Broadcaster

the maga zine of Concordia University, Nebraska

summer 2012 volume 89 no. 1

listen,
God
is calling
 from the
president Broadcaster Staff
Editor
Andrew Swenson ’08
SUMMER 2012
Designers
It’s a newer hymn of the church. Perhaps you’ve sung it. It’s become a Sara Fredrickson ’13
Erin Hanna ’13
favorite of our campus community, and I love it:

Listen: Listen, God is calling through the Word inviting.

Contributing writers
Jenny Hammond
4
Offering forgiveness, comfort, and joy. Emily Hemphill ’14 Where gifts, passion
Rosanne Reese
Glen Sisk
and service meet
Jesus gave his mandate: Share the good news Recent graduate Amber Konz
That He came to save us and set us free. University Administration traveled 8,000 miles to use her gifts
President & CEO
in the fight against human trafficking.
Let none be forgotten throughout the world.
Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich
In the triune name of God go and baptize. Provost
Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke
Help us to be faithful, standing steadfast, Executive Vice President, CFO & COO
Walking in Your precepts, led by Your Word. David Kumm
Vice President for Enrollment Management,
(Lutheran Service Book, 833) Student Life & Athletics

This is a Kenyan hymn that becomes even more significant when

Scott Seevers
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
10
one considers the Church, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Richard Maddox Healing for the whole person
is growing more rapidly in Africa than on any other continent. Concordia’s new health and human service
Board of Regents
programs offer students the chance
In this issue of the Broadcaster you will find articles that reflect how Dr. Dennis Brink, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Robert Cooksey, Kirkwood, Mo. to prepare for care ministries.
God is calling students, faculty and staff. You will also read how each Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Seward, Neb.
is responding to His call by proclaiming the Good News and sharing Rev. Keith Grimm, Omaha, Neb.
the love of Jesus Christ on our campuses in Seward and Lincoln, via Mr. Barry D. Holst, Kansas City, Mo.
Mr. Mike Klintworth, Seward, Neb.
the Internet and in countries around the world. God is calling recent Mr. James Knoepfel, Fremont, Neb.
graduate Amber Konz and students of the University A Cappella Mr. John Kuddes, Leawood, Kan.
Mrs. Bonnie Meyer, Palatine, Ill.
Choir to “share the Good News that he came to save us and set Mr. Lyle Middendorf, Lincoln, Neb.
us free.” God is calling talented faculty members like Dr. Kurt von Mr. Timothy Moll, Seward, Neb.
Kampen, Dr. Molly Fitzke, Rev. Dr. Kevin Kohnke and Dr. Jen Janousek, Mrs. Monique Nunes, Baltimore, Md.
to make certain that “none be forgotten throughout the world” as
Mr. Paul Schudel, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Schwan, Appleton, Wis. 14
they conduct the choir, develop online programs in nursing, family life, Rev. Dr. Russell Sommerfeld, Seward, Neb.
A mission in music
and health and human services and care for the least of these through Mr. Max Wake, Seward, Neb.
Mrs. Jill Wild, Seward, Neb. University music groups celebrate a
trips of service, witness and mercy. Rev. Karl Ziegler, Bellevue, Neb.
decades-long tradition of going on tour
Listen: God is calling! As you read the articles please know that these and proclaiming the Gospel message
examples are unique but not unusual. In this place each day, God is to audiences across the globe.
calling faculty to teach, staff to serve, students to learn, alumni to go
forth and friends to support. Thank you for listening to God’s call and
responding as you are moved by the Holy Spirit.
University Contacts
General Information
College of Graduate Studies
GradAdmiss@cune.edu 20 Concordia Scene
www.cune.edu 800 535 5494 Athletics

Brian L. Friedrich
Alumni & University Relations
Alumni@cune.edu
Athletics@cune.edu
Bookstore
42 Athletics
President Institutional Advancement www.cunebooks.com
Development@cune.edu
Undergraduate Admission
Career services
CareerServices@cune.edu
48 Alumni News
Vision: By 2015 Concordia University, Nebraska will grow and expand its
influence to diverse populations by fostering collaboration and adapting to
& Campus Visits
Admiss@cune.edu
Center for Liturgical Art
LiturgicalArt@cune.edu 52 Alumnotes
photo by Karen Chittick

our changing environment while remaining faithful to our mission of excellent
Christian education.
Mission: 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.
The Broadcaster is published by the marketing and
communication office of Concordia University, Nebraska
to more than 45,000 alumni, faculty, staff, pastors, businesses,
parents and friends of the university in all 50 states and
over 15 foreign countries.
On the cover: Amber Konz ’11 serving students in Thailand
© 2012 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA Photo courtesy of Bob Bowling
 Where GIFTS,
PASSION
and SERVICE
meet.
God calls each of us to serve in different ways. For some it’s
teaching, for others it’s leading in business, and for some
like Amber Konz, it’s taking an 8,000 mile journey
to join the fight against one of today’s most
pressing crimes against humanity—forced
prostitution and human trafficking.

owling
esy of Bob B
photo court
.

.5
4 feature

feature
.

.
 Attending Concordia has certainly changed the “How broken they must be. I just hurt for these As Konz completed the research for her essay, she Konz’s design was one of five selected and features
lives of thousands over the last 118 years, but it’s people. I can’t imagine what they’re going through.” learned that the practice of human trafficking a bird being set free from a cage and a blue heart—
rare a single assignment changes the course of a While she didn’t find all the answers she was was not isolated to foreign countries—major U. S. the internationally-recognized symbol for human
life. Yet for 2011 art graduate Amber Konz, looking for, writing the paper did inspire cities such as Houston, Atlanta and San Diego are trafficking.
researching a single essay led to a new her to study the topic further. all affected. Nebraska even serves as a stopover Konz’s dedication to this cause would not end with
passion and a journey half way “This for underground prostitution rings who transport
Through her research on the her bench. In high school she had gone on a mission
around the world. people along Interstate 80.
subject, she learned most trip to Thailand. She knew human trafficking was a
In 2010, when Konz was a was something “I was appalled to learn it was happening in America,” significant problem there and felt called to go back
prostitution is the result
student in Professor Tobin Konz said. So she decided to do something about it. and do something about it.
Beck’s global studies I could do using the gifts of human trafficking or
modern-day human “The first step to changing anything is starting at “I just knew I was going back to Thailand,” she recalled.
class, she was assigned to
write an essay about a
God has given me to raise slavery where people home,” Konz said. She followed the progress of bills Despite her resolve, Konz had to overcome obstacles
profit from the control up for legislation and attended a meeting at the to put her plan into effect. She spent two years trying
global issue. She chose awareness about something and exploitation of others. governor’s mansion to hear police and educators to find a group working with human trafficking in
prostitution as her topic.
speak on the topic of trafficking.
“At the time I was also I’m passionate about. I really “I quickly realized the hard Thailand to sponsor her without success.
truth that most women When Konz learned about Slave Free Nebraska’s
reading the Bible and “I thought if God wanted me to do this, He would
praying, asking God what it
wanted to make a who are prostitutes were bench project contest, an awareness campaign that provide,” she said.
abused or neglected as uses painted city benches in Lincoln to educate the
meant to be a godly woman,” difference.” children or trafficked before community about human trafficking, she put her In October of 2011, Joel Vander Kooi visited
she said. “I noticed that God kept they were legal adults. Concordia on behalf of Hope International Schools,
skills as a graphic artist to work and submitted a
talking about prostitutes in the Inc. to recruit teachers for the School of Promise in
“No girl chooses to be a prostitute. design.
Bible. I started thinking, what does it Hang Dong, Thailand.
mean for someone who is a prostitute? And Either they are forced or coerced into it, or “This was something I could do using the gifts God
what about women who are forced into prostitution? else they have no other means to survive and are has given me to raise awareness about something Konz spoke with Vander Kooi, who serves as the
desperate. There is so much under the surface that I’m passionate about. I really wanted to make a school’s principal, about doing some graphic design
nobody sees.” difference,” she said. “I can’t go in and bust these work for the newly-planted Christian school. Here
brothels down, but this is something I could do.” was the connection she needed. Vander Kooi invited
Konz to come to Thailand to volunteer at the
school whose mission is to eliminate poverty and
oppression though education.

photo courtesy of Nebraska University Students

.

.7
photos courtesy of Bob Bowling
6 feature

Against Modern-day Slavery

feature
.

.
 “Take
a kid under your
wing. Help the single mom
who is struggling to provide
for her kids. We need to reach
out and be good neighbors.
It’s about helping those
around you.”
The School of Promise is located
in northwest Thailand near the
border of Burma. Because of
Burma’s political unrest, thousands
of refugees have fled over the border
into Thailand. This corner of the
country is also home to several hill
tribes with their own languages
and culture who are not considered
Thai citizens or allowed to go to
school. As a result, children from
this impoverished area are often easy
targets for traffickers.
The School of Promise reaches out to
these children and refugees to share
the Gospel and provide education—a
key to breaking the cycle of trafficking.
This past January, two years after she
handed in her essay on prostitution,
Konz arrived in Thailand to aid in the
prevention of human trafficking.
Once again Konz is using her artistic gifts.
.
Her work at the school has included print
of Bob Bowling
8 feature
and web design, teaching English and
sharing the love of Jesus. She assisted with
the summer school program that shared
the Gospel with 70 children. She also
photos courtesy
.
aided in the layout of a new social studies textbook
rewritten from a Christian perspective, which is
significant in a Buddhist country.
Her time with the students at the School of Promise
ended in June 2012.
When Konz reflects on her journey, she’s amazed
by the difference a year makes and what she
has learned. She wants to apply her newfound
knowledge to three target areas in continuing the
fight against human trafficking: prevention, rescue
and rehabilitation.
“Rescue is the most obvious of the three. Regarding
prevention and rehabilitation, there is so much you
can do to help,” she explained. Besides educating
yourself and raising awareness of the problem,
supporting poverty-reducing efforts decreases the
risk of impoverished individuals being trafficked.
Learn More
To learn more about the School of Promise and see the website Konz developed
visit http://schoolofpromise.squarespace.com.
School of Promise is the first school of an organization
called Hope International Schools, a non-profit
founded in 2008 to provide Christian education in the
developing world.
To learn more about Hope International
Schools and see example textbook pages, visit
hopeinternationalschools.org.
Because the English program is a strong draw for
families to send their kids to the school, English
teachers are always in need. Contact the school
through the website to find out how you can help.
“Take a kid under your wing. Help the single mom
who is struggling to provide for her kids. We need
to reach out and be good neighbors. It’s about
helping those around you.”
Konz’s long-term dream is to open a shelter with an
orphanage, an apartment complex for struggling or
single-parent families, a transitional house for abused
women and an assisted living facility all in the same
general location. Not only would these facilities aid
in the prevention and recovery of trafficking, but the
close proximity would create a sense of community
and family.
“It’s being a part of each other’s lives. It’s not about
who you were in the past, but who you are now,” she
said. “The dream is about being the body of Christ.”
“I know that wherever I am, the Lord will use me
and has me where I am for a purpose.”
...
Visit Konz’s blog “A Light in the World” to learn more
about human trafficking and her experiences in
Thailand at AmberKonz.blogspot.com.
Konz recommends the following books to learn
more about human trafficking:
.9
• Unnoticed Neighbors: a Pilgrimage into the
Social Justice Story by Erina K. Ludwig
feature
• Not for Sale by David B. Batstone
• Disposable People by Kevin Bales
.
 HEALING for the
WHOLE PERSON
Over the past twenty years the health and human services profession has grown
increasingly secularized. Concordia hopes to reverse this trend by offering new
programs that are firmly grounded in the Christian faith and that teach how
healing is as much about soul and mind as it is about body.

The Christian church has a long history of taking care
of those who are neglected and ill—what we might
call today health and human services. Jesus himself
provided this kind of care as Matthew records, “Jesus
went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching
in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of
the kingdom and healing every disease and every
affliction” (9:35, esv).
As Concordia continues its mission of preparing
students to serve and lead in church and world,
.
care—for body, mind and soul—sets them apart
from others of their kind.
“You need to be a special person to work in any kind
of health care area,” said Dr. Renea Gernant, who was
significant in establishing the new programs. “It is a
human care ministry. You are being the salt and the
leavening and bringing Christ to others. Others know
it is your job, but you know it is your ministry.”
The master of public health program gives graduate
students the chance to obtain a degree in all areas

. 11
it now offers three new avenues for students to of the public health field. Professionals involved
10 feature
photo by Karen Chittick

prepare for Christian service in the areas of health in public health work toward improving access
and human services: a master of public health, a

master of human services and a registered nurse to
bachelor of science in nursing program.
Although other schools offer these programs,
Concordia’s focus on Christian service and holistic
.
feature
to health care, controlling infectious diseases and
reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance
abuse and injury. Some graduates will work directly
with people, while others will work with products
and processes relative to the public health field.

.
 “Public health is a dynamic and growing field,” said
Dr. David Lawton, assistant professor of nursing and
director of the MPH program. “There is a need
to provide educated professionals to serve the
current and future health care needs of communities
and churches.”
The master of human services program gives
students an opportunity to gain a degree in a variety
of areas including counseling, case management
and long-term care. Employees in this field provide
education, assistance and resources to others
in the community.
“It is projected there will be a growing need for
people trained in human services,” said the
Rev. Dr. Kevin Kohnke, associate professor
of family life ministry. “With the continued
pressure on the federal budget it is thought
that more private and church-based
organizations will need to become “Our
involved in providing services
to people in the community.” program is
The registered nurse to
designed to not only
bachelor of science
in nursing (RN to transform the student’s mind,
BSN) program allows
registered nurses body and spirit but also to empower
holding an associate
degree to transition them with the skills and proficiencies
to a bachelor of science,
usually within just two to serve with compassion and
years of study.
lead with conviction in their
“This program aims to
professions.”
prepare the bedside nurses
as leaders and change agents
who will practice to improve patient
outcomes,” said Dr. Molly Fitzke, assistant
professor of nursing and director of the program.
Students will participate in hands-on care and field
work in community health settings and educate
the public on important health issues. They also
will complete a capstone project that may include
a medical mission trip or educational seminar
.
organized and taught by the student.
12 feature
“Our program is designed to not only transform the
student’s mind, body and spirit but also to empower
them with the skills and proficiencies to serve
with compassion and lead with conviction in their
professions,” said Fitzke.
.
These programs are among the first to be offered
completely online through Concordia.
Dr. Thaddeus Warren, dean of graduate studies
and adult education, said the goal of online course
offerings is to reach out to those who, because
of current job or family situations, cannot otherwise
attend traditional face-to-face classes.
“We see a parallel to the Great Commission,” said
Warren. “Rather than having them come to us
for their education, we are going to them.”
Warren said those who are teaching the courses
received coaching in online teaching methods
to assure the rigor and high academic standards of
photo courtesy of Molly Fitzke
the online classes.
“We are excited about how these programs will reach
out to many more students with a real world,
Christ-centered education,” said Warren.
Along with the public health,
human services and nursing
programs, Concordia
continues to offer graduate
courses in gerontology
Dr. Molly Fitzke wraps the leg of a patient during a medial mission
and family life ministry. trip to Guatemala this May.
As part of the In a similar fashion, Concordia’s family life ministry
gerontology program, program prepares students to go into the world with
students complete a
practicum study in which
the knowledge and skills to function successfully
in a family environment. Students learn about family
they implement an aging
services program in the
dynamics through film and case studies, and then apply
what they learn to real-life situations.
field of professional service
“The family is the foundation of society, and there are
they are most interested in.
many educational components that we can teach
“Gerontology is a field that is families to be stronger, resilient and healthy,” said Kohnke.
not yet readily understood,” said “By offering a program in family life, we are teaching
Kohnke. The program focuses on the people skills that are vital to living in a family. The
needs of an older generation that now has a students can then go out and teach to others.”
higher life expectancy than ever before.
The goal of all of these programs is to prepare students
“Boomers changed society when they began entering to go out into the world and serve, in accordance
elementary school,” said Kohnke. “Back then it was with Concordia’s mission.
the need for more schools. Now, it’s the need
“We hope that students will be prepared to serve faithfully
of Jen Janousek
for housing, services and other resources
for the aging generation.” in their respective vocations,” said Warren, “that they would
. 13
be equipped to better serve those in which they come
Kohnke said people in all occupations will inevitably in contact, and that they would see the world with a new
interact with older adults, and that Concordia’s set of eyes.”
photo courtesy
feature
gerontology program prepares students for this
interaction, regardless of the generation gap.
...
.
Dr. Jen Janousek, associate director of the MPH program, poses
with Guatemalan children during a 2011 medical mission.
 A MISSION
IN MUSIC
Concordia’s music ensembles have a strong history of musical
excellence, but more than that, Concordia’s bands and choirs
have a legacy of sharing the message of the Gospel through song.
When Concordia musicians go out on tour, the power of the Holy
Spirit goes with them. And lives change.

In May of 1961 a charter bus pulled up in front of Weller Hall to meet a group of students
in suits and dresses standing with their suitcases and anxiously waiting to embark on an
international choir tour. In just a few hours they would board a German Lufthansa flight,
relax over a meal of filet mignon with mushrooms or smoked salmon and prepare to sing
their way across Europe.
Fast forward five decades and a few things have changed. Students often trade suits
and dresses for sweatpants on travel days and the quality of airline food has infamously
declined. Still, the one thing that has remained constant is the mission
of Concordia’s music groups: to take the Gospel message out in song. Whether they are
traveling to Missouri or Mexico, California or the Czech Republic, Concordia’s student
musicians continue to touch the hearts and souls of their audiences with the Good
News of Jesus’ love and saving grace.
Nancy Middendorf, who has volunteered her time to organize Concordia music
tours for thirteen years, understands how profound the mission is. “It can be life
changing to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people in a dynamic way
that will lift their spirits and encourage them to seek God’s presence in their lives,”
she shared. “Music can do marvelous things to a parched soul that needs God’s
forgiveness and love.”
Harv Miskimen was a student on the 1961 tour. As Miskimen reflects
.

. 15
on his first trip to Europe, he still has clear memories of the flight, seeing
14 feature

Westminster Abbey, touring castles, being a guest of honor at a Fourth of July

picnic in Switzerland, and experiencing the split between East and West Berlin.

feature
“Seeing East and West Berlin, I remember the differences. This was weeks before
the wall went up. We took pictures of East German guards—this was verboten
(above) In 1990, the Acappella Choir visited a church in Potsdam,
East Germany to see the light of Christ shining over the altar. and could have resulted in their confiscating our cameras.”
.

.
(right) The Acappella Choir proclaims the Gospel through song
at various locations throughout Germany on its tour during the
summer of 1990.
 the Rhine River.
yed a cruise on
tour of 1990 enjo
The A Cappella
Reviving a traditio
n initiated in 1906
, the Concert Ba
nd gave a special
spring performan “But
ce on the lawn w
est of Link Libra
ry in 1995.
when the choir
Yet what Miskimen remembers most is the effect started to sing, I fully
the choir’s presence had on the people they
with the lone goal of seeing cool, historic things, felt the love of God which
encountered. “I remember praying the Lord’s Prayer
we have had the opportunity to spend free time
in Belgium with the people. We prayed in English
as they prayed in French, Dutch or German. What an
in famous cities,” said von Kampen. “We’ve toured is beyond any intellectual
Alcatraz and the Mall of America. We’ve seen the a cult,” explained Middendorf. As the concert approached,
emotional, spiritual experience that was.” Gospel-focused concerts can help understanding.” Alexandra remembers her
Statue of Liberty and the San Antonio River Walk.
Whether it is a domestic or international tour, We’ve watched wild fires blaze in the Rocky change that perception. feelings. “While my husband
much work happens before one note Mountains as we sang at a worship “Following the first concert in Madrid, was absolutely excited, I was
floats to the rafters. According service in Ft. Collins. We’ve walked the missionaries finally understood simply indifferent,” she said “I have
to Dr. Kurt von Kampen, alongside Amish buggies in what was happening, and they were ecstatic,” to be completely honest and say that
conductor of the University “I remember Pennsylvania and toured the Middendorf recalls. “During the concert ordinarily I have never liked choral music. For me that
A Cappella Choir, he and memorial at the Oklahoma mild-mannered, polite and quiet Catholic priests was synonymous with antique, obsolete and above
Symphonic Band director praying the Lord’s Prayer in City bombing site.” were weeping—at times uncontrollably. all boring.” But her opinion would soon change.
Professor Andrew Schultz “My husband and I were sitting in the first row the
Despite the complexity of
often plan tour locations Belgium with the people. We planning, the mission
“Many in the crowd were also weeping as the Holy
first time I heard those angelic voices singing.
at least five years in Spirit fed their souls through the beautiful music
advance. Between travel prayed in English as they prayed of Concordia’s band and and the touching presentation of students who “I had been baptized the previous year into the
choir tours is always sang from the heart. The concert placed the church Christian faith. I fully understood that God was
and housing, planning a
tour route is extremely
in French, Dutch or German. in focus. For the tour to before the eyes of the public in a way that made not only the ultimate judge whom we have to fear,
Spain in 2009 and for the them ask, ‘Wow, what is this church all about really? but also a loving Father. And yet, even though I
complex. Ten-day What an emotional, spiritual upcoming 2013 Swiss- They have something that is speaking to my heart, understood, I could not ‘feel’ it. The Law was
domestic tours often cover
European tour, Concordia
4,000 miles. Arranging experience that was.” has made working closely
and I want to know more!’” stronger than the Gospel for me.
places to stay for more than While tears are certainly evidence of the power “But when the choir started to sing, I fully felt
with mission groups a priority.
70 student musicians is also no
.

. 17
In Spain the A Cappella Choir of the Gospel working through song, that concert the love of God which is beyond any intellectual
small chore—students often stay had an even more enduring effect on one family. understanding.”
16 feature

connected with local missionaries

with host families from congregations
to design concerts that would make the Santiago Keinbaum, a Lutheran missionary in Sant The love of God Alexandra felt and the love she came

feature
at tour stops.
church more visible to the public. Sadurni, worked with Middendorf on the choir’s to know from the Middendorfs and members of the
Tour organizers also try to build opportunities itinerary in Spain. His wife, Alexandra, translated the A Cappella Choir gave the Keinbaums the courage
“It seems in Spain many know nothing about
for students to experience the culture of tour program songs into Catalan and Spanish. to take an enormous step.
Lutherans, and if they do know of them, in many
destinations. “While we don’t ever go on a trip
cases they are afraid of them and consider them
.

.
 The next year they moved to Nebraska to attend

There’s nothing
Touching the lives of others and touching their own
Concordia so Santiago could prepare to become hearts will continue to happen when music groups
a pastor and so Alexandra could prepare to become from Concordia take their gifts on the road.

quite like a
a deaconess. When they are finished with school
In a letter in the program for the 1957 tour, then
they hope to go back to the Catalonia area to start
President Paul Zimmermann explains that the
a Lutheran church for their people. The Keinbaums
choir members are there “telling of their faith and

CHOIR TOUR
and their three children, Maria, Santiago and
joy in God.” Reference to that same mission can
Salvador, are living with the Middendorfs, and
also be found in current President Brian Friedrich’s
students from the choir are still very involved
introduction in the 2012 A Cappella Choir tour
in the family’s life.
program, “We cherish the opportunity to share the
Although the choir has a legacy of touching the lives message of God’s love and Jesus’ salvation through
of audience members like the Keinbaums, tours also God’s gift of music.” Nick Lee, a 2012 graduate (pictured first row right),

...
leave a profound effect on the lives of students. reflects on the personal effect of his experiences
Throughout the years, members of the traveling on choir tours during his time as a student.
music groups have kept scrapbooks from their Lee earned a bachelor of arts degree in music
journey. Included in the archives is a 1952 note from education this May.
Concordia to parents announcing where they could
mail letters to their children on tour and a post-tour
note advising future travelers to buy a suitcase with There really is nothing quite like a you don’t speak gives a new meaning to “stressful.”
“really big wheels” and “don’t forget playing cards.” choir tour. Imagine the most work And yet we all undergo the stress of tour willingly.
Although today’s tour memories are often found you could possibly fit into a 10-day The passionate quest for perfection is sometimes
on Facebook instead of scrapbooks, many of the vacation, or the most fun you could hard to understand until you look at the motive.
sentiments remain the same—the camaraderie that ever have while performing manual Singing praises to the Creator of the universe
comes from the close quarters of touring, the joy labor in a tuxedo. The days are long, deserves nothing less than our best—that’s why it’s
of sharing cookies from home and the laughs from the mornings come early, and more easy to get such a large group of people fired up
shared memories. But most significant always seems often than not you have to share a about making phenomenal music.
to be the effect the music has on the audiences. bed with the same person you’ve been
sitting next to on the bus all day. Is it ever perfect? No, but that doesn’t slow us down.
Paul Soulek ’07, director of parish and school music There are these great moments that happen on
at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, recalls his I remember entering the week prior to tour where everything lines up. The acoustics are
time on tour. “The greatest joy and reward from my very first tour believing that it was great, everyone is in tune and the last chord of the
touring is certainly serving as a messenger some kind of reward or incentive to song echoes for a moment in the vastness of the
of the Gospel. Beyond that, touring is a great keep people in choir. performing space. These are the moments that take
experience to get to know the fellow choir members My idea of “tour” centered on the a hold of you in an indescribable way.
and to really make music together as a group.”
One concept of me. The beauty of the music is so great that it implies the
The Acappella Choir toured in Europe in 2009.

of his favorite memories comes from worshiping

at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church in Berlin during the I wasn’t the only one who felt this way question, “How could there not be a God?”
2005 A Cappella international tour. “Even though the either. You can often see it on the new By the end of each tour you can’t help but be
words of the hymns and liturgy were in German, we choir members’ faces as we set out on our changed. Even the veteran members say so. Thinking
“vacation.” You can talk about the mission
.

. 19
recognized the tunes and were able to sing along,” back through my tour memories, I can trace my
he said. “It was wonderful to hear the pastor’s words all you want, but you never quite get it
18 feature

own spiritual growth. No other event or time in my

at the altar first in German, then in English: ‘your sins until you’re in concert sweating under the life can boast such a consistent spiritual progress. It

feature
are forgiven for the sake of Christ.’ I will never forget lights. The mental strain required to stick turns out that I did in fact get a reward for being in
that wonderful service that illustrated how the saints your vocal part as you cascade through choir other than those 10-day vacations. It was much
in Christ truly are joined together throughout crisscrossing harmonies, breathe on cue, more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.
the world.” place consonants at the precise moment
and correctly pronounce words in languages There really is nothing quite like a choir tour.
.

.

GROUNDS for BUSINESS
Whether you’re craving a skinny latte, a caramel
frappé or a Bulldog bite, Concordia’s 10:31 coffee
shop is the place to go for your caffeine fix. Since
opening in April of 2008, the Students in Free
Enterprise project continues to grow and improve,
photo by Karen Chittick
serving the thirsty Concordia campus and providing
hands-on experience for business students.
After trying a few campus locations, the coffee shop
found a permanent home in the Janzow Campus
Center lobby last year. Managers Andrea Gaide and
∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕
faculty notes
.
concordia scene
. 20
“Voices Raised to You We Offer,” is included in
Samantha Karnes were involved in designing the
space, purchasing new equipment, determining
prices and changing the menu. They are also
responsible for the day-to-day operations.
“As a business major, the coffee shop has given me
hands-on, real-world experience,” said Gaide. “It
has allowed me to have a key role in all aspects of
managing a staff, inventory, sales and accounting,
and has taught me many valuable lessons I couldn’t
learn from a textbook.”
Dr. Brian Albright, professor of mathematics, Seth Boggs, art instructor and digital lab
had his article, “The Distribution of the Sum manager, was selected to design the logo for
of Signed Ranks,” published in The College the 2013 National Youth Gathering.
Mathematics Journal.
Dr. Ronald Bork, dean of the College of
Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music, was Education, was accepted as a member of the
commissioned to compose a hymn concerto National Board of Examiners for the National
for the Eighth Lutheran Hymn Festival which Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
premiered at the Meyerson Symphony Center (NCATE). He has since traveled to Duquesne
in Dallas, Texas, with a festival choir from University in Pittsburgh, Penn., as a member of
Dallas-Fort Worth Lutheran churches, the the visiting team for its NCATE accreditation.
Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas and brass
Amanda Geidel, assistant
players for the Dallas Symphony. The hymn,
professor of education, was
presented with the 2012
the 2012 Concordia Publishing House catalog.
Outstanding Teaching
Award at commencement
on May 5.
Drawing information about preferred products,
pricing, location and hours from a campus-wide
survey conducted by a market research class in 2007,
sife team members created a business plan.
Start-up funds were provided by the university
as a low interest loan, which has now been paid back.
Even though the coffee shop began in the classroom,
teaching hasn’t been limited to the faculty.
“Throughout the shop’s history, Dave Kumm
[Concordia’s executive vice president
and cfo] has been instrumental in
mentoring sife students particularly
regarding operational and financial
aspects of the coffee shop,” said
Dr. Kristy Plander, sife advisor.
Chartwells, Concordia’s dining
hall food service provider,
has also provided guidance,
helping the coffee shop track its
revenues using their computer
system and facilitating
product purchasing.
Gaide and Karnes, who both had
previous barista experience, also play
a role in teaching—they are responsible
for training coffee shop employees.
“I learned how to make drinks when my dad used
to sell espresso at his coffee shop,” said Karnes. “As
far as our employees, Andie and I train them, make
them practice and then give them a cheat sheet
to take home and memorize.”
This year, in addition to changing locations and
expanding their menu, the shop has switched to
eco-friendly paper and cleaning products and
created a loyalty program that encourages reuse
of cup sleeves to reduce environmental impact.
Dr. Renea Gernant, professor of
∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕
communication, served as a technical expert
on a document, “Identifying Vulnerable Older
Adults and Legal Options for Increasing Their
Protection During All-Hazards Emergencies:
A Cross-Sector Guide for States and
Communities,” released by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Joel Helmer, associate professor of
geography and social science department chair,
received the Higher Education Distinguished
Teaching Award from the National Council for
Geographic Education. Helmer and his students
also led an event on campus in April, featuring
a Nebraska Game and Parks trailer containing
17 activities to explore, for elementary students
from St. John Lutheran School.
Even after successfully implementing a number
of changes this year, like all smart businesspeople,
Gaide and Karnes are exploring new ways to grow.
“Next year we will be able to accept student ID cards
as payment,” said Gaide. “This will also provide the
opportunity to serve more food items that you
might see in a café, such as pastries, cereal, fruit
or sandwiches.”
More deliberate advertising and
increasing revenues to fund other
“I’ve projects are other objectives.
learned where Overall, the coffee shop is
a welcomed addition
my strengths and to Concordia.
“It’s both a learning
weaknesses lie as a leader experience and a for-profit
and how to apply concepts venture,” said Plander.
“At the front end, students
that I have learned in learn about all aspects of
business including marketing,
the classroom.” operations, accounting,
finance and human resources.
“Also it’s an expanded opportunity
for student employment on campus. The
profits we make go back into service projects for
the community on campus, in Seward and beyond.”
Karnes agrees. “Managing the coffee shop has given
me so much hands-on leadership and business
experience that I could not have gained in the
classroom,” she commented. “I’ve learned where my
strengths and weaknesses lie as a leader and how
to apply concepts I have learned in the classroom.
I love getting to know the faculty and students as
they come in to get drinks.
“I also just love coffee!”
Dr. Joseph Herl, professor of music, directed
...
. 21
the music for a Higher Things retreat in
Sheboygan, Wis., with 200 high school
students in attendance.
concordia scene
Drs. Paul Holtorf and Mark Meehl led
a group of students, alumni and friends on a
trip to the Holy Land in summer 2012.
Dr. Timothy Huntington, assistant professor
of biology, became a founding board member
and treasurer of the American Board of
Forensic Taphonomy serving on its exam
and ethics committees; gave numerous
presentations locally and nationally, was
chosen as the 2011 Lutheran High School
.
(Indianapolis) Alumnus of the Year and
is a manuscript peer-reviewer for articles
 EYEING
optometry school
Many kids dream of growing up and becoming a Opheim and her advisor Dr. Kristy Jurchen set up a For Opheim it did work out—this
doctor, but few accept the challenge of tough math four-year plan to help her get in all the classes she fall she will attend Southern College
and science classes and preparing for entrance would need to pass her entrance exams. of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn.
exams to graduate school. May graduate Tabitha Though for her, school is just the
“Dr. Jurchen has helped me each step
Opheim is one of the few who stuck with it. beginning. Opheim dreams of the
of the way,” said Opheim. “One thing I
Thanks to her dedication and some help day she’ll be able to work in her own
appreciated was the research she did
from mentors at Concordia, she’s “My to see what I needed for schools that optometry office specializing
headed to optometry school in sports vision.
I would be applying to. Concordia
in August. passion is to provided a wonderful staff who She also plans to work with
“I got my first pair of glasses pushed my knowledge and helped missions through Volunteer
in the second grade,” Opheim
help people. I think me in my struggles.” Optometric Services to Humanity,
recalls, “and I thought it was helping others see To determine her eligibility an international and community
pretty cool that a piece of glass organization that provides vision
for graduate school, Opheim was
or thin plastic could correct clearly is a great way required to take the Optometry care for those who cannot afford
a vision problem.” or otherwise obtain such services.
Admissions Test. In addition, she
Still filled with that wonder as she
to do that.” completed admission applications “My passion is to help people,”
grew, Opheim shadowed eye doctors for seven schools, wrote essays and said Opheim, “I think helping
and worked at an optometry office scheduled interviews with each. others to see clearly is a great
during the summers throughout college. way to do that.”

...
Then came the really hard part—waiting to hear
While she worked toward her bachelor of science if she was admitted.
degree in biology and chemistry at Concordia,
“The road to optometry school is tough and a lot of
Opheim kept her eyes on the ultimate goal
work,” she admits, “but with the help of faculty and
of applying to optometry school, studying hard
time management it all works out.”
and preparing for entrance exams.

photo by Karen Chittick

∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕ ∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕

Jeff Keele, adjunct voice instructor, sang in the Bryan Moore, assistant professor of
.

. 23
submitted to the Journal of the Association Shanna Opfer, interim education instructor,
for Crime Scene Reconstruction. This spring he role of Betto in Puccini’s opera, “Gianni Schicchi,” communication and theatre, participated presented “The Wiki Way” about sharing
22 concordia scene

conducted forensic entomology workshops at Opera Southwest in Albuquerque, N.M. on two panels, “Collaborative Approaches information in the elementary classroom
in Grand Island for Nebraska State Patrol to Teaching Dramaturgy: A Legacy Left by at the Technology EDGE conference at the

concordia scene
Rev. Dr. Kevin Kohnke, associate professor
investigator in-service training. The training LMDA’s Dramaturgy SourceBook” and “Boldly University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
and director of family life ministry, presented at
covered material on how to recognize and Crossing the Grain: Multicultural Dramaturgy
the 15th annual Iowa District West Junior Youth Dr. Jerrald Pfabe, emeritus history professor
collect insect evidence from death scenes and and Directing Beyond One’s Own Culture,” at
Gathering and at the Deshler circuit seminar, and the university’s archivist, received an
other crime scenes, and was presented to more the Association for Theatre in Higher Education
Convocation on Marriage and the Family. award of commendation from the Concordia
than 50 investigators from around the state. Conference in Chicago.
Historical Institute for his article, “Was It
Aaron Madsen, assistant athletic trainer,
The efforts of Lon Jungemann, computing Drew Olson, women’s Foretold?: Theodore Graebner, Millennialists
received the 2011 George F. Sullivan Athletic
services, and Dave Werner, instructional basketball head coach, was and the World Wars.”
Trainer of the Year award and a 10-year service
technology coordinator, have made it possible named the Hauff Mid-
award at the District V Mid-America Athletic Kevin Potratz, computing services system
to webcast video live from softball and baseball America Sports/GPAC
Trainers’ Association Symposium in Topeka, analyst, was chosen to help lead 36 scouts
games held in Seward. Prior to this, only audio Coach-of-the-Year and Region
Kan. He was also re-elected and inaugurated as to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the
.

.
was transmitted. 2 Coach-of-the-Year.
vice-president of the Nebraska State Athletic Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
Trainers’ Association’s Executive Board.
 PLAYING on
For many college students, Friday is reserved for “If someone comes in to take piano lessons we won’t
kicking back, relaxing and procrastinating the turn them away—it can be anybody,” Keily said.
homework that’s due Monday. Having access to only two pianos at pcm, Keily had

PAPER PIANOS
Senior Katie Keily reserves time on Friday too, but
instead of catching up on last week’s episode of
American Idol, she gives piano lessons to homeless
and impoverished children and adults at
People’s City Mission in Lincoln, Neb.
“I began going to People’s City
Mission in order to fulfill my
field experience hours that are
required for my education
classes,” said Keily, a music
and secondary English
education major.
During her field experience hours,
she worked with kids in Club
edefy (Encouragement, Discipleship,
Evangelism and Fellowship for Youth),
a program that offers games, activities
and a Bible study for kids staying at pcm.
“While I was at Club edefy some of the students
found out I was a music student at Concordia and a
piano teacher,” said Keily. “Many of them begged for
piano lessons and expressed a real interest
in wanting to learn more about music.”
Keily and a few classmates responded by developing
a program to teach music fundamentals. Two years
later, she still hasn’t stopped going back. Keily and
junior Will Vann currently teach between 5 to 15
students every week, regardless of age.
to find teaching techniques to accommodate so
many students at once. Students begin practicing
notes and scales on paper piano keyboards. Once
they’ve mastered the basics, they are given
the chance to play on a real piano. Keily
said in most cases students can walk
away from just one or two lessons
“If someone playing actual songs.
comes in to take “We try to teach the students as
much as we can about music
piano lessons we won’t in a short amount of time,” she
said. “That way if that is their last
turn them away—it encounter with music lessons,
can be anybody.” they can walk out of pcm having
acquired a foundational knowledge
of music.”
Aside from volunteering at pcm, Keily
sings in Concordia’s University A Cappella
Choir, accompanies the Seward Community Youth
Choir and teaches private piano and voice lessons for
middle school students.
“I really wish that I could have pcm students in my
piano studio here in Seward so I could give them
the full attention that they deserve,” she said.
Keily says she hopes to stay involved in the pcm
after graduating from Concordia.
“I would like to stay in the area, at least for a while,
and try to get this program on its feet for other
students to participate in after I leave.”

photo courtesy of Will Vann

∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕ ...
∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕∕

Don Robson, art department chair, had two Angela Wassenmiller, director of instructional Concordia’s music department now offers a
.

. 25
Museum, Omaha, Neb., in conjunction with
works accepted for inclusion in the Northwest the Egyptian artifacts exhibition from the technology and e-learning, presented new course online, Mu 161 – Introduction
24 concordia scene

Art Center’s Americas 2012: Paperworks Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn, N.Y. “International Congress for Qualitative Inquiry” to Music Therapy.
exhibition in the Hartnett Hall Gallery at Minot at the University of Illinois at Urbana-

State University.
Jacob Schmidt, system analyst/programmer
and infrastructure support, successfully
defended his thesis, “Issues in VoIP
Communication for Enterprise Deployment,”
earning a master’s degree in computer science.
Lynn Soloway, professor of art, created the
artwork for the annual Christmas greeting
card of the LCMS communications office
and KFUO Radio in St. Louis and has been
.
Kay Thaden-DeBoer, gift processor in the
office of development, retired in April after 30
years of dedicated service to Concordia.
Dr. Kurt von Kampen, professor of music, led
a high school choral clinic at Parker Lutheran
High School in Colorado. His new composition,
“Under the Stars One Holy Night,” was
commissioned by Christ Lutheran Church in
Lincoln, Neb. He was also selected to direct the
National Youth Gathering choir in 2013.
concordia scene
The biology department used a donation to
Champaign; and “Creating Feedback Rich
purchase a forensic science comparison macro/
Learning Environments: Teaching Qualitative
microscope, which is used by forensic science
Methods in Traditional, Blended, and Online
and research classes for comparing two objects
Formats” with Dr. Wayne Babchuk (UNL). She
simultaneously and making physical matches.
was also elected to the Nebraska Educational
The scope is used to visualize cartridge casings,
Technology Association’s board of directors.
bullets, hair, fibers and virtually any form of
Concordia University, Nebraska received trace or impression evidence.
the Council President’s Award of Marketing,
Media Appreciation Award from the Boy
Scouts of America’s Cornhusker Council in

.
appreciation of the summer 2011 Broadcaster
commissioned to create adornments for the
article about the Merit Badge University.
Hitchcock Museum Store at the Joslyn Art
 See the
SoundThanks to a partnership with Jones National Bank
& Trust in Seward, each year Concordia brings an
artist or musician to campus to work with Concordia
students and connect with the community. This year,
Concordia had the privilege of hosting Steven Roden,
an internationally-respected artist who is known for
stretching the boundaries of what is considered art.
“Steve Roden’s visit, which entailed an exhibition, two
workshops, studio visits, a performance on Sunday,
and a dinner with students provided an incredibly
focused weekend,” said Jim Bockelman, director
of the Marxhausen Gallery.
“While bringing an artist with international credentials
to our town is simply an amazing opportunity, even
more significant is Steve’s unique way of finding the
beautiful within the everyday, allowing mistakes
to become purpose-filled, and sharing all of
this in a humble and honest manner.”
Roden received an mfa from Art Center
College of Design in Pasadena and a bfa
from Otis Parsons in Los Angeles. He
has taught at numerous institutions,
.
26 concordia scene
.
photo by Dan Oetting
participated in international performance groups
and lectured on his work at numerous universities,
including Harvard University and the San Francisco
Art Institute.
CONCORDIA HOSTS
Roden’s experimentation with chance as an organizing
principle for visual and sound compositions made his JURIED ART SHOW
exhibition a unique experience. Paint, drawing, collage,
text, sound scores, video and performance art were all
featured in his “Notations” exhibit. The works of four young artists will soon be
prominently displayed on the walls of Thom
More than 40 people participated in Saturday’s
Leadership Education Center on Concordia’s
workshop in which Roden challenged participants
campus. The pieces were selected from 128
to think and draw beyond traditional boundaries. He
works of art submitted for Concordia’s
encouraged participants to understand that drawing
inaugural Juried High School Art Exhibition.
can be more than just producing a realistic image of an
object. Bockelman explains, “To map the contour of a Works winning the purchase awards were
rugged surface is a drawing. To transcribe sounds into visual “Erase Me” by Brandon Metzler, “Planet
marks is a drawing. To play a color-scaled glockenspiel while Sepia” by Sebastian Tine, “Pop Art Self
looking at a still life of colored objects is a drawing.” Portrait” by Michael Maxwell and “This Hand”
by Mark Sabaliauskas. In addition, “Mammal”
Concordia’s advanced studio art majors had the opportunity
by Michael Maxwell, was recognized as Best
to not only attend workshops, but also to meet with Roden
of Show.
individually and discuss their work.
“There was strong participation and the
“Roden had a new way of thinking about things for everything,”
work was good,” said Don Robson, chair
said senior Todd Meier. “For example, he had us look at a still
of the department of art. “We plan to do
life and draw it with little xylophones. It was quite an amazing
this every year.”
experience. It seems to me that people like him are the ones who
will truly make new inventions.” In all, 94 schools from four states
participated in the show.
A performance with Roden and Concordia students concluded
. 27
the weekend. Roden performed first, taking the stage with a mixer
and a bank of pre-recorded sounds. Much of what Roden played
was ambient sound, such as the crackling of fire or the drone of a
concordia scene
generator. The students joined the end of the performance by playing
the glockenspiels. Within these simple sounds, the audience was
asked to listen for nuances in rhythm, pitch or volume.
One of Roden’s original drawings, his donation to Concordia, has
become part of the university art collection.
...
.
 COLOR
outside the
LINES
Each year, Concordia’s Looking Beyond Speaker
Series brings a diverse set of speakers to campus and
gives Concordia students the opportunity to grapple
with new ideas. This year in celebration of Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day, the Rev. Dr. Victor J. Belton spoke
about the Christian opportunity for service in a
presentation entitled “Color Outside the Lines.”
Introducing himself as a preacher and not a historian,
Belton began his presentation with these words from
Romans, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the
mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your
spiritual worship” (12:1 esv).
The stature that King reached, Belton explained,
was only possible because God called King and he
answered, because he presented himself as a living
sacrifice to God. Belton challenged his audience:
“Each of you has that capacity in the way God has
called you to serve.”
There is a duty, Belton said, to raise a generation
to challenge the status quo in love for others and
in concert with the guide of Jesus Christ. These are
the individuals who need to break boundaries and
“color outside the lines with wisdom.”
“God says don’t fill someone else’s shoes,” he
continued, “but make tracks. Let them fill
your shoes.”
A one-time brick mason and computer operator,
Belton attended Concordia College in Bronxville,
N.Y. and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. He
.

. 29
currently serves as pastor of Peace Lutheran Church
28 concordia scene

in Decatur, Ga. Belton has spoken nationally and

has helped to begin a ministry in Sudan, Africa with

concordia scene
Sudanese Evangelist Pastor Bafel Paul Deng.
Belton’s presentation was made possible through an
ongoing gift from Dr. Martin and Regina Maehr.

...
g Oettin
by Dan
.

.
photo
 CONGRATS GRADS!
.

. 3129
30 concordia scene

concordia scene
Concordia awarded 585 graduate and undergraduate degrees at the 2012 commencement
ceremony held May 5 in the Walz Human Performance Complex arena. Historically, the
class of 2012 earned one of the highest total number of degrees the university has given to
a single graduating class. Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich addressed the class, telling graduates
to “go with abundant gifts, talents and abilities.”
.

.
photos by Dan Oetting and Matt Wingert
 TEACHING THE FROM

HEART
“Teaching comes from the heart,” said assistant
professor of education Amanda Geidel as she
accepted the 2012 Outstanding Teaching Award.
This honor, given during the commencement
ceremony on May 5, recognizes a faculty member
who has been nominated by students and selected
by a committee of students and faculty members
who have previously received the award.
“Receiving this honor is very meaningful to me
because the recipient is chosen by the students,”
said Geidel.
Geidel received her bachelor’s degree in education
from Concordia and her master’s from the University
of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is currently working toward
a doctorate degree in education.
Before teaching at Concordia, Geidel spent six years
working with regular and special education students
Geidel began teaching part time at Concordia
in 2001 and transitioned to full time in 2008. She
currently teaches special education and psychology,
works with moderately handicapped students and
prepares future teachers to include special education
students in regular classrooms.
“I feel so much more sense of mission here, as I truly
believe that what I am teaching the students will
be used in their own teaching careers very soon,”
said Geidel.
“I have this drive to be sure that they ‘get it,’ so my
teaching may be more directed and purposeful,”
she added.
As she accepted the Outstanding Teaching Award,
Geidel spoke about two special education students
who influenced her career choice. These students,
she said, helped her develop a passion for working
with students with special needs.
“I most enjoy working with and making lasting

photo by Dan Oetting

in both Lutheran and public school settings. relationships with the students at Concordia. It is
also so rewarding to see students, who had never
“I really feel that my number one priority at
considered it, choose the field of special education.”

...
Concordia is to prepare my students as best as I
can for working with children and youth who have
special needs,” she said.

student notes Austin Albers, Kirsten Awe, Elizabeth Taylor Baumeister, Sarah Dinger, Heather McAfee, Briar McCoy, Elise Ortmeier, Crystal Bauer received the Brommer Award,
.

. 33
Bargar, Brittany Becker, Nick Butcher, Eden, Andrea Gaide, Caylen Grasz, Lindee Brandon Ramos, Luke Riley, Jennifer Smith, which is given to an art major of junior class
32 concordia scene

Kristin Easler, Martin Kois, Nick Lee, Jackson, Tonya Johnson, Naomi Kuddes, Dane Stahr, Jessica Wagner, Alyssa Wilson standing who exhibits artistic skills and
Andrew Metcalf, Daniel Miller, Tory Petz, Michala Maurer, Emily McAllister, Allison and Luke Wohlgemuth received Marxhausen Christian ideals. Her short film, “Egg Video I,”

Jordan Schultz, Caitlynn Schwehn and
Steven Whitney were inducted into the
Nebraska Omega Lambda chapter of Alpha Psi
Omega, a national theater honor society.
The following dce students begin 12-month
internships the summer of 2012: Jill Andre,
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Rolla, Mo.; Bethany
Andrews, Salem Lutheran Church, Springdale,
Ariz.; Megan Billos, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church,
Oviedo, Fla.; Paige Edgington, Trinity Lutheran
.
concordia scene
Mellick, Zach Pilfold, Stephanie Schroeder, Endowment Awards in recognition of was accepted into a juried exhibition entitled,
Emily Taylor and Megan Thornburg were exceptional ability from across the majors of Little Waves Show, held at the Rotunda Gallery
inducted into Pi Kappa Delta, a national art education, graphic design, studio art and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
collegiate forensic organization. liturgical art.
Rebekah Brisbois, John Chatwell, Natalie
Taylor Baumeister placed fifth at the Gorlock Lara Bergdolt was named Outstanding Jeppesen, Mikaela Klein, Nick Mann, Tory
Gala tournament held at Webster University Freshman in Chemistry for her superior first- Petz, Adam Prahlow, Lauren Root, Aaron
in St. Louis. year performance in chemistry courses. Skipworth, Erienne TeSelle and Nate Von
Rentzell, presented results of their Bio-399
Brittany Becker, Leah Eklof, Kathleen Bergt, James Clause, Connie
ballistics research projects at the Student
Jenelle Hallaert, Micah Kettner, Peter Klinge, Aaron Kortze and
Research Symposium.
Hollenbeck, Hayley Koeritz, Sarah Schultz presented an organ recital at

.
Church, Litchfield Park, Ariz.; Ruth Furr, Our
Laura Kresha, Winonah Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Lincoln.
Father Lutheran Church, Centennial, Colo.; Ethan
Krug, Mary Masur, Alyssa
Volzke, Pointe of Hope Lutheran, Blue Springs, Mo.
 finished
BUSINESS
One of the founding members of Concordia’s business department
and its chair for the past 28 years, Dr. Stan Obermueller, retired
at the end of the spring semester. Concordia praises God
for Dr. Obermueller’s 42 years of service to the Church.
Dr. Stan Obermueller graduated from Concordia
with a degree in elementary education in 1968 and
began his career as a teacher. During his time in the
classroom Obermueller earned a master of science
in education degree from Indiana-Purdue University.
After 12 years of teaching, Obermueller decided
to go back to school at Indiana-Purdue to study
business, earning a post-baccalaureate certificate
in accounting in 1982.
Obermueller earned his Certified Public Accountant
certificate in 1985. His cpa Exam score was the
highest in Nebraska and within the top 120 scores
Obermueller was initially unsure he wanted to return
to his alma mater.
“It was certainly nothing I planned,” Obermueller said.
“I really felt after the interview that Concordia was
where the Lord was leading me—even though I was
being lead reluctantly.”
As Concordia’s first full-time business faculty
member, Obermueller began service as department
chair in 1984, advanced to associate professor in
1987 and to full professor in 1995. While teaching
at Concordia, Obermueller earned his Ph.D. from
Walden University in 1993.
In 2008 Obermueller helped lead Concordia’s
business department to full accreditation through
the International Assembly for Collegiate Business
Over the past three decades, Obermueller has been
instrumental in building a solid business program
that turns out Christian leaders prepared to serve
and lead in church and world.
“I’ve been very satisfied with the growth of our
program,” he said, “but what’s more satisfying to me
is that I’ve had the opportunity to influence people’s
lives in some small way.
“The most important thing has been getting really
successful grads out there. And we’ve done that.”
Although he has officially retired, Obermueller isn’t
quite done with the classroom yet. He will return
to teach a few advanced accounting classes next year.
“It’s nice that I get to ease out by teaching my favorite
classes one more time,” he said.
Obermueller also plans to spend time managing his

photo by Dan Oetting

in the nation. Education (iacbe), the leading outcomes-based father-in-law’s Christmas tree farm, visiting his four
children and seven grandchildren and painting.

...
In 1982 Obermueller received a call from former professional accrediting organization for business
mathematics professor Rich Luebbe to interview programs in student-centered colleges and
for a new position teaching business at Concordia. universities throughout the world.

Daniel Brown, Sarah Dinger, Kara Dunn, Chelsey Creedon was accepted into the Sara Fredrickson received the Wayne and Marcus Gubanyi was named Outstanding
.

. 35
Ryan Fiero, Emily Hemphill, Kaellyn Marrs, doctor of physical therapy program Wanda Lillich Scholarship, which is given Lab Assistant in the area of physics.
Christina Sereda and Hillary Snyder were at Concordia University Wisconsin. to a student in the field of graphic design who
34 concordia scene

Maggie Hein and Brad Pohlmann were

inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, a national exemplifies professionalism within the discipline,
Josh Duncan received the Leo Sieck accepted into pharmacy school at the
English honor society. a high attention to craft and sophistication

Katelyn Butts and Michael Tewes were each
awarded Natural Sciences Scholarships, which
is considered the science department’s
highest honor.
Robert Cody, Kelly Jacob, James Jensen,
Connie Kettner, Peter Klinge, Sarah
Langness, Jordan Miller, Jonathan Poarch,
Brianna Ritter, Ben Sievert and Luke
Wohlgemuth were selected for the 2012
spring honor recital.
.
Scholarship, which is given to a student in the
top ten percent of his or her class who shows
promise and academic potential as an artist
and scholar.
Kristin Easler was accepted into the
illustration graduate program at the Savannah
College of Art and Design, Savannah, Ga.
Kara Einspahr and Alicia Smith were
awarded Science Careers Support Scholarships,
which recognizes students who have
concordia scene
University of Nebraska Medical Center.
toward design or illustration work.
Sarah Heins was selected as an integrated
Andrea Gaide and Samantha
communications intern at the Midwest Dairy
Karnes attended a national
Association in Overland Park, Kan.
Students In Free Enterprise
(sife) Summit in New York City. Grace Hollenbeck received the Class of 1933
Scholarship, which is awarded to a first year
Kelsey Gebauer was accepted to the U.S.
art student who is committed to the Lutheran
Army physical therapy program
teaching ministry and service to the church at
at Baylor University.
large through art and practice.
Kaela Geyer received the Golden Scalpel
Daniel Klinge was accepted into the U.S.

.
demonstrated great potential in the sciences Award as the top student in Gross Anatomy,
early in their college education. Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Program.
Concordia’s human cadaver dissection course.

the
MEETING
What would happen if Martin Luther King, Jr.
and Malcolm X, two of the most influential men
of the Civil Rights Movement, had actually met?
This February in conjunction with Black History
Month, Concordia staged a dramatic reading
of The Meeting, Jeff Stetson’s one-act play that
Megan Kophamer and Aaron Kortze were
.
selected as the newest members of Pi Kappa
36 concordia scene
Lambda, a national music honor society
recognizing the music achievements of
students and faculty.
Aaron Kortze was accepted into the graduate
music program at the University of Notre
Dame.
Louisa Mehl and Rebecca Monnier were
selected as fellows by the Lutheran Malaria
Initiative and will travel to Africa in the summer
of 2012.
Todd Meier was accepted into the master of
fine arts program in painting at Boston College.
.
He also received the prestigious Constatin
Alajalov Scholarship.
Kaylie Mellema and Jessica Wagner will
have photographs featured in Nikon USA’s
publication Best of College and High School
Photography 2012.
Heidi Niedfeldt placed sixth at the Gorlock
Gala forensics tournament held at Webster
University in St. Louis.
Andrew Rogers was accepted into the
doctorate of chemistry program at the
University of California, Berkeley.
Nate Sindt was accepted into the doctorate
for biological chemistry program at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
proposes an answer to such a question. The play
captures a hypothetical dialogue between Malcolm
X and Martin Luther King, Jr. one week prior
to Malcolm X’s assassination in 1965. It explores
both similarities and differences between the two
leader’s views.
Preston Sunderman and
Drew Oswald presented
papers at the Great Plains
Undergraduate Theology
Conference held at Sioux Falls Seminary in
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Erienne TeSelle was named Outstanding Lab
Assistant in the area of chemistry.
Rebecca Walker was accepted into the
architecture graduate program at the University
of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Levi Wiseman was named Outstanding Lab
Assistant in the area of biology.
The reading was organized by director of theatre
Bryan Moore. Moore took on the role of Malcolm
X with seniors Patrick Tyrance III and Charles
Washington playing King and Malcolm X’s body
guard, Rashad, respectively.
Moore wanted to raise awareness of the efforts
and messages of these two men through the
reading. In the play, King and Malcom X’s conflicting
approaches to improving the lives
of African-Americans is symbolized by the men arm
wrestling to a tie at the end of the performance.
“Though their methods differed greatly, they both
had similar interests for and the best intentions of
African-Americans,” said Moore. “More generally, I
hope it shows how much we can learn from each
other through dialogue instead of just impulsive
action or avoidance.”
The two performances were well-attended, filling the
etting
Thom Leadership Education Center auditorium.
photo by Dan O
“We received a positive response to the play by both
campus and community members,” said Moore. “I
had a few people relate the information in the play
to their own experiences during the time of the
Civil Rights Movement, which is always exciting. I
was especially humbled by the student response,
including those who wrote their thanks for and
shared their experiences watching and learning from
the play. As an artist and educator, I strive for and
appreciate that level of engagement of the audience.”
...
Alicia Wosepka was chosen for an internship
. 37
this summer at Concordia Publishing House
in St. Louis.
Students from the Cell and Molecular
concordia scene
Undergraduate Research Group celebrated
Brain Awareness Week by teaching the
students at St. John Lutheran School about
brain health and their senses. They also
presented at the Seward Memorial Library
a review of the drug development process
and the classes of drugs now used or being
developed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s
disease.
.
 FAMILIES
are developing opportunities for families to meet The theme of giving families a window into the
professors. One popular Concordia event, “CU on Concordia experience is also echoed by director
Mainstreet,” in which each academic department of student life Charles Gebhardt. “The last time most

WELCOME
sets up a booth in a common area on campus, has
been scheduled during Family Weekend.
“The purpose of CU on Mainstreet has always
been to allow students to meet faculty from all
departments, explore different majors or learn
more about the major they’ve already chosen,”
said Julie Johnston Hermann, director of student
It’s no secret that college students’ relationships—with their servant leadership.
friends, siblings, parents and grandparents—change when they “Moving CU on Mainstreet to Family Weekend
allows parents to talk with faculty in a relaxed
move out of the house and into the dorms. Concordia has and open way. Certainly many parents talked with
always sought to support students and their families through the
parents were on campus was when their son or
daughter moved into the dorms. Since move-in time
is pretty hectic, Family Weekend gives parents the
opportunity to see what their child’s dorm floor is like
once everything has settled down and relaxed a bit.”
Pastor Joe Rodriguez from Liberty, Mo., the father
of senior Joey and sophomore Emmalyn, thinks Family
Weekend is a good idea for parents. “It’s nice to have
the chance to go up and make sure they’re doing
okay,” he said. “In November it’s been a while since
you’ve seen them, so the draw for me is having the
opportunity to spend some time with them.”

...
professors during campus visits before their children
enrolled, but now that they’re here, they likely have
college transition, but this fall Concordia will be offering a new new questions.”
opportunity in its first stand-alone Family Weekend Nov. 2-4.

Family Weekend was designed
through a collaboration of campus
departments and will feature an
opportunity for parents, siblings,
grandparents and extended family
to visit Concordia and partake in an
open schedule of events—including
athletic contests, arts performances,
academic open houses, a breakfast
with President Friedrich and more.
“Parents and families will get a
chance to see the day in the life of
their college student,” said Marty
Kohlwey, assistant director of
student life. “They’ll not only be able
to sit in on a class, but they’ll also
see the community that’s become
To learn more about Family Weekend as updates become available, visit www.cune.edu/FamilyWeekend
Alumni & Friends Eastern Europe Tour
May 15–27, 2013
Join the University A Cappella Choir, President Friedrich and fellow alumni and
friends on a breathtaking, luxurious tour of Eastern Europe. Take in the Bavarian
Alps with its famed castles and lakes. Embark on a river cruise inspired by classic
ocean yachts down the beautiful Danube River, with daily onshore excursions,
bike tours and wine tastings. Sample Mozart in Vienna, and finally conclude
your tour in Budapest.
Come, travel with your Concordia friends and family—experience the
beauty of God’s creation, explore the historic sites of Eastern Europe,
the thrill of the music on an international choral competition and

. 39
their student’s home-away-from- so much more!
.

home. Family Weekend is about

38 concordia scene

Travel itinerary and reservation details are available from the alumni
connecting a student’s home family
office at 800–535–5494, ext. 7341 or alumni@cune.edu. Space is limited.

concordia scene
with their Concordia family.” Reservations confirmed by October 1, 2012 will guarantee a savings
In addition to providing a chance of least $200 per person and the best available cruise cabin options.
photo by Dan Oetting

for students to share their Concordia

friendships, academic departments
.

.
 PLAY AS A
WIN AS A
At a time when basketball fans are star struck by
TEAM. “This was a special team. It wasn’t about one player—
players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, when a they sacrificed for each other, trusted each other and
team goes 36-3 it seems only natural to wonder what trusted the coaching staff,” said head coach Drew
.

. 41
star player elevated the team to that level of success. Olson. “I am so proud of this team.”
40 athletics

For the Concordia women’s basketball team— Things began to come together for the Bulldogs against

athletics
that clinched both the gpac regular season and the Briar Cliff Chargers, who were ranked second
tournament titles and advanced to the semi-finals of in the nation at the time, at home on Dec. 7. In that
photos by Dan Oetting

the naia national tournament—time on the court contest, sophomore Lori Laboda drilled a game-tying
was never about single-star power. three pointer with 14 seconds left in regulation as
.

.

Concordia rallied from an 11-point deficit to force
overtime. The Bulldogs eventually claimed an 89-87
victory, outscoring Briar Cliff 24-11 over the final
nine minutes.
“Beating the number two team in such an intense
situation was a big accomplishment,” said senior
Amber Kistler. “It showed all of us that we were as
good as or better than any team in the nation.”
The Bulldogs went on to win 24 of the next 25 games,
including the final 15 games of the regular season.
That streak propelled Concordia’s rise in the national
rankings as they eventually reached the number two
spot on Feb. 6.
The team began the post-season with three
comfortable victories in the gpac tournament,
sending the Bulldogs into the naia National
Championship with an 18-game winning streak.
Concordia faced Sterling College (Kan.) in the
opening round of the tournament. Junior Katie
Rich led the Bulldogs with a season-high 20 points,
helping Concordia coast to a 78-54 victory.
Concordia’s next opponent was 15th ranked Cardinal
Stritch (Wis.). Defense was key to secure this win, as
the Bulldogs established their dominance with a
12-1 lead in the opening five minutes and held the
Wolves to a shooting percentage of just 22 percent
in the first half. Four Concordia players finished in
double figures, led by 13 points each from Rich and
Laboda in the 69-48 win.
Just one win away from the second NAIA
semi-final appearance in school history, Concordia
met seventh-ranked Grand View (Iowa). This time
it was Kristen Conahan’s turn to step forward. The
sophomore guard led the Bulldogs with a season-
high 26 points on 10-of-14 from the field. Despite
Conahan’s performance, Concordia needed
to overcome a 10-point deficit in the final period.
.
Trailing 63-62 with 7:59 left, the Bulldogs mounted
42 athletics
a 13-3 surge. Rich and freshman Bailey Morris
combined for 12 points during the run.
“The run we had at the end of the season was
awesome. In so many games, we needed big plays
to be made. Time and time again our players came
up with the plays,” commented Olson.
.
“They had an incredible will to win.”
Unfortunately Concordia’s ride came
to a stop in the naia semi-finals
as the Bulldogs lost to College
of Ozarks, 74-70. Rich and Kistler
led the way for Concordia,
finishing with 20 and 17
points respectively.
Following the season, Kistler
looked back fondly on her
final season as a Bulldog.
“This was an unbelievable
season. I’m just glad God
blessed me to be part of
such as wonderful team.”
...
ing
Oett
Dan
o by
phot
CIT
champs
The Concordia Invitational Tournament is one of
the longest-standing traditions both among the
Concordias and in college basketball. This year
Concordia Nebraska left it all on the court as they
clinched both the men’s and women’s titles.
“It was a clearly-stated goal of this year’s team that
we wanted to win the cit championship,” said men’s
head coach Grant Schmidt, who this year tied the
record for the most cit titles with 16.
“It’s really a credit to the program,” he added. “The
tradition has continued to be passed down and
cherished by all the players in our program year in
and year out.”
This year’s tournament included Concordia
University teams from Ann Arbor, Mequon and
Seward in addition to Chicago, the tournament host.
The Bulldog men won over the CU-Wisconsin
Falcons to claim the championship title. As a result
of tournament play, Porter Birtell and Beau Smith
were named to the cit All-Tournament Team. Smith
was also named tournament mvp.
The Bulldog men’s basketball team has earned 24
championship titles since the tournament began in
1951. The Bulldogs last earned the title in 2009.
The Bulldog women won over CU-Ann Arbor in the
final round. This was the team’s fourth title in the last
five years, boosting their record to 15 of the last 17
championship wins.
Katie Rich and Amber Kistler were named to the
cit All-Tournament team. Kistler was also named
tournament mvp.
. 43
Participating Concordias take turns hosting the
annual tournament. Concordia Nebraska will host
athletics
next January’s contest in Seward.
...
.
 SPORTS
summaries Golf
Concordia golf programs climbed from last place finishes in the gpac in 2010-11 to a ninth
place finish for the women’s team and an eighth place finish for the men. Juniors Chelsea
Peck, Lincoln, Neb., and Makenzie Deutschman, North Platte, Neb., capped the 2011-12
Baseball women’s season by earning spots on the all-gpac women’s golf team. Peck led the Bulldogs
in the gpac championships with a combined score of 354 to place ninth overall at +65.
Concordia set a new school record with 25 victories Deutschman, meanwhile, delivered a combined score of 371 (+82) to finish in 15th place.
in 2012. The Bulldogs closed the season 25-28 to place
sixth in the gpac. Unfortunately the season ended
with back-to-back losses in the gpac tournament.
Senior Zak Goodrich, Lutz, Fla., was an all-gpac first
team selection, while junior Ray Finley, Tucson, Ariz.,
and freshman Andrew Yerrell, Santa Fe, Texas, were
named to the all-gpac second team. Six Bulldogs
earned all-gpac honorable mention: seniors Josh
Anderson, Westminster, Colo., Anthony Flores, Craig,
Colo., Steven Ivanoff, Tucson, Ariz., Martin Rodriquez,
Tucson, Ariz., junior Kyle Ivanoff, Tucson, Ariz., and
freshman Michael Hodges, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Men’s Basketball photos by Dan Oetting

and Matt Wingert
Despite finishing with just a 13-17 overall record, the
2011-12 Concordia men’s basketball season delivered
several highlights. Two of the most impressive
achievements of the season came from senior Tyler
Byrd, Bennington, Neb., and junior Porter Birtell, Softball
Madison, Neb. The duo each reached the 1,000-point Concordia ended the 2012 season with a 20-19 overall
mark during the 2011-12 season. Birtell did so on mark and a 13-7 record in gpac play to finish third
Feb. 1 in the Bulldogs’ 67-47 win over Nebraska in the conference. The Bulldogs went 1-2 in the gpac
Wesleyan, and Byrd reached the mark just 11 days tournament, winning their opening round before
later in an 87-83 loss to Dordt. The two combined to bowing out with consecutive losses. Following the
post 733 points this season led by 516 for Birtell. Byrd season, seniors Nicole Sempek, Columbus, Neb.,
finished his Concordia career with 1,095 points, while Alyssa Bauwens, Perryville, Mo., junior Natalie
.

. 45
Birtell will enter his senior season with 1,084 points. Svoboda, Lincoln, Neb., sophomore Shelby Morose,
44 athletics

Birtell collected several honors, including naia All- Claremore, Okla., and freshman Molly Madsen,
American recognition. Birtell and junior Beau Smith, Thornton, Colo., were named to softball all-gpac

athletics
McKinney, Texas, were named to the Omaha World teams. Sempek received the highest honor, earning
Herald All-Nebraska naia team. Birtell, Smith and a spot on the all-gpac first team. Madsen and
freshman Joel Haywood, Lakewood, Colo., earned Svoboda earned all-gpac second team recognition,
all-gpac honors. Haywood was named the gpac co- while Bauwens and Morose earned all-gpac
freshman of the year. honorable mention.
.

.

Tennis
The Concordia men’s and women’s tennis programs
battled through the 2011-12 season, bowing out
in the opening round of the gpac tournament.
The men’s squad finished the year with an 8-11 record,
while the women’s team finished 7-10. Four players
from each team were recognized with all-gpac
selections. Seniors Danny Frastaci, Parma, Ohio, and
Jeremy Jank, Hastings, Neb., junior Cole Egger, Galva,
Iowa, and sophomore Nathan Wingfield, Greendale,
Wis., nabbed the honor. Receiving honors for the
women were juniors Lindsea Vaudt, Kalispell, Mon.,
and Mikaela Barz, San Antonio, Texas, sophomore
Katelyn Koll, Wilber, Neb., and freshman Grace
Hollenbeck, Wheat Ridge, Colo.
Dance
In its third year of competition,
the dance team finished third
in the Challenge Cup at the 2012 nca/
nda Collegiate Cheer and Dance
Championship in April.
Track and Field
The Bulldogs had another spectacular year in track
and field. The indoor season concluded with 25
Bulldogs heading to Geneva, Ohio, for the naia
Indoor National Championships. Senior Martha
Meineke, Denver, Colo., sophomore Jamie Crouse,
Belgrade, Neb., and freshman Brittany Erdmann,
Chanhassen, Minn., highlighted the tournament
with finishes in the top eight spots to earn
All-America honors in the mile run, weight throw
and shot put. Concordia’s 4x800 and 4x400 men’s
relay teams also achieved All-America status.
Concordia’s outdoor season raised the bar even
higher as the women’s team won the GPAC
Championship by 30 points and head coach Kregg
Einspahr claimed his third GPAC Women’s Coach
of the Year honor in the past four years. The Bulldogs
sent 27 representatives on to the NAIA National
Championships to close the season in Marion, Ind.
Concordia claimed four individual All-America
honors and two relay team All-America accolades.
Individual honors went to senior Lauren Eickemeyer,
Houston, Texas and Erdmann in the shot put,
and senior Sara Retzlaff, Pierce, Neb, and Crouse
in the hammer throw.

Wrestling
After ranking nationally in the top 20 all season, the
tenth-ranked Bulldogs headed to the naia National
Championship with eight wrestlers qualified to
compete: sophomore Adam Joseph – 133, Hastings,
Neb., sophomore Jacob Williams – 141, Rio Rancho,
n.m., sophomore Alex Stepanek – 141, St. Paul, Neb.,
junior Brandon Starkey – 149, St. Paul, Neb., junior
Alfredo Torres – 174, Pamona, Calif., freshman Seth
Crane – 184, North Platte, Neb., senior Julian Silva
.

. 47
– 197, Covina, Calif., and sophomore Dillon Heesch –
46 athletics

heavyweight, Dayton, Iowa. Three Bulldogs earned

All-American honors: Joseph with a fifth place

athletics
finish, and Silva and Williams each with eighth place
finishes, all in their respective weight class. Joseph
and Williams were named to the all-gpac first team,
while Torres and Heesch were second team all-
conference selections. 
.

.
 Reconnect, Remember,
Bulldog Classic Golf Tournament at Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln, Neb.
You’re Invited! Special Events for Alumni and Friends!
July 27

RENEW
Register online at www.cune.edu/golfclassicpayment
“First Day of College” Photos
July 23 and 30—Jump Start Days
Aug. 10, 17 and 24—Weekend of Welcome (wow)
Welcome for new students and their families sponsored by the Concordia Alumni Association.
Annual Alumni Athletic Events—Volleyball, Football and Soccer
Visit www.cune.edu/athletics for game times and locations.
Homecoming & Alumni Reunion
Fan Appreciation Day Tailgate BBQ and Football Game
Aug. 25—Bulldog football vs. Benedictine College October 12–14, 2012
lcms Fall Professional Church Work Conferences in select Districts
Visit the Concordia University, Nebraska exhibit for your alumni gift and attend special gatherings Come join us for the chance to reconnect, remember and
as scheduled with the district conference committees. renew your experience at Concordia!
Musical Arts Day Concert in the Walz Human Performance Complex arena This year’s homecoming and alumni reunion celebration will
Oct. 26 include a special emphasis on music. Special events include
Visit www.cune.edu/music for further details and scheduling.
the opportunity to observe band and choir rehearsals
Family Weekend and roundtable discussions in the area of music education,
Nov. 2–4
traditional and contemporary church music and ensemble
Families of Concordia students are invited to visit campus, attend classes, special arts presentations,
athletic events and much more. See firsthand what your student’s daily life is like! leadership. Concordia music professors Dr. Kurt von Kampen,
For complete schedule and featured events visit www.cune.edu/FamilyWeekend Andrew Schultz, Jessica Kite, Cassie McMahan,
Lutheran Hour Ministries Reformation Service
Peter Prochnow and Dr. Charles Ore will lead the sessions.
Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. in the Walz Human Performance Complex arena. Also included in the schedule of events is a hymn festival
Celebrate the heritage of the Reformation with Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Greg Stultz, and organ recital by Dr. Charles Ore ’58 and Paul Soulek ’07.
the University A Cappella Choir and Brass Ensemble.
Concordia’s Founders Day Celebration—Chapel Service and Reception
Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Christmas at Concordia Concerts and Holiday Buffet Dinner
Dec. 7–9
Concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7
Concerts at 3 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 with Holiday Buffet Dinner between concerts
Concert at 3 p.m. on Dec. 9
Note change of weekend and additional Friday evening concert. Online registration
will be available Nov. 1. Visit www.cune.edu/ChristmasatConcordia
Scholarship Parade of Homes
Dec. 9 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Tour Seward area homes all decked out for the holidays and support the efforts of alumni and
friends to raise scholarship funds. Online registration available Nov. 1. Visit www.cune.edu/SPOH
Lutheran Invitational Tournament

. 49
.

Jan. 4–5­in the Walz Human Performance Complex arena

48 alumni news

62nd Annual Concordia Invitational Tournament

alumni news
Jan. 25–26, 2013
Come cheer on the Bulldogs in the Walz Arena when Concordia hosts this annual tradition
of basketball, alumni gatherings and inter-collegiate competition.
Special CIT weekend alumni events:
• Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Breakfast, Saturday, Jan.26 at 8:30 a.m.
• All-Alumni Reception between the Saturday Consolation and Championship games, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Games begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan.25 and at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26.
Visit www.cune.edu/CIT for complete schedule information.
.

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Homecoming 2012 Registration Form—Register online at www.cune.edu/homecoming
Please return by Friday, Sept. 7, 2012 or register online beginning Aug. 1.
Homecoming & Alumni Reunion Schedule of Events
Attendee Information       (Please PRINT. Note name as it should appear on badge.)

Name____________________________________________________ Class Year(s) _______________________

Friday, Oct. 12
Name____________________________________________________ Class Year(s) _______________________ Concordia Nebraska
Alumni Association 8 a.m. Golf Outing (Contact scc; 402.643.6659; mention Concordia for reduced rate)
Street Address______________________________________________________________________________
8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Visit Day for prospective students (register online at cune.edu/VisitDay)
City__________________________________ State______________________ Zip________________________ Alumni Awards
8–9 a.m. Visit Day Registration – tlec Mainstreet
Phone ( )_________________________________ Email _________________________________________ Church Worker of the Year 9:30 a.m. Chapel
For confirmation of reservation and credit transactions Ronald J. Royuk 10–5 p.m. Homecoming & Reunion Registration/Check In – jcc Main Lobby
chs ’59 and co ’63
Honored Reunion Year College & Concordia High School Classes of 1937, ’42, ’47, ’52 and ’62 10–11 a.m. Music Department Reunion Round Table Discussions
Lay Worker of the Year 11:30 a.m. Golden Years Reunion Lunch – complimentary for current and former
The Concordia medallion is a special engraved memento of your years at Concordia. Gerrod K. Lambrecht ’97 golden reunion alumni (reservations required)
Members of the above honored reunion classes may order the medallion. _______ x $25 = $__________ Young Alumnus of the Year 1–3 p.m. Alumni Pictorial Historical Revue – tlec Auditorium
Kurt M. Jostes ’07 1–2 p.m. Music Department Reunion Round Table Discussions
Please indicate which year(s) to engrave_______________________________________
Lifetime Service Award 1:30–4 p.m. Campus Open House – Wander the halls, visit with faculty and students,
Events Requiring Registration and/or Tickets Dr. Charles W. Ore ’58 see the latest at Concordia!
Dr. Leah M. Serck ’58
See the complete schedule of events online at www.cune.edu/homecoming 1:30–3 p.m. Heritage Society Reception & Presentation – Link Library
Dr. Theodore R. von Fange
Name tag(s), event tickets and a detailed schedule with locations of events will be included in your packet at registration. chs ’35, co ’38, co ‘41 3 p.m. Guided Campus Tour – leaves from jcc Main Lobby
Please fill in the number of people attending each event below. All prices include tax. Partners in Mission
3:30–4:30 p.m. Gala Recital featuring Faculty/Ensembles/Students – Music Building
and Ministry Award 5–6 p.m. Music Reunion Reception (reservations required)
Friday, Oct. 12 Duane H. co ’74, gr ’89 and 5–6 p.m. Welcome Home Social Hour (reservations requested)
chs and ctc Classes of ’37 through ’62 Reunion Lunch (complimentary) Number attending _________ Mary E. (Cash) Hilgendorf 6 p.m. chs Class of ‘62 Dinner & Class Meeting – Seward Country Club
co ’73, gr ‘89 (reservations required)
Music Reunion Reception (complimentary) Number attending _________
Church Leadership 6–7 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (reservations required)
“Welcome Home to Concordia” President’s Reception/Social Hour (complimentary) Number attending _________ in Outreach Award
7–9 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Program
Jerold D.
chs ’62 Golden Reunion Dinner ______ x $15 = $_______________ chs ’62, co ’70, gr ’77 and
Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet ______ x $15 = $_______________ Karen J. (Fredericks) Markin
co ’84
Advance tickets: adults, $15; 4–12 yrs., $8.50; 3 and under, free ($17 and $10 at registration) ______ x $ 8.50 = $_____________ Saturday, Oct. 13
Friend of Concordia Award
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Number attending _________ Fred Schmidt 8 a.m. Breakfast with the President (reservations required)
Honorary Alumni Award 9 a.m. “Concordia’s Top 10 – What Are Yours?” – Pres. Brian Friedrich
Saturday, Oct. 13 Jeffrey A. Craig-Meyer 9:30–11 a.m. Alumni Awards Presentation
Breakfast with the President ______ x $10 = $_______________ Honored Year Reunion Guests 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Homecoming Fair
Advance tickets: adults, $10; 4–12 yrs., $6.50; 3 and under, free ($12 and $8 at registration) ______ x $6.50 =$______________ 50th Reunion of the chs Class of 1962
11 a.m.–12 p.m. Organ Hymn Sing/Recital Featuring Dr. Charles Ore and Paul Soulek
75th Reunion of the Class of 1937*
Alumni Awards Program Number attending _________ 70th Reunion of the Class of 1942* 12 p.m. Music Reunion Group photo – Recital Hall
Old-Fashioned Pre-Game Tailgate Barbecue on the Bulldog Stadium Concourse ______ x $10 = $_______________ 65th Reunion of the Class of 1947* 12–1 p.m. Alumni Pictorial Historical Revue – Walz hof or Viewing Suite
th
60 Reunion of the Class of 1952* 12:30–1 p.m. Honored Years Class pictures in Walz
Advance tickets: adults, $10; 4-12 yrs., $6.50; 3 and under, free ($12 and $8 at registration) ______ x $6.50 =$______________ 40th Reunion of the Class of 1972*
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pre-game bbq Tailgate (reservations are required)
30th Reunion of the Class of 1982
TOTAL $ 25th Reunion of the Class of 1987 1 p.m. Football Game (tickets are needed)
20th Reunion of the Class of 1992 5 & 7 p.m. Women’s and Men’s Soccer
Payment Options 10th Reunion of the Class of 2002

. 51
5–8 p.m. Class Reunion Get-togethers (see cune.edu/homecoming
5th Reunion of the Class of 2007
Check enclosed (made payable to Concordia University, Nebraska) Check number____________________________ for location and host details)
*College and Concordia High School
Visa MasterCard American Express (circle 0ne) 9 p.m.–midnight Homecoming Dance

alumni news
Credit card number _________________________________________ exp. date_________________________ Athletic Hall of Fame
Name as it appears on card (please print)__________________________________________________________
Inductees
Please note: There is a $2 credit card processing fee.
Sunday, Oct. 14
Register online at cune.edu/homecoming beginning Aug. 1 OR Vic Peter ’56
8:30 a.m. Worship at St. John (A Cappella/Brass Ensemble featured)
Matt List ’91
Mail entire page and payment by Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, to Rachael Geidel Burger ’01
For a pdf document of this form and for the latest Visit www.cune.edu/Homecoming for the complete schedule with times and locations.
Concordia University, Nebraska, Attn: Homecoming Registration–Weller 206 Jennifer Davis Schwartz ’05
information, visit www.cune.edu/homecoming
1991–92 Men’s Basketball Team

.
800 N. Columbia Ave. Contact the alumni office at 800-535-5494, ext. 7408,
Seward, NE 68434 or via email at alumni@cune.edu with questions.
 ALUMNI
NOTES
Walter O. Bartels hs ’39 co ’52
celebrated 70 years of ministry
and his 90th birthday. After retiring
from teaching and his position
as principal at Immanuel Lutheran
in Albuquerque, n.m., he continues to serve
as organist, choir member and Workday participant.
Ernest Freudenburg hs ’64 co ’69
and his wife, Kathy, of Rochester,
Minn., will serve as directors of Adult
Lutherans Organized for Action
at Colorama Lutherhostels I and II,
held at the Heartwood Retreat Center in Trego, Wis.,
the weeks of Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. aloa identifies and
serves the needs and interests of Lutheran senior adults.
Dr. John Fricke ’66 was appointed as adjunct curator
at the Michigan State Entomology Museum. His wife,
Karen Maurer ’66 Fricke, volunteers at Sparrow
hospital. The Frickes live in East Lansing, Mich.
Dr. David Polnick hs ’68 co ’72 is publishing
a book in honor of his wife Mary Ann Meimerstorf
’73 Polnick. Mary Ann died Feb. 3 after a three-year
battle with frontotemporal dementia. David is a
retired superintendent of the Abilene Independent
School District. Mary Ann taught for 35 years.
Marilyn Marcinco ’69 Kent co-authored
Perpetually Preying Praying Mantis.
Kent retired after 36 years as a teacher.
Warren Frank ‘70 played John Bergfeld in the
movie Walther produced by Concordia Seminary,
St. Louis. He directed the musical The Fantasticks
for Monroe Actors Stage Company in Waterloo, Ill.,
His wife, Ann Voges ‘71, was the musical director.
.
52 alumnotes
Rev. Thomas Chopp ’72 of Monroe,
Wis., offered the invocation at a rally
for Senator Rick Santorum on March
27. He presented Santorum a Risen
Christ Crucifix imported from
Germany as a welcoming gift to Wisconsin.
.
Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas ’72 was granted tenure
by the board of directors of Lutheran Theological
Southern Seminary in Columbia, s.c., on March 9.
He is the associate professor of church and ministry,
the North Carolina Men in Mission professor of Bible
and mission and the director of African Descent Outreach.
Cassandra Jones ’72 Wagener received the
outstanding educator of the year from the
Minnesota South District of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod. Wagener,
in her 36th year of teaching, currently teaches third
grade at Trinity Lutheran School in Waconia, Minn.
John Reeb hs ’73 co ’77 earned his doctorate
in ministry leadership from Trinity Seminary
in Newburgh, Ind., in March 2011. Reeb lives
in Colorado with his wife, Deborah Thome ’78 Reeb.
Raymond L. Mueller’s ’74 donation of a kidney
on April 3 began a chain that resulted in four transplants
on that day. He is a self-employed video producer
and lives with his wife, Mary Beth, in Stanhope, n. j.
They have three children: Hannah, Luke and Grace.
Randy Einem ’76 was honored by the
National Association of Elementary
School Principals as one of the nation’s
61 best elementary and middle school
principals. Einem is principal of St. John’s Lutheran School
in Orange, Calif., and chairman of the National Lutheran
School Accreditation’s executive board. He and his wife,
Karen Graft ’76 Einem, have one daughter, Tracey.
James Sollenberger ’76 received the
2012 Reams Family Award for Excellence
in Teaching. He teaches sixth grade
at St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Columbus, Ind.
Gwen Bedient ’78 joined the u.s. Foreign Service in March
2010 as a member of the 112th Specialist class, serving
at the u.s. embassy in Algiers, Algeria. In September
she will move to the u.s. Mission to the Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development in
Paris, France.
Michael Heidtbrink ’78 represented the
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans southwest
region in El Salvador in May. He resides in San
Diego with his wife, Elaine ’79 Malotky, and
three children. Their oldest son, Seth Heidtbrink ’10,
teaches at Heartland Lutheran in Grand Island, Neb.
Terry Wetzel ’79 is a 2011 Texas Baseball Hall
of Fame inductee. He is a major league baseball
scout with the Colorado Rockies.
Kim Weinhold co ’81 gr ’95 Marxhausen won the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Education
and Human Sciences Outstanding Graduate Student
Teacher Award and is working on a doctorate
in educational psychology at unl. She also teaches
in Concordia’s early childhood master’s program.
David Steinbacher ’83 was selected as the 2012
Science Teacher of the Year by the Academy of Science
in St. Louis, Mo., and memc Electronic Materials. He teaches
at Lutheran High School in St. Charles County, Mo.
Dr. Douglas Tewes ’83 and wife,
Denise, announce the adoption
of a daughter, 12-year-old Kristina Elizabeth
from the Ukraine. Pictured with Kristina
and her parents is the Tewes’ son, Tom.
Joy Malchow ’89 Barefoot
and husband, Tom, rejoiced in the
birth of their son, Luke Daniel, on June
22. Luke was welcomed by big sister,
Rachel. Joy works at Divine Shepherd
Nursery, and Tom coaches volleyball and substitute
teaches for Omaha and Bellevue Public Schools.
Peter Morkert ’90 successfully defended his dissertation
on Traits of Successful School Principals on July 27, 2011,
at Argosy University in Phoenix, Ariz. He currently serves
as principal of Madison Rose Lane School in Phoenix.
Sherry Moentmann CO ’93 GR ’01 has completed
her second master’s degree. She earned a Master
of Arts in English from Pittsburg State University
in July 2011. She is an adjunct English instructor at
two different higher education institutions.
Geoffrey Heinicke ’97 graduated with a master
in public health degree in health management
and policy from the University of North Texas
Health Science Center. He is now the environmental
health manager for Plano, Texas.
Lisa Holloway ’97 O’Brien is the 2012
Lutheran Education Association’s
Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood
Administrator. She works as an
administrator at Shepherd of the Desert
Lutheran School in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Michael Weider ’98 and Sarah Blakley
’97 Weider taught in Indonesia
for four years. Michael is now enrolled
at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in the
alternate route program. Michael and
Sarah have three children: Gabriel, Sheralynn and Bethany.
Elizabeth Krenz ‘99 married Ryan
Laux on Nov. 26, at St. Lorenz Lutheran
Church in Frankenmuth, Mich.
Lisa teaches first grade at St. Lorenz and
Ryan drives a semi for the local flour mill.
April Fett co ’99 gr ’06 Reed
announces the birth of twin boys,
Tyler and Nicholas, on April 23, 2011.
Jered Sprecher ’99 was a visiting artist and lecturer at the
University of Iowa Art Building West in February. He teaches
at the University of Tennessee and received a John Simon
Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship award
in 2009. He is married to Christine Bergt ’98 Sprecher.
Jessica Dawson ’00 Mouis
. 53
and husband, Keith, welcomed twin
daughters, Mylee Ann and Bella Rae,
Sept. 22. The family resides in Yorkville,
Ill., where Jessica is a special education
alumnotes
teacher at Cross Lutheran, and Keith
is a senior loan officer for Mortgage Services III.
.

Brady Gurganious ’00 and wife,
Lark, welcome Ruth Eloise, born Feb.
12. Brother, Noah, and sister, Miriam,
are excited to have a little sister.
Dr. Korrey Klein ’01 and wife,
Alana, announce the birth
of a son, Tucker James, on Oct. 8.
Jill R. Naeve ’02 Lorenz released the
book, Remembered Always: Our American
Soldier, on Dec. 13. She works as a poet
and day care provider in Columbus,
Neb., where she lives with her family.
Aaron ’03 and Maria Schardt ’03
Castens celebrated the birth
of Brielle Barbara on April 11. Brielle
was welcomed by big sister, Lexi.
Aaron works for the Crohn’s
and Colitis Foundation of America, and Maria teaches
math at Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas, Nev.
Michael Kipp ’05 began as director of Christian
education at Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa
Falls, Wis., in February. He serves as director of youth
and families and assists with the music program.
About Alumni News
Concordia welcomes news of alumni accomplishments
and other milestones in the lives of alumni. Alumni news needs
to be submitted directly by the featured alumni rather than
a third party. When submitting a death notice, please send a copy
of the obituary, if possible, and include the names and class years
of any survivors who attended Concordia, Nebraska. All submitted
items may be edited. Address updates can be made
at www.cune.edu/broadcaster.
.
In Memoriam
George Bluma hs ’33 co ’49
Christine Otte ’08 married Brad
Alwin Wied hs ’35 co ’38 gr ’48
Mary Lou Benesch gr ’07 will represent Ekberg of Osmond, Neb., July 1,
the Plains Region on a teacher advisory panel in Denver, Colo. The couple resides W. Edmund Hafemeister hs ’36 co ’39
for the International Reading Association. in Pierce, Neb., where Christine Elizabeth Kutsch Brandt ’37
This is Benesch’s 17th year teaching is a director of Christian education Iddo Heinicke hs ’41
at Dodge-Howells Elementary School in Schuyler, Neb. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Lawrence Dittmar ’42
David Moeller ’42
Constance Kruse ’07 and Captain Heidi Bartlett ’09 was accepted to Rhoda Roemhildt Swonger ’45
Bryan Powell, U.S. Air Force Reserve, graduate school at the University of
Paul Hillmann ’46
were married in Raleigh, n.c., Iowa. Her Master of Fine Art emphasis
Lois Schormann Evans hs ’47 co ’64
on 11.11.11. They won a Veteran’s will be in intermedia and drawing.
Duane Blobaum ’48
Day wedding through Operation
Marry Me Military. The Powells reside in Atlanta, Ga. Kenneth Seevers ’49
David Hasseldahl ’09 and Lisa Piel were married
on July 9 in Marengo, Ill. Parents of the groom Edward Lochmoeller ’51
William ’07 and Kristen Peters are Cindy (Moderow) Hasseldahl ’80 and Greg Darlene Kollmorgen Oerman hs ’51
’08 Newell announce the birth Hasseldahl ’81. Also in the wedding was the groom’s Esther Hembd Todd ’51
of Josiah Phillip on Dec. 12. brother, Kevin Hasseldahl ’06. David and Lisa Gail Hummel ’54
Josiah weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. teach at Zion Lutheran School in Marengo, Ill.
Dennis Sprandel ’56
William Ebel ’57
Jonathan Jank co ’08 gr ’11 and Christopher Whirrett ’08 Carson Stokebrand ’09 graduated in August from the
Pauline Franz Day ’58
achieved a world record by coordinating efforts to play 80 University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Master of Arts
hours, 30 minutes and 15 seconds of Ultimate Frisbee. degree in journalism with an emphasis in broadcasting. Sandy Weich Cates ’61
Whirrett went on to establish a flying disk company. Jank Stokebrand received the Hitchcock Graduate Virginia Hufnagel Dowding-Thelen ’61
is director of economic development for Seward County, Neb. Fellowship award for his documentary project which Ernest Quillen ’61
explored undocumented immigration in Nebraska. Robert Esch ’62
Erlyne Rupprecht Ernst ’62
Charista Zehnder ’10 Baye graduated with a master’s Ronald Pfluger ’64
in business administration from Creighton University Ardis Gnewuch Radintz ’64
Class Endowment Update in May. She plans to start her own business.
Larry Lebrecht ’65
Total Gifts & Pledges as of May 31, 2012 Lynn Niemeier ’65
Class of 1932 Endowment – $259,521
Ashton Mueller ’10 and Brett Waite ’11
were married at St. John Lutheran
Richard Luttrell ’68
Church in Seward on January 3. Lynn Ponivas ’69
Class 1933 Scholarship Project Endowment – $111,662
Ashton edits grant proposals Jerald Heuer ’70
Class of 1941 Endowment – $149,192
at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Dennis Meyer ’71
Class of 1946 Church Worker Endowment – $94,584
Brett is completing additional degrees in Michael Moddelmog ’71
Class of 1948 Endowment – $13,959
math and physics at Concordia. The Waites live in Seward.
Class of 1950 Scholarship Endowment – $23,190 John Pride ’72
Class of 1952 Endowment – $52,284 Mary Meimerstorf Polnick ’73
Class of 1956 Scholarship Endowment – $31,919 Meghann Pinter ’10 and Nicholas Yosten Robert Ziegler ’75
’11 were married June 25, 2011 in the Smokey

. 55
Concordia High School Class of 1956 Endowment – $27,412 Mike Light ’77
Send submissions to Alumni@cune.edu or, by post, to Concordia Mountains of Tennessee. They now live
Concordia High School Class of 1957 Endowment – $19,173
54 alumnotes

University, Nebraska, Alumni News, 800 North Columbia Avenue, in Farmington, Mo., where Meghann teaches Cynthia Stolte Tysdahl ’77
Class of 1958 Scholarship Endowment – $13,765
Seward, Nebraska, 68434. fifth grade at St. Paul Lutheran School, Sandrel Knight Lakoh ’81

alumnotes
Class of 1959 Scholarship Endowment Fund – $47,570 and Nick works in siding construction. Gene Prussman ’88

...
Photos are welcome, whether printed or digital versions. Photos Class of 1960 Scholarship Endowment – $28,887
will not be returned. When possible please send your photograph Laura Genter Geske ’96
Class of 1961 Scholarship Endowment – $39,150
as a jpeg attachment along with your email submission of news. Class of 1962 Church Work Scholarship Endowment – $12,810 Kirk McCoy ’96
A submitted digital photo should have a minimum of 1200 pixels Kathy McConaughey Starr ’05
on its longest side. We encourage photos with the alumni in the Concordia High School class of 1962 Scholarship Endowment – $23,882
picture. Please note that sending an image does not guarantee its Class of 1970 Scholarship Endowment – $18,645 C.W. Allerheiligen Honorary Alumnus
publication. Please submit items for the winter 2012 issue by Oct 1. Class of 1972 Endowment – $38,174
.

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 NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE

800 North Columbia Avenue

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PERMIT 1322
Seward, NE 68434 BOLINGBROOK, IL

Calendar
Visit www.cune.edu/events for the most recent schedule and ticket information. Home openers and major meets or tournaments are listed below for athletics.
July October December
27 Bulldog Golf Classic, 4 Osten Observatory Open House, 2 Senior thesis opening reception
Hillcrest Country Club, Lincoln 8–9:30 p.m. in Marxhausen Gallery from 1 to 4 p.m.
5–6 Experience Art Day, Brommer Art Center with artists’ talk at 2 p.m.
August 7 Judgment and Grace: The Story of Noah 7 Visit Day for prospective students, visit
24–26 Weekend of Welcome (wow) from the Collection of Carl Rehwaldt www.cune.edu/VisitDay to register
for new students opening reception in Marxhausen Gallery 7 Christmas at Concordia concert,

25 Football home opener vs. Benedictine, 6 p.m. from 1–4 p.m. with exhibit talk at 2 p.m.
St. John Lutheran Church, 7 p.m.
26 Opening service, 12 Visit Day for prospective students, visit
7 IMPROVables Performance,
St. John Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. www.cune.edu/VisitDay to register Studio Theatre, 7:30 & 9 p.m.
27 Fall Term Begins 12–14 Homecoming, Alumni Reunion 8 Christmas at Concordia concerts,
27 Weekend, see pages 49–51
The Original Art Show: Celebrating the St. John Lutheran Church, 3 & 7 p.m.
Fine Art of Children’s Book Illustration 19 Fall Break 9 Scholarship Parade of Homes,
open through Sept. 28, Marxhausen Gallery 26 Musical Arts Day Concert, Seward, 12–5 p.m.
Walz Arena, 7 p.m. 9 Christmas at Concordia concert,
September 28 Symphonic Band & Concert Band concert, St. John Lutheran Church, 3 p.m.
1 Men’s soccer home opener Hillcrest E-Free Church, 3 p.m. 14 Winter JazzFest, Weller Auditorium,
vs. William Woods, 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
6 Observatory Open House, November 16 Handbell Concert, Recital Hall, 3 p.m.
Osten Observatory, 9–10:30 p.m. 1 Chamber Orchestra Concert, 16 Advent Service, St. John Lutheran Church,
7 The Original Art Show reception, Recital Hall, 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
Marxhausen Gallery, 1–4 p.m. 1 Osten Observatory Open House, 17 University Concert Band Concert,
11 Community Blood Bank Blood Drive, 8–9:30 p.m. Weller Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Cattle Conference Room, 2 Women’s basketball home opener
Janzow Campus Center, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. vs. McPherson, Walz Arena, 8 p.m. January
11 Volleyball home opener vs. Doane, 2 Into the Woods Performance, 4–5 Lutheran Invitational Tournament (lit)
6/7:30 p.m. Weller Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. 14 Spring term begins

15 Cross Country at Woody Greeno Invite, 2–4 Family Weekend, see pages 38-39 14 isms: Concordia’s Permanent Collection
Lincoln, 10 a.m. 3 Into the Woods Performance, in Context open through Feb. 15,
19 Women’s soccer home opener Weller Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Marxhausen Gallery
vs. York, 5 p.m. 4 Lutheran Hour Ministries Reformation 19–20 Indoor Track hosts PolarDog Indoor Meet
Service, Walz Arena, 3 p.m.
20–22 Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival 19–20 Sleet and Snow Forensics Invitational
21 Plum Creek Play Performance, 4 Into the Ashes II: Recent Drawings 21 Visit Day for prospective students, visit
Studio Theatre, 7 p.m. by Marlene Mueller open through Dec. 17, www.cune.edu/VisitDay to register
23 Music Faculty Showcase Recital, Marxhausen Gallery 24–26 Men’s and Women’s basketball
Recital Hall, 3 p.m. 9 Visit Day for prospective students, visit
hosts Concordia Invitational Tournament
28 IMPROVables Performance, www.cune.edu/VisitDay to register 27 isms: Concordia’s Permanent Collection
Studio Theatre, 7:30 & 9 p.m. 9 Into the Woods Performance, in Context opening reception from 1 to 4
30 Weller Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
Judgment and Grace: The Story of Noah p.m. in Marxhausen Gallery with exhibit
from the Collection of Carl Rehwaldt, 9–10 Concordia basketball hosts Cattle Classic
talk in Thom Leadership and Education
open through Nov. 10, Marxhausen Gallery 16 Founders Day chapel, 9:30 a.m. Center Auditorium at 2 p.m.
17 Men’s basketball home opener
vs. Mount Marty, Walz Arena, 4 p.m.
19–23 Thanksgiving Recess
29 Wrestling opening home dual
vs.York College, 7 p.m.
The Broadcaster is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper made by a clean tech paper mill that reduces energy consumption by 50%, water usage by 40% and greenhouse gas emissions by 35%.