Broadcaster Summer2015

broadcaster

summer 2015 | vol. 92 | no.2

Concordia University, Nebraska

Tilling the Field

A former missionary channels his experiences overseas into growing programs at Concordia.

A national title 23 years in the making.

From Gravel to Glory

Two Concordia alumni are inspiring children to realize their potential.

Men With Dreams

momentum is building

Student Focus

Athletics

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2015 Concordia University, Nebraska

Director of Marketing Seth MerandaEditors Danielle Luebbe / Jennifer Suggitt Designers Sarah Bowe 16 / Mitchell Volk 16Contributors Kelsey Dinkel 16 / Jacob Knabel / Emily Taylor 15Photographers Seth Meranda / Aaron Nix / Benjamin Schranz

President & CEORev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich

Provost Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke CO 73 GR 81

Executive Vice President, CFO & COO David Kumm

Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing Scott Seevers 89

Vice President for Institutional AdvancementKurth Brashear, Esq.

Vice President for Student Affairs & AthleticsGene Brooks CO 91 GR 03

Board of RegentsDr. Dennis Brink, Lincoln, Neb.Mr. Robert Cooksey CO 84 GR 90, Omaha, Neb.Dr. Lesa Covington Clarkson 80, Woodbury, Minn.Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Seward, Neb. Rev. Eugene Gierke, Seward, Neb.

Rev. Keith Grimm, Ham Lake, Minn.Mr. Barry D. Holst 86, Kansas City, Mo.Mr. Richard Huebner, Centennial, Colo.Mrs. Jill Johnson, Seward, Neb.Mr. James Knoepfel CO 87 GR 99, Fremont, Neb.Mr. Lyle Middendorf, Lincoln, Neb.Mr. Timothy Moll 89, Seward, Neb.Mrs. Bonnie ONeill Meyer, Palatine, Ill.Mr. Paul Schudel, Omaha, Neb.Mr. Timothy Schwan 72, Appleton, Wis.Rev. Richard Snow, Seward, Neb.Dr. Andrew Stadler, Columbus, Neb.Mr. Max Wake, Seward, Neb.

The mens track and field team took its performance to another level in 2015, earning the universitys first national title in school history.

Matt Myers past as a missionary is propelling Concordia into the future.

Records, wins, milestones and accomplishments are fueling momentum at Concordia.

Two alumni pass on encouragement and life lessons learned at Concordia to children through their organization, Men With Dreams.

Tilling the Field

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Momentum

14 / 24 / 40

From Gravel to Glory

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Men With Dreams

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The energy around campus during 2014-15 was infectious.

A record-breaking enrollment resulted in more students on campus and in our online classes and communities than we have ever had. Athletic teams produced win after win, culminating with the universitys historic first national title earned by the mens track and field team, record-breaking seasons for many other teams and individuals and numerous year-end awards for players, coaches and athletic administrators. The Blessed to be a Blessing campaign was completed with phenomenal results to help us fulfill our mission, thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends.

These are just a few of the outstanding, expanding and exciting things fueling momentum at Concordia, and Im thrilled to share more about them throughout this issue, along with the stories of Matt Myers and two of our alumni, Preston Harris 14 and Brandon McWilliams 13.

Myers, a staff member who has used his God-given talents to spread the Gospel around theworld, is now expanding programs right here at Concordia University, Nebraska, and Harris and McWilliams recently launched the non-profit, Men With Dreams, an organization making a growing and lasting impact on the community.

Of course, all of these things and so many more were made possible by the abundant grace of God and the dedication, commitment and hard work of so many. Praise be to God!

Most importantly, God continues to bless us all with the saving grace of His Son Jesus Christ, and we are confident that that momentum will never cease.

Blessings,

Brian L. FriedrichPresident

About the Cover

Like anything that expands and improves as it gains energy from its source, Concordia has grown and achieved accomplishments across all areas of campus and out in the church and world by drawing from its foundation of providing a Lutheran, Christ-centered higher education experience for its students.

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Concordia Scene

Alumni & Friends

Tilling the Fieldstory photosDanielle Luebbe Benjamin Schranz / Matt Myers

The man was an alcoholic. He didnt have much family, was disabled and without a job and was an outcast in his societyyet he had hope. He was passionate about the Bible. He wanted to know grace, wanted to be a believer. He wanted to be saved.

But he was Chinese. And according to Chinese culture, it was his responsibilityto care for his ancestors in the afterlife. The man believed that if he embraced the Christian faith, he would be giving up on his parents.

He would say to me all the time, Its easy for you. You have a great life, Matt Myers, Concordias English as a Second Language (ESL) coordinator, says. He had this hang-up about becoming Christian because his father had passed away. The people that pass, you have to take care of them. If you become a Christian, you give up on that belief. You dont take care of your ancestors. God takes care of you.

Myers was a missionary and an ESL teacher in Macau, China, trying to lead the man to grace through baptism. He could see the struggle the man was going through, but Myers could only plant the seed of the Gospel and pray that God would make it grow.

Myers knew he wanted to work in the mission field from a young age.

I wanted to be a missionary and go overseas and work with people and tell them about Jesus, he says. I had never considered education because I was not in love with school. It was a means to an end. My church encouraged me to go into the seminary, but I was worried that Id end up stateside, and I really wanted to go overseas.

He didnt want to be a pastor, and he didnt want to be a teacher. After some research, however, Myers learned that teaching English was the fastest way to get into the mission field in another country.

At first, it sounded so strange to me, he confesses. I wanted to be a missionary because I wanted to go out and help people and tell them about the faith and help them get baptized. I wanted to go out and do, not teach.

Matt Myers follows an unexpected path to spread the Gospel

and capitalize on a growing opportunity in higher education.

Despite his hesitations, Myers got a degree in leadership in teaching with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).In 1998, he and his wife, Kimberly, began their service in Vietnam, with whomthe U.S. had just formalized relations.However, they werent allowed to preach.In the missionaries English classrooms,letters and phone calls home, they were monitored, and they werent allowed to meet in large groups, except with other missionaries.

Our church was one of the only ones that had permission to work there. And yet we couldnt do any church work; we were a humanitarian aid organization, Myers recalls. We did what we described as tilling the field. Before you can plant, someone has to till the soil. Or even before tilling, someone has to clear the rocks from the field. So we thought of it in that way. We were just moving the rocks and preparing the soil.

Myers says the Vietnamese government was trying to protect its people from being changed, and the introduction of the Christian faith in a Communist country would have been a notable change to the local culture.

They called it freedom of religion, but a better way to describe it is freedom from religion.

It was frustrating, but Myers was prepared.

We went in knowing it was like that. With our faith, it helped because we knew even if we were in a free country like the U.S., its still kind of hard to affect things the way you want them. You still have to wait on the Lord to do the work.

He continues, It was challenging, of course, but the good thing was that we could talk to people one on one as long as they were comfortable and asking questions and it wasnt an assembly.

One on one, after class or over a cup of coffee, the missionaries waited for people to come and ask them questions. In that way, they were able to till the soil and safely plant a lot of seeds.

We focused on what we could do, not what we couldnt do, says Myers.

Matt and Kimberly Myers spent 15 years overseas, spreading the Gospel and

paving the way for future missionaries.

4 Broadcaster cune.edu

of relationship building, and in the academic programs, it will bring diversityand new ideas. Our traditional students will learn so much without ever having to leave campus. It will be a wonderful opportunity.

Myers may never see the fruition of the all the soil hes tilled and seeds hes planted. He doesnt know what

happened to the Chinese man who couldnt quite make the leap of faith during his time serving in China. He doesnt know where his ESL students end up or whether they will successfully master English throughout their lives. Yet he continues to do his work, trusting that God will complete the harvest.

need to be tutored and encouraged, but most Americans dont know what to do or how to help. It can seem like an insurmountable problem.

According to U.S. News and World Report, international students now makeup about four percent of all university students in the United States. Thats more than 880,000 undergraduates and graduate students, and it doesnt count ESL and English Language Learner students who already live in the United States, nor the non-college population. As a result, programs that facilitate English language learning are in high demand.

The Intensive English Program is a perfect example. The six- or 12-weeksessions are available for anyone whos interested in improving English skills, whether or not they apply for a college education at Concordia or at any other institution of higher education. Students in the sessions will be able to study English with a native speaker, and they will be immersed in the English language daily through interactions with American students and faculty.

And since these students will be taking the program at Concordia, they will be exposed to the Christian faith that Myers is so passionate about sharing.

[The Intensive English Program] is going to bring in students who come from closed countries, from non-Christian places, where they might not get to experience or hear the Gospel, Myers says. After they graduate from the IEP, once they pass the TOEFL scores, they can apply to enter Concordias academic programs, and then they can come here, go to chapel every day, meet Christian friends and get their college education.

The benefit of the program is further reaching than just international students, though.

Were planning to use teacher-education students who are in a practicumto tutor the students, so it will benefit students in Concordias teacher program, says Myers. Its going to bring opportunities for our students to build their ministry skills in terms

People would ask us, How can you go to a closed, Communist country like that? What are you doing? And does it bother you? We would excitedly explain, How can we not share our faith?

The couple spent eight years in Vietnam, and their children, Emily and Mark, were born there. They then moved to Indonesia for three years where they trained future missionaries and shared their Christian faith at the Universitas Pelita Harapan. They also spent four years in Macau, China.

They were challenged with raising funds for their mission in a recession, having to immerse themselves in completely different cultures and managing the aftermath of a nearly fatal burst appendix in Myers.

Learning the different language of each place they went to was another challenge. Myers admits that he

isnt necessarily a great language learner. But, as with the other trials, he manages to find the good in it. My struggles with language have helped me understand the struggles of others, he says.

When the Myers children were ready to start high school, the family decided to move back to the United States. Though hed never been to Nebraska before, Myers had met many Concordia alumniin his mission work, so an opening at Concordia

for an ESL coordinator caught his eye.There was a definite need for such

a specialist. Students have to pass a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to qualify to study at most U.S. institutions of higher learning, but the test only measures proficiency of English, not masteryand proficient students often still need help to be successful in college-level courses. Its not like,

Okay, you got the TOEFL scores, now you never have to study English again, says Myers. Our academic students

Before you can plant, someone has to till the

soil. Or even before tilling, someone has to

clear the rocks from the field. We were just moving the rocks and

preparing the soil.

The relationships Myers fostered in Vietnam, Indonesia and China help him every day as he builds Concordias ESL and Intensive English Programs.

6 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 7

The donut batter drops into the fryer, creating a hot, golden cake soon ready for frosting and sprinkles. And it was Brandon McWilliams job to get those donuts ready for customers at the local convenience store where he worked.

When McWilliams had first applied to college several years prior, making donuts at 4 a.m. wasnt exactly the way he thought he would be spending his time when he left school. But he also didnt expect to leave school without a degree.

McWilliams had attended four colleges, with Concordia University, Nebraska being the latest. When academic challenges at Concordia had made him question the direction of his career and ability to earn a degree, he dropped out. Now he was at a pivotal point in his life, working at a job that didnt fulfill him, and he quickly realized he needed to continue his education and commit to itbecause making donuts wasnt the dream he wanted to pursue.

I wanted to be the resource that I had wanted [as a child] but that wasnt provided for me, says McWilliams.

To be a resource for children in todays educational system, McWilliams knew he would need a degree. So he turned back to Concordia. He enrolled in more classes, studying secondary education and then pursuing a degree in psychology, and it, indeed, took commitment.

McWilliams lived a typical college lifestyleat the mercy of his class schedulewith both morning and night classes on campus on the same days. Living in Lincoln, Nebraska, about a half hour from campus, he got up early to drive to Seward, attend class, do homework on campus to save himself the gas and time it would take to go back to Lincoln and stay for his evening class, getting home after 10 p.m. and knowing he needed to be back in Seward early the next morning.

One day on the way to class, he got into a minor accident, delaying his arrival until nearly the end of his psychology class with Dr. Nancy Elwell, now the dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services. McWilliams explained his circumstances, and Elwells reply was,

You still shouldve called.

Elwells response and her high expectations of McWilliams lit a fire in him. He committed to attending his classes, doing the work and getting help when he needed it. He says Elwell took me under her wing, and I graduated with a 3.5 GPA. Her expectations put me at a higher level in order to be successful. It was a challenge, but I knew going through it would make me better.

Being pushed to succeed at a level he hadnt thought possible inspired McWilliams to entertain the idea of building a business with friend, classmate and former Concordia football teammate Preston Harris.

Harris had also experienced an unexpected level of support as a student and athlete at Concordia, receiving dedicated and genuinely caring attention and guidance from professors and coaches who challenged him to perform at his very best in everything he did. Although he had come to Concordia focused on playing college football, the support he received developed him into more than just a great football player. He grew athletically and academically, gaining a desire to pass on his confidence-building experience to young children who, like him, didnt typically receive that level of support and encouragement in their public school system.

So, Harris and McWilliams began exploring ideas for developing what would become the non-profit organization Men With Dreams.

I didnt want kids to graduate high school and not know what to do now, says McWilliams. He and Harris wanted them to know that they can continue their education after high school and that it can change their lives. That they have unique talents that can bring them success. That, with hard work and belief in themselves, they can accomplish whatever they set their mind to.

Harris and McWilliams discussed their ideas for Men With Dreams often as they finished earning their degrees from Concordia and began working full-time. Then Harris quit his job as a business development manager for

a national corporation in August 2013 to pursue development of Men With Dreams as the organizations president, and McWilliams followed suit to join as vice president of program development in May 2014.

Working with the school system, community leaders and the juvenile detention center in Lincoln, Harris and McWilliams challenge youth to build their dreams and the future that they want to have. They volunteer with students who are reading below grade level, help students maximize their potential by teaching them how to

invest in themselves, inspire them to choose healthy lifestyles and provide opportunities for them to showcase their talents.

Men With Dreams is all of the things that would have helped me maximize my high school and college experience, says Harris. When we deal with these kids, its like, Where are you at now, and where do you really want to be? If you want to be there, you can get there. Its just, what are you willing to do to get there?

Alumni Preston Harris 14 and Brandon McWilliams 13 found

encouragement and support at Concordia to launch a growing

organization that inspires children to discover their potential and

live out their dreams.

MEN WITH Dreamsstory photosJennifer Suggitt Benjamin Schranz

Never be average because you were created for greatness.

Preston Harris, founder and president of Men With Dreams, coaches a student during an after-school program that helps youth improve their reading skills, build confidence and achieve their dreams.


glorystory photosJacob Knabel Jacob Knabel / Benjamin Schranz

An underdog in the national title race, the mens track and field team persevered to earn a long-overdue first national title in school history.

FROM GRAVEL TO

Although Men With Dreams is a young organization, it is already making an impact on students and the community. The organization started the 2014-15 academic year serving approximately 60 students and ended the year serving nearly 160. Harris and McWilliams also visited with more than 750 students and shared their Never Be Average message.

Concordia students also benefit from the experiences of these alumni. The Men With Dreams duo interacts with students in undergraduate business classes and in the Master of Business Administration program with a nonprofit management emphasis.

Through their personal interactions with children and during their speaking engagements, Harris and McWilliams

For more information about Men With Dreams, visit menwdreams.squarespace.com or contact the organization directly: [email protected]

ZACH LURZNAIA Outdoor National

Championships MVP

The encouragement that Harris and McWilliams provide even inspires those who once inspired them. Elwell serves on the board of Men With Dreams, believing in the organizations goals and in Harris and McWilliams as leaders with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children.

Preparing students to be dynamic servant-leaders is the foundation of Concordias mission statement. Preston and Brandon faced challenges as they worked through their college careers and are now being servant-leaders, using their experiences to ease the path for others, says Elwell. Their commitment to Men With Dreams and the youth they serve is truly commendable. It is an honor to serve with them as a board member.

challenge: Do your best. You are important. Never be average because you were created for greatness. When you go and try something and you fail and you fall on your face, its a learning experience, but you get back up and you keep on going. Were all the same at the end of the day. Lets just figure out how we can help each other get to where we both want to be.

Harris and McWilliams meet with Campus Pastor Ryan Matthias before speaking to an undergraduate business class about nonprofit organizations.


Concordias first national championship team celebrates its win.

been on cloud nine since then, Pleasant said. Im glad I got to leave Concordia on the highest note you can leave any school.

Beginning with Einspahrs national title in the 1980 steeplechase, the Concordia men have had 27 individual national championships, with Boellstorff being the latest. Behind national titlists TJ Kloster

(pole vault) and Brandon Seifert (one mile), the Bulldogs finished as the 2000 indoor national runner-up. It was a major breakthrough that helped establish Einspahrs program as a national power heading into the 21st century.

Since 2005, the Bulldog men own 17 combined top-25 national finishes. During that stretch, they have posted impressive placements of fifth on two occasions and seventh a total of four times. Going into many championship meets, Einspahr expects top-10 finishes, but to actually win it? Thats a whole other dynamic that comes with a lot more hardware and hoopla.

Someone with intimate knowledge of Concordia track and field for the past 14 years, Samuels knew the toil involved in the building of a champion.

Being a national championship team is the ultimate goal, Samuels said. Its something you dream about but never really expect to actually see

come true. Fourteen years ago I first stepped on this campus as an athlete not really knowing what Concordia was all about. Now all these years later I know how much this means, not only to our program or coaching staff, but to every Bulldog that has been fortunate

enough to compete here. There is a piece of this championship that is theirs.

The national title dream started on a gravel track and ended with a celebration at Mickey Miller Stadium in Gulf Shores, Alabama, site of the 2015 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. As Muller told a TV reporter, I just couldnt believe we had done this. Fifteen guys from Nebraska had just won a national championship.

THROWSTrey BarnesCody BoellstorffBrock BraniffTrey FarmerPhilip KreutzerZach LurzJose RojasJosh Slechta

SPRINTS AND HURDLESMatthew ChapaCJ MullerTaiheem PleasantJaap van Gaalen

DECATHLONBrandon Cook Lucas Wiechman

MENS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

When Kregg Einspahr 82 returned to his alma mater as head coach in 1992, members of the Concordia University track and field programs kicked up rocks while pacing the on-campus gravel track. Einspahrs very first Bulldog track teams placed near the bottom of the then Nebraska-Iowa Athletic Conference. In the 23 years since then, the circumstances have turned completely around.

On May 23, 2015, Concordia mens track and field reached the pinnacle by capturing the first team national title for any sport in school history. In a three-day championship meet in which the outcome rested upon the final event (mens 4x400 meter relay), the Bulldogs held off a tightly bunched top four for the number one spot.

After overseeing six combined national runner-up finishes in cross country and track and field, Einsphar had finally reached the top. He and his tight-knit group of assistantsJason Berry, Ed McLaughlin and Mark Samuelswatched the 4x4 together. At its dramatic conclusion, they celebrated wildly, hugged and shared in a moment that will never be forgotten.

A year earlier, the mens program had busted loose with its first-ever conference championship. After breaking

Taiheem Pleasant and the Concordia 4x400 meter relay team played a pivotal role in winning the national title.

down that barrier, the Bulldogs went to work on adding the only thing missing from their trophy casebut they would have been lying to say they expected to win. As underdog title contenders, the unlikelihood of Concordia earning the oversized red championship banner made the winning moment all the more sweet.

I think for anybody whos been coaching for a long time, its an unspoken dream that youd like to win a national championship, Einspahr told the Omaha World-Herald. Its always something in the back of your mind youd like to accomplish. You never know if you are going to have the guns to do it.

It turned out the heavy artillery came from the likes of the meets most valuable performer Zach Lurz and a dominant group of throwers. Einspahrs 1993 Bulldogs did not possess a single all-conference thrower. But in 2015, McLaughlins group of long tossers paved the way for a title. Lurz and company piled up 37 of the teams 59 points. Most impressive, Lurz was part of a hammer throw squadron, along with national champion Cody Boellstorff, that placed first, second, third and eighth.

The 25 points from the hammer throw alone put Concordia in the drivers seat for

the entire meet. However, the Bulldogs entered the 4x400 meter relay finals with just a two-point lead over Indiana Tech. The quartet from Indiana Tech had finished first in the prelims. A duplicate performance would have leapfrogged the Warriors over the Bulldogs.

Something no one could have predicted happened next, and a gasp rang out through the crowd.

The Indiana Tech anchor, Jon Hester, who was leading the race, pulled a muscle and slowed, giving Bulldog sophomore CJ Muller an opportunity to pull ahead.

As Muller crossed the finish line, every winevery pointthat the Bulldogs had fought to capture during the tournament culminated in a moment of victory that solidified their championship. It was really an unbelievable moment, said Muller.

Even days after it had happened, Concordia coaches and athletes struggled for the right words to describe just what it felt like. A Lincoln, Nebraska, TV station arrived in Seward three days following the championship meet. Said Lurz to KLKN-TV, I cant even put it into words.

The ending could not have been any better for seniors like Taiheem Pleasant, another member of the 4x400 relay. Winning a national title was amazing. Ive

Being a national championship team is the ultimate goal.

JUMPSBrandon RamosLucas Wiechman


of students receive scholarships and grants

K-12 Special Education Early Childhood Inclusive Music Therapy* Criminal Justice Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL; bachelors and masters levels)

Master of Education in Early Childhood Special EducationMaster of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with Instructional Technology Leadership EmphasisMaster of Science in Computer Science

Master of Healthcare Administration Mandarin minorAmerican Sign Language minor*Pending approval from AMTA and accreditation by NASM

of recent graduates attended graduate school or were employed within six months of graduation

momentumgrowing, achieving, succeeding

Concordia continues to expand and enhance the student experience, equipping more

students to serve and lead than ever before.

Check out some recent accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff at cune.edu/highlights.

expanding academic programs

concordia online education

1,186students

2014-15 Largest full-time undergraduate

enrollment in 40 years

2014-15

students2,332 Largest total enrollment in history

Concordia was honored as a College of Distinction for the

2015-16 academic year.

Voted by college students in 2015 Cappies (cappex.com)

Best Dorms in U.S.

Safest Campus in U.S.

9th 19th

Concordia expanded support of adult learners by launching Concordia Online Education, a partnership among Concordia University, Nebraska, Concordia University - Portland and Concordia CollegeNew York, and offering new programs through the College of Graduate and Adult Studies.


Reflecting the Gospel through ArtServing While Learning

On a beautiful Sunday morning, the sun shines through the colorful stained-glass windows, illuminating the sanctuary and brightening the spirits of those attending the service. A family with a newborn baby watches their child receive new life at a welcoming baptismal font, and later the pastor prepares Holy Communion at a stoic altar engraved with Jesus words spoken at The Last Supper.

Every sanctuary, narthex and gathering space in a church is different, and a well-designed cross, baptismal font, altar, stained-glass window or other furnishing helps to create a space that reflects the message of the Gospel and enhances the worship experience of those in the church.

The Center for Liturgical Art (CLA) is an outreach program of Concordia that, for more than 10 years, has specialized in creating custom, site-specific artworks and furnishings for churches all over the country. The CLA is committed to

Connie McClure recently decided to bring her shy son, Danny, to Concordia to participate in Special Olympics practices led by Seward County, Nebraska, Special Olympics coaches and assisted by Concordia students. The results shocked her.

Its amazing, McClure said as she watched her son laughing with Concordia students and running around the track.

Hes doing things I never thought hed do.The McClures experience is just

one of dozens of success stories resulting from the partnership between Concordia and the Seward Special Olympics program, led by Donna Eiting and Louise Warnsholz, who have been involved in Special Olympics programs for more than 25 years each.

For the last six years, Concordia students in an adapted physical activity class have helped Special Olympics athletes in track, basketball and other activities throughout the year. The class was led most recently by Assistant

spreading the Gospel through art, helping Concordia students learn what it means to create ecclesiastical art and offering students opportunities to gain valuable experience in honing their artistic craft and preparing for life as an artist.

Working at the CLA has allowed me to expand my networking and make connections with other artists who have developed my idea of what it will realistically mean to be an artist once I have graduated, said Grace Stange, a junior ecclesiastical art major. It has also given me an understanding of the financial side of art and how involved the creation process is, especially when it comes to collaborating with another artist or negotiating with a client. At the end of the day, we are here to spread the Gospel, and the CLA has made it possible for me to take my talent and use it for a career that is centered on that goal.

CLA Operations Manager Evan Balleweg started creating art for the CLA

Professor of Health and Human Performance Patti Jensen.

Part of my job is not just to teach adaptive physical activity, but to give [the students] information they need to be advocates for people with disabilities, Jensen said. We talk about how we are more alike than different.

Ashley Connolly, a 2009 Concordia alumna, got involved in Special Olympics while she attended college and has been involved in it ever since, coaching the Seward program for several years.

Ive been friends with my athletes for eight or nine years, said Connolly, now a special education teacher in York, Nebraska. Its what I love to do. Its my passion.

Concordia junior Taylor Mueller, a physical education major, had never coached Special Olympics athletes before. He started the class unsure what to

in 2009 as a freshman at Concordia and has loved it ever since, creating dozens of pieces for churches, schools and other organizations. Now as the CLA manager, he gets to see new student artists grow as he did, using their God-given talents and developing their sense of service.

The way a space looks has an immediate impact on the way people feel in the space and the way they act in that space, said Balleweg. Our student artists play a key role in effectively portraying the Gospel through the artwork needed for a specific church space. They see how their contributions directly help to serve the church in tangible ways, and their faith and artistic abilities grow with every piece they help to create.

expect. At the end of the semester, he had found an adaptive coaching style he wants to use throughout his career.

Jensen encourages students to continue being involved in Special Olympics events throughout college and after they graduate, using their newfound understanding of the athletes to continue encouraging them.

story photosJennifer Suggitt Benjamin Schranz

Mark Anschutz, Evan Balleweg and student Austin Romine install one-of-a-kind stained glass at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Olathe, Kansas.

Concordia students gain practical experience by supporting Special Olympics athletes. Pictured in the two above photos, from left: Christopher Warnsholz, Brindie Howerton, Kevin Alt, Nicholas Boes.

Austin Romine creates a colorful cross while working at Concordias Center for Liturgical Art.

story photosEmily Taylor Benjamin Schranz

We talk about how we are more alike than different.

For more information about the Center for Liturgical Art, visit liturgicalart.org.


To showcase what an amazing place Concordia is, we asked our students, faculty and staff to take photos of campus and share them through social media with the tag #SnapCUNE. See more photos at cune.edu/snap.

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On May 9, 2015, Concordia celebrated the hard work of students, faculty and staff as 563 graduates were recognized for completing their studies in December 2014, May 2015 and August 2015.

Check out more photos and commencement details at cune.edu/commencement.

to ServeEquipped

Clockwise, from left: Taiheem Pleasant celebrates his graduation on stage when he receives his diploma. Campus Pastor Ryan Matthias addresses graduates at baccalaureate. Graduates fill the floor of the Walz Arena during the 2015 commencement ceremony. John Jay Silva is congratulated on his graduation. A group of graduates prepare to post happenings of their big day on social media.

Clockwise, from top: Edwin Izumigawa, from Pearl City, Hawaii, is greeted with leis to celebrate his graduation. Also pictured is Associate Professor of English Dr. Laurie Zum Hofe. Kory Kahlandt celebrates with a little supporter after commencement. Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts congratulates Concordia graduates; Ricketts gave the commencement address and received an honorary doctorate. Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo, associate professor of music, receives the 2015 Outstanding Teaching Award. Lydia Pomerenke listens to the commencement address.

I think Gods been preparing my heart to leave this place, but at the same time

part of my heart will always be here.Morgan Vitosh

on a pathnew

Ive definitely grown a lot in these four years. Everyones become family here.

Amy McDaniel

Im blown away at how the relationships here have changed my life.Jami Nekoliczak

The Class of 2015 was the first class to make a momentous walk across campus to close out their college careers. You can see the experience and hear dozens of graduating seniors share

brief, heartfelt reflections of their Concordia Experience on the Class of 2015 video.

Watch the video at cune.edu/commencement.

Walking with my classmates and my peers, it means a lot because weve all been through the hard times, the good times, and to have them walk with me means the world. Jillian Janousek

This is what God intended for Concordia to be. It was meant forat this point in your lifeto prepare you to do work for Him.Casey Roberts

Learning our vocations in light of faith and knowing how to serve people in that capacity, I think, is the thing that

sets us apart here at Concordia.Alyssa Newton

photo Aaron Nix

#GoHigher Broadcaster 23

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Mens track and field | Softball | Wrestling Womens basketball | Womens soccer

Womens track and fieldrunners-up

GPAC Championships

NAIA National Championship

NAIA-leading total of Scholar-Athletes (94 in 2014-15)

Team school records broken

Individual school records broken

Mens track and field Womens basketballrunners-up

GPAC Christopherson All-Academic Award

Womens SoccerFirst undefeated GPAC season

First ever NAIA National Tournament appearance

First ever NAIA national ranking (24th)

NSCAA Academic Team Award for posting the highest GPA (3.75) among all collegiate womens soccer programs

KREGG EINSPAHR 82NAIA and GPAC Mens Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year, Omaha World-Herald Coach

of the Year and Lincoln Journal Star Coach of the Year

DREW OLSON 03NAIA Region 2 Coach of the Year for Womens Basketball, Omaha World-Herald Coach of the Year

and Lincoln Journal Star Coach of the Year, most coaching victories in the history of the program (226)

DANA VOTE NAIA Regional Coach of the Year and GPAC Coach of the Year for Wrestling

DEVIN SMITH CO 92 GR 01GPAC Athletic Director of the Year

JACOB KNABEL2014-15 GPAC Sports Information Director of the Year

outstanding leadership

GPAC All-Sports Trophy

NAIA North Group Regional Wrestling Champions #1

Follow all the action at cune.edu/athletics and watch or listen live on the Concordia Sports Network.

Womens Basketball 2015 CIT Champions

leading, overcoming, winning

The 2014-15 season will go down as one of the finest in the history of Concordia University athletics.


Following the lead of NAIA Region 2 Coach of the Year Drew Olson, Concordia womens basketball authored a storybook 2014-15 season.

story photosJacob Knabel Benjamin Schranz

an unbaileyvable season

BAILEY MORRISNAIA Division II National Player of the Year

GPAC Player of the YearLincoln Journal Star State College

Womens Athlete of the Year

Omaha World-Herald Midlands College Womens Athlete of the Year

Career Scoring Record (2,054 points)


Since 1992, 14 Concordia womens basketball teams have appeared at the national tournament with four advancing all the way to the national semifinals. But in 2015, the Bulldogs reached new heights by motoring to the national title game for the first time in program history.

Ninth-year head coach Drew Olson believes the 2014-15 edition was the finest Concordia womens basketball team to date. Thats saying something for a powerhouse program that has existed for more than 60 years.

Said Olson, It was the most fun I have ever had coaching. It was an incredible group to work with all season. They were special. They had a togetherness and a collective toughness that is rare. They found ways to win. Most importantly, they were a great group of teammates that loved each other. Its bittersweet how it ended, but I think we will remember the greatness of the team more.

Theres no denying the greatness of a team that went 35-3, defeated 11 ranked teams, won four-straight national tournament games by 10 points or more, upended No. 1 Morningside on the road for the GPAC tournament title and featured National Player of the Year Bailey Morris.

Named GPAC Player of the Year in each of her final two collegiate seasons, Morris justified the price of admission all by herself. The native of Clay Center,

Nebraska, never stopped torching the nets. She killed opponents with her crossover, her did-I-really-just-see-that dimes and her sheer knack for putting points on the board. She ended

her career with a program record 2,054 points over 136 games.

But this team was more than just Morris. It proved that when it knocked off No. 12 Hastings without Morris in the GPAC semifinals in late February. Morris simply stood out most amongst a special group of seniors that included second team All-American Tracy Peitz, defensive pest Kelsey Hizer and inside force Jericca Pearson.

Concordia possessed everything needed to be a championship team. It had character. It had confidence. It had flair. It had toughness. It had one of the nations top coaches. In putting together perhaps the greatest senior class ever at Concordia, Olson melded a team that knew it would play deep into March. It was an impressive bunch on the court, but even more so in the manner in which it went about its business.

Ill probably remember their personalities a whole lot more than them as players, said an emotional Olson following the title game loss to Morningside. Ill remember how much joy I had coaching each one of them and how much better they made going to work every day. Thats why theyre such a special group.

The senior class completed its run with a four-year record of 119-21, two GPAC regular-season titles, two GPAC tournament titles, two national semifinal appearances and four consecutive trips to the national tournament. The vaunted group of four-year players was complimented by the likes of second team all-conference choices in Becky Mueller and Mary Janovich, the GPAC Freshman of the Year.

So good was this Bulldog basketball team that it led top-ranked Morningside by as many as 12 points in the national

title game. Excruciatingly, Concordia let a four-point advantage with under two minutes remaining slip away. It was a heart-wrenching ending in the closest NAIA Division II womens basketball national championship in history. Admitted Olson, Its tough to lose when you felt like you had it.

A little perspective helps soothe the pain. In reflecting upon her career, Morris thanked her teammates and Olson for helping her develop into the star she became. Said Morris, Ill graduate and move on with my life, but the pride of being a Concordia Bulldog will be with me wherever I go.

Olson wont soon forget the electrifying point guard that he refers to as the best player in our programs history.

She always did what we asked of her and did everything for the team, Olson said. Its impressive to look back at the change from her freshman year to senior year. She is a perfect example of work ethic and determination resulting in reaching her potential.

In 2015 Morris came through with the best national tournament performance of her career. She scored 34 points in the second-round win over No. 14 College of Saint Mary and was named all-tournament along with Peitz.

As a whole, the 2014-15 Concordia womens basketball team provided a

lifetimes worth of thrilling moments while capturing the sentiments of passionate Bulldog alumni and fans that swarmed the national tournament in Sioux City, Iowa, in droves. The run to the title game was bigger than the team. It transcended the 94 feet of hardwood that served as its stage. Each national tournament victory triggered Bulldog pride that swelled like the sting of an angry hornets nest.

A shade less than two months after the season came to an end and the confetti rained down from the Tyson Events Center rafters, Olson offered the following reflection:

It still stings, and I think it always will. And it should, if it means anything to you. However, when I look back on the season, I know it was an amazing journey. It was so fun. On the court, the team had maturity in their preparation, a toughness that never allowed them to lose composure in close games or tight situations, and the best part was how well they played together. They were an unstoppable force at times. And off the court, they were a blast. This team was fun to be around, and we have so many memories that 20 years from now will stick way more than the wins and losses.

The pride of being a Concordia Bulldog will be

with me wherever I go.

(above) Kelsey Hizer is all smiles.

Mary Janovich, GPAC Freshman of the Year, takes the court.

The 2014-15 GPAC womens basketball champions celebrate the win.


Concordias Cassie Starks keeps raising the bar higher. Literally. Despite having a rare disorder called hemophilia B, the senior from Haigler, Nebraska, has elevated herself to the level of GPAC champion, All-American and school record holder.

Her genetic disorder, shared by her father Rick, may prevent her blood from clotting normally and cause her to take longer to heal from injuries, but it hasnt prevented her from improving her personal best in the pole vault by a gargantuan four feet since arriving at Concordia.

A very, very small amount of women get it, Bulldog pole vault coach Jason Berry said of Starks disorder. Of those women who get it, the number of them that

are willing to risk competing in athletics is even smaller. What shes done, having a disorder that is not conducive for heavy training like this, is pretty amazing.

Injuries limited her in her first three seasons at Concordia, but healthy as a senior, Starks flourished. Already the program record holder in the indoor pole vault, she equaled the outdoor record by jumping 12 6 in a first-place and NAIA-leading effort at the UNK Loper Invite on April 4.

A former sprinter, Starks brought speed and gracefulness to the runway. She became one of the nations top female vaulters, fueled by Berrys tutelage, a burning desire

You just have to stay positive.

story photosJacob Knabel Benjamin Schranz

Despite having a rare disorder,

pole vaulter Cassie Starks

reaches heights she never

thought possible.

CASSIE STARKSGPAC Outdoor Pole Vault Champion

GPAC Indoor Pole Vault ChampionProgram record outdoor pole vault (12 6 )

Program record indoor pole vault (12 6 )


to be at her best and a passion for the sport that spawned when she began vaulting as a junior at Dundy County-Stratton High School in southwest Nebraska.

It was kind of a random thing, Starks said. I thought it looked fun so I wanted to try it. I ended up doing okay for our high school. I tied our high schools record, which was only 8 6. It wasnt anything special, but I really enjoyed it. I came to Concordia mostly for sprints. Then Coach Berry got me more and more into it. I fell in love with the sport.

Berry says a team full of athletes with Starks drive and competitive fire would be amazing.

Ive coached some amazing vaulters, Berry said. She sets herself apart in that shes a tenacious, driven competitor. You dont expect some high school kid coming in at 8 6 to walk in here and end up getting the school record.

Starks rise to GPAC champion could not have been foretold during missteps when even a tweaked ankle caused her to sit out for lengthy amounts of time. With hemophilia B, internal bleeding causes blood to pool in the joints even if there is no outward sign of injury, so the joints swell and are painful. But Starks never let hemophilia stop her. This year she found the right formula. She received pre-meet infusion treatments designed to prevent injury, and she always taped her ankles at the advice of Berry.

Beyond her considerable athleticism, Starks possesses a work ethic that goes above and beyond, as well as a keen attention to technical details vital to the success of any pole vaulter. While Starks may not have had a linebacker trying to knock her into another dimension, her success depended upon plenty of physical toiland she did not shy away.

I havent had to [pull back] a whole lot, Starks said toward the end of her final season. The last three years injuries have definitely hindered me a lot because Ive had to take maybe a month or more out. This year it really hasnt affected me nearly as much. Im just staying healthy all aroundeating well

and taking care of my body as well as my mind. It has really impacted me positively.

Despite the disorder and her modest high school personal best, Starks quickly drew the attention of Berry. The veteran pole vault coach saw the potential for greatness and the need to adapt to the dynamics associated with Starks.

It soon became obvious she was going to have huge success in the pole vault, Berry said. It also became apparent that we had to treat her training a little different. We gave her rest periods and kept her out of some meets. Her body needed the extra time to recover.

But you wont hear Starks complain about it. The biology major did not broadcast her condition. At the same time, she was comfortable in her own skin. Her increased willingness to talk about her disorder is part of her impressive growth both as a person and an athlete.

Considering her high degree of toughness, Starks success comes as little surprise to Berry.

There are a lot of kids that come in with the desire to do well, Berry said. Very few have the determination and the drive to actually do it. She came in with the desire. She had a few extra hills to climb over to make it happen, but she definitely had the determination and desire to do it. Shes a tough cookie to work through everything she has.

And work is exactly what Starks did. She left Concordia as a record holder for the indoor and outdoor pole vault, a two-time GPAC titlist and a two-time All-American. If anyone ever said a person with hemophilia couldnt be a top-flight athlete, Starks didnt listen. She says others who have such a disorder, or something like it, can conquer it.

I would tell them that you can do it, Starks said. It sounds like a big obstacle to overcome, but actually being injured has really helped me. Having to sit out was how I learned more about the sport. Even if it doesnt seem like a benefit at the time, it still helps you in the long run. You just have to stay positive.

A breakout season for sophomore post Chandler Folkerts helped pave the way for the programs first winning season since 2010-11. Folkerts averaged 15.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in helping the Bulldogs to a 16-15 overall record, three victories over ranked opponents and a return to the GPAC postseason tournament.

In addition, second team all-conference performer Robby Thomas broke the school single-season record with 71 blocked shots, and senior Joel

Senior star power and leadership fueled a storybook season for ninth-year head coach Drew Olsons squad. National Player of the Year Bailey Morris sparked the Bulldogs to a 35-3 overall record, a GPAC tournament title and the programs first-ever appearance in the national title game. Along the way, Concordia defeated 11 ranked teams while using a suffocating defensive effort that flustered opponents into nearly 27 turnovers per game.

It took only three seasons for head coach Dana Vote to transform the Concordia wrestling program into one to be reckoned with on a national scale. The 2014-15 squad captured GPAC (perfect 7-0 conference dual record) and NAIA North Qualifying Group titles and placed 12th at the national championships (highest-ever team finish). Ten Bulldogs qualified for the national championships (four All-Americans), nine garnered all-conference recognition and three won regional titles.

Plenty of postseason honors rolled in for Votes bunch. Senior Enrique Barajas

MENS BASKETBALL

CHANDLER FOLKERTS

TRACY PEITZ

CERON FRANCISCO

WOMENS BASKETBALL

WRESTLING

WINTER & SPRING SPORTS SUMMARIES

Haywood surpassed 1,000 career points. Second-year head coach Ben Limback guided his squad to signature road wins over No. 3 Northwood University (Fla.) and No. 12 Midland. The Bulldogs finished with a record of 11-7 in games played away from Walz Arena. One of the NAIAs top shooting teams (.395 3-point field goal percentage), Concordia posted its highest per game scoring average (77.5) since the 2003-04 season.

Senior Tracy Peitz again joined Morris with All-America honors and did her best work of the season under the bright lights at the national tournament. Rookie Mary Janovich emerged as the GPAC Freshman of the Year for a deep and talented roster.

For the second-straight year, Concordia broke a program record for per game scoring average with a GPAC-leading figure of 83.3.

earned the GPAC Wrestler of the Year award. The teams four All-Americans were Ken Burkhardt Jr., Kodie Cole, Ceron Francisco and Andrew Schulte. For his impressive work bringing Concordia wrestling back to prominence, Vote received GPAC and Regional Coach of the Year accolades.

The Bulldogs were especially dominant within the conference. They won each of their seven GPAC duals by 10 points or more while going 52-18 in individual conference dual matches. Only three seniors graduated from Votes well-stocked squad.


BASEBALL

Both of head coach Brett Mullers squads continued their ascents up the GPAC standings during the 2014-15 season. The Concordia women placed fifth with a four-round total of 343-367-353-3611,424. The men were sixth with their score of 300-312-337-3061,255. In addition, both teams broke program records for lowest single-season average. Individually, sophomoreAmy Ahlers equaled the school single-season standard for lowest average (82.0), and senior Shawn Rodehorst rewrote the record for career average (77.68).

After a regular season that fell short of second-year head coach Todd LaVelles expectations, the Bulldogs turned it on and won the GPAC tournament title to lock up their second-straight trip to the national tournament. Prior to being eliminated from the Oklahoma City bracket, Concordia defeated Grand View University for the programs first-ever national tournament win. The Bulldogs finished with an overall record of 29-23 (tied for sixth most wins in program history). They won the GPAC tournament despite being the conferences No. 7 seed.

New head coach Ryan Dupic helped bring the first winning season to Concordia baseball since 1979. The 2015 Bulldogs broke the program record for wins in a season by going 26-18 overall (previous record was 25 wins by the 2012 team). Led by catalyst Alex Alstott, Concordia also broke another school record by scoring 289 runs. Alstott, the teams leadoff man and centerfielder, topped all GPAC players in on-base percentage (.488), slugging percentage (.712) and triples (13).

MICHAELA WOODWARD

ALEX ALSTOTT

GOLFSOFTBALL Ahlers and Rodehorst were two of five Concordia golf all-conference selections. The others were sophomore Reid Wiebe for the men and sophomore Kayla Krueger and freshman Emma Jacoby for the women. Ahlers won two tournaments on the season (five career wins) and placed second overall in the conference. She finished in the top five in six of the teams nine events in 2014-15. Jacoby enjoyed a tremendous first collegiate season with her biggest highlight being a first-place claim at GPAC Qualifier No. 2. Among varsity performers, Rodehorst was the only senior in either of Mullers lineups.

Representing Concordia with all-conference honors were junior Julia Tyree (first team), freshman Michaela Woodward (second team) and senior Molly Madsen (honorable mention). Woodward keyed the GPAC tournament run by throwing every single inning in the circle and going 9-for-20 at the plate during the six-game splurge. Tyree was a consistent force in the lineup, leading the team in batting average (.397), home runs (seven), on-base percentage (.514) and slugging percentage (.652).

Alstott (first team all-conference) and the Bulldogs won 10 straight games during the month of March and collected three wins over teams that were receiving votes in the national poll at the time of the contest. While Alstott starred in center, senior lefty Jaydee Jurgensen (second team all-GPAC) provided a legitimate ace on the mound. He went 6-1 with a 3.49 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 56.2 innings.

Both of head coach Daneen Kovars squads hosted duals with Doane and tested themselves at the second annual GPAC Cheer and Dance Invitational. The Bulldog dance team earned a win over Concordia University Ann Arbor by a score of 97.3 74 at the Concordia Invitational Tournament. Meanwhile, the

Concordia went through a transitional season in 2015 as first-year head coach Joel Reckewey, a former four-year letterwinner for the Huskers, entered the fray. Reckewey helped the womens program jump from sixth place to fourth place with a 4-3 GPAC record. The Bulldog women were 5-11 overall. Meanwhile, the men went 3-10 overall and 1-4 in conference matches.

A big year for head coach Kregg Einspahrs program concluded with the first-ever national title in the history of Concordia athletics. The men won the NAIA outdoor championship by totaling 59 points to hold off Indiana Tech (55), Wayland Baptist (55) and Oklahoma Baptist (53) at the top of the heap. Meanwhile, the women placed in a tie for fifth, marking the first time ever that both the mens and womens programs finished inside the top five at the same national meet. At the indoor national championships, the men placed fifth and the women 11th. At the 2015 conference meets, the men turned in first (outdoor) and second (indoor) place finishes, and the women were twice the runners-up. A combined 13 GPAC individual titles and

DANCE & CHEER

TENNIS

TRACK & FIELD

cheer squad notched a 53.5 51.5 win over Doane before completing the season with a fourth-place finish at the GPAC meet. Dance placed fifth in the conference and then ninth at the NAIA North Regional Qualifier. Ashley Blunk and Katherine Vogel served as captains for cheer. Becca Odom captained the dance team.

The women developed cohesive doubles tandems in Annie Horn and Grace Hollenbeck at No. 1 and Elyse Kohl and Emily Meisinger at No. 2. The combo of Horn and Hollenbeck earned all-conference recognition thanks to a GPAC record of 4-2. They helped the Bulldogs finish the regular season by winning three of their final four conference matches.

35 All-America awards were earned by Bulldogs throughout 2015. National titles were recorded by Cody Boellstorff (outdoor hammer throw), Zach Lurz (indoor shot put) and Josh Slechta (indoor weight throw). Lurz, a five-time All-American in 2015, was named the NAIA mens most valuable performer of the meet at the outdoor national championships. On the womens side, Kim Wood won three GPAC indoor titles, and Liz King won two conference outdoor titles while setting a GPAC meet record in the hammer throw.

Einspahr received mens coaching awards at the conference and national levels for Concordias outdoor championships.

GRACE HOLLENBECK

KAYLA RONFELDT

KAYLA KRUEGER

ZACH LURZ


story photoDanielle Luebbe Benjamin Schranz

A new menu and dedication to the food has the Dog House Grill busier than ever.

TOASTINGPERFECTION

UP The toasted brioche bun cradles the Jiffy Burger in buttery goodness.Green leaf lettuce gives the burger visual appeal and crunch.

A slice of fresh, sweet, juicy red tomato adds a pop of color and tang of acidity.

What burger would be complete without salty, crisp, savory, greasy, smoky bacon?

Smooth, mild provolone cheese melts into the warmth of the burger.

Creamy, salty-sweet peanut butter liquefies into a golden sauce.

Fresh, never frozen, 100% ground beef, hand-pattied and grilled to sizzling, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Bun

Lettuce

Tomato

Bacon

Provolone Cheese

Peanut Butter

Burger

Concordias very own burger joint, the Dog House Grill, made a risky change this springand its starting to pay

off. In March 2015, Bryan Scherbarth, Concordias director of dining services, overhauled the menu for the restaurant, which offers unique burgers, wings, smoothies and other grill favorites, and the quality and flavor of the food are drawing in Concordia employees, students and community members.

First, Scherbarth stripped the menu down to a few classic items, making sure every detail could be executed to perfection by his staff. Then he added new dishes, including some created by the students who work there.

Doing things the right way is a big component of Scherbarths food philosophy. I care about the Perfect Toast Factor on a grilled cheese sandwich, he says. If its overdone or underdone, I care about those things.

Scherbarth is glad that his vision for the Dog House Grill and passion for creating satisfying food are fulfilling his customers desires. Food has the potential to make people happy in a very unique way. Theres nothing in your day that you get to exercise your preferences in as much as your meals. My freedom for the day is picking what to eat. Thats how I express myself, and Im thrilled to see how this new menu is helping my customers to do the same.

Food has the potential to make people happy in a very unique way.

See the whole mouthwatering menu at cune.edu/doghouse.

ANATOMY OF A

JIFFY BURGER


AN EXPLOSIONOF COLOR

This spring, splashes of color captivated visitors to downtown Seward, Nebraska, after Eric Rieger (better known as HOTTEA), an Emmy Award-winning, nationally renowned artist, mentored Concordia students in the skill of creating unique artwork with yarnon the countys courthouse.

Its important that our art students have the best experience we can give them, says Don Robson, professor of art and chair of the art department at Concordia. Bringing in visiting artists is one of those ways. We should never underestimate the potential for big things to happen, and HOTTEA spending time at Concordia and in Seward was

definitely a big thing.Rieger uses yarn to

create art that co-exists with a public space non-destructivelya safe and beautiful alternative to graffiti. He created new, unique installations of his yarn work in downtown Seward April 811 as this years special guest of Concordias 2015 Jones

Fine Art Series, an annual event in partnership with Jones National Bank & Trust Company of Seward.

Before Rieger arrived, Concordia invited the community to join the yarn bombing movement and bring the thrill of unexpected color and coziness to Seward by yarn bombing in Riegers honor. Yarn bombs, typically made of knitted creations integrated with public spaces, started cropping up around Seward, on trees, fences and mailboxes.

I dont think I have ever felt so welcome in a city I had never been to, says Rieger.

Discover more about Rieger and watch his award-winning video at cune.edu/yarnbomb.

story photoJennifer Suggitt Seth Meranda

I dont think I have ever felt

so welcome in a city I had

never been to.


Concordia graphic design major Mitchell Volk helps HOTTEA install his masterpiece on the Seward County Courthouse stairway.

Concordia donors and alumni are making a bigger impact on the

student experience, the church and the world than ever before.

Increasing membership in Congregations for Concordia University, Nebraska (CCUNE; formerly NACC) provides more financial support for Concordia students from 133 congregations in The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod.

31 mission trips were completed in the last five years, helping Concordia grow relationships with international partners.

Over $2 million was raised over the past fiscal year from alumni and friends in support of Concordias highest fundraising prioritythe Concordia Fund.

17 area businesses are members of the Concordia Business Partners Program, expanding support and engagement within the Seward community.

More than 7,500 gifts and pledges were received over the past fiscal year to further Concordias mission and support Christ-centered education.

record-breaking supportBlessed to be a Blessing, the second-largest capital campaign in the universitys history,

raised $42.3 million in 5.5 years. More than 12,000 alumni and friends provided financial gifts.

The opportunity that the donors have given me to attend here is life-changing. From firsthand experience, I could not have gone here without them. The fact that these four years here have impacted what I want to do is huge, and

Im so thankful for the opportunity to be able to attend this school because its a blessing.

JENNA KARLIN 15

growing partnerships

133

CapitalRenovation of Janzow Campus Center, David Hall, Link Library,

Weller Chapel Auditorium and the Physical Education Building

Creation of an outdoor colonnade connecting the athletic facilities

Construction of The C.G. Kelly and Virginia Holthus Family Plaza

Installation of a campus-wide wireless network

EndowmentRecruit and retain talented faculty and staff

Provide additional resources for university programs

Provide competitive financial aid to students

OperationsEnhance campus life

Strengthen academic programs

Support more strategic initiatives

Provide scholarships

in the church and world A growing network of 20,000+ alumni are serving the church and world, now in all 50 states and 29 countries.

76 members of the Class of 2014 accepted calls to begin their service in the church, with dozens more from the Class of 2015 in the call process.

Concordia Nebraska remains a leader in equipping Lutheran educators. Five alumni earned awards from the Lutheran Education Association in 2015. Concordia alumni were five of the eight educators honored by the LEA.

Concordias online community continues to grow year after year, with nearly 2,000 more likes on Concordia Universitys Facebook page between June 2014 and June 2015 alone and a 30 percent increase in gifts made online.


HOMECOMING & ALUMNI REUNION REGISTRATION FORM

Or, mail this completed page and payment by Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, to: Concordia University, Nebraska, Attn: Homecoming & Alumni Reunion Registration Weller 206800 N. Columbia Ave., Seward, NE 68434

Register online at cune.edu/homecoming.

2015 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS

HOMECOMING SCHEDULEFriday, Oct. 9

History Department Breakfast Honoring Emeriti Faculty, RSVP required Homecoming Registration, Janzow Main Lobby Chapel History Reunion Luncheon, RSVP required Gold and Great Reunion Luncheon (CHS Class of 1965, CO Class of 1965 and prior), RSVP required History Department Reunion Keynote Presentation with Dr. Frederick Luebke History Department Reunion VIP Tour, Nebraska National Guard Museum Campus Open Houses Welcome Home Social Hour, Janzow Main Lobby, RSVP required CHS Class of 1965 Golden Reunion Dinner, RSVP required History Reunion Dinner Reception, RSVP required Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner Banquet, RSVP required Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Program Community Bonfire and PRAISE!

Saturday, Oct. 10 Breakfast with the President, RSVP required Presidents Message Alumni Awards Presentation Homecoming Fair, The C.G. Kelly & Virginia Holthus Family Plaza Pre-Game BBQ Tailgate Bulldog Football Game vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University Bulldog Volleyball vs. Nebraska Wesleyan Honored Class Reunion Gatherings, Locations TBD Graduates of the Last Decade GOLD, Class of 1990, Class of 1975, CHS Class of 1965 History Department Reunion Social Gathering

Sunday, Oct. 11 Worship Services at St. John Lutheran Church (Reserved seating for CHS Class of 1965 group at 8:30 a.m.)

Friday, Oct. 9History Department Reunion Continental Breakfast with Emeriti ProfessorsGold and Great Reunion Luncheon History Department Reunion Luncheon (complimentary, reservations required)History Department Reunion KeynoteHistory Department Reunion VIP Museum Tour

Welcome Home Social Hour (complimentary, reservations required) Concordia High School Class of 1965 Golden Reunion Dinner (no host bar)History Department Reunion Dinner (adults $16; 4-12 years $9; 3 & under free)

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (adults $15; 4-12 years $8.50; 3 years & under free)

Athletic Hall of Fame InductionSaturday, Oct. 10Breakfast with the President (adults $12; 4-12 years $8; 3 & under free) Alumni Awards ProgramPre-Game Tailgate Barbecue (adults $12; 4-12 years $8; 3 & under free)

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9:30 a.m.10 a.m. to 5 p.m.11 a.m.NoonNoon1:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.1:30 to 4 p.m.5 to 6 p.m.5:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.6 p.m.7 p.m.9 p.m.

8 a.m.9 a.m. 9:30 a.m.11 a.m. to 1 p.m.11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.1 p.m.6 p.m.5 to 8 p.m.

5 to 8 p.m.

8:30 and 11 a.m.

PaymentEnclose a check made payable to Concordia University, Nebraska.Contact the Alumni Office at 800-535-5494, ext. 7408, or send an email to [email protected] with questions.

Attendee Information (please print; note name as it should appear on badge)

Name __________________________________________________ Class Year(s) _________________________________

Name __________________________________________________ Class Year(s) _________________________________

Phone ( _______ ) ______________________ Email _________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________ Street City State ZIP

Events Requiring Registration or TicketsYour name tag(s), event tickets and a detailed schedule with locations of events will be available at check-in. Prices are higher at day-of registration.

Alumnus of the Year Rev. Dr. Ray Mirly 66, Buckeye, Ariz.

Young Alumna of the YearDr. Michelle Quinlan 05, Morris Plains, N.J.

Church Leadership Award Dr. Carolyn (Stroebel) Sims 66, Mission Viejo, Calif.

Mission & Ministry Award Rev. Brad Birtell 88, Madison, Neb.

Friends of Concordia Award Norman & Joyce Riffel, Springfield, Neb.

Lifetime Service AwardJudith Duda, Oviedo, Fla.

Honorary Alumni AwardDr. Jerrald Pfabe, Seward, Neb.

History Department Reunion | Class Reunions (ending in 0 and 5) | Golden Class Reunion: CHS Class of 1965 Athletic Hall of Fame | Alumni Awards | Bonfire and PRAISE! | Tailgate | Football and Volleyball Games

HOMECOMING 2015OCT. 9-11

Visit cune.edu/homecoming for online registration, full schedule details and other Homecoming news.


Larry 70 and Chris (Meyer) 69 Irmer feel blessed.

Blessed to have received financial support that made it possible for them to earn a Lutheran, Christ-centered education. Blessed that they were equipped for service in the church and world when they graduated. Blessed to have been on the hearts of those in the Concordia community who were praying for Concordia students academic and spiritual growth. And blessed to be able to offer the same support for todays Concordia students.

We are proud graduates, and we support Concordia, said Larry. We know of that support that we had, and we appreciate everything that Concordia gave us personally and professionally as a foundation.

As retired teachers in Oceanside, California, both Larry and Chris are dedicated to playing a role in continuing to ensure a Christ-centered Concordia education is available to todays college students.

Larry and Chris provide gifts to the Concordia Fund, which in turn provides student scholarship assistance and the funding needed to carry out Concordias day-to-day operations. Concordia Fund gifts are powerful, real-time gifts that have an immediate impact!

Concordias mission parallels our beliefs, said Larry, That mission at Concordia is continuing, and whatever we can do to support that well do that cheerfully.

You can also play a part in equipping students to learn, serve and lead in the church and world today and for years to come.

We had people supporting us when we were there. They were supporting us with their prayers, financial giving and scholarship

assistance. Those people are gone, so, if not us, who?

LARRY IRMER 70

Hear why Larry and Chris Irmer support Concordia by watching their video at cune.edu/giving.

You Can Make Christ-centered Education Attainable

Make your gift to support the Concordia Fund at

cune.edu/giving or call 402-643-7221 today.

DR. RUDY ZOCH 58 completed his 12th Vision for Africa mission trip to Kenya.

EUGENE KOLANDER CO 58 GR 83 is currently working at the NFL Arizona Cardinals football stadium as a security supervisor.

JOYCE (DUCHOW) GIERKE 61 completed the writing and publishing of Getting to Know You, a total of three volumes on her life, her husbands life and that of their family. Joyce and husband Charles look forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2015.

PASTOR RONALD FANDRICK 68 haspublished a book, How to Judge Gods Way, a manual to train church judges.

CLAUDE HOUGE 72 and RHODA(LUECHT) HOUGE CO 71 GR 91 have moved to Minnesota following Claudes retirement from Mt. Calvary LutheranChurch in Omaha, Nebraska. Claude will also be starting his second thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

DEAN ZIEGLER 74 and wife, Linda, moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia. The picture includes their granddaughter Lyra Morales Dorau.

DR. JACKIE (ROBIDOUX) ELLIOTT 89, North Arkansas College president, was elected to serve a four-year term on the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees through Aug. 31, 2019.

PETER D. MORKERT 90 was identified as a Rodel Exemplary Principal finalist for the state of Arizona in January 2015.

AMY (POULSEN) SCHOLZ 94 accepted a position as a deployed congregation and district relations advocate in mission advancement with the LCMS.

MARK NOENNIG 78 was installed as director of Christian education, campus ministry coordinator and assistant to the pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota, on Sunday, May 3, 2015.

JON CREIGHTON 82 has written a book called Bona-Fide Fool: Perhaps Yesterday but Definitely not Today, regarding professionalism, people skills and priorities, referencing 2 Timothy 3:1.

DR. ANDREW GOODMAN 83 began a new position in January as provost for professional development and director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of MissouriSt. Louis.

In 2014, the Nebraska Board of Health appointed DR. RENEA GERNANT 88 to the Nebraska State Health Care Credentialing Review Board. She wasappointed in September 2014 for asecond term as the college representative of the Nebraska State Board of Nursing Home Administration, and she is a member of the Bellevue University Innovation Group in Bellevue, Nebraska.

1950s

1960s

1980s

1970s

Concordia presented DR. PAUL and SUSAN DUMKE 67 of Fort Collins, Colorado, with its Sower Award, an annual award that recognizes prolonged and significant service or giving to the university. Read more about the Dumkes service and contributions to the Concordia community at cune.edu/dumkes.

1990s

AlumNotes


AMANDA (ADAMS) WORNER 07 and Kyle Worner announce the birth of Hattie Lyn Worner, born Nov. 19, 2014, joining brother Hudson. Amanda alsoearned her Master of Science in nursingin August 2013.

HANNAH (PIEPER) ELLIOTT CO 09 GR 12 was awarded the Rural Health Development Administrator of the Year for 2014. She is the nursing home andassisted living administrator at the five-star Sutton Community Home and Hillcrest View Assisted Living in Sutton, Nebraska. Hannah presented a research piece at the Southern GerontologicalSocietys Annual Conference in Virginia on April 15, 2015, and earned first place.

ADAM HENGEVELD 09 and wife Beth Hengeveld welcomed Edith Kate on March 1, 2015. She joins sister Charlotte.

EMILY HENTE 09 and Christopher Moss were united in Holy Matrimony on Sept. 28, 2014, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.

ZACH BAEDKE 10 and EMILIE (BOURRET) BAEDKE 11 were blessed with a son, Cayden David, on Sept. 12. 2014. He was baptized on Oct. 12, 2014.

EMMI SCOTT 11 earned her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Denver in December 2014.

ELLEN HENTE 11 was married to Andreas Birkedal on July 27, 2014, in St. Louis, Missouri. Andreas will start his doctoral program at the Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in the fall of 2015.

MIKE 04 and SARA (DEFREECE) GREIN 05 celebrated the birth of Levi James on April 4, 2014. He joins brothers Isaiah, 6, and Josiah, 4.

JEREMY KOCH 05, together with his wife Bailey Koch, have published a book,Never Alone: A Husband and Wifes Journey with Depression and Faith.

DANIEL BERGQUIST 06 and KAREN LININGER 08 were married on June 14, 2015, in Riverton, Wyoming.

HEIDI (SANDERS) MILLER 06 and Adam Miller were married on June 28, 2014, in Baltimore, Maryland.

KARA REPENNING 06 married David Malone on Aug. 2, 2014. They reside in Raleigh, North Carolina.

CINDY (SCHROEDER) STOPPEL 95 and Tim Stoppel were blessed with identical twin boys Aug. 23, 2013. Weston and Logan joined big brothers Tyson, 7, and Clayton, 5.

KATHLEEN (MILLS) GRIDLEY CO 01 GR 10 and husband Rob Gridley announce the birth of their second child, Laurel Faith, born on March 25, 2015. She was welcomed home by her sister Linnea Grace, born on Nov. 13, 2012.

RENEE (PRILL) SCOTT 01 and Jared Scott welcomed Micah James Scott into the world on Sept. 5, 2014.

ANDREW BENSCOTER CO 02 GR 05 has accepted a call to serve as the vice president of education and innovation with Upbring (formerly known as Lutheran Social Services of the South).

NICOLE (JIPP) RICKERTSEN 02 and Lucas Rickertsen announce the birth of Emmett Steven Rickertsen, born Jan. 27, 2014. His siblings are Hattie, 5, and Amelia, 4.

MATT DUCHEK 03 and ANNE (KURTZER) DUCHEK 03 welcomed twins Emma Anne and Liam Matthew on Dec. 28, 2014.

Elizabeth Caireann Montgomery was born to proud mother ALICIA (DIZEREGA)MONTGOMERY 03 and father DAVID MONTGOMERY 02 on Sept. 26, 2014. The family lives in Argyle, Texas. Alicia is an elementary school librarian, and David is a manufacturer.

AMBER (DERMODY) BAYER 03 and Luke Bayer of Victor, Iowa, welcomed the arrival of their first child, Elsie Rose May Bayer on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014.

Mathea Jacleen Generally was born on March 11, 2015. She is loved by her parents Christopher and AMBER (FOUNTAIN) GENERALLY 03.

2000s2010s

Darrell Naber HS 43 CO 46Selma (Kruse) Erchinger CO 43Richard Knapp HS 47Dr. Paul Walther HS 49 CO 54Rev. Eugene Vetter CO 50Dr. Philip Rulon HS 51 CO 54Reese Abbe CO 53Dr. Curt Brandhorst HS 55 CO 60Loren Otto HS 55Verlin Holle HS 55 CO 59 GR 78David Gode CO 57Ronald Sohl HS 58Dr. Daniel Heibel CO 58 GR 78Edward Reitz CO 60Dennis Kunkel CO 61Miriam (Volk) Johnson CO 62Erna (Fischer) Taff CO 62Sandra (Prell) Finke CO 63C. Nafzger CO 63Dorothy (Zimmerman)

Oberheu CO 63Edgar Richter CO 63Roxanne (Suelflow) Stahmer CO 63Retta (Kriefall) Braun CO 64 Lloyd Luehmann CO 64Marilynn (Kurth) Peter CO 64 GR 75 Alice (Wiede) Rude CO 64Virginia (Goecker) Schiefer CO 64Peggy (Meyer) Hardt CO 65Gloria (Cordes) Blankenburg CO 66Ronald Wunder CO 67 Marian (Siebe) Zutz CO 67Diane (Meinke) Haak CO 68Florence (Ricenbaw) Amos CO 69Maxine (Bickel) Fiala CO 69Robert Dowding CO 70Richard Lebrecht CO 70Kathleen (Chernock)

Schroeder CO 70Gwendolyn (Baker) Grohn CO 74Susan (Boyer) Pond CO 74Martin Roedel CO 75Wanda (Miesner) Wishmeier CO 75Dr. Leonard Bassett CO 86 GR 90James McMaster, Jr. CO 02Patricia (Wallace) Glasrud GR 08

IN MEMORIAM

Arranged by year; current as of May 15, 2015HS: High School, CO: College, GR: Graduate

One family celebrated three generations of Concordia graduates at the 2015 commencement. The family members include: JOYCE (DUCHOW) GIERKE 61,JENNIFER (BEHLING) GIERKE 90, JOHN GIERKE 91, PAUL GIERKE 91, KARIN (GIERKE) JENSEN 94, SEAN GIERKE 03 and MICHAELA GIERKE 15.


Opening of School Year DinnerOpening Worship ServiceFirst Day of Classes

Osten Observatory Open House Fall Fan Appreciation DayVisiting Artist:Jonathan Sokasits on piano Faculty Showcase RecitalInternational Visit DayIMPROVables Performances

Clayton Anderson, Astronaut, PresentationPlum Creek Childrens Literacy Festival Childrens DayPlum Creek Adult ConferenceOsten Observatory Open HouseVisit DayMini-IMPROVathon Homecoming and Alumni Reunion WeekendFall BreakCollegiate Showcase University A Cappella Choir Musical Arts Day Concert

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Cattle Classic Basketball Mini ClinicOsten Observatory Open House Chamber Music RecitalVisit DayCattle Classic Basketball Tournament

Lost in Yonkers Theatre PerformancesHonor RecitalBeautiful Feet Mission Conference

Lost in Yonkers Theatre PerformancesSymphonic Band and Concert Band Concert Founders DayThanksgiving Break

Visit DayChristmas at Concordia ConcertsScholarship Parade of Homes Christmas at Concordia Open House and Tree Lighting Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir ConcertWinter JazzFestHandbell ConcertIMPROVables PerformancesEnd of Fall Term

Start of Spring Semester Sleet and Snow Swing: Sleet Invitational for ForensicsVisit DayCUNE High School Speech ClassicConcordia Invitational Tournament

August

September

October

November January

December

Please check cune.edu/events for the latest available events and details. Calendar of Events

Broadcaster Summer2015

Documents

Transcript of Broadcaster Summer2015