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S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 1 0 0 | N O. 2
C O N C O R D I A U N I V E R S I T Y, N E B R A S K A
 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for any-
thing except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot
be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the
same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in
heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).

These words from the Gospel of Matthew inspired our new Salt and Light Strategic Plan. This is a plan focused upon our
mission of equipping men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world, preparing
them to be salt and light as God works through them to be blessings in their families, churches, communities, workplaces
and throughout the world.

One of the five priorities of the new strategic plan emphasizes strengthening and cultivating Christ-centered, deep,
meaningful academic communities that serve existing and new students. This includes but is not limited to expanding,
supporting and celebrating two of our most prominent and longstanding student communities: church work and music.
It also includes launching new and distinct communities you will learn more about in the forthcoming pages. You will be
among the first to learn about the future Paul Scholars community focused on what we hope will be a tuition-free path
for select hardworking students through an innovative internship and mentoring program. You will also be introduced to
another upcoming community, Micah Scholars, specifically for students with a heart for service and a head for science,
equipping the next generation of future doctors, healthcare workers and researchers. In addition, you will learn about our
ongoing athletic communities devoted to serving and supporting student-athletes, equipping them for lives of conviction,
character and courage as Christian leaders.

From the beginning, Concordia has been known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to a distinctly
Lutheran education. So, as we venture into the future, it is our resolve to build on those foundations, using them as
launchpads into new and creative ways to serve and equip current and future students, all in support of our ongoing call
to prepare students whose lives will be a fulfillment of Concordia’s mission.

As such, as you read through this new issue of the Broadcaster, I invite your prayers and partnership, along with your
assistance in asking young people to consider the possibility of continuing their education at Concordia.

Together in His service,

Dr. Bernard Bull, President

Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska is an excellent academic and Christ-centered community equipping

men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.
Photos: Cara Bresette-Yates and Stephanie Wheelock

2 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 3
Broadcaster Staff MYSTERY PHOTO
Associate Vice President of
Marketing & Communications
Emily Witt 6
Editor
Danielle Luebbe A New Composition
Art Director Concordia’s innovative Borland Center will
Elizabeth Kucera
equip students to create excellent music and
Contributors theatre for the church and world.
Kris Brambila
Robert Cody ’14
Amy Crawford
Olivia Dunklau ’24
Jake Knabel
Brooke Lange ‘24
12
University Administration
President
Concordia’s
Dr. Bernard Bull Academic Communities
Provost
Dr. Tim Preuss ’83
Concordia’s academic communities help
students find their place on campus.
Executive Vice President, CFO & COO
David Kumm

Vice President for

Enrollment Management & Marketing There are many hidden gems around campus, if you look closely enough! Do you recognize where this photo was
Dr. Gary McDaniel ’83
16 taken? Email us at broadcaster@cune.edu!
Vice President for Student Affairs

MYSTERY SOLVED
Gene Brooks CO ’91 GR ’03
The Light We Shine in
Board of Regents His World
Mrs. Krista Barnhouse CO ’95 GR ’01, Lincoln, Neb.
Concordia’s institutes serve the church and
Mr. Stuart Bartruff, Omaha, Neb.
Rev. Brad Birtell ’88, Madison, Neb. world through their impact.
Mr. Ryan Burger ’04, Lincoln, Neb.
Dr. Craig Ernstmeyer CO ’96 GR ’02, Saint Peters, Mo.
Mr. John Fraser, Omaha, Neb.
Rev. Eugene Gierke, Seward, Neb.
Mrs. Gail Hawkins, Omaha, Neb.
Mr. Dick Helms, Arapahoe, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Hu, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Mr. Richard Huebner, Centennial, Colo. 24
Mrs. Jill Johnson GR ’17, Seward, Neb.
Mr. Dennis Meyer ’70, Miami Beach, Fla.
Mrs. Trudy Meyer ’92, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Moll ’89, Seward, Neb.
Advancing Christian Schools
Rev. Richard Snow, Seward, Neb.
Concordia’s graduate school strives to address
Mr. Erik Vieselmeyer, Holyoke, Colo.
Rev. James Woelmer GR ’99, Plano, Texas common challenges facing Christian schools.

About the Cover

28 34
This mixed media artwork by Sarah (Johnson)
Scheer ‘18 hangs in the Dunklau Center for
Science, Math and Business and celebrates
Athletics Alumni & Friends
that Christ has taken our darkness and
sin upon himself, through grace.
Faculty and
Student Highlights This mosaic by emeritus professor of art Reinhold Marxhausen hangs in Janzow Campus Center and features
Discover the many accomplishments of our his signature burned pieces of natural wood.
students, faculty and staff.
We love hearing from our readers!
cune.edu/highlights
Have feedback or comments on our latest issue?
© 2023 Concordia University, Nebraska We want to hear from you! Email the editor at
broadcaster@cune.edu.

4 Broadcaster cune.edu
 “While the skyline, footprint and modernity of this space
may have changed, its mission and purpose have not.”
story: Robert Cody ’14
photos: Elizabeth Kucera, Courtesy of Robert Cody ’14
music building so dear—and immeasurably surpasses
and Dr. Kurt von Kampen its stature and features in preparation for the future of
Concordia’s new Borland Center for Music and Theatre music at Concordia. The capacity for learning will be
will be a space for inspiring creativity, sharing talents and
exponentially multiplied as building-wide technology
proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.
is updated and integrated. As studios increase in size
Robert Cody is Concordia’s newest assistant professor and number, the collaboration possibilities become
of music. He is the conductor of the University Wind endless. The Borland Center escalates the capacity for
Symphony and other instrumental ensembles. the sheer quantity of students to not only attend classes

C oncordia students of decades past likely recall with

ease the sights and sounds of the music building
before April 19, 2021 (the day it closed for its most recent
renovations). The glass door entrance opened to the
rhythms of a babbling koi pond; distant calls of voices,
horns and organs; conversations between friends and
colleagues; or the buzzing quiet in the closing hours of
the night when, by chance, all others had left and the
instruments stood silent. The suspended silver sculpture
spun silently over the murmuring waters the koi called
home. Towering windows ushered in the light of day
and dark of night, standing as a canvas for the grand
divergent staircase. For we who spent our hours there,
those sights and sounds evoked sentiments of home and
memories of trials and triumphs, a resting place for some
of our dearest memories. Now, as the last of the floors
are finished, paint sprayed and carpet laid, those sights
have become memories as we behold the next chapter of
music and theatre at Concordia.
The Borland Center for Music and Theatre’s 46,544
square feet of intentionally-planned, expertly crafted,
and rehearsals, but to learn more efficiently, effectively
and enjoyably.
And yet, as the students, scores and scripts return from
their exile to behold the “promised land” for which they
have so patiently waited, it is fitting to take pause and give
thanks and glory to our Lord, from whom all blessings
flow. While the skyline, footprint and modernity of this
space may have changed, its mission and purpose have
not. Every hour in every practice room, every ring of a
bell, each call of the Casavant ranks, line memorized,
note read and pencil mark etched have always been and
will continue to be done to give glory to the One who made
both us and the very air that moves in sonic praise. As
the evening light gleams through the vast windows and
the recital hall rings in acoustic perfection, our focus
is drawn to the perfect Savior. Through our pursuit of
excellence, may our Concordia family and audiences
across the nation and world hear one resounding refrain,
Christ’s proclamation that, “It is finished.”

A New
state-of-the-art halls and walls lay in wait to welcome
those for whom it was built: the God-gifted, talent-laden,
hard-working students of the Concordia music and
theatre programs. The renovated and newly constructed
spaces together boast 22 practice rooms, pristine and

Composition
aesthetically peerless instrumental and choral rehearsal
spaces, universal acoustic treatment, a new 100-seat black
box theater, continuous ground-to-roof windows, a full-
scale and expertly outfitted recording studio (all of which
are now fully accessible) and yes, even a new koi pond.
With these and many more optimal developments, the
Borland Center tips its hat to that which made the bygone
Robert Cody

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 Q UA L I T Y A N D S O U N D
story: Danielle Luebbe

Steinway pianos are considered by the vast majority of

musicians to be the world’s finest pianos. They are made
from the very best materials by highly skilled craftsmen
who meticulously design and construct each instrument.
“For generations, Steinway has had a reputation for
unsurpassed quality and sound,” said Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo,
professor of music. “The pianos are truly beautiful. Each
one is a work of art that allows musicians to achieve the
highest degree of artistry.”
Concordia Nebraska has embarked on a journey to
join a prestigious list of approximately 200 All-Steinway
Institutions around the world, and only the second in the
state of Nebraska. The goal is to eventually have only
Steinway pianos for practice and performance, to provide
students with the best instruments so they receive the
best music education possible.
“We want our students to reach the pinnacle of their
potential - this requires the combination of excellent
musicianship and excellent instruments,” said Grimpo.
“Why? To honor God with the very best and to bless
others along the way.” Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo tested the pianos as each instrument
sounds slightly different.
“Completing the Steinway Initiative will give assurance
that our students will always have a quality instrument
on which to practice and perform,” agreed Dr. Kurt von
Kampen, chair of the music department.
Recently, von Kampen and Grimpo journeyed to
the Steinway factory in New York to select the latest
instrument that will find a home at Concordia, a 7-foot
Steinway B grand piano. They were accompanied by
Andy Hartmann and his wife, Deborah (Dee) Saucier, the
generous donors who purchased the piano for the music
department. Andy’s parents, Bill and Doris Hartmann,
started this legacy in 2020 when they donated a 9-foot
Steinway concert D grand piano.
“It was important for them to see how these instruments
are made and observe the level of craftmanship and
detail that goes into creating each instrument,” said von
Kampen. “It is truly an amazing process.”
The Steinway Initiative is one that aligns with the
mission of Concordia, he said. “The idea of cultivating a
community of academic excellence means, in part, that
we need to provide the proper equipment for our students.”

Andy Hartman and Dee Saucier

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 C R E AT I N G B E AU T I F U L M U S I C
story: Brooke Lange ’24

Avery Rothert got into music education because of

the people. She is from Kansas City and just finished
her freshman year at Concordia. “I started as a music
education major at Concordia, because as I grew up, I
realized that most of the people who had the greatest
impact on my life were music teachers.”
At Concordia, Avery Rothert has experienced the
importance of a community of people in music firsthand,
partially because of the prolonged construction on
Concordia’s music building. Construction began in Spring
of 2021, and it is marked to be completed more than two
years later, in summer of 2023.
Throughout the years, practice rooms have spread to
local churches, dorm basements, rooms in campus guest
housing, and occasionally, even outdoors. “One time, I
practiced a duet with someone at the outdoor chapel,”
Rothert said. “We’ve definitely had to get creative with
the spaces we use.”
Student recitals have also spread to different places, but
that has not stopped Rothert’s enjoyment and appreciation
for them. “It is amazing to celebrate what other students
are working on in their private lessons, and also getting
to share my own music with others.”
Even though Rothert has enjoyed the opportunity to

Borland Center
get creative with the spaces used for practicing music,
S AT U R DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3
she is looking forward to the new building. ”I am really

for Music
excited to have all of the music in one place, as this will be Homecoming Weekend
so much more convenient than walking around campus. Dedication Chapel Service

and Theatre
I’m sure the acoustics will be beautiful.” 11 – 11:30 a.m.
But Avery’s favorite aspect of the music department Weller Hall Chapel

Dedication and
doesn’t have anything to do with the building. “My Dedication Ceremonies
favorite part about Concordia’s music department is the 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Celebration
Christ-centered community that we get to make music Borland Center
with. It is such a blessing to talk to people about how the
Community Guided Tours
Christian faith intersects with creating beautiful music.” 12 – 2 p.m.
Borland Center

Music Recital and Theatre Event

4 – 5 p.m.
Borland Center

Learn more at cune.edu/musicdedication.

To see the full list of homecoming activities go to

cune.edu/homecoming.
Broadcaster

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 Concordia’s C oncordia Nebraska has a rich and inspiring history
of providing Christ-centered academic excellence
Academic
through more than 70 academic programs. Each one is
focused upon equipping students for faithful service in their
families, churches, communities, workplaces and beyond.
Communities
Dedicated faculty work closely with students, embracing
the call to teach and mentor, striving to help each student
prepare for a life of learning, service and leadership. All
story: Amy Crawford
photos: Courtesy of Concordia Marketing of this happens in the context of a distinctly Lutheran
Concordia’s academic communities are a place for community, one where students are known and valued,
students to belong, flourish and grow. where they are guided in achieving goals for their future,
and where they are encouraged and inspired by classmates
with shared passions and interests. Given such a legacy,
today Concordia continues to lean into what it does best:
nurturing deep, authentic and Christ-centered academic
communities that inspire and equip students for what God
has in store for them.
With this in mind, Concordia is investing in strength-
ening existing communities and launching new ones.
This includes strengthening the Luke Scholars honors
program, expanding the Uzziah Scholars agricultural
program, launching the Paul Scholars work study program,
and also creating a new Micah Scholars pre-healthcare
community. This will be done in concert with a strong
focus upon supporting and expanding the university’s
renowned music program and firm commitment to be-
ing the premiere and preferred Lutheran university for
church work careers.
“Concordia Nebraska has a Christ-centered focus and
an outstanding, supportive community,” said university
president Dr. Bernard Bull. “Those two features are well
known and respected. But we also have truly world-class
academics, which is less known to some people beyond
our campus.”
Seeking to offer outstanding academics partnered
with scholarship opportunities, unique experiences and
matchless peer fellowship, Concordia has created a variety
of programs and cultivated focused academic commu-
nities on campus which generate an additional layer of
learning, engagement, mentoring and camaraderie for
participating students. Many of these special programs
are funded by alumni financial support, private donations
and gifts to the university endowment.
“At Concordia, we want our students to be able to
say ‘yes’ to four questions: Have I found my people? Do I
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feel valued and sought after by someone I respect? Can
Concordia Nebraska help me accomplish or discover
goals for my future? Has Concordia removed financial
barriers that would keep me from attending, flourishing,
and graduating? We are thinking carefully about how
to create more and intentional communities that allow
students to say ‘yes’ to all of these questions,” said Bull.
“Every one of our academic communities and special
programs has unique features and benefits dedicated to
fostering deep and world-class learning combined with
a strong sense of Christian community.”
LUKE SCHOLARS
Now in its fourth year, Luke Scholars is Concordia Nebras-
ka’s honors program, and it is open to all students with any
educational background. Participating students are selected
via application, with only 15 to 20 new students admitted
annually. Interest in the program is incredibly strong, with
more student demand than the university has capacity to
support. In addition to enjoying unique classes that are
paired with students’ other courses, program participants
receive access to the Luke Scholars library, benefit from
tuition waivers for course overloads, have access to research
funds, receive travel stipends and more.
“These are students who are interested in cultivating
the mind in a Christian sense, with a Christian worldview,”
said associate professor of history and director of Luke
Scholars Dr. John Hink. “This is not about students that are
all the same.  However, despite their disparate majors and
backgrounds, all Luke Scholars commit to push themselves
academically in order to unlock their intellectual potential.”
PAU L S C H O L A R S
This new, in-development program is named for the apos-
tle Paul, who often supported his missionary service by
working as a tentmaker. This work study offering is the
first of its kind at the university, one of only a handful of
such programs in the world, and will allow for a completely
tuition-free experience for students who are accepted. The
program – which will be partially funded by generous donors
and partially funded by community partners—is expected
to launch in fall 2024 with room for our first ten students.
Paul Scholars is still seeking financial support to launch
and expand this program for the years ahead.
“Paul Scholars is a dedicated academic community
that aims to cultivate students’ competence, character and
conviction through a blend of Christ-centered academic
studies and meaningful-rich work,” said professor of ac-
counting Todd Johnson. “Students pursue a major of choice,
engage in 15 hours of work per week in designated jobs
and complete an interdisciplinary minor focused upon a
biblical understanding of work, vocation, followership
and leadership. In return, the student’s tuition is covered
in full for up to four years of full-time study.”
Continued membership in this community and the
associated scholarship requires that students maintain
a 3.0 or higher GPA, demonstrate befitting character and
continue to faithfully work in a designated position. The
program is open to students in any major focus of study
and includes an exclusive Paul Scholar minor focused on
developing character and competence to learn, serve and
lead in the workplace, community, church and world.
MICAH SCHOLARS
This program is inspired by Micah 6:8 which states “And
what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to
love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Like the
university’s other scholar programs, Micah Scholars has a
dedicated space on campus for students to meet, study and
collaborate. The program is for students who are interested
in pursuing careers in medicine such as veterinary med-
icine, pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing, occupational
therapy, optometry and dental hygiene.
“These students have a heart for service and a head for
science,” said Bull. “Not only are scholarships available, but
the key benefit is that these students will be a part of a distinct
community of like-minded people. Under the guidance of
a program director, they will enjoy outstanding education,
meaningful fellowship, mentoring and so much more.”
Broadcaster 13
 The prophet Micah was sent to a nation that needed to
hear the call to serve those most in need with God’s love
and mercy. Micah Scholars join an academic community
of students who prepare for and practice service together.
“The community gathers throughout the week for
chapel, seminars, journal clubs, study halls, field trips
and social events. Micah Scholars participate in both
short- and long-term volunteer activities culminating in
a medical missions trip, typically in the third year of their
undergraduate studies,” explained professor of chemistry
Dr. John Jurchen “In their senior year, Micah Scholars
conduct original research in the biomedical sciences pre-
senting their results at a local symposium or conference.
They prepare for competitive admissions in a broad range
of healthcare vocations through exam preparation, prac-
tice interviews, personal-statement seminars and other
means, all undergirded by prayer.”
UZZIAH SCHOLARS
This challenging program was developed for students who
have a deep love for agricultural science. Participating
students enjoy unique learning experiences and special
internship opportunities. Uzziah Scholars receive a yearly
scholarship and typically major in agricultural sciences,
agricultural education or business administration with
agribusiness concentration, though in some instances,
those minoring in an ag-related program participate in
the community.  Scholarships are available for music majors and non-ma-
“Concordia’s Uzziah Scholars are devoted to becoming
Christian leaders, solving problems in agriculture in their
local and global communities and serving as stewards
of all agriculture and agricultural resources through
their chosen vocations,” said professor of agriculture
Dennis Brink.
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C H U R C H WO R K C A R E E R S
Unique from other opportunities at the university, becoming
a church worker begins with an openness to explore the
possibility of a future call to serve Christ in his church.
Concordia prepares students to serve in churches and
schools as directors of Christian education, directors
of parish music, Lutheran school teachers, deaconesses
and pastors.  Study focus areas include pre-seminary,
pre-deaconess, teacher, director of Christian education
and director of parish music. Program leaders are actively
collaborating to develop this important student commu-
nity across various church work programs.
“We want students to find
meaning and connection
with other people.” MUSIC PROGRAM A COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS
Concordia Nebraska is well known for its music program, Concordia’s honors program, scholars programs and
“The Christ-centered education students receive at
offering three majors and four minors. The university academic communities are some of many ways to be
Concordia prepares them to grow in faith and become
offers a bachelor of arts in music with concentrations in challenged, equipped, inspired and involved on campus.
a servant leader in our Lutheran churches and schools,”
performance, church music, composition, conducting and Whether students participate in a scholars program, spe-
said the university’s LCMS and Church Work Admis-
general studies that can be combined with a major outside cially-focused academic community, athletics or other
sions Counselor Olivia Johnson. “By becoming a church
music or a pre-professional program like pre-medicine, opportunity at the university, there are ample chances to
worker, students can fulfill their calling to teach, lead and
pre-law, pre-seminary or pre-deaconess. The university connect, grow in faith, expand knowledge and skill, and
minister to other Christians in our church body.” Since
also offers a B.Mus. in music education, which leads to prepare for future callings.
team ministry and partnership is such a critical part of
state certification as a PK–12 music teacher and a B.Mus. “We are a deeply personal community. We are distinctly
service in the church today, being a church work student
in church music, which leads to certification as a director of Lutheran and Christian. We are humbled and shaped by our
at Concordia also involves learning in community and
parish music in the LCMS. Ensembles include five choirs, identity in Christ. It forms what we do and how we do it,”
developing the mindset and skills needed to thrive as a
three bands, two handbell choirs and an orchestra. said Bull. “It is beautifully expressed in our music program,
servant and leader in the body of Christ.
“We attract students from all over the United States. in our church work program and in the many campus com-
Johnson said most church workers indicate that
In fact, we are in the odd position of being better known munities. All of our faculty embrace our Christian mission,
the decision to prepare for service in church work was
nationally than locally,” said professor of music Dr. Jo- and we have a critical mass of students who choose to be
influenced by factors including having family members
seph Herl.  “In the past five years, five students have won here because of that mission; even as we invite people from
who are church workers, having a church worker make
national competitions or scholarships, and a graduate was varied backgrounds to join the Concordia community.”
a significant impact on their life or having church mem-
a 2023 winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competi- Bull said Concordia invites students to find communi-
bers who told them they would make a great church
tion, the most prestigious competition in the U.S. for opera ties that challenge and inspire them and where they are
worker.  Concordia Nebraska has placed more Lutheran
singers. This fall we move into our renovated and enlarged surrounded by others with shared passions and interests.
Church – Missouri Synod church workers than any other
music building, which contains, among other things, 22 “For some it’s athletics. For others it’s a scholars program.
Concordia University, she said. In addition, church work
practice rooms, 11 teaching studios that double as practice Still for others it is our organic academic communities or
students make up a larger percentage of the student body
rooms, a recital hall, and a soundproof recording studio.” extracurricular programs,” said Bull. “When students
than at any other Lutheran university in the country;
come to Concordia, we want to look them in the eye and tell
even as Concordia’s faculty and staff consist of a higher
jors, including a full-tuition scholarship for music majors. them, with confidence, that Concordia and these discrete
percentage of church workers than any other university.
“Ask any student or alumni from the music program, communities are places for them to belong, flourish and
At Concordia, future church workers are consistently
and they will likely explain that being part of music at grow. We want students to find meaning and connection
mentored by current church workers.
Concordia is also being part of a challenging, inspiring, with other people. Our goal is to offer a true and inspiring
and enriching community that results in lifelong memories culture and community of learning.”
and friendships,” added Bull.
Broadcaster 15
 The Light
I N ST I T U T E F O R E T H I C A L L E A D E R S H I P T H E I N S T I T U T E O F L I T E R AC Y
The Institute for Ethical Leadership (IEL) provides Concor- P R O G R A M M I N G A N D O U T R E AC H
dia students with a hands-on and Christ-centered academic Launching in 2024, the Institute of Literacy Programming

We Shine
experience that promotes ethical leadership while helping and Outreach (ILPO) will focus on the ever-changing
them build a path to become leaders of organizations after landscape of children’s literature and effective literacy
graduation. instruction and how Concordia can continue to support

in His
“Through clinics, events and leadership opportunities,
students learn to serve the church and their communities
and become influential difference makers in their work
and world,” said Dr. Curt Beck, professor of business ad-
children, teachers, schools, families and communities.
“Currently, as it is proposed, the Institute for Literacy
Programming and Outreach (ILPO) will serve various
populations within the church, home and world by providing

World
ministration.
Some of the current opportunities available to students
include the Leadership & Ethics Symposium, Women in
story: Danielle Luebbe Business Luncheon, Collegiate Leadership Competition
photos: Courtesy of Concordia’s Institutes team, 10:31 Coffee Shop, Business as a Mission, Business
Concordia’s institutes serve the church and world through Club and partnerships with local, ethical organizations
their impact. such as People’s City Mission of Lincoln, Nebraska.
high quality programming and networking opportunities
for individuals to delve into the rich gift God gave us through
the various facets of literacy,” said Dr. Dylan Teut, director
of literacy programming and outreach.
Concordia’s Plum Creek Literacy Festival will continue
as part of the Institute of Literacy Programming and Out-
reach. In recent years, the literacy festival has expanded the

A s a mission-focused institution, Concordia University,

Nebraska serves our church and communities through
multiple programs and institutes. Each institute operates
I N S T I T U T E F O R I N N OVAT I O N A N D
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
festival and its outreach. Most recently, a satellite festival
was established in partnership with the Lozier Foundation
and Nelson Mandela Elementary School in Omaha, which
The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) brings together authors of color, students in Title I Omaha
independently. However, Concordia’s institutes must align
gives Concordia students the opportunity to create their elementary schools and Concordia University students in
with the overall mission of the university, serve an audience
own business and carry it through from inception to launch. the education program.
beyond campus, engage Concordia students in some part of “Students can graduate and be prepared to actually start
their work and maintain a model for independent financial their business,” said Todd Johnson, assistant professor of Visit cune.edu/plumcreek to learn more.
viability. business administration. “A lot of the barriers that often
Concordia’s institutes are designed to reflect God’s light prevent entrepreneurs from following through on their
through the service they provide. business ideas, including financial barriers, will be removed.”
Current students can participate in the Concordia
CENTER FOR LITURGICAL ART
Catalyst Competition, a pitch and business plan competi-
The Center for Liturgical Art (CLA) is dedicated to creating
tion that allows them to see first-hand the work that goes
art for worship and witness while advocating for visual arts
into developing a business plan. They also work with local
in Christian life and practice. As a group of artists who
community businesses to do SWOT analyses and create
share the importance of ecclesiastical art and the impact
feasibility studies and financial business plans, as well as
it has on our lives as Christians, the CLA works to spread
marketing campaigns.
the message of the Gospel through art.
In the near future, as the IIE continues to grow, students
“CLA is an organization dedicated to serving as a resource
will be able to pitch their businesses to a team of investors,
to churches and to mentoring a new generation of artists
compete in national entrepreneurship competitions and
in the Church,” said operations manager Evan Balleweg.
have the support they need to create, launch and maintain
In addition to stained glass, furnishings, crosses and
a successful business.
mosaic pieces completed for churches, schools and other
Christian organizations, the CLA recently completed litur- Learn more about Concordia’s business
gical furniture for the LCMS Youth Gathering in 2022 and programs at cune.edu/business.
is currently working on a piece for the Borland Center for
Music and Theatre on Concordia’s campus commemorating
the four directors of the University A Cappella program.

Visit liturgicalart.org to view past

projects and learn more.
Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, St.Peters, Missouri Dr. Dylan Teut visited a local school for World Read Aloud Day

16 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 17
 Chapel during the 2023 IRE conference
I N S I T U T E F O R R E L I G I O U S E D U C AT I O N
The Institute for Religious Education (IRE) was established
in 2006 to enhance the intentionality and effectiveness of
Christian educational efforts in churches.
“At its core, the Institute for Religious Education fo-
cuses on issues and priorities that have long been the
cornerstone of Concordia’s mission – how do we do the
best job possible of helping the church to more intentionally
focus on equipping the people of God through educational
efforts,” said Dr. Mark Blanke, director of the Institute for
Religious Education.
In addition to providing resources and research for
use by professionals and laity in churches and schools,
the IRE hosts a biennial conference designed for indi-
viduals working in parish education in the church, the
purpose of which is to help participants gain a better
understanding, passion and ability to develop a ministry
community. Future plans for the IRE are to develop a
resource that will assist congregations in enhancing
their adult educational ministries.
Find more information at cune.edu/IRE.
18 Broadcaster cune.edu
INSTITUTE FOR RURAL AND SMALL
TOW N M I N I S T R I E S
Concordia’s Institute for Rural and Small Town Ministries
(IRSTM) was founded in 1984 through the establishment
of a generous endowment as a way to support and partner
with small, rural congregations. When The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod initiated a Synod-wide rural and
small town ministry emphasis and office with a director,
the activity of Concordia’s institute was suspended, though
scholarships for Concordia students going into rural and
small-town ministry remained available.
Beginning this year, the IRSTM will be reinvigorated by
Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, who will serve as interim director,
as part of Concordia’s emphasis on university outreach to
bless audiences beyond the campus community with the
knowledge, wisdom and gifts of the Concordia community.
“God is giving Concordia Nebraska an opportunity as
the only Concordia in a small town and rural setting with
growing agriculture science and agricultural education
programs to restore its rural and small town ministry
institute,” said Sommerfeld. “The Institute for Rural and
Small Town Ministries will bring together church work and
lay leaders in rural and small town ministry to partner with
Concordia in finding ways to serve rural and small town
LCMS congregations, early childhood centers, schools and
their pastors, teachers and lay workers.”
Dr. Gabriel Haley
T R I N I T Y AC A D E M Y
Trinity Academy is a Lutheran microschool rooted in a
classical liberal arts educational tradition launching in fall
2023 on Concordia’s campus. As a private, intentionally small
high school operating under a distinct educational model,
Trinity Academy will offer a classical curriculum that is
Christ-centered and promotes a biblical understanding
of self, neighbor and world.
As an institute of Concordia, Trinity will operate inde-
pendently, but will offer undergraduate students from the
university the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on
experience in a liberal arts and sciences institution. Pres-
ently, the academy plans to cap enrollment at less than 50
students. Not seeking to compete with area schools but to
instead offer a distinct education for interested families,
the new Trinity Academy is designed to serve a population
that is specific and distinct from other local high schools.
“We are excited that Trinity Academy will provide a
Christian high school option for families in the area,” says
Dr. Gabriel Haley, Board President for Trinity Academy.
“We are prioritizing the study of foundational sources in a
context where students will be individually and personally
motivated in the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty.”
Learn more at trinityacademycune.org.
Broadcaster 19
 Congratulations
CLASS OF 2023!
“He loves us, He is with us, so no matter what vocation
in life He calls us into, He will be with you. This gives us
strength and confidence for daily life.” - Rev. Dr. Jeff
Ehlers ‘79, commencement speaker
Congratulations to the Concordia University,
Nebraska Class of 2023!

20 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 21
 LEADING THE WORLD 2023
At Concordia University, Nebraska our
mission is to equip our students to serve in PRE-SEMINARY: 9
CHURCH PRE-DEACONESS: 3
IN EQUIPPING
the church and world, to be salt and light and
share the Gospel while they’re students and
after graduation and to support the church WORK DIRECTOR OF PARISH MUSIC: 5
CHURCH WORKERS through their future vocations, no matter
where God’s path leads them.
GRADUATES DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: 17
LUTHERAN TEACHER DIPLOMA: 24

Snohomish, Wash.
Tacoma, Wash.
Kalispell, Mont.

Hillsboro, Ore.

Bozeman, Mont.

Woodbury, Minn.
Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Mitchell, So. Dak. Winona, Minn.
Sioux Falls, So. Dak. Lebanon, Wis.
Sioux City, Iowa Concordia Nebraska has placed more
Norfolk, Neb. LCMS church workers than any other
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Columbus, Neb. Fort Wayne, Ind. Concordia University.
omaha, Neb. Bettendorf, Iowa Galena, Ohio

100%
David City, Neb. Lincoln, Neb.

Concordia, Mo. GEOGRAPHICALLY MOBILE CHURCH

Overland Park, Kan. St. Charles, St. Louis, St. Peters, Mo.
Collinsville, Ill. WORKERS OBTAINED POSITIONS WITHIN
Williamsburg, Va.
Warrensburg, Mo. Washington, Mo. THREE MONTHS OF GRADUATION
Las Vegas, Nevada
760+
DCES HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED FOR SERVICE
IN THE LAST 60 YEARS.

REFER A FUTURE CHURCH LEADER

Do you know someone who would make an
excellent professional church worker? Refer
Lagos, Nigeria them to Concordia University, Nebraska! We can
Merritt Island, Fla.
Spring, Texas help them discover their future vocations and
San Antonio, Texas determine if the Christ-centered community at
Concordia is the right fit for them.
cune.edu/refer

22 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 23
 Advancing
Christian Schools
story: Kris Brambila
photos: Eva (Lube) Coppinger ‘17
Concordia’s graduate school is developing new programs
to help Christian educators discover new opportunities.
A
frequently stated historical fact known by most who
are familiar with Concordia University in Seward,
Nebraska is that early in its history, Concordia was known
as Concordia Teacher’s College, and its singular objective
was to train teachers for service in LCMS parochial schools.
Throughout the decades, that Lutheran teacher ob-
jective was expanded to provide Christian leaders for
various vocations in our business and education worlds
and has led to Concordia’s growing catalog of academic
offerings for teaching and non-teaching disciplines alike.
As Concordia continues to widen its impact on voca-
tions of all types, our university’s century-old dedication
to developing effective Christian teachers and leaders is
still as prominent and passionate as ever, and ultimately
drives the next era of growth in academic offerings that
meet the needs and requirements of today’s teachers and
educational leaders.
H E A R I N G E D U C ATO R S LO U D & C L E A R
In response to reader requests to learn more about
Concordia’s plans for developing relevant resources for
our current and future parochial school professionals,
we want to share details about a new certificate offering
created as the direct result of feedback from Lutheran
school professionals.
While hosting the September 2022 ALSS (Association
of Lutheran Secondary Schools) Heartland Summit, Con-
cordia organized a focus group and surveyed attendees to
uncover education’s greatest needs as voiced by those who
work in our schools every day. Across the board, current
Lutheran school administrators identified a gap between
the potential for school advancement initiatives and the
actual efficacy of existing advancement strategies.
Our surveyed school administrators explained that
while their school may employ one or more professionals
with titles like administrator, advancement director or
24 Broadcaster cune.edu
director of enrollment, the positions are often nebulous
with advancement-adjacent duties that, while still
important, don’t fulfill the role’s intended purpose. In
short, Christian schools face significant challenges in
developing critical areas like mission and identity, funding
and enrollment, and marketing strategy because they
lack specific knowledge for how to successfully identify
and implement long-term advancement strategies in a
Christian school.
Administrators emphasized that this knowledge gap
isn’t the fault of those in advancement roles, but rather,
the result of a reality where instruction pertaining
specifically to Christian school advancement simply
isn’t available. Public schools, on the other hand, aren’t
necessarily strapped with fundraising, enrollment or
marketing concerns, further decreasing the likelihood
of developed advancement training.
Instead, faculty and staff tasked with these hefty re-
sponsibilities must improvise and self-teach throughout
their careers. Conversely, leaders coming into advance-
ment roles with dedicated knowledge will have the
ability to more immediately organize and impact school
advancement initiatives.
By now, you’ve noticed that the theme for this issue of
the Broadcaster is Salt and Light (Matt. 13-16), a message
that aligns seamlessly with the clear opportunity revealed
“Concordia’s graduate school is
by our study, that is, Concordia’s intention to emphasize developing new programs to help
Christ in higher education and to wisely discern ways to
provide distinctive instruction to our current and future Christian educators discover new
Lutheran and Christian school leaders. Concordia aims
to be salt and light for every undergraduate and graduate,
opportunities.”
who will in turn be salt and light for the countless stu-
dents, families and communities they’ll impact through
their vocations.
Broadcaster 25
 Participants of the 2022 Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools conference
A N E W P R O G R A M F O R A DVA N C E M E N T
In response to our educators’ resounding requests, Con-
cordia is rolling out its new graduate-level certificate,
Advancement for Christian Schools, beginning with the
spring 2024 term.
Advancement for Christian Schools teaches the prin-
ciples of school advancement, including the importance
and impact of a school’s identity and mission, and how
best practices, growth planning, funding methods and
marketing strategies successfully combine to inform and
strengthen the advancement of a Christian school. The
concepts outlined below are applicable and valuable for
any Lutheran or Christian school leader, whether they
are an administrator of an elementary school, or an ad-
vancement or enrollment director at a secondary school.
Advancement Principles: Focuses on best practices,
structure and the role of the advancement team with
various stakeholder groups.
Mission & Identity: Instructs strategies for developing
processes that identify a school’s mission and identity
and utilize these key elements to impact school growth
and advancement.
26 Broadcaster cune.edu
Funding & Development: Examines how to nurture
school funding initiatives through the development of
funding models and revenue sources.
Enrollment & Marketing: Discusses strategic market- A DVA N C E M E N T F O R C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L S :
ing plans and best practices for enrollment and engaging C E R T I F I C AT E D E TA I L S
various stakeholder groups.
The Advancement for Christian Schools certificate is a 12 credit-hour program
T H E F U T U R E O F E XC E L L E N T organized as four 100% online classes that each last 8 weeks. The program
C H R I S T I A N E D U C AT I O N may also be completed as a Sower Fellowship, an exclusive learning com-
Concordia is actively building programs that specifically munity for Lutheran professionals that features additional opportunities with
respected guest experts.
address the needs of Lutheran and Christian schools and
their leaders. Future programs will include Futures &
This certificate is not a degree-earning program or endorsement. However,
Innovation in Christian Education, Nonprofit Manage-
credit hours earned can be applied toward an M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction
ment, Education Administration for Christian Schools,
degree, and select courses may be applied toward an MBA.
Trauma & Resilience, and more.
For additional details, visit cune.edu/graduate.
Broadcaster 27

Preparing for a
Life of Service
story: Jake Knabel
photos: Courtesy Jake Knabel, Charles Nshimiyimana ’25
and Rebecca Gebhardt ’24
Each year, Concordia’s student-athletes serve on mission
trips and study tours around the world.
F or football student-athlete Charles Nshimiyimana,
service in African Youth Ministry is not simply a
one-time endeavor meant to look good on a resume. It’s
a lifestyle. With inspirational lifetime goals in mind,
Nshimiyimana landed at Concordia in the fall of 2022
seeking to improve his Biblical knowledge so that he
could tutor the next generation of youths with similar
backgrounds in Eastern Africa.
Born and raised in a refugee camp in Uganda, Nshimi-
yimana arrived in the United States as an adolescent while
first settling in Atlanta, Georgia, along with his mother
and three brothers. A year later, they moved to St. Louis,
Missouri, where the family continues to reside. It was the
opportunity to grow in his Christian faith that eventually
brought Charles to Seward.
“After getting there, I talked to some of the professors
and staff and told them what I am trying to accomplish,”
Charles explained. “They understood where I was trying
to get to. I felt like I was pushed to go there. I was drawn
to the classes they offered: Old Testament and New
Testament. Those classes helped me a lot. They helped
me understand the Bible. The faith part was the main
motivation (for choosing Concordia) – and also the staff.”
While Charles’ journey is unique when compared to
those of most Concordia students, the emphasis upon
service is not. During the 2022-23 academic year, Bulldog
students combined for more than 2,000 service hours with
more to be tallied throughout the summer months. The
28 Broadcaster cune.edu
“Knowing God brings fulfillment, and I want
other people to have that.”
spectrum of these service activities ranges from visits to
nearby St. John’s Lutheran School to mission trips abroad
to providing Christmas gifts to underprivileged children
and quality time with residents at local retirement homes.
Every single athletic team at Concordia finds ways to serve
communities far and wide. Sometimes it’s as simple as
helping a community member move heavy furniture or
lend a hand to a landscaping project.
The greatest impact seems to result when people like
Charles provide a service not because they have to, but
because they want to. For Charles, the mission is personal.
He understands what it’s like to arrive in a foreign country
and to deal with the language barrier, all while seeking
to fit in and to find one’s identity. Just as God guided
Charles to Concordia, He also introduced Charles to the
Christian Friends of New Americans. The organization
helped Charles with his English and played a role in his
ability to thrive as a student at Roosevelt High School.
While there, he was selected as the school’s Scholar/
Athlete of the Year.
Charles is passionate about granting those same
opportunities for success to youths who have relocated
from Africa to the St. Louis area in particular. He took
time over spring break to return to St. Louis and re-engage
children in the community. As part of a program that runs
during the school year, Charles has helped recruit local
youths to participate in not only Bible study, but physical
activities like basketball and soccer.
Charles Nshimiyimana
Broadcaster 29

Rebecca Gebhardt on a mission trip to Guatemala
Charles said, “Some of the messages about God don’t
sink in right away. I get a lot of random questions, but many
of the children want to talk about struggles in their lives.
It makes me feel good that they are comfortable to talk to
me about life experiences. A lot of children go to church
because they have to, but they come to our program by
their own choice.”
Life for Charles has become about his passions for faith,
academics and athletic pursuits. He’s always willing to try
something new as exemplified by his role as a kicker on
the football team. Charles had played soccer in his home
country, but the sport of football might as well have been
a whole different language. When not attempting to kick
footballs through the uprights, Charles is likely studying
and working towards his degree in information technology.
30 Broadcaster cune.edu
Charities in a venture that began under former coach to give student-athletes meaning and a larger purpose in
Scott Moniot. Across the athletic department, service life. Bulldog coaches see these opportunities as a means
projects also included work with People’s City Mission, to spread God’s word and to bring their teams closer
the Good Life Halfsy, the annual Seward Middle School together. “We put in 447 volunteer hours throughout
Wellness Day and Operation Christmas Child. As part of the course of the school year,” said head football coach
Operation Christmas Child (organized by Concordia’s Patrick Daberkow, “I was proud of our team for that. It’s
Go! Office), many Bulldog coaches and student-athletes been good to see the progress and maturity made over
donated money so that children around the world would the last year.”
receive gifts for Christmas. Daberkow pin-pointed Charles as someone with
Mission trips are open to all students who attend a unique and special story. The hopes and dreams of
Concordia. Members of the volleyball program, Rebecca Nshimiyimana aligned superbly with the mission of
Gebhardt, Autumn Deterding and Lily Psencik each took Concordia and its athletics department. As Charles said,
advantage of opportunities to travel and serve in foreign “I feel happy seeing others succeed.”
countries. Autumn and Lily took part in the Concordia
Belize Study Tour while Gebhardt journeyed to Guatemala.
“We were able to help over 200 people with our clinic and
give them all hygiene supplies and food,” said Gebhardt
of her experiences. “It was an amazing experience being
able to meet these extremely positive and grateful people.
I am so glad to have gotten to be part of this group and
hope I am able to go back in future years.”
There’s reward in scoring touchdowns, hitting home
runs and winning races, but Concordia student-athletes
are defined by more than what takes place within compe-
tition. Charles Nshimiyimana has fun playing football, but
he has bigger goals in life. The influence on community
service puts Concordia in a positive light and also works
Even in that vocation, Charles sees opportunities to help
others, as he did when he aided in producing live streams
of church services at the height of COVID-19.
“I enjoy so much helping the youth find their passion
and get the most out of themselves,” Charles said. “Seeing
them succeed brings me a lot of joy. I want to continue
the same things I’ve been doing and help out as much as
I can. Knowing God brings fulfillment, and I want other
people to have that.”
Charles is part of a football program that logged 447
service hours in 2022-23. The program initiated an activity
called ‘Bulldog Buddies’ that involves reading to children
at St. John’s. Many other Concordia sports programs
joined in on Bulldog Buddies this past year. Concordia
Shooting Sports raised money for Ronald McDonald House
Head football coach Patrick Daberkow
Broadcaster 31
 Liftoff
story: Jake Knabel
photos: Courtesy Concordia Lifting Sports
Concordia’s inaugural season of lifting sports was an
outstanding success.
T he liftoff of Concordia lifting sports occurred in
2022-23 as head coach Freddie Myles led the pro-
gram into its inaugural season of competition. The first
official athletic event arrived on September 10, 2022, less
than a year after the athletic department announced the
launch of lifting sports in November 2021. Roughly a
month later, Myles emerged as the program’s first head
coach. The native Californian quickly fortified the initial
roster with a combined 19 men’s and women’s athletes.
Formerly the operator of his own gym, Myles relished
the chance to build something from scratch and mold the
program to fit his vision. “It’s a unique opportunity to be
able to start something completely from scratch,” said
Myles. “I’m quite honored for the university to have that
trust in me to create a new program here at Concordia. I
hope it will be very successful and lead to many kids setting
personal records, winning national championships and
maybe making it on international teams.”
The 2022-23 season served as a foundation for a
program that aspires to succeed both regionally and
nationally. For those unfamiliar, lifting sports at Con-
cordia is broken down into two disciplines: powerlifting
and weightlifting. Powerlifting tests athletes’ strength
in squat, bench press and deadlift while weightlifting is
made up of snatch and clean and jerk. The schedule for
the Bulldogs this past year featured a total of eight events,
including national championship appearances in both
powerlifting and weightlifting.
A total of eight athletes represented Concordia between
the 2023 National University Weightlifting Champion-
ships held in Columbus, Ohio, March 2-3 and the 2023
USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championships
held in Arlington, Texas, April 13-14. The qualifiers in
weightlifting included Marry Berris, Evan Fukuhara,
Rylee Kara and Kayleigh Maloney while the qualifiers in
powerlifting included Dax Davis, Kenzie Houser, Rylee
Ladd and Emma Singer. Among the highlights, Maloney
came away with a first-place medal in snatch. Every single
one of those athletes were freshmen.
The 2023 lifting sports team saw great success.
32 Broadcaster cune.edu
In other words, Myles has reason for optimism moving
forward. As Myles explained, “I was very happy with the
improvement the athletes made over the course of the
first year.  We had five athletes qualify for the weightlifting
national championships and five qualify for the power-
lifting national championships (eight total traveled for
competition). I hope to double those numbers next year.”
Just like any other student-athletes, members of the
lifting sports program have a lot on their plates. A native
of Sacramento, California, Evan Fukuhara was a late
addition to the roster during the 2022-23 academic year.
He made an immediate impact while qualifying for the
national championships in powerlifting.
Fukuhara said he was drawn to Concordia, at least in
part, by Myles’ expertise as a coach. Since 2005, Myles
has worked with 21 national champions in weightlifting
and powerlifting, three American record holders, seven
international competitors, one Pan American champion,
four world champions and four national championship
teams. Those credentials gave the Bulldog program
credibility from the jump.
“The thing that excited me the most about partaking in
this program was the idea to be part of a new developing
team and getting coached by Freddie,” Fukuhara added.
“I’ve heard lots of great things about his coaching and was
not disappointed. He is a great coach.”
In her first go-round at powerlifting nationals, Chetek,
Wisconsin, native Rylee Ladd placed in the top 20 of the 56
kg weight class. “For me, I was excited to be part of Coach
Myles’ team as one of the program’s first year athletes
because it gave me the chance to help build and shape
the team into something supportive, positive and strong,”
said Ladd. “We are creating something completely new,
not only just at Concordia, but as one of the first colleges
to have a powerlifting team like this. I feel so grateful to
have the opportunity to help put together a team that can
help each other grow and improve.
Read more about the lifting sports team and other spring
sports summaries at cune.edu/summaries.
 Alumnotes
1970s
Dr. Wallace Horton ’71 published his second book,
“Windows for the Journey: Prose, Prayers, and Poems
for the Daily Walk” in December 2022. Wallace and his
wife, Joan (Kollmann) Horton ’68, remain active in
part-time parish ministry in Fairfax Station, Virginia.
Glenn Rollins ’79 was called to be the manager of the
Set Apart to Serve effort of church worker recruitment
efforts for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod after
over 41 years of experience in Lutheran education,
Glenn was blessed to work at educational ministries
in California, Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri,
Iowa and Illinois in roles from teacher to principal to
head of school. Glenn and his wife, Susan (Schultz)
Rollins ’79, currently live in Watertown, Wisconsin.
They live close to their eldest son, daughter-in-law
and only grandchild. They have two other sons and
daughters-in-law that live in Colorado and Minnesota.
Rev. Jay West ’79 married Rebecca
(Seitchick) West GR ’04 on April
10, 2023.
1980s
Ruth (Stampfli) Barz ’83 received
her Master’s in Mental Health Coun-
seling from the Townsend Institute
at Concordia University - Irvine in
2022. She began her new career with
Lutheran Family Service of Iowa,
offering counseling at offices in Dubuque and Betten-
dorf, Iowa. Ruth’s degree from Concordia was in social
work; she also holds a Master’s in School Counseling
from South Dakota State University.
34 Broadcaster cune.edu
Thomas Wrege ’85 was named the
first annual 2023 Charles A. Win-
terstein Administrator of the Year,
presented by Lutheran Special Ed-
ucation Ministries to recognize the
efforts of principals in Christian
schools who demonstrate a commitment to meeting the
needs of students with learning differences in their school.
Tom is thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to use his
incredible education from Concordia, to his wife, Keven
(Nienhueser) Wrege ’85, and children, Caleb, Coleson
and Katie (Wrege) Utecht ’21 and to the wonderful staff
at Zion Lutheran School in Walburg, Texas.
1990s
Dr. Alan Freeman ’91 was recently installed as the
director of LCMS School Ministry, a position where he
will equip, assist and uplift school educators, district
staff, education executives and congregational leaders
so that, through them, children may be equipped as
disciples of Jesus Christ. Freeman and his wife, Kristin
— who serves in Life Ministry at the LCMS International
Center — have two children, Holly and Samuel.
Sherry Moentmann CO ’93 GR ’00
published her first book, Drawing on
Trust, under the pen name Jyndy
Tayn five years ago. Sherry currently
teaches English at a community
college in Liberal, Kansas, plays
French horn in the local symphony and pit orchestras
and acts in summer theatre productions.
Amy (Poulsen) Scholz ’94 accepted
the position of Director of Church
and Donor Relations with Lutheran
Braille Workers (LBW), an RSO of
The Lutheran Church - Missouri
Synod, in May 2023. LBW is the
world’s largest non-profit producer of braille and spe-
cialized large print Christian materials provided to those
that need them free of charge thanks to the generosity
of volunteers and donors.
Rev. Jon Furgeson ’99 earned his
Ph.D. in theology in 2020, and re-
cently published a book based on
his research titled “The Sword and
the Mask: Building an Antifragile
Approach to Spiritual Warfare.” Jon
currently serves as Senior Pastor of Peace Lutheran
Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
2000s
Karl Miller ’00 organized and founded Bulldog Athletics
Club, a 501(c)(3) exempt non-profit charitable organi-
zation, whose mission is to empower student-athletes
by providing opportunities through competition, career
advancement and community involvement. Through
its programs, the organization aims to directly sup-
port teams and their athletes, both on and off the field,
encouraging them to reach their full potential through
leadership, teamwork and personal growth to positively
impact their communities.
Tracie Dedor ’01 was awarded the Iowa State Educa-
tion Association’s 2022 Excellence in Education Award,
which recognizes educators who touch the lives of their
students every day, but seldom get the recognition they
so richly deserve. Tracie teaches in Mason City, Iowa.
Andrew Benscoter CO ’02 GR ’05 was elected to the
Texas Public Charter School Association board of di-
rectors on behalf of Trinity Charter Schools in January
2023. Trinity Charter Schools provides education services
to children in Texas residential treatment facilities.
Katie (Bogenhagen) Buhr ’07 and husband, Kiel Buhr,
welcomed a baby girl, Miriam Abigail, on January 12,
2023. Miriam joins older siblings Gabriel, Thomas and
Sara to complete the family.
2010s
Brett Waite ’11 and Ashton (Muel-
ler) Waite ’10 welcomed their first-
born, Charles Norbert Alaric Waite,
on February 9, 2023. Ashton and
Brett work for Hillsdale College
and reside in Hillsdale, Michigan.
Jonathan Schleicher ’11 and Chelsea (Vaudt) Schle-
icher ’11 welcomed a baby girl, Selah Joy, at the end of
August 2022. Selah is welcomed by older brothers Isaiah,
Noah and Micah. Jonathan is the Director of Advancement
at Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas,
and Chelsea is the 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher at
Trinity Klein Lutheran School in Spring, Texas.
John Koopman ’12 and Brittany
(Pottschmidt) Koopman ’12 wel-
comed daughter Elizabeth Anne
Koopman on October 22, 2022. She
joins siblings David, Gideon, Lydia
and Phineas.
Daniel Margritz ’12 and Tabitha (Opheim) Margritz
’12 welcomed son August Daniel on January 5, 2023. He
weighed 9 lbs 1 oz and was 22 inches long. The family
currently lives in Holland, Michigan.
Dr. Dylan C. Teut CO ’12 GR ’15
married Rachel Wood on April 29,
2023. Dylan also received his Ph.D. in
Reading Instruction & Assessment
from Walden University.
Dr. Tom Hatesohl ’14 completed
his third optometry mission trip, this
time to Panama. His team saw over
1700 patients in five days. Tom and
his wife, Emily (Taylor) Hatesohl
’15, live in Salina, Kansas, with their
son, Benjamin, and second child due in August 2023.
Jacy Embray ’19 received national recognition in the
2023 Graphis Graphic Design Awards in two categories
for her works “Keep The Mountain Clean” and “Garniche.”
2020s
Charlotte (Lines) Jackson ’21 graduated from the
University of Houston May 12 with a Master of Music
(M.M.) in piano performance and pedagogy.
Class Endowments
Concordia holds 21 endowments that offer
scholarships from alumni classes to current students.
Learn more about our class endowment gifts at
cune.edu/class-endowment.
Share Your News
Have you experienced a life-changing event? Perhaps
you got married, had a baby or moved. Maybe
you got another degree, wrote a book or earned a
promotion. Let us know!
Submit details and a photo at cune.edu/broadcaster.
35
 In Memoriam
Carmen (Wegener) Nieting HS ’40 ALND ’44
Arthur Brandt ALND ’47
Glema (Jeary) King ALND ’50
Rev. Dr. David Krause HS ’51 ALND ’55
Wilbur Tewes HS ’52 CO ’56
Lois (Schulz) Bickel ALND ’53
Kenneth Schlueter HS ’53 CO ’57
Robert Holste CO ’54
Marilyn Schinnerer CO ’55
Rev. Victor Atsinger CO ’56
Geraldine (Matulka) Bordovsky CO ’56
John Hoffschneider CO ’56
Dorothy (Leppke) Hinterleitner CO ’57
Larry Huelle CO ’57
Albert Jenks CO ’57
Anna (Kanning) Nieman CO ’57
Rev. Henry Mueller CO ’59
Maureen (Ahlschwede) Sperling ALND ’59
Carl Gutknecht CO ’61
Harold Russell CO ’61
Edward Schade Jr. HS ’61 CO ’65
Elaine (Schamber) Dyslin CO ’62
Marlys (Burdorf ) Gaucher CO ’62
Gerald Hoops CO ’62
Dr. David Kruse HS ’62 CO ’66
Dr. Richard Daubendiek CO ’63
Donna (Demm) Zachow CO ’63
Viola Bahls CO ’64
Harry Klann CO ’64
Dr. Katy (Tietz) Lux CO ’64
Roland Anderson CO ’65 GR ’68
36 Broadcaster cune.edu
Roland Witte HS ’65 CO ’69
Thomas Orlowski CO ’66 CO ’75
Mary (Hett) Schkade CO ’67 GR ’74
Bonnie (Brehe) Smith CO ’67
Rev. Gary Trickey CO ’67 Join us Sept. 21-24 as we celebrate
David Stueber CO ’68 Homecoming Week 2023!
Lois (Schmidt) Wagoner CO ’68 View the schedule and register today
Allan Zeitz CO ’68 at cune.edu/homecoming.
Frederick Eggers CO ’70
Candy (McKimens) Heins CO ’71
Dorothy (Bartels) Klute ALND ’71
William Neugebauer CO ’72
Nancy (Nolop) Nuss CO ’72
Rev. James Elsner CO ’73 GR ’88
Susan (Schotte) Hagedorn ALND ’73
Mary (Begeman) Tomkinson CO ’73
Susan Yelden CO ’73 GR ’93
Sandra (Schlueter) Hoffman CO ’74
LaRae Vawser CO ’74
Robert Sodemann CO ’75 Show your Bulldog spirit with this
Timothy Winter CO ’75 exclusive Concordia alumni gear!
Jim Ebers CO ’79 Visit cune.edu/alumni to get yours!
Rev. Daniel Heuer CO ’79
Earl Reynolds CO ’79
Loren Uden CO ’83
Michael Rush CO ’99 GR ’99
Believe.
Belong.
Arranged by graduation year: current as of May 20, 2023
HS: High School
CO: College
Be Known.
GR: Graduate
ALND: Alumnus Non Degreed
Concordia graduates are known for making
an impact in their communities, churches
and the world. Here, students are able to
grow in their faith, develop relationships and
be equipped for wherever God takes them.
Know a student who would find their
community at Concordia? Refer them at
cune.edu/refer!
Broadcaster 37
 WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME!

BULLDOGS BULLDOGS BULLDOGS

SEPTEMBER 21-24 SEPTEMBER 21-24 SEPTEMBER 21-24

T W E N T Y-TW ENTY THR EE TWEN T Y-T W E N T Y T H R E E T W E N T Y-T W E N T Y T HR EE

THE CONCORDIA FUND:

FUEL FOR CONCORDIA’S LIGHT
ME! WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME!
“Tuition alone doesn’t cover the full cost of the Concordia educational experience. Each year, we
depend on the generosity of alumni and friends to make up the difference. This year, once again,
BULLDOGS BULLDOGS BULLDOGS their generosity is to be celebrated. My dream, I think our shared dream, is for a Concordia with the
1-24 SEPTEMBER 21-24 SEPTEMBER 21-24 SEPTEMBER 21-24 financial strength and stability to live out its mission boldly and faithfully while removing financial
HR EE TWEN TY-TWENTY THREE T W E N T Y-T W E N T Y T H R E E T W ENT Y-T W ENT Y T HR EE barriers for students to attend.”
-PRESIDENT BERNARD BULL

Concordia Fund gifts fuel the daily life of the university, providing supplemental revenue to support
student scholarships, faculty/staff salaries and care of campus buildings and grounds. Last year,
WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME! Concordia Fund gifts arrived through a variety of channels in amounts ranging from $2 to many
thousands. All were both impactful and appreciated.
BULLDOGS BULLDOGS BULLDOGS

SEPTEMBER 21-24 SEPTEMBER 21-24 SEPTEMBER 21-24

Homecoming Honorees CONCORDIA FUND GIFTS

USES SOURCES
ACADEMIC GOODWILL AND
ALUMNI AWARD ATHLETIC HALL SCHOLARSHIPS 7% MEMORIAL GIFTS 16%
DIRECT MAIL
RECIPIENTS OF FAME
CHURCHWORK
SCHOLARSHIPS 18% RESPONSES 26%
OTHER SOURCES 2%
Each year the Concordia Alumni Association The Concordia University Athletic Hall of
NAMED DAY OF GIVING 3%
honors alumni and friends for their service and Fame recognizes former athletes, coaches,
SCHOLARSHIP 12% PHONATHON 4%
accomplishments. Congratulations to all of our teams and others who have made exceptional
UNRESTRICTED (GENERAL) MAJOR GIFTS 49%
2023 Alumni Award winners! contributions to the athletic programs at OPERATIONS 63%
Concordia and who exemplify the Christian
Steven Soenksen ’98
principles to which Concordia adheres.
Alumnus of the Year
Meredith Wohlgemuth ’18 1982-83 Men’s Tennis Team
Young Alumnus of the Year HOW DO CONCORDIA FUND GIFTS IMPACT STUDENTS?
Amy Ahlers ’17
Mark L’Heureux CO ’97 GR ’00 Women’s Golf Concordia Fund dollars raised last year help to keep college tuition rates within reach for this year’s
Servant Leadership Award students and their families.
Rick Dietze ’04
Rev. Dr. A. Paul Vasconcellos Men’s Basketball
Lifetime Service Award “Thank you so much! Because of your generosity and willingness to give and serve, I have the
Chandler Folkerts ’17
Men’s Basketball awesome opportunity to learn and grow here at Concordia. It’s such a Christ-centered community
Hubach Family
Family Heritage Award and the people here are AMAZING! I’m so grateful God’s made this a part of my story and He’s using
Rod Giesselmann ’71
you to make a positive impact on so many! God’s doing so much more than we could ever ask or
Rehema Kavugha CO ’06 GR ’18 Football
imagine – which is certainly true for me in this place!”
Lifelong Learner Award Luther Klenke – EMILY
Rev. Ryan & Dr. Sarah Matthias Lifetime Service (1968-2001)
Honorary Bulldog Alumni Award Bailey Morris ’15 Learn more about the Concordia Fund and how you can make a gift at cune.edu/giving.
Women’s Basketball

38 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 39
800 North Columbia Avenue
Seward, NE 68434-9980
June 3-13
“Go everywhere in the world and tell
the good news to everyone”
(MARK 16:15).
Join the Concordia University, Nebraska
community for a nine-day cruise and
two-day land tour to Italy, France and
Spain. Don’t miss the opportunity to
enjoy God’s great creations and see
classic historical sites while traveling
with your Concordia family!
Register at cune.edu/cruise
ITINERARY SUMMARY
June 3: Arrive in Rome
June 4: Civitavecchia, Italy
June 5: Naples, Italy
June 6: Day at Sea
June 7: Florence/Pisa, Italy
June 8: Florence/Pisa, Italy
June 9: Santa Margherita, Italy
June 10: Cannes, France
June 11: Provence (Marseille), France
June 12: Day at Sea
June 13: Barcelona, Spain