a graduate of the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music where he received degrees in organ performance and music education, and of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts in organ performance. His principal teachers have included Roberta Gary, Garth Peacock and Marilyn Mason.

Prior to his appointment at Concordia, Blersch served as cantor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria, Illinois, associate professor of music at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and as an elementary music specialist in the Brunswick City Schools in Brunswick, Ohio.

Blersch has been an active church musician since being appointed organist of Peace Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, at age 8. Best known for his creative hymn interpretations, he regularly performs recitals and hymn festivals across the United States. Recent appearances have included hymn festivals at The Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas, and conventions of the American Guild of Organists, Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and National Association of Pastoral Musicians. 

Blersch is also an active composer. More than 100 of his compositions and collections are published exclusively with Concordia Publishing House, and four of his original hymn tunes are included in Lutheran Service Book. He has produced two compact disc recordings of his original works: “Resounding Alleluias” and “On Christmas Night,” the latter of which was recorded on Concordia’s Casavant organ.

Blersch also serves as an organist and choir director at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, Nebraska. 

Concordia University, Nebraska, honored graduating seniors who achieved outstanding academic accomplishments during their college career at its annual Academic Honors Reception on May 6, 2016.

Every year, each academic department may give two or more awards, depending on the size of the department and the number of students in the program. Each department establishes its own criteria for determining award recipients, but the criteria must, at minimum, consider the student’s grade point average, level of service to the department and level of service to Concordia.

Concordia’s College of Arts and Sciences, represented by Dr. Brent Royuk, dean of the college, honored the following students:

• Grace Hollenbeck, Parker, Colo., Art
• Mitchell Volk, Lincoln, Neb., Art
• Mary Leising, Arapahoe, Neb., Business
• Thomas Beebe, Blair, Neb., Business
• Hannah Fortna, Macon, Mo., English, Communication and Theater Arts
• Jalynn Woollen, Wilcox, Neb., English, Communication and Theater Arts
• Albert Bader, Grand Island, Neb., History, Geography and Criminal Justice
• Rachel Krause, Rockford, Ill., History, Geography and Criminal Justice
• Brianna Rerucha, Columbus, Neb., Music
• Barbara Leising, Arapahoe, Neb., Music
• Justin Lawrie, Headingley, Man., Natural Science
• Sydney Olson, Lincoln, Neb., Natural Science
• Benjamin Schulteis, Greenfield, Iowa, Natural Science

Concordia’s College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, represented by Dr. Nancy Elwell, dean of the college, honored the following students:

• Adam Meirose, Lincoln, Neb., Health and Human Performance
• Nicole Perry, Menifee, Calif., Health and Human Performance
• Creighton Pearse, Kearney, Neb., Health and Human Performance
• Allison Batt, Columbia, Mo., Human and Social Sciences
• Joel Marquardt, Denver, N.C., Human and Social Sciences
• Maria Sasieta, Carrollton, Ill., Intercultural Studies and Modern Foreign Languages

Dr. Ronald Bork, associate dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, honored the following students:

• Chelsea Sherman, Omaha, Neb., Early Childhood Education
• Nicole Hemmann, Jackson, Mo., Elementary Education
• Brianna Hughes, San Diego, Calif., Middle Level Education
• Stephanie Shearer, Arapahoe, Neb., Secondary Education
• Nicole Jensen, Omaha, Neb., Special Education 

The College of Graduate Studies and Adult Education, represented by University Provost Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke, honored Kathie O’Dell of Seward, Nebraska, for adult education.

Dr. Robert Hermann, professor of physics, health careers program director, Osten Observatory director and chair of the natural science department, was presented with the 2016 Outstanding Teaching Award at the university’s commencement ceremony May 7, 2016.

The honor is given to a full-time faculty member who has been nominated by students. A committee of students, as well as faculty members who have previously received the award, selects the recipient. The recipient’s name is not revealed until it is called during commencement. Student Senate President Alicia Royuk and Vice President Noel Richardson presented the award.

“I’d like to thank the students. This is an amazing surprise and a fantastic honor,” said Hermann as he accepted the award. “It’s also a challenge because as I look at the amazing faculty that I get to work with, I know that every one of them is at least as good as I am, and most are better. And as I look at the graduates, no teacher can do anything without fantastic students in their class, so thank you to all of my students. This is especially meaningful to me today because one of my great mentors, Mr. Ron Brandhorst, is here from the Class of ’66. He was my physics teacher in high school, and for my entire career he has been my role model and the person that I’ve tried to emulate. I’d like to also thank my team and Julie, my wonderful wife. Thank you very much.”

Hermann has been teaching various levels of physics courses at Concordia since August 1999. He has also taught astronomy, science and society, classical mechanics, electronics and electricity and magnetism.

“Dr. Hermann is a fabulous classroom teacher. He’s well-known for his willingness to help students outside of class and for making difficult material in physics understandable,” said University Provost Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke. “Beyond teaching, he is critical to the university in many other ways, including his contributions as chair of the natural science department and his efforts to coordinate Concordia’s reaccreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. He constantly exhibits a strong work ethic and wears more hats than almost anyone else, yet he remains humble regarding all of his accomplishments. It brings me great joy to honor him with the Outstanding Teaching Award.”

Prior to coming to Concordia, Hermann taught at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and at Portland Lutheran School in Portland, Oregon. Hermann’s research interests include infrared astronomy, particularly in the area of stellar evolution, and image restoration and processing.

Hermann is also involved in community outreach programs in astronomy, and he presents observatory shows for school groups and for the public.

Hermann earned his doctorate from University of Wyoming and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska.

He has held professional memberships in the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, American Association of Physics Teachers (AATP) and the Nebraska Section of the AAPT.

Concordia University, Nebraska held its 109th commencement on Saturday, May 7, 2016. The university awarded undergraduate or graduate degrees to 353 graduates in May 2016. Graduates receiving a degree in December 2015, May 2016 or August 2016 were invited to participate in the ceremony. Colonel Eric J. Teegerstrom of Firth, Nebraska, presented the commencement address, and Concordia presented additional honorary awards and degrees.

In his commencement address, Teegerstrom compared life to a battle and shared four things that he says carried him through some of the toughest, most demanding times he has had: faith, family, education and tenacity.

“Faith is a plan,” said Teegerstrom. “Faith is a tangible thing you can hold onto. Faith in your God. Faith in yourselves. Faith in your comrades. You can see that, feel that each day, and it can inspire you to greatness.”

Teegerstrom then acknowledged family members, his Concordia family and his Army family and the support they have provided to him over the years. “When times are low, they can pick you up. When you stray off the path, they can steer you back on it. Hold onto that family. Love that family. Inspire that family, and be inspired by them.”

Teegerstrom then explained that the education he received at Concordia and throughout the rest of his life has carried him through challenging times in his life. He encouraged students to continue their education, not just today but throughout the rest of their careers. “Whether it’s in the classroom, the boardroom, the courtroom, wherever it might be, take that education and run.”

Teegerstrom’s final recommendation was to have tenacity. “At the end of the day, you’re not always going to be the smartest, you’re not always going to be the best looking. You’re not always going to be the most well-spoken, but you can make the choice to be the most tenacious,” he said. “You can make the choice to the toughest. You can make the choice to be the most determined of anyone you’re with, and when you know something’s right, you grip onto that and you carry through to the bitter end.”

To close his message, Teegerstrom declared: “Faith, family, education, tenacity are the sword, the shield, the armor and the helmet that I wear into battle every day. Life is a battle. Go fight it.”  

In addition to presenting the commencement address, Teegerstrom received the Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated the use of God’s gifts in outstanding public service. Teegerstrom, a well-respected leader in the United States Army, has given 24 years of service to our country, executing extensive, commendable military service with dignity, integrity and dedication.

Five additional individuals received honorary degrees or awards during commencement. Those receiving honors include Roland A. Temme of Lincoln, Nebraska, the Doctor of Laws degree; Dr. David M. Hahn of Saratoga Springs, New York, the Doctor of Laws degree; Dr. Frederick H. Schamber of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, the Doctor of Letters degree; John C. Bobzin of Concordia, Missouri, the Master Educator Award; and Virginia Von Seggern of Orchard, Nebraska, the Crest of Christ Award.

Concordia Nebraska graduates recognized at the 2016 commencement ceremony as earning a degree include the students below, in alphabetical order by state (except Nebraska listed first), city and last name. International locations are listed after the states.

Appearance of a name in this news release is not official acknowledgement of completion of the degree, certificate or diploma indicated.

Nebraska

• Christopher Bailey, Alliance, Neb., Master of Education
• Laura Mangas, Alliance, Neb., Master of Education
• Karen McGinn, Anselmo, Neb., Master of Education
• Jennifer Schmidt, Anselmo, Neb., Master of Education
• Barbara Klinge, Arapahoe, Neb., Bachelor of Music
• Andrea Leising, Arapahoe, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Mary Leising, Arapahoe, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• RayAnn Roskop, Arapahoe, Neb., Master of Education
• Stephanie Shearer, Arapahoe, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Corinne Pistulka, Atkinson, Neb., Master of Education
• Thomas Hinrichs, Auburn, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Christine Ruskamp, Auburn, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Richard Backhus, Beaver Crossing, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Aubrey Schultz, Beemer, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Rachel Allen, Bellevue, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Stephanie Brazell, Bellevue, Neb., Master of Education
• Andrew Gregory, Bellevue, Neb., Master of Education
• Sharolynn Kucera, Bellevue, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Edith Nickel, Benedict, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Lisa Tingelhoff, Bennington, Neb., Master of Education
• Thomas Beebe, Blair, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Rachel Hambidge, Blair, Neb., Master of Education
• Elizabeth Schwab, Blue Hill, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Steven Epp, Blue Springs, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Tonja Shaw, Brady, Neb., Master of Education
• Jaylene Lambert, Bridgeport, Neb., Master of Education
• Anne McCaslin, Broken Bow, Neb., Master of Education
• Cody Eitzmann, Byron, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Cynthia Mick, Carleton, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Brock Colclasure, Central City, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Katelyn Shoup, Clarks, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Michelle Janda, Clay Center, Neb., Master of Education
• Courtney Burma, Columbus, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Caitlin Debower, Columbus, Neb., Master of Education
• Natalie Evans, Columbus, Neb., Master of Education
• Amy Kelly, Columbus, Neb., Master of Education
• Debra Mueller, Columbus, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Amanda Newman, Columbus, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Brianna Rerucha, Columbus, Neb., Bachelor of Music
• Jacob Tuma, Cordova, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Marcie Kostrunek, Cozad, Neb., Master of Education
• Candace Norman-Kolling, Crawford, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Michael Tines, Culbertson, Neb., Master of Education
• Tonya Welch, Curtis, Neb., Master of Education
• Erika Schroeder, Davenport, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Veronica Hotovy, David City, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Amber Deepe, Deshler, Neb., Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Rebecca Mueller, Elkhorn, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Renee' Bauer, Elm Creek, Neb., Master of Education
• Mary Malcom, Elm Creek, Neb., Master of Education
• Holly Sindt, Elm Creek, Neb., Master of Education
• Mistalene Nilson, Ewing, Neb., Master of Education
• Clarisa White, Exeter, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Jennifer Schiermeyer, Fairfield, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Rebecca Bartels, Farwell, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Brian Gange, Firth, Neb., Master of Human Services
• Jeffrey Sjuts, Fremont, Neb., Master of Education
• Meghan Smith, Fremont, Neb., Master of Education
• Tonya Beekman, Genoa, Neb., Master of Education
• Broc Brown, Gering, Neb., Master of Education
• Stephanie Coley, Gering, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Amber Rahmig, Gering, Neb., Master of Education
• Jan Zitterkopf, Gering, Neb., Master of Education
• Stormy Hunter, Gordon, Neb., Master of Education
• Alysha Slama, Gordon, Neb., Master of Education
• Jason Drake, Gothenburg, Neb., Master of Education
• Trent Good, Gothenburg, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Albert Bader, Grand Island, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Kyle Carder, Grand Island, Neb., Master of Education
• Whitney Flower, Grand Island, Neb., Master of Education
• Thomas Hudnall, Grand Island, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Fallon Kostbahn, Grand Island, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Angela Myers, Grand Island, Neb., Master of Education
• Rachel Pischnotte, Grand Island, Neb., Master of Education
• Jaimi Stelk, Grand Island, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Garrett Suchanek, Grand Island, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Kimberly Wood, Greeley, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Regan Doiel, Gretna, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Elizabeth Carlson, Hastings, Neb., Master of Education
• Katherine Hemje, Hastings, Neb., Master of Education
• Kendra Nollette, Hastings, Neb., Master of Education
• Jordan Potrzeba, Hastings, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Trudy Degenhardt, Hebron, Neb., Master of Education
• Tori Hoesche, Holdrege, Neb., Master of Science
• Michael Speirs, Howells, Neb., Master of Education
• Breanna Gardels, Humphrey, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Elizabeth Sjuts, Humphrey, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Justin Kathman, Juniata, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Allison Albers, Kearney, Neb., Master of Education
• Tracy Krause, Kearney, Neb., Master of Education
• Sara Kucera, Kearney, Neb., Master of Education
• Creighton Pearse, Kearney, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Jordan Sorensen, Kearney, Neb., Master of Education
• Rebekah Uden, Kenesaw, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Joshua Slechta, Kennard, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Sean McLaughlin, La Vista, Neb., Master of Education
• Laura Nordby, Laurel, Neb., Master of Education
• Brandon Namuth, Lewellen, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Jacob Harvey, Lexington, Neb., Master of Education
• Jose Lara, Lexington, Neb., Master of Education
• Terah Maloley, Lexington, Neb., Master of Education
• Noelle Aden, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Patricia Anderson, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Kyle Asche, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Katie Bockelman, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Jennifer Bockerman, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Coby Boring, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Lexye Bruegman, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Jeff Defreece, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Michael Fine, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Logan Gates, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Jodi Groeteke Hockemeier, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Cory Hall, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Brittani Hoesche, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Annalisa Holmgren, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Kristine Jenkins, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Jaydee Jurgensen, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Jeffrey Kirkland, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Randal Lube, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Cary McCullen, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Arts
• Adam Meirose, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Alexander Melius, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Trevor Miller, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Rebecca Phelps, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Ryan Regnier, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Amanda Rodell, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Richard Schmidt, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Gideon Soenksen, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Marci Sorenson, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Kristen Tangen, Lincoln, Neb., Master of Education
• Micah Thiessen, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Erika Troester, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Mitchell Volk, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Alex Wakefield, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Jordan Freudenburg, Madison, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Erin Reeves, Madison, Neb., Master of Education
• Adam Aschenbrenner, Malcolm, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Ashley Cordier, Malcolm, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Ashley Beckman, Marquette, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Danielle Bethune, Mc Cool Junction, Neb., Master of Education
• Haley Harpham, McCook, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Allen Meade, McCool Junction, Neb., Master of Human Services
• Christina Larsen, Merna, Neb., Master of Education
• Katharine Mundorf, Merna, Neb., Master of Education
• Ryan Carsten, Milford, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Samantha Zegers, Milford, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Becky Barber, Minden, Neb., Master of Education
• Taylor Maulsby, Minden, Neb., Master of Education
• Lori Schluntz, Minden, Neb., Master of Education
• Ryan Dettman, Nebraska City, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Kendra Mortensen, Neligh, Neb., Master of Education
• Kelly Ptacek, Neligh, Neb., Master of Education
• Dana Epley, Nelson, Neb., Master of Education
• Cristina Hanzel, Newman Grove, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Kylie Sweeter, Newman Grove, Neb., Master of Education
• Kelsey Dinkel, Norfolk, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Kendra Dinkel, Norfolk, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Shelby Stolze, Norfolk, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Sandy Wolfe, Norfolk, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Wende Carson, North Platte, Neb., Master of Education
• Mindee Mohr, North Platte, Neb., Master of Education
• Ben Montgomery, North Platte, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Tait Sibbel, O'Neill, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Garrett Folchert, Ogallala, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Michael Gill, Ogallala, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Jill Adler, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Jonathan Bartels, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Theresa Beckenhauer, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Myron Bell, Jr., Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Shumain Beller, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Sarah Bowe, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Anne Chrans, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Joshua Curran, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Erika Ewing, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Brittney Fewell, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Jennifer Foreman, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Madison Hawkins, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Nicole Jensen, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Ethan Kesar, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Danielle Kirchhevel, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Melissa Kumm, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Lori Laher, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Mary Leland, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Glennon Manninger, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Margaret Murakami, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Kara Nickels, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Emily Noe, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Patricia Pagel, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Michael Paulsen, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Natalie Ringen, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Chelsea Sherman, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Stephanie Van Blair, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Kirk Vilhauer, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Kate Waters, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Tina Wegner, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Broderick Wilson, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Kimberley Young, Omaha, Neb., Master of Education
• Sydney Olson, Ong, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Katelyn Peterson, Ord, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Emily Kahny, Osmond, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Melissa Sorensen, Page, Neb., Master of Education
• James Eddy, Papillion, Neb., Master of Education
• Michael Shively, Pender, Neb., Master of Education
• Kattie Cleveland, Petersburg, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Elizabeth Williams, Pierce, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Zachary Moje, Pilger, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Brittny Fox, Raymond, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Allison Aldrich, Schuyler, Neb., Master of Education
• Ethan Hutton, Schuyler, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Elyse Muhle, Schuyler, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• John Adam, Scotia, Neb., Master of Education
• Emma Blanke, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Emelia Deeter, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Ashley Elwell, Seward, Neb., Master of Public Health
• Tiffany Hubrig, Seward, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Rachel Kathman, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Micah Kohlwey, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Lance Korell, Seward, Neb., Master of Education
• Dana McGuire, Seward, Neb., Master of Public Health
• Kathie O'Dell, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Zach Pilfold, Seward, Neb., Master of Human Services
• Jaimie Ramsey, Seward, Neb., Master of Science–Family Life
• Lori Read, Seward, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Rachel Royuk, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Brett Shaw, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Devin Smith, Seward, Neb., Master of Education
• Victoria Taibemal, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Drew ten Bensel, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Andrea von Kampen, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Mark Wilcox, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Emma Urbanek, Shelton, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Heather Hoffman, Sidney, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Nakeata Divis, South Sioux City, Neb., Master of Education
• Shena Jensen, South Sioux City, Neb., Master of Education
• Mark Baden, Springfield, Neb., Master of Education
• Emily Hawkins, Springfield, Neb., Master of Education
• Ashley Dvorak, St. Paul, Neb., Master of Education
• Austin Starkey, St. Paul, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Kyle Steinkuhler, Sterling, Neb., Master of Education
• Lisa Faimon, Stratton, Neb., Master of Education
• Kiley Carey, Stromsburg, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Courtney Baker, Superior, Neb., Master of Education
• Tricia Kuhlmann, Superior, Neb., Master of Education
• Mary Tietjen, Superior, Neb., Master of Education
• Sarah Smith, Unadilla, Neb., Bachelor of Music
• Sarah Smith, Unadilla, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Benjamin Schranz, Utica, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Shane Allison, Valentine, Neb., Master of Education
• Andrew Breunig, Wahoo, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Kelsie Skelton, Wauneta, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Alicia Oldre, Waverly, Neb., Master of Education
• Rachael Salmen, Waverly, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Makenzie Deutschman, West Point, Neb., Master of Education
• Eric Ruskamp, West Point, Neb., Master of Business Administration
• Clinton Gardels, Wilcox, Neb., Bachelor of Science
• Jalynn Woollen, Wilcox, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Michele Pittman, Wood River, Neb., Master of Education
• Emily Muench, Worms, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Samuel Simonson, Worms, Neb., Bachelor of Arts
• Amy Fernau, York, Neb., Master of Education
• Jereme Jones, York, Neb., Master of Education
• Jennifer Korn, York, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Kayla Makovicka, York, Neb., Master of Education
• Abbie Neujahr, York, Neb., Master of Education 

Alaska

• Collin Christiansen, Palmer, Alaska, Bachelor of Arts
• Jennifer Bray, Wasilla, Alaska, Master of Education

Arizona

• Heidi Rosner, Chandler, Ariz., Master of Public Health
• Jose Rojas, Nogales, Ariz., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Mary Hietala, Phoenix, Ariz., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Courtney Ross, Phoenix, Ariz., Master of Public Health
• Dean Stevens, Scottsdale, Ariz., Bachelor of Science
• Mark Harris, Tucson, Ariz., Bachelor of Arts

California

• Julia Tyree, Benicia, Calif., Bachelor of Science
• Marie Hood, Carlsbad, Calif., Master of Public Health
• Kristen Tomlinson, Corona Dl Mar, Calif., Master of Education
• Anna McDaniel, Cypress, Calif., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Robert Mata, Escondido, Calif., Bachelor of Arts
• Elizabeth Maxwell, Fullerton, Calif., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Enrique Barajas, Hayward, Calif., Bachelor of Arts
• Nicole Perry, Menifee, Calif., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Samantha Nielsen, Sacramento, Calif., Master of Science
• Michelle Pascual, Sacramento, Calif., Master of Science
• Joshua Weishaar, Salinas, Calif., Bachelor of Music
• Brianna Hughes, San Diego, Calif., Bachelor of Science in Education

Colorado

• Nicole Vogel, Alamosa, Colo., Master of Public Health
• Taylor Gager, Arvada, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Bethany Williams, Aurora, Colo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Stephanie Klein, Berthoud, Colo., Master of Science
• Elizabeth Zagel, Brighton, Colo., Bachelor of Science
• Savanah Baker, Broomfield, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Brendan Buchanan, Broomfield, Colo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• John Pursley, Brush, Colo., Master of Human Services
• Mitchell Kelly, Castle Rock, Colo., Bachelor of Science
• Trevor Bresson, Colorado Springs, Colo., Bachelor of Science
• Brian Gorman, Colorado Springs, Colo., Bachelor of Science
• Brady Laib, Colorado Springs, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Alexandra Van Bergen, Colorado Springs, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Victoria Langewisch, Denver, Colo., Master of Education
• Rebecca McGruder, Denver, Colo., Master of Public Health
• Nehemiah Langness, Englewood, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Philip Stahly, Erie, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Taylor Dudley, Frederick, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Katherine Toler, Greeley, Colo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• David Corder, Lafayette, Colo., Master of Human Services
• Cassandra Nagel, Lafayette, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Sandy Fisher, Lakewood, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Matthew White, Lakewood, Colo., Bachelor of Science
• Taylor Bigandt, Littleton, Colo., Bachelor of Science
• Kelsey Hizer, Littleton, Colo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Tina Kahn, Littleton, Colo., Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Kara O'Kelly, Littleton, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Riley Herren, Lone Tree, Colo., Bachelor of Science
• Frank Andrews, Loveland, Colo., Bachelor of Science
• Grace Hollenbeck, Parker, Colo., Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Brianne Liebelt, Parker, Colo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Alexa Radic, Parker, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Miranda Nash, Sterling, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Brooke Meier, Thornton, Colo., Bachelor of Arts
• Heath Benker, Williamsburg, Colo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Jake Sells, Woodland Park, Colo., Bachelor of Science

Florida

• Crislyn Grubb, Jensen Beach, Fla., Master of Education
• Evan Root, Naples, Fla., Bachelor of Arts
• Mariela Gonzalez, Ormond Beach, Fla., Master of Human Services
• Emmanuel Swift, St. Petersburg, Fla., Master of Education
• Angelin Azzarello, Tampa, Fla., Master of Public Health
• Austin Peterson, Tampa, Fla., Bachelor of Arts

Georgia

• Ashley Endicott, Atlanta, Ga., Master of Education
• Archemae Fredericks, Atlanta, Ga., Master of Education
• Robert Davis, Lawrenceville, Ga., Master of Public Health
• Jason Rhoden, Snellville, Ga., Master of Education

Hawaii

• Melissa Mansfield, Honolulu, Hawaii, Master of Science

Idaho

• Megan Harper, Newdale, Idaho, Master of Science–Family Life

Illinois

• Megan Swanson, Bolingbrook, Ill., Master of Science
• Maria Sasieta, Carrollton, Ill., Bachelor of Arts
• Jamie Heath, Chillicothe, Ill., Master of Education
• Mary Shryock, Chillicothe, Ill., Master of Education
• Mary Rossio, Coal City, Ill., Master of Public Health
• Sharon Mcneil, Crest Hill, Ill., Master of Public Health
• Nipa Patel, Des Plaines, Ill., Master of Public Health
• Kellyanne Blazek, Fulton, Ill., Master of Business Administration
• Rachel Woolery, Granite City, Ill., Master of Human Services
• Andrew Franke, Hoopeston, Ill., Bachelor of Arts
• Kimberly Couch, Manteno, Ill., Master of Science–Family Life
• Mark Anderson, Morton, Ill., Bachelor of Science
• Maryann Brown, Peoria, Ill., Master of Education
• Kyle Munson, Princeton, Ill., Bachelor of Arts
• Rachel Krause, Rockford, Ill., Bachelor of Arts
• Alyssa Newton, Rockford, Ill., Bachelor of Arts
• Jeannette Newton, Rockford, Ill., Master of Science–Family Life
• Matthew Schuessler, Troy, Ill., Bachelor of Arts
• Leah Maag, Waterloo, Ill., Bachelor of Arts 

Indiana

• Raymond Kline, Carmel, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Chad Eckels, Evansville, Ind., Master of Science–Family Life
• Austin Crawford, Indianapolis, Ind., Master of Public Health
• Kayla Sombke, Indianapolis, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Malinda Standerfer, Noblesville, Ind., Bachelor of Arts
• Cheryl Labelle, North Vernon, Ind., Master of Science–Family Life
• Andrew Bloch, Seymour, Ind., Bachelor of Arts
• Brooke Zarick, Seymour, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Education

Iowa

• David Schmidt, Alta, Iowa, Bachelor of Arts
• Elizabeth Davidson, Atlantic, Iowa, Bachelor of Arts
• Samantha McConnell, Atlantic, Iowa, Bachelor of Science
• Jessica Olson, Carlisle, Iowa, Master of Public Health
• Melanie Jochimsen, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bachelor of Arts
• Mark Mueller, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Master of Education
• Rachel Vargas-Beineke, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Master of Education
• Nicole Ruchotzke, Dubuque, Iowa, Master of Public Health
• Emma Wall, Eldridge, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education
• Alexander Alstott, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Bachelor of Arts
• Benjamin Schulteis, Greenfield, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education
• Clarissa Beving, Hartley, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education
• Naomi Pfeil, Hiawatha, Iowa, Bachelor of Arts
• James Schwartz, Iowa City, Iowa, Bachelor of Arts
• Kendra Vanness, Latimer, Iowa, Bachelor of Science
• Michael Grau, Lawton, Iowa, Bachelor of Science
• Hannah Weber, Manchester, Iowa, Bachelor of Music
• Ellen Franzmeier, Newell, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education
• Katie Terry, Onawa, Iowa, Master of Education
• Kayla Ronfeldt, Schaller, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education
• Samantha Brown, Sioux City, Iowa, Master of Education
• Meredith Davies-Vogt, Sioux City, Iowa, Master of Education
• Maria Jorgensen, Sioux City, Iowa, Master of Public Health
• Travis Schemmel, Sioux City, Iowa, Master of Education
• Naomi Greder, Sloan, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education
• Tyler Kacmarynski, Spencer, Iowa, Master of Business Administration
• Luke Kaldahl, Spencer, Iowa, Bachelor of Science
• Peter Klinge, State Center, Iowa, Bachelor of Science
• Casey Brown, Urbandale, Iowa, Master of Public Health
• Wesly Williams, Vinton, Iowa, Bachelor of Arts

Kansas

• Patrick Wuerdeman, Independence, Kan., Bachelor of Science
• Noel Richardson, Junction City, Kan., Bachelor of Arts
• Alex Cargin, Leawood, Kan., Bachelor of Arts
• Ryan Trueblood, Lenexa, Kan., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Michelle Lloyd, Ottawa, Kan., Master of Human Services
• Alexandria Kolpin, Overland Park, Kan., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Olivia Pace, Overland Park, Kan., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Robert Thomas, Shawnee, Kan., Bachelor of Arts
• Jessie Smith, Topeka, Kan., Master of Public Health
• Christian Schultz, Wamego, Kan., Bachelor of Arts
• Courtney Koenig, Weir, Kan., Master of Public Health
• Helena Dieckhoff, Wichita, Kan., Bachelor of Science
• Kevin Scott, Wichita, Kan., Bachelor of Arts

Maine

• Andrew Sumner, Bangor, Maine, Master of Education

Maryland

• Cynthia Earle, Clear Spring, Md., Master of Public Health
• Mohamed Ibraheim, College Park, Md., Master of Public Health
• Haley Simmons, Randallstown, Md., Master of Human Services

Massachusetts

• Vanessa Flint, Taunton, Mass., Master of Education

Michigan

• Katherine Sanday, Almont, Mich., Master of Education
• Robert Donner, Capac, Mich., Master of Public Health
• Erika Lindwall, Iron River, Mich., Master of Public Health
• Tracy Liichow, Lansing, Mich., Master of Public Health
• Christine Tacey, Lansing, Mich., Master of Science
• Jeanette Henson, Livonia, Mich., Master of Public Health
• Ashley Oteney, Ypsilanti, Mich., Master of Public Health
• Lauren Smith, Ypsilanti, Mich., Master of Public Health

Minnesota

• Emily Anderson, Altura, Minn., Master of Education
• Thomas Wyatt, Bethel, Minn., Bachelor of Music
• Matthew Chapa, Buffalo, Minn., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Brittany Erdmann, Chanhassen, Minn., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Logan Carver, Faribault, Minn., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Micah Witt, Faribault, Minn., Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Michael Boll, Ham Lake, Minn., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Abdulrahman Abdalla, Minneapolis, Minn., Master of Public Health
• Sherry Loyd-Revels, St. Paul, Minn., Master of Education
• Anna Krueger, White Bear Lake, Minn., Bachelor of Arts

Missouri

• Allison Batt, Columbia, Mo., Bachelor of Arts
• Zachary Kollbaum, Concordia, Mo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Mary Beth Self, Concordia, Mo., Master of Education
• Katherine Lemmons, Emma, Mo., Bachelor of Arts
• Derek Theiss, Farrar, Mo., Bachelor of Arts
• Amanda Pascoe, Grain Valley, Mo., Master of Science–Family Life
• Nicole Hemmann, Jackson, Mo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Ana Cuellar, Kansas City, Mo., Bachelor of Science
• Nathanael Eaton, Lee's Summit, Mo., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Delaney Sommers, Lee's Summit, Mo., Bachelor of Science
• Mary Wheeler, Lee's Summit, Mo., Bachelor of Arts
• Hannah Fortna, Macon, Mo., Bachelor of Arts
• Michael Fox, Nixa, Mo., Bachelor of Arts
• Amanda Snider, Republic, Mo., Bachelor of Science
• Jacob Kettner, Salem, Mo., Bachelor of Science
• Willem Gabbert, Sedalia, Mo., Bachelor of Science
• Andrew Magnus, Springfield, Mo., Bachelor of Arts
• Ashley Ellis, St. Joseph, Mo., Bachelor of Science
• Ryan Dubberke, Wildwood, Mo., Bachelor of Science in Education

Montana

• Cyrina Allen, Billings, Mont., Master of Public Health

Nevada

• Michael Nelson, Gardnerville, Nev., Master of Education
• Gina Jolliff, Henderson, Nev., Master of Science
• Kristina Schuldt, Las Vegas, Nev., Master of Education
• Nicolas Harding, Yerington, Nev., Bachelor of Music

New Hampshire

• Sean Carpenter, Hollis, N.H., Bachelor of Music 

New Jersey

• Danielle Torrone, Fair Haven, N.J., Master of Education
• Danielle Rogers, Mount Laurel, N.J., Master of Education

New Mexico

• Jacob Rasmussen, Albuquerque, N.M., Bachelor of Science in Education

New York

• Viveth Bucknor, Bronx, N.Y., Master of Public Health
• Deborah Holt-Knight, Brooklyn, N.Y., Master of Science
• David Keating, Center Moriches, N.Y., Bachelor of Arts
• Christine Amundson, Goshen, N.Y., Master of Education
• Angela Methans, Hartsdale, N.Y., Master of Education
• Vanessa Bianco, Highland Mills, N.Y., Master of Education
• Tracee Fletcher, Rome, N.Y., Master of Human Services
• Stefanie Young, Staten Island, N.Y., Master of Human Services

North Carolina

• Latonya Johnson, Concord, N.C., Master of Human Services
• Joel Marquardt, Denver, N.C., Bachelor of Arts
• Tiwana Anderson, Fayetteville, N.C., Master of Education
• Jamie Baker, Spring Hope, N.C., Master of Education
• Leslie Kusek, Troutman, N.C., Master of Science–Family Life
• Karisa McDaniel, Winston Salem, N.C., Master of Human Services

North Dakota

• Kristin Nistler, Bismarck, N.D., Master of Science–Family Life
• Elizabeth Johnson, Hettinger, N.D., Master of Education
• Jonathan Jahnke, West Fargo, N.D., Bachelor of Arts

Ohio

• Priscilla Bailey, Columbus, Ohio, Master of Human Services
• Jennifer Scott, North Canton, Ohio, Master of Education
• Nicole Blevens, Wooster, Ohio, Master of Public Health

Oregon

• Kate Zito-Salmi, Corvallis, Ore., Master of Human Services
• Jonie Jones, Prairie City, Ore., Master of Science

Pennsylvania

• Megan Roberts, Philadelphia, Penn., Master of Public Health

Rhode Island

• Christy Wood, East Greenwich, R.I., Master of Science

South Carolina

• Amanda Wootten, Williston, S.C., Master of Education

South Dakota

• Megan Hein, Huron, S.D., Master of Education
• Megan Burma, Platte, S.D., Bachelor of Science
• Emily Fetzer, Rapid City, S.D., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Corrinna Lenort, Redfield, S.D., Master of Public Health
• Ryan Baney, Sioux Falls, S.D., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Jennifer Chicoine, Sioux Falls, S.D., Master of Education
• Matthew Meisinger, Sioux Falls, S.D., Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
• Jessica Scharfenberg, Stickney, S.D., Master of Public Health

Texas

• Costa Ndayisabye, Amarillo, Texas, Master of Public Health
• Molly Bartee, Athens, Texas, Bachelor of Science in Education
• Austin Romine, Fort Worth, Texas, Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Elke Fehler, Hewitt, Texas, Master of Science–Family Life
• Sonia Donaires, Keene, Texas, Master of Public Health
• Benjamin Balduc, Roanoke, Texas, Bachelor of Science in Education

Utah

• Christina Koharcheck, Ivins, Utah, Master of Education

Vermont

• Heather Blair, Fletcher, Vt., Master of Public Health

Virginia

• Tametria Bland, Petersburg, Va., Master of Education
• Brandie Smith, Virginia Beach, Va., Master of Public Health

Washington

• Lisa Marie Hokanson, Battle Ground, Wash., Master of Public Health
• Shade Lawson, Ellensburg, Wash., Master of Public Health
• Anthony Ferrer-Bethencourt, Mill Creek, Wash., Master of Public Health

West Virginia

• Roxanne Evans, Bruceton Mills, W.V., Master of Public Health

Wisconsin

• Taylor Baumeister, De Pere, Wis., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Aaron Buchholz, Gillett, Wis., Bachelor of Arts
• Aaron Buchholz, Gillett, Wis., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Amy Buchholz, Gillett, Wis., Bachelor of Arts
• Kerrie Roesler, Greendale, Wis., Master of Education
• Lauren Pankow, Milwaukee, Wis., Bachelor of Science in Education
• Kelli Ryddner, Mount Pleasant, Wis., Bachelor of Science in Education

Wyoming

• Matthew Korkow, Hanna, Wyo., Master of Education
• Kenda Foos, Torrington, Wyo., Master of Education

International

• Justin Lawrie, Headingley, Canada, Bachelor of Science
• Julian Amaya, Bogotá, Colombia, Bachelor of Arts
• Nicolas Luque Cifuentes, Bogotá, Colombia, Master of Business Administration
• Norleen Oliver, Kolonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Master of Public Health
• Mark Campbell, Dublin, Ireland, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
• Sean Doran, Rush, Ireland, Bachelor of Arts
• Nathan Northcutt, Swords, Ireland, Bachelor of Arts
• Obed Varona Ortiz, Mexico City, Mexico, Bachelor of Science
• Marcos Leon, Senora, Mexico, Bachelor of Arts
• Martin Kond, Mt. Hagen, Papua New Guinea, Bachelor of Arts
• Dusan Veselinovic, Belgrade, Serbia, Master of Business Administration
• Bailey Baker, Seoul, South Korea, Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Ling-Yi Shao, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Master of Education
• Jaap Van Gaalen, Enschede, The Netherlands, Bachelor of Science
• Nicole Baker, Leicester, United Kingdom, Bachelor of Science in Education

Concordia University, Nebraska announces its May 2016 undergraduates who graduated with distinction or high distinction honors based on their academic achievements at Concordia Nebraska.

Up to 10 percent of the undergraduate class are graduated with high distinction, and an additional 15 percent of the class are graduated with distinction. A student must also have completed at least 64 credit hours at Concordia Nebraska to be eligible for graduation honors.

The list of students includes (listed alphabetically by state [exception: Nebraska is first], city, last name; international at the end):

Nebraska

• Mary Leising, Arapahoe, Neb., Bachelor of Science, With High Distinction
• Stephanie Shearer, Arapahoe, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction
• Sharolynn Kucera, Bellevue, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction
• Thomas Beebe, Blair, Neb., Bachelor of Science, With Distinction
• Katelyn Shoup, Clarks, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction
• Jacob Tuma, Cordova, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With High Distinction
• Veronica Hotovy, David City, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Rebecca Mueller, Elkhorn, Neb., Bachelor of Science, With High Distinction
• Stephanie Coley, Gering, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Albert Bader, Grand Island, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Jaimi Stelk, Grand Island, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction
• Garrett Suchanek, Grand Island, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Kimberly Wood, Greeley, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Breanna Gardels, Humphrey, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Rebekah Uden, Kenesaw, Neb., Bachelor of Science, With High Distinction
• Trevor Miller, Lincoln, Neb., Bachelor of Science, With Distinction
• Ryan Carsten, Milford, Neb., Bachelor of Science, With High Distinction
• Shumain Beller, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With High Distinction
• Madison Hawkins, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With High Distinction
• Nicole Jensen, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction
• Lori Laher, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction
• Chelsea Sherman, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With High Distinction
• Stephanie Van Blair, Omaha, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With High Distinction
• Arianne Stuhr, Papillion, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Elyse Muhle, Schuyler, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction
• Emelia Deeter, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Drew ten Bensel, Seward, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Jalynn Woollen, Wilcox, Neb., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction
• Emily Muench, Worms, Neb., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction

Colorado

• Elizabeth Zagel, Brighton, Colo., Bachelor of Science, With Distinction
• Savanah Baker, Broomfield, Colo., Bachelor of Arts, With High Distinction
• Nehemiah Langness, Englewood, Colo., Bachelor of Arts, With High Distinction
• Grace Hollenbeck, Parker, Colo., Bachelor of Fine Arts, With High Distinction
• Alexa Radic, Parker, Colo., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction

Illinois

• Mark Anderson, Morton, Ill., Bachelor of Science, With Distinction
• Rachel Krause, Rockford, Ill., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction 

Iowa

• Benjamin Schulteis, Greenfield, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education, With High Distinction
• Hannah Weber, Manchester, Iowa, Bachelor of Music, With Distinction
• Naomi Greder, Sloan, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction

Kansas

• Christian Schultz, Wamego, Kan., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction 

Minnesota

• Logan Carver, Faribault, Minn., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction
• Anna Krueger, White Bear Lake, Minn., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction

Missouri

• Allison Batt, Columbia, Mo., Bachelor of Arts, With High Distinction
• Nicole Hemmann, Jackson, Mo., Bachelor of Science in Education, With High Distinction
• Hannah Fortna, Macon, Mo., Bachelor of Arts, With High Distinction

New York

• Allison Parkhurst, Camden, N.Y., Bachelor of Arts, With Distinction

South Dakota

• Emily Fetzer, Rapid City, S.D., Bachelor of Science in Education, With Distinction

Wisconsin

• Lindsey Duerr, Marshfield, Wis., Bachelor of Arts, With High Distinction
• Lauren Pankow, Milwaukee, Wis., Bachelor of Science in Education, With High Distinction

International

• Justin Lawrie, Headingley, Canada, Bachelor of Science, With High Distinction

Nine students from Concordia University, Nebraska served on a mission trip in Amatilan, Guatemala, May 10–17, 2016, in association with the Central American Lutheran Mission Society. The students were accompanied by President Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich and Director of Global Opportunities Julie Johnston Hermann. 

“Our lives and perspectives have been changed in significant ways through our mission experience as we served among some of the ‘least of these’ who live joyful and abundant lives in the midst of poverty we can only begin to understand or imagine,” said Friedrich. “God is at work in Amatilan, and we were blessed to be a small part of the work He is doing there.” 

Each morning the students and leaders went to an elementary school and taught Bible story lessons, crafts and music. In the afternoon, they led a Vacation Bible School program at La Santa Cruz Lutheran Mission, teaching Bible stories and skits; music; crafts; and activities such as soccer, the card game UNO and tag. The group also planted trees at the homes of the students to help curb the effects of deforestation in the nation.

“The visits to the schools were very encouraging, largely due to the fact that the teachers, students and school administrators seemed genuinely delighted to welcome us into their schools. It was amazing to be able to share the Gospel in such an open and public setting,” said student Zachary Barz. “There's nothing like standing in front of a classroom full of children, staring into eyes shining with focus and joy while singing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to make you fully aware of the power of the Holy Spirit! It was a true blessing to worship with fellow believers in Guatemala, where not even a language barrier can diminish the body of Christ.”

Concordia students who participated in the mission trip to Guatemala include (alphabetical by state, city, last name; classes listed are accurate as of spring semester 2016):

• Laura-Li Gaide, sophomore, Lakewood, Colo.
• Christine Young, junior, Lisle, Ill.
• Malinda Standerfer, senior, Noblesville, Ind.
• Zachary Barz, sophomore, Dubuque, Iowa
• Angela Steinbacher, junior, St. Charles, Mo.
• Thomas Hinrichs, senior, Auburn, Neb.
• Cassie Boeka, junior, North Platte, Neb.
• Sophie Simonsen, junior, Omaha, Neb.
• Jordyn Knight, junior, Ord, Neb.

Concordia University, Nebraska named 247 students to its honors list for the spring 2016 semester. 

The top 25 percent of all undergraduate students who complete at least 12 credit hours qualify for the honors list.

The list of students includes (listed alphabetically by state [exception: Nebraska first], city, last name; international students are listed after all states): 

Nebraska

• Amy Ahlers, senior, Albion, Neb.
• Jade Gottier, junior, Albion, Neb.
• Hallick Lehmann, senior, Albion, Neb.
• Mary Leising, senior, Arapahoe, Neb.
• Kennedy Garner, sophomore, Ashland, Neb.
• Haley Urwin, junior, Ashland, Neb.
• Rachel Hinrichs, sophomore, Auburn, Neb.
• Mallory Parrish, junior, Auburn, Neb.
• Kelli Niemeier, senior, Beatrice, Neb.
• Shelby Quinn, senior, Bellevue, Neb.
• Wyatt Weller, junior, Bennington, Neb.
• Jadyn High, sophomore, Bertrand, Neb.
• Jenny Wright, senior, Bradshaw, Neb.
• Cynthia Campbell, senior, Columbus, Neb.
• Allison Mackie, junior, Columbus, Neb.
• Paige Stadler, sophomore, Columbus, Neb.
• Jacob Tuma, senior, Cordova, Neb.
• Quinn Wragge, sophomore, Crofton, Neb.
• Leah Werner, sophomore, Davenport, Neb.
• Andrew Courtright, junior, David City, Neb.
• Veronica Hotovy, senior, David City, Neb.
• Taylor Huff, senior, Eagle, Neb.
• Rebecca Mueller, senior, Elkhorn, Neb.
• Madison Horne, sophomore, Exeter, Neb.
• Jared Knoepfel, senior, Fremont, Neb.
• Danielle Boyer, senior, Friend, Neb.
• Ethan Shotkoski, junior, Fullerton, Neb.
• Kinser Gergen, senior, Geneva, Neb.
• Rachel Hoarty, junior, Geneva, Neb.
• Albert Bader, senior, Grand Island, Neb.
• Courtney Hiegel, senior, Grand Island, Neb.
• Kathie Nguyen, junior, Grand Island, Neb.
• Tanner Shuck, junior, Grand Island, Neb.
• Caleb Staehr, sophomore, Grand Island, Neb.
• Lauren Staehr, senior, Grand Island, Neb.
• Grant Suchanek, sophomore, Grand Island, Neb.
• Hannah Sugita, sophomore, Grand Island, Neb.
• Kimberly Wood, senior, Greeley, Neb.
• Lindsey LaMountain, senior, Gretna, Neb.
• Kari Stirtz, junior, Gretna, Neb.
• Carly Rushman, junior, Gurley, Neb.
• Brenna Gnuse, junior, Holdrege, Neb.
• Makenzie Polacek, senior, Howells, Neb.
• Breanna Gardels, senior, Humphrey, Neb.
• Brett James, senior, Kearney, Neb.
• Kelli Mack, senior, Kenesaw, Neb.
• Rebekah Uden, senior, Kenesaw, Neb.
• April Bayer, junior, Leigh, Neb.
• Danielle Andersen, senior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Kaylyn Beiermann, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb.
• Ryan Carsten, senior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Emma Haas, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb.
• Dakota Judds, junior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Jeffrey Kirkland, senior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Trevor Miller, senior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Scott Neihardt, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb.
• Audrey Rich, junior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Clara Rich, senior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Katie Rosenbaum, junior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Jennifer Schenaman, junior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Matthew Spartz, senior, Lincoln, Neb.
• Michael Waldron, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb.
• Conner Works, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb.
• Samuel Rose, sophomore, Louisville, Neb.
• Hannah Rose, senior, Louisville, Neb.
• Rebecca Blank, junior, Madison, Neb.
• Alayna Daberkow, senior, Madison, Neb.
• Chandler Folkerts, senior, Milford, Neb.
• Brittany Volkmer, post-baccalaureate, Milford, Neb.
• Ashlen Pospisil, junior, Norfolk, Neb.
• Arianna Rathke, sophomore, Norfolk, Neb.
• Cassie Boeka, senior, North Platte, Neb.
• Garrett Folchert, senior, Ogallala, Neb.
• Micah Most, sophomore, Ogallala, Neb.
• Andrea Anderson, junior, Omaha, Neb.
• Taylor Roby, sophomore, Omaha, Neb.
• Madeleine Shafer, sophomore, Omaha, Neb.
• Sophie Simonsen, senior, Omaha, Neb.
• Stephanie Van Blair, senior, Omaha, Neb.
• Sydney Olson, senior, Ong, Neb.
• Jordyn Knight, senior, Ord, Neb.
• Jenna Mattox, senior, Osceola, Neb.
• Laurel Krohn, senior, Osmond, Neb.
• Courtney Jurgens, senior, Pickrell, Neb.
• Carissa Gutz, senior, Osmond, Neb.
• Sarah Rogge, sophomore, Pleasant Dale, Neb.
• Michaela Strathman, junior, Randolph, Neb.
• Jamie Nikodym, sophomore, Red Cloud, Neb.
• Benjamin Middendorf, junior, Scotia, Neb.
• Devon Darrohn, senior, Seward, Neb.
• Maria Deeter, sophomore, Seward, Neb.
• Kristi Einspahr, sophomore, Seward, Neb.
• Victoria Kenow, senior, Seward, Neb.
• Emmiline Moll, senior, Seward, Neb.
• Katerina Reimers, senior, Seward, Neb.
• Alicia Royuk, senior, Seward, Neb.
• Kevin Scott, senior, Seward, Neb.
• Marti Vlasin, senior, Seward, Neb.
• Lauren Wilcox, junior, Seward, Neb.
• Johanna Meyer, senior, Shelton, Neb.
• Kiley Carey, senior, Stromsburg, Neb.
• Emily Hayes, junior, Superior, Neb.
• Emma Heidorn, sophomore, Utica, Neb.
• Naomi Ristvedt, senior, Utica, Neb.
• Kelsey Higgins, sophomore, Valentine, Neb.
• Kelsie Skelton, senior, Wauneta, Neb.
• Josiah McAllister, sophomore, West Point, Neb.
• Sierra Jacob, sophomore, Winnebago, Neb.
• Samantha Liermann, junior, Wisner, Neb.
• Madeline Luehr, sophomore, Wood River, Neb.
• Emily Meisinger, junior, York, Neb.
• Victoria Woodburn, freshman, York, Neb.
• Madison Egr, sophomore, Yutan, Neb.

Arizona

• Leigha McConnell, junior, Peoria, Ariz.

Arkansas

• Adam Christiansen, sophomore, Palmer, Ark. 

California

• Laura Wiederrich, senior, Lodi, Calif.
• Jacob Fink, junior, Long Beach, Calif.
• Tara Larsen, senior, Pasadena, Calif.
• Ryan Gross, senior, Riverside, Calif.
• Sarah Huhn, junior, Valley Center, Calif.

Colorado

• Taylor Coulson, senior, Aurora, Colo.
• Cameron Yee, junior, Berthoud, Colo.
• Elizabeth Zagel, senior, Brighton, Colo.
• Savanah Baker, senior, Broomfield, Colo.
• Naomi Bauer, sophomore, Cascade, Colo.
• Aidan Moon, sophomore, Clark, Colo.
• Paul Hammes, sophomore, Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Brady Laib, senior, Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Nehemiah Langness, senior, Englewood, Colo.
• Jacob Orphan, sophomore, Fort Collins, Colo.
• Aaron Anderson, senior, Fort Morgan, Colo.
• Daniel Langewisch, junior, Lakewood, Colo.
• Jordyn Sturms, senior, Lone Tree, Colo.
• Ashley Martin, sophomore, Longmont, Colo.
• Payton DeVencenty, junior, Parker, Colo.
• Grace Hollenbeck, senior, Parker, Colo.
• Annie Schmidt, sophomore, Rifle, Colo.
• Makenzie Hofmeister, sophomore, Westminster, Colo.

Georgia

• Micah Lehenbauer, junior, Kathleen, Ga.

Illinois

• Kaitlyn Stradtmann, sophomore, Belvidere, Ill.
• Maria Sasieta, senior, Carrollton, Ill.
• Josiah Rensner, sophomore, Effingham, Ill.
• Quincy Rensner, senior, Effingham, Ill.
• Rachel Keseman, senior, Freeburg, Ill.
• Jacob Henson, senior, Herrin, Ill.
• Christine Young, senior, Lisle, Ill.
• Jacob Roggow, sophomore, Moro, Ill.
• Mark Anderson, senior, Morton, Ill.
• Lauren Sperry, junior, Oneida, Ill.
• Matthew Kortze, junior, Rockford, Ill.
• Rachel Krause, senior, Rockford, Ill.
• Naomi Quigg, senior, Springfield, Ill.
• Jonathan Grant, sophomore, Waterloo, Ill.

Indiana

• Toria Turner, junior, New Palestine, Ind.

Iowa

• Mark Schmidt, sophomore, Alta, Iowa
• Chelsea Wohlgemuth, junior, Alton, Iowa
• Spencer Owen, senior, Arcadia, Iowa
• Morgan Eggert, junior, Atkins, Iowa
• Matthew Gerhold, sophomore, Atkins, Iowa
• Kenzie Woltemath, senior, Atkins, Iowa
• Samantha McConnell, senior, Atlantic, Iowa
• Sarah Johnson, senior, Carlisle, Iowa
• Melanie Jochimsen, senior, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Taylor Mueller, senior, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Garion Consier, sophomore, Churdan, Iowa
• Megan Barz, junior, Dubuque, Iowa
• Zachary Barz, senior, Dubuque, Iowa
• Sarah Rethwisch, senior, Fort Dodge, Iowa
• Dorian Doremus, senior, Grimes, Iowa
• Morgan German, sophomore, Holstein, Iowa
• Christine Bennett, junior, Ida Grove, Iowa
• Kendra Vanness, senior, Latimer, Iowa
• Katherine Vogel, senior, Manning, Iowa
• Jacob Adams, senior, Mason City, Iowa
• Casey Hall, junior, Mason City, Iowa
• David Epperson, sophomore, Panora, Iowa
• Emily Jensen, senior, Sioux City, Iowa
• Amanda Segebart, sophomore, Sioux City, Iowa
• Luke Kaldahl, senior, Spencer, Iowa
• Isaiah Armbrecht, sophomore, Williamsburg, Iowa

Kansas

• Janelle Adams, junior, Andover, Kan.
• Jayme Lowe, sophomore, Atchison, Kan.
• Noel Richardson, senior, Junction City, Kan.
• Scott Johnson, senior, Kansas City, Kan.
• Katherine Wehling, sophomore, Liberal, Kan.
• Caleb Wehling, senior, Liberal, Kan.
• Nathanael Patron, sophomore, North Newton, Kan.
• Madeline Osborne, senior, Overland Park, Kan.
• Marie Webb, senior, Shawnee, Kan.
• Leah Werling, sophomore, Solomon, Kan.
• Courtney Roberts, junior, Wamego, Kan.
• Jacy Johnston, sophomore, Westmoreland, Kan.
• Molly Goltl, junior, Wichita, Kan.

Louisiana

• Austin Theriot, senior, Lake Charles, La.

Michigan

• Emily Sievert, junior, Frankenmuth, Mich.

Minnesota

• Samantha Welch, sophomore, Glencoe, Minn.
• Laura Hedstrom, senior, Lakefield, Minn.
• Laura Sweere, sophomore, Lakeville, Minn.
• Ryan Maser, senior, Little Canada, Minn.
• Rebecca Trautman, senior, Moorhead, Minn.
• Mason Koeritz, senior, Northrop, Minn.
• Megan Suter, senior, Owatonna, Minn.
• Aubrey Akerson, junior, Pennock, Minn.
• Micah Symmank, sophomore, Saint Paul, Minn.
• Anna Marie Meyer, sophomore, Trimont, Minn.
• Rebekah Rusert, sophomore, Truman, Minn.
• Cadence Klemp, junior, Winona, Minn.

Missouri

• Allison Batt, senior, Columbia, Mo.
• Aaron Hentges, senior, Concordia, Mo.
• Vanessa Marsh, sophomore, Concordia, Mo.
• Kaysie Corbett, junior, Eureka, Mo.
• Andrea McClanahan, sophomore, Farmington, Mo.
• Sarah Van Duser, sophomore, Gladstone, Mo.
• Jordyne Vanselow, sophomore, Greenwood, Mo.
• Emma Gottschamer, junior, Lees Summit, Mo.
• Angela Steinbacher, senior, Saint Charles, Mo.
• Claire Fuhler, junior, Saint Louis, Mo.
• Erin Rowland, sophomore, Saint Peters, Mo.
• Jacob Kettner, senior, Salem, Mo.
• Samantha Coomer, junior, Wentzville, Mo.

Montana

• Benjamin Browne, junior, Billings, Mont.
• Kaitlin Hertz, junior, Billings, Mont.
• Elizabeth King, senior, Billings, Mont.

New Mexico

• Talitha Elbert, senior, Albuquerque, N.M.

New York

• Emilia Mugnolo, junior, Marion, N.Y.

North Carolina

• Joel Marquardt, senior, Denver, N.C.
• Kaitlyn Christensen, sophomore, Jacksonville, N.C.

North Dakota

• Caleb Worral, junior, Fargo, N.D.

Oklahoma

• Jennifer Bose, senior, Clinton, Okla.
• Jacob Meyer, senior, Jenks, Okla.

Pennsylvania

• Elizabeth Holle, senior, Stewartstown, Pa.

South Dakota

• Jacqualyn Berg, sophomore, Brandon, S.D.
• Cassandra Engbrecht, senior, Marion, S.D.
• Megan Burma, senior, Platte, S.D.
• Laura Soundy, junior, Sioux Falls, S.D.
• Ryan Olson, junior, Yankton, S.D.

Texas

• Curtis Byal, junior, Austin, Texas
• Krista Schmidt, junior, Giddings, Texas
• Melody Easter, sophomore, Houston, Texas
• Philip Yox, senior, Mount Pleasant, Texas
• Tristin Chudej, sophomore, Rogers, Texas

Utah

• Brennan Deforest, sophomore, West Jordan, Utah

Wisconsin

• David Schrampfer, sophomore, Appleton, Wis.
• Nathan Toenjes, junior, Green Bay, Wis.
• Abigail Wisniewski, sophomore, Withee, Wis.

International

• Patricio Esquivel, senior, Morelia, Mexico
• Javier Moreno, junior, Morelia, Mexico

Throughout the 2015-16 academic year, students at Concordia University, Nebraska raised awareness and funds to build solar-powered LED lights through the non-profit organization New Vision Renewable Energy. As a result of these efforts, Concordia presented $3,800 to NVRE President Rev. Ruston Seaman during his visit to campus on May 20, 2016. The funds will cover the cost to make more than 30 lights that will be provided to residents in Haiti.

“A team of five student leaders thought this was a great project for Concordia because it has ties to Seward [through Seaman’s family] yet reaches a global population,” said Concordia student Malinda Standerfer. “By reaching people in regions like Haiti and East Africa, students reached people with physical lights and also the light of Jesus Christ.”

While on campus, Seaman demonstrated the solar-powered LED lights used by NVRE to enable people in developing countries to have light. Each light solution costs $120 to make.

The devices, put together by the organization’s more than 700 volunteers throughout the United States, use old political campaign signs to hold solar panels and LED lights that ensure five hours of light for one room. The lights enable students to study in the evening and prepare themselves educationally for a brighter future. Because the lights are bright enough to fill one room, family members also benefit from having enough light to read, maintain their homes, weave baskets or create other sellable goods, keep their children safe from predatory animals and generally be more comfortable during evening hours.

“It’s a light for a room so everybody in the room can do something,” said Seaman. “By extending the possible hours [of light] a few more, you can make the difference between eating and not eating, and between having an education and not. It’s that simple. … What we’re most encouraged by is when an institution like Concordia, which has students from all over the country and all over the world, makes a decision to elevate this to relevant poverty reduction solutions, then Concordia becomes a literal light to some villages. … This light is a way to help people make another step.”

According to the United Nations Foundation, “1.2 billion people have no access to electricity and the development benefits it brings.” The university and NVRE continue to discuss ways in which Concordia students, as well as Seward and surrounding communities, will collaborate during 2016-17 to contribute to the solution for this worldwide problem by increasing support of NVRE.

Students and other volunteers will likely have opportunities to raise funds, collect political signs and help assemble lights on behalf of the organization to benefit families in Haiti and Guatemala, two countries where Concordia already  has a strong mission presence. Final plans for 2016-17 will be determined and announced in the fall.

“Our students, faculty and staff understand the importance of working with those who so long to see clearer, whether growing in understanding or merely light in the darkness,” said Campus Pastor Ryan Matthias. “We pray that this partnership over these two years would bring bountiful gifts to the children and their families.”

For more information about New Vision Renewable Energy, visit nvre.org.

Scott Browning ’96, principal at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Ft. Worth, Texas, is serving the church and world in a unique way that is making a big impact in Orlando, Florida, and around the country for those in need.

Browning’s dog Phoebe is a Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog working through St. Paul Lutheran Church/The Summit in Fort Worth, Texas. Browning travels with Phoebe as she interacts with people at churches, schools, nursing homes, hospitals and events and in disaster response situations.

Phoebe, along with other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, brings a calming influence, allowing people to open up their hearts and receive help for what is affecting them. She and other comfort dogs recently spent time in Orlando comforting those who were affected by the June 12 shooting. While in Orlando, the dogs visited several medical facilities, bringing joy and hope to those who were hurting. They received media attention from local news stations, as well as the CNN show Anderson Cooper 360. 

The dogs are now back in Texas, comforting others in their time of need. 

Follow Phoebe on her journeys and view the Orlando news covering by visiting the news feed for Phoebe Comfort Dog on Facebook. 

Thanks to a generous gift from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Ministry to the Armed Forces, working in partnership with Concordia University, Nebraska, the Nebraska National Guard Museum, supported by the Nebraska National Guard Museum Historical Society, has created the Concordia University Learning Center in its new location in Seward, Nebraska.

“The LCMS is a leader in providing chaplains for those serving and defending our country, and LCMS pastors in Nebraska, including alumni of Concordia University, Nebraska, have served members of the Nebraska National Guard with God’s love and mercy for many years. It is an honor for the LCMS and the university to be involved with the Seward community and the Nebraska National Guard through the Concordia University Learning Center. We pray that the LCMS’ generous funding and our ongoing partnership with the museum will bring many benefits to our community and state,” said Concordia President Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich.

The museum, including the learning center, will be dedicated on July 4, 2016, at 9 a.m. The dedication will open with the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the 16 Nebraska Army National Guard aviators who have died during the last century will be honored with the laying of a wreath by the family of Kenneth Knott of David City, Nebraska. Knott’s aircraft was lost over Lake Michigan in 1966. Escorting Ramona (Knott) Luntz will be Concordia University, Nebraska alumni Colonel Eric Teegerstrom ’88 of the Nebraska Army National Guard and Captain Margaret Ingerslew ’04 of the United States Air Force. Once the wreath is laid, the 16 aviators’ names will be read, a bell will be rung and Taps will be played. In addition, Adjutant General of Nebraska Major General Daryl Bohac will provide a message for those in attendance.

Military museums like the Nebraska National Guard Museum often bring together many different community groups looking to inspire young people through various educational programs and presentations. With that intention in mind, the Concordia University Learning Center will provide the space and functionality required to inform the public and facilitate educational opportunities that complement structured classroom learning for students.

The Concordia University Learning Center is a high-traffic area in between the exhibit area and the theater. It is designed to hold a classroom of up to 30 students for a pre-determined presentation. The room has audio-visual monitors, computer access and dry erase boards. Seating, a podium and a sound system can be configured to the size of the classroom.

About the Nebraska National Guard Museum Historical Society

The Nebraska National Guard Museum Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable/non-profit organization. The Society’s mission is “To collect, access, preserve, store, account for, de-militarize, and value historical artifacts and records for training, development, and interpretation of the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard and the State of Nebraska military history and heritage of its citizen-soldiers and airmen. To educate and ‘tell the story’ to the members of the Army and Air Guard and the general public about the heritage of the Nebraska National Guard in both peace and war.”