"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him" (Col. 2:6).

Community! We are mere weeks away from welcoming new and returning students, faculty and staff to the Concordia
University, Nebraska community. It will be the 125th time a community has gathered to begin an academic year at 800
North Columbia in Seward. It is no small thing to consider the power and importance of community as we begin another
academic year. In fact, it is so important that, as the community assembles, new banners will greet them to accent and
emphasize what is most important about our community: the Promises of a Lutheran Education.
Drafted two years ago, the Promises articulate boldly and clearly who Concordia is, why it is here and how it is
equipping students to learn, serve and lead in church and world. Four promises in four words: Community, Inquiry,
Purpose and Wisdom. Note, however, that Community is first among them, for it is from Community that the other
three promises flow and find fulfillment.
Put simply, the promise of Community is “guidance given and grace extended in the context of meaningful relation-
ships.” We want every student, faculty and staff member, each alumnus, friend, Seward neighbor and campus visitor
to know Jesus Christ is the heart of our community and enables its members to care deeply and serve faithfully. The
guidance here given stems from God’s divine guidance as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. The grace here extended
flows from Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, who loved us so much He lived, died and rose to pay the price for sin
and give all who believe in Him the gift of eternal life.
Sometimes when I talk about Concordia, listeners suggest I am describing a perfect place. Perfect this community
is not! However, by God’s grace and guidance, through the work of sinful yet forgiven human beings, our community
thrives. In it, God is at work shaping and sharpening, forming and fashioning people through “dynamic, life-shaping
learning experiences and relationships as they discover, pursue and realize their vocational callings.”
This edition of Broadcaster gives slices and snapshots of some of the amazing people and powerful actions that help
fulfill our promise of Community. Thank you for your participation in it and your prayers and support of it!

Blessings,

The new addition of the Dunklau Center for Science, Math and Business will feature 58,000 square feet of space which will connect to the
north side of the renovated Science Hall to create space for two lecture halls, eleven class rooms, research laboratories and faculty/staff offices.
Brian L. Friedrich
photo: courtesy of Sinclair Hille Architects
President

2 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 3

Broadcaster Staff
Director of Marketing
Seth Meranda GR ’17
Editor
Danielle Luebbe
Art Director
Michael Scheer ’14
Contributors
Jake Knabel
Sue M. Roush
Designers
Liliana Barrientos ’20
Brooke Gettman ’20
Emmi Moll ’18
Chelsea Wohlgemuth ’18
University Administration
President & CEO
Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich
Provost
Dr. Tim Preuss ’83
Executive Vice President, CFO & COO
David Kumm
Senior Vice President for
Enrollment Management & Marketing
Scott Seevers ’89
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Kurth Brashear
Vice President for Student Affairs & Athletics
Gene Brooks CO ’91 GR ’03
Board of Regents
Mrs. Krista Barnhouse CO ’95 GR ’01, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Stuart Bartruff, Omaha, Neb.
Dr. Dennis Brink, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Ryan Burger ’04, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Robert Cooksey CO ’84 GR ’90, Omaha, Neb.
Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Seward, Neb.
Rev. Eugene Gierke, Seward, Neb.
Rev. Keith Grimm, Andover, Minn.
Mrs. Gail Hawkins, Omaha, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Hu, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Mr. Richard Huebner, Centennial, Colo.
Mrs. Jill Johnson GR ’17, Seward, Neb.
Mrs. Bonnie O’Neill Meyer, Miami Beach, Fla.
Mr. Paul Schudel, Omaha, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Schwan ’72, Appleton, Wis.
Rev. Richard Snow, Seward, Neb.
Dr. Andrew Stadler, Columbus, Neb.
Mr. Erik Vieselmeyer, Holyoke, Colo.
Rev. James Woelmer GR ’99, Plano, Texas
About the Cover
Illustration: Emmi Moll ’18
Concordia University, Nebraska’s supportive,
Christ-centered community of students, faculty,
staff, parents, alumni and friends strengthens
and develops each other spiritually, academically
and personally. We are truly grateful to serve
our local, national and global communities!
© 2018 Concordia University, Nebraska
Faculty and Student
Highlights
Discover the many accomplishments
of our students, faculty and staff.
cune.edu/highlights
Mystery Photo
6
Good Works
Dr. Kathy Miller’s sociology classes
experience the impact of sociology in
practice firsthand.
10
A Light on the Path
Well, that’s one way to hitch a ride! Can anyone tell us more about this house (and its passenger)? Email us at broadcaster@cune.edu!
The 2018 Young Alumnus of the Year,
Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe ’05, rediscovered
his faith at Concordia.
Mystery Solved
continues Rich. “At one point, Gary Drefke ’66 came down
the center aisle from the back pushing a broom, wearing
coveralls, with a sign ‘Schmedlap for Garbage Collector.’
He proceeded to the front, made a left turn—sweeping
all the while, as we chanted ‘Schmedlap for GC’ over
and over. Then to cheers and laughter, the mysterious
14 candidate went out the side door into the night, never
to be seen again.”
Life Support But apparently, the mysterious candidate WOULD
be seen again the next year. Dan Rath ’66 also recalls
Concordia alumnus Jason Hesman ’98 It seems that the elusive Mr. Schmedlap had a long and
Schmedlap...but not the “Schmedlap-mobile.” Dan writes,
knows that God will direct your path, storied political career!
“The caption to your picture referred to the 1967 year-
even if you’re not paying attention. Rich Steinbrueck ’66 remembers Schmedlap’s rise
book. I graduated in 1966 … Now, a year later in 1967, a
to power. “A group of us working in the book bindery
Schmedlap ‘mobile’ shows up. We never incorporated
of the library with several other dorm friends invented
that into our campaign. Evidently someone expanded
the campaign to run ‘Schmedlap for Garbage Collector’
on our innovative personality and gave him a ‘mobile.’”
16 Concordia Scene as a spoof on the student body elections,” Rich recalls.
We can’t help but wonder: was Mr. Schmedlap ever
“We made and put up campaign posters all around the
elected garbage collector?
26 Athletics campus with slogans like ‘Schmedlap for G.C.—He will
clean things up!’” We love hearing from our readers!
“The mystery was solved when he made a public appear- Have feedback or comments on our latest issue?
34 Alumni & Friends ance during the evening when student body candidates
We want to hear from you! Email the editor at
broadcaster@cune.edu.
were giving speeches in the auditorium/chapel/theater,”
#GoHigher Broadcaster 5
Good
Works
story: Danielle Luebbe
illustration: Chelsea Wohlgemuth ’18
photo: Payton DeVencenty ’18
Dr. Kathy Miller’s sociology classes don’t just learn in
the classroom. They experience sociology in practice in
real-world situations.

L ong tables piled high with bedding, clothes and books

fill the floor of the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lin-
coln, Nebraska. It looks like a swap meet or flea market,
colorful and filled with the hum of life. Hundreds of people
wander the aisles, picking up books to read the blurbs, trying
on jackets, asking one of the grey-shirted volunteers for
directions to a specific table. Intermixed among the aisles
of housewares and clothing are stations for medical check-
ups, dentists and even hair stylists, while a makeshift café
serves warm food in the corner.
This is Project Homeless Connect, an annual one-
day, one-stop event sponsored by the Lincoln Homeless
Coalition, where individuals and families who are
homeless or nearly homeless can come to receive
immediate on-site services, support and goods, from med-
ical and behavioral health counseling to housing applica-
tions to personal care. Last year in Lincoln, an estimated
451 people didn’t have a place to live, and even more were
close to losing their homes.
Project Homeless Connect began in San Francisco in
2004. Since then, it’s been held in over 220 communities
across the United States. The first Project Homeless
Connect in Lincoln was held in 2009. Every year, among
the volunteers, you’ll find some familiar faces from
Concordia University, Nebraska.
 Project Homeless
Dr. Kathy Miller, professor of sociology at Concordia, knows
that the best way for students to practice the techniques
they learn in the classroom is with firsthand, real-world
experiences like Project Homeless Connect. Every year,
Miller, her cultural anthropology class and anyone else from
the campus community who wants to volunteer make the
trip to Lincoln, where they serve as “navigators.” Navigators
are paired up with individuals or with a family, leading
them through various stations and helping the individual
or family find the support services and goods they need.
“It affects the young and the old both, men
and women, those with addictions and those
without, people from middle-class families
and those who grew up in poverty.”
“For my field, it’s especially important because the
families find out all these social services that are available,”
Miller says. “And even if they don’t stay in this area, now
they have a sense of what is out there for them to use.”
Project Homeless is an eye-opening experience for
those who participate, whether they are there to utilize
the services offered or volunteer as a navigator.
For Zachary Barz ’18, last October was the third time
he’d volunteered as a navigator for Project Homeless.
“This experience revealed for me where many of my ste-
reotypes lie in terms of how I think about homelessness,”
he says. “It’s not only a matter of mental health or drug
addiction; those things can definitely play a role, but it is
something that can happen for a variety of reasons: loss
of a job, a missed rent check resulting from funeral costs
after a death in the family or an unjust landlord. It affects
the young and the old both, men and women, those with
addictions and those without, people from middle-class
families and those who grew up in poverty.”
His sister, Megan Barz ’18, also found the experience
enlightening. “Each individual I worked with had such an
interesting life story and generously shared pieces of their
life with me,” she says. “While I was there to help them
with whatever they needed, I was also able to connect with
people as humans, showing them respect and care. Proj-
ect Homeless was an awesome way to minister to people
through conversation and action. “
8 Broadcaster cune.edu
Volunteers from Concordia served as navigators at Project Homeless Connect in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Released and Restored
Project Homeless isn’t the only way Miller encourages
her classes to serve the community. She also takes classes
to visit local Nebraska prisons.
One of the ways the students can help prisoners
is by volunteering through Released and Restored, a
program that provides inmates and ex-offenders with
tools to help them lead productive lives after they are
released. Volunteers with Released and Restored teach
job readiness and life skills and help the inmates create
a plan for living a moral, ethical and legal life as part of
the community.
“My favorite part is that you can leave with a sense that
you have in a small way made a difference,” says Justus
Thompson ’18, who volunteered with Released and Re-
stored through Dr. Miller’s service learning course. “Vol-
unteering is a very rewarding experience, and it helps us
learn more about the concepts we cover in class. Learning
the classroom material and then being able to experience
those concepts is invaluable.”
The classes sometimes attend chapel with the prisoners
as well. “Sitting through a Lutheran worship service is
very different when you’re hearing the Gospel message
as you’re sitting there singing and praying with prisoners,
knowing that you take for granted what you have and
your freedoms,” Dr. Miller says. “It’s a huge gift to the
men when we come because it validates that they are
children of God, too. The men love to give advice to my
students as well and try to prevent them from ending up
in prison. It’s just a wonderful experience.”
Service Learning
Many of Dr. Miller’s students find ways to volunteer in
areas where their own passions lie. Elizabeth Plasek ’18
worked with Southeast Nebraska Court Appointed Spe-
cial Advocates (CASA) to help them plan their annual
Superhero Fun Run. “Some of my responsibilities includ-
ed talking to possible sponsors, contacting city officials
regarding road closure and mapping out a route for the
race,” says Plasek. “But my favorite part of the whole
experience was seeing all of our work come together on
the day of the race. Everything ran relatively smoothly,
and we raised over $1,200 for abused and neglected
children in the area.”
For Plasek, the experience didn’t stop once the event
was over. “My volunteering actually led to an internship
with CASA,” she says. “I started working with them over
the summer of 2017, and I'm still with them today. Not only
did this class lead to a meaningful experience, it also gave
me a fantastic internship that has allowed me to give back.”
All of these students know that the lessons they learned
volunteering will stay with them, whether they are search-
ing for careers in sociology or psychology or something
completely different. Through the out-of-class experiences,
they get to apply textbook knowledge to the real world. They
also learn something that can’t be taught in class, but has
to be discovered individually.
As Zach Barz explains, “Ultimately, it was a reminder
for me that ministry is about people and relationships and
that we have a God who is bigger than any situation and
any problem.”
#GoHigher Broadcaster 9

Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe grew away from his faith. Then he transferred to Concordia.
A Light on
the Path
story: Danielle Luebbe
photos:: Michael Scheer ’14, courtesy of Heath Trampe ’05
While studying at Concordia, Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe ’05
discovered that God had an unexpected future planned
for him.
O n paper, Heath Trampe looks like the typical Con-
cordia University, Nebraska alumnus. A native of
Kearney, Nebraska, Trampe received a bachelor of arts
degree in interpersonal communication from Concor-
dia and a master of divinity and doctor of ministry in
leadership and missions from Concordia Theological
Seminary. He is the lead pastor at Faith Lutheran Church
in York, Nebraska.

Trampe helped lead the 2004 Concordia Bulldogs Cross Country
Team to a GPAC championship.
But once upon a time, Trampe could have never guessed
where God would lead him. While he is a typical alumnus,
Trampe was not a typical Concordia student. In fact, he
almost wasn’t a Concordia student at all.
Trampe’s first college of choice was a state school,
where he ran cross country. He excelled academically
and athletically, but not spiritually. “There was nothing
wrong with the school,” Trampe says, “but I managed to
abandon my faith and fall in with a group of friends who
weren’t good for me. After careful deliberation with my
parents, we decided that my life needed a change.”
By the time Trampe transferred to Concordia, he was
already a senior. “If I’m being honest, I wanted to go to
Concordia primarily because of their stellar running
programs,” says Trampe. “At the time, I wasn’t that in-
terested in God or the Bible. But God had other plans.”
A moment in class changed Trampe’s life forever. “I was
20 when I took my first New Testament class,” he says.
“Even as a lifelong Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
member who went to church most weeks, I didn’t realize
then that there were four gospels. I’m not proud of this
memory, but I hope others can find inspiration in it. I was
convinced, after we had studied Matthew and moved onto
Mark (two similar, but utterly distinct, accounts of Jesus’
earthly life and ministry), that my Bible was a misprint. I
reasoned that the Bible wouldn’t record Jesus’ ministry
more than once. When it hit me just how far behind my
classmates I was, I went to my dorm room and wept. I
had a high GPA going into my senior year, but I knew less
about the Bible than my eight-year-old currently does.”
In that moment, God lit a fire under Trampe. He Trampe pauses for a family photo with his wife Andrea, and sons, Jonathan and Andrew.
began to reconnect with the faith and Savior he had
abandoned. “God worked through Concordia to save my and his wife, Andrea, traveled to Latvia as LCMS Glob- school changed my life so dramatically,” says Trampe. “I
life,” Trampe says. ally Engaged in Outreach (GEO) missionaries. In 2009, was always a solid student, but Concordia inspired me to
Trampe’s first book, “Extraordinary News for Ordinary be a good person. More importantly, my time at Concordia

“God worked through Concordia People,” a Bible study devotional, was published. He earned
his master of divinity and doctor of ministry and began
equipped me with an understanding of Jesus Christ and
my Christian faith that I simply had not possessed when

to save my life.” sharing God’s love as a pastor.

For two years, Trampe worked on earning his degree,
helped the cross country team win conference and regional
titles and strengthened his faith. “Concordia prepared
me for the rest of my life, and my friends and teachers
encouraged me to take my faith seriously,” says Trampe.
“Once I had tasted and saw that the Lord is good, I had
an insatiable appetite to learn more about Jesus Christ
and His work for me,” he says. After graduation, Trampe
After serving as associate pastor at St. Peter’s Luther-
an Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Trampe accepted a
call closer to home: as senior pastor of Faith Lutheran
in York, Nebraska, just down the road from Seward and
Concordia. “I enjoy proclaiming Christ crucified and
sharing life with brothers and sisters in Christ,” he says.
“There is nothing like it.”
It’s a career path and a life that he attributes to God,
his faith and Concordia. “Since graduating in 2005, I have
felt like a poster boy for Concordia, if only because the
I arrived in 2003.”
Heath Trampe was named Concordia’s 2018 Young
Alumnus of the Year for a simple reason: he lives his faith
every day and strives to share and grow God’s kingdom. He
serves and leads in his community, in his church and in the
world. And that, more than anything, is what makes him
the most traditional, typical and worthy-of-celebration
Concordia alumnus of all.
“I am humbled by this recognition,” Trampe says of
the award. “I truly owe Concordia so much. For them to
recognize my work and my life in this way is amazing.”

12 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 13
 Life Support
story: Danielle Luebbe
photo: courtesy of Jason Hesman ’98
Jason Hesman ’98 trusts the Lord to guide his steps in
every aspect of his life, from personal relationships to
job opportunities.
J ason Hesman believes that God will guide you down
the path He has laid out for you, whether you want
Him to or not. As proof, Hesman recalls meeting his now-
wife, Amy (Brassie) Hesman ’98 at Concordia University,
Nebraska. “She had her roommate call me and ask if I
would go on a group date with her,” Hesman recalls. “It
was football season, so I was always in bed early and they
woke me up. I was half asleep, probably a bit grouchy, and
I told her roommate, ‘That’s not really my thing.’ I went
back to bed. A few weeks later, Amy approached me at a
gathering, and I met the girl of my dreams face-to-face.
To this day, when she uses the line, ‘That’s not really my
thing,’ I know I’m in trouble. This is proof that the Lord
directs you in the path that He made for you, and He
won’t let you miss out on the right opportunities.”
Meeting his future wife wasn’t the only opportunity
that was presented to Hesman while he was completing
his undergraduate sport and fitness administration
degree at Concordia. Hesman also wanted to work as
a volunteer paramedic or firefighter after graduation,
though he wasn’t considering it as a full-time career.
So during his time at Concordia, he began volunteering
with the Seward Fire Department as an emergency
medical technician.
While Hesmen fielded many calls during his time as
an EMT in Seward, there was one call that would change
the trajectory of his life.
The call was for a diabetic emergency. The woman
who needed assistance was rapidly becoming less
and less responsive. “As an EMT, we provide basic life
support,” Hesman says. “So all I could do was talk to this
patient and hold her hand, telling her she would be fine.”
The woman was transported to the hospital and made
a full recovery.
Jason Hesman found his calling while volunteering as an EMT for the Seward Fire Department. Months later, their paths crossed again. “At a Christmas
party with my wife, a woman came up to me and told
14 Broadcaster cune.edu
me that I was the voice that spoke to her when she was
unconscious,” says Hesman. “She told me that I should
continue my career in the healthcare field.” That patient
helped Hesman take a leap of faith. After graduation, he
decided to shift his focus to becoming a full-time paramedic.
Hesman moved to St. Louis, Missouri, earned his
master’s degree in health administration and became a
paramedic, just as he’d promised his former patient. The
chief paramedic of his ambulance district recommended
Hesman apply for a job with the Transport Team at
St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “I spent the entire work
day thinking about his suggestion, but I wasn’t sure
that working with pediatric patients was right for me,”
Hesman says. “During my downtime at work that day,
all I could think about was whether or not I should apply
for the job. Just before the chief went home, I walked
into his office and told him I would apply. He pulled
the application from his briefcase, smiled and told me
he knew I wouldn’t pass up the incredible opportunity.
When the Lord opens doors, you must follow.”
Hesman got the job and worked his way up through
management. For 15 years, he was in charge of aviation
and ground units for St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Now,
Hesman works as an area manager for Central Missouri
Air Methods, a company that offers fully-staffed medical
service helicopter patient transports. As the manager of
five bases, Hesman is in charge of day-to-day operations
of the bases, from payroll to staffing pilot and paramedic
shifts, making sure the team is prepared for whatever
the day may bring. “I love knowing that we are literally
a lifeline for people who need us during a difficult time
in their life,” says Hesman. “This is our purpose, and we
must do it to the very best of our ability.”
Whatever God’s plan is for you, trust in Him, says
Hesman. “He will always guide you during the ups and
downs; never doubt His perfect plan.”
#GoHigher Broadcaster 15

Concordia Scene
COMMUNITY
Habitat for Humanity
Ten students from Concordia University, Nebraska spent
their spring break serving in Colorado on a Habitat for
Humanity trip, along with two Seward County Habitat
volunteers. The group helped repair and improve a habitat
house that had become run down.
ACADEMICS
New Provost
Dr. Tim Preuss ’83 accepted the call to serve as provost
of Concordia University, Nebraska beginning July 2,
2018. As provost, Dr. Preuss will serve as the chief ac-
ademic officer of the institution, overseeing all under-
graduate and graduate academic departments, programs
and faculty, as well as serving as the senior academic of-
ficer of the University Cabinet.
SPEAKER
Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote
Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, Jr. presented on campus as
part of Concordia’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
celebration. Gray serves as director of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod Black Ministry.
COMMUNITY
Giving Back
During Concordia’s second annual Day of Giving on
Thursday, March 22, students made and tied dozens of
blankets that were donated to Food Fort, a non-profit
organization in Lincoln that seeks to provide meals and
other resources to children in low-income neighborhoods.
16 Broadcaster cune.edu
MUSIC
Broadway at the Boulders
Concordia University, Nebraska’s University A Cappella
Choir performed songs from hit Broadway musicals in-
cluding “Into the Woods,” “My Fair Lady,” “Jersey Boys”
and others. The annual Broadway at the Boulders concert,
traditionally held outdoors on the Holthus Family Plaza,
was moved to Weller Auditorium due to weather.
ACADEMICS
Outstanding Teacher
Dr. Joseph Herl, professor of music, was presented with
the 2018 Outstanding Teaching Award at Concordia’s com-
mencement ceremony on May 5. The award is presented
to a full-time faculty member who has been nominated
by students. Upon receiving the award, Dr. Herl said, “I
have failed many times, and I help my students who fail.
We’re all failures and God accepts us anyway.”
SPEECH
Speech Team Earns Awards
Concordia’s Speech Team placed second in the medium
school (Division II) category of the Nebraska Intercolle-
giate Forensics Association (NIFA) State Championship.
They also earned seventh place in Individual Events
Sweepstakes for Division III schools in the National
Forensic Association National Championship.
MUSIC
A Cappella Spring Tour
Concordia’s University A Cappella Choir traveled to
Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana for its annual
spring tour in March before concluding with two local
area concerts in Lincoln and Seward.
Trending
COMMUNITY
Outstanding Woman in Business
Joan Tanderup of Seward, Nebraska was honored as the
2018 Outstanding Women in Business by the Concordia
University Business Club. Tanderup is the president and
@ CUNE
ICYMI, here’s a look at some of Concordia’s most popular
CEO of Seward Motor Freight; she is the 15th recipient social media posts from spring 2018.
of the annual award.
Congratulations, #CUNEGrad Class
ACADEMICS
of 2018! May God guide your steps
Regional Programming Contest as you serve, inspire and celebrate
Nine Concordia students on three teams showcased their others on your path into the future.
computing knowledge at the regional section of the annual Provost Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke
and the rest of the Concordia com-
Association for Computing Machinery’s International
munity are praying you discover
Programming Contest. your calling, serve a higher purpose
and make the world a better place.
THEATRE
Older Days
Concordia’s Theatre Department presented “Older Days,” a
play written and directed by Michael Duffy ’18. The play is a
dramatic comedy centered around a young man who achieves
wealth and popularity through a sudden success, and how
he is changed by the event and the people he meets. It was Oh, there you are, #Spring.
#SnapCUNE
performed at the Olde Glory Theatre in Seward, Nebraska.
ART
Annual Student Art Exhibition
The best of Concordia student artwork was on display at
the Marxhausen Gallery of Art in April. Art majors are Watch this space over the coming
required to enter their work to be judged. If accepted, their months as #CUNE begins work
on the new Dunklau Center for
artwork is displayed in the gallery, and they are eligible Science, Math and Business!
for scholarships and awards.
COMMUNITY Tomorrow is Concordia’s second
New Members annual #CUNEDayofGiving! Madison
Concordia Foundation Nebraska elected Jean Petsch Pitsch '19 tells us what Day of Giving
is and all the different ways you can
of Milford, Nebraska, as board chair and Kris Holoch of
support #CUNE.
York, Nebraska, as vice chair of the foundation board of Visit cune.edu/dayofgiving to find
directors. Four members were also added to the foundation out more!
board to serve three year terms: Dan Buman of Auburn,
Nebraska; Byron Hansen of Kearney, Nebraska; Dick
Helms of Arapahoe, Nebraska; and Glenn Van Velson of
North Platte, Nebraska.
#CUNE has been ranked in the top 100
ACADEMICS “Best Online Education Programs” by
Psychology Awards U.S. News and World Report for 2018,
an increase of 50 spots from last year!
Five students from Concordia presented at the 38th
Annual Great Plains Students’ Psychology Conference /concordianebraska
in Topeka, Kansas. Heather Engdahl ’19 placed first /CUNE
in her session, while Mary Janovich ’18 and Vincent /concordianebraska
Beasley ’19 placed second. /concordiane
#GoHigher Broadcaster 17
 THEATRE
Spring Theatre Productions
Concordia presented “Shakespeare on the Green” in
February. The show uses comedic narration to modernize
and abridge versions of Shakespeare’s plays. Students also
performed six one-act plays during the annual One-Act
Play Festival in April. The students in Concordia’s play
production course each select a play, conduct auditions

125 Years
and rehearse with the cast before performing for the public.

COMMUNITY
Golden Reunion

of Service
Over 100 alumni from the Concordia class of 1968 returned
to campus to celebrate their Golden Reunion during
commencement weekend. Campus tours, presentations,

Join Concordia as we celebrate 125 years of
equipping men and women for lives of learning,
service and leadership in the church and world!
2018 EVENTS
Aug. 19
Opening Service to the 125th Academic Year
Breaking Ground
socials and meals provided the opportunity for attendees
to reconnect and reminisce. The class also led the com-
mencement procession into Walz Arena.
ACADEMICS
Academic and Research Symposium story: Sue M. Roush
Concordia’s 8th annual Academic and Research Symposium photo: Michael Scheer ’14
was the largest ever, featuring 80 poster presentations and Construction began on the Dunklau Center for Science,
oral sessions from a variety of disciplines, including art, Math and Business, an innovative learning space that will

St. John Lutheran Church, Seward, Nebraska biology, computer science, communication, education, serve students for many generations to come.

English, geology, health and human performance, history,

C
Aug. 24 intercultural studies, mathematics, physics, psychology oncordia broke ground on the Dunklau Center for The Dunklau Center for Science, Math and Business
Community Dinner and Movie and theatre arts. Science, Math and Business on Thursday, April 5, will include 58,000 square feet of new construction and
Weller Hall Lawn
ART 2018, thanks to the largest single gift in university history 28,000 square feet of renovated space in the current
Aug. 29 Art Student Featured from the Rupert Dunklau Foundation. Concordia president science building for a combined total of 86,000 square
Faith and Family Night at the Lincoln Saltdogs The artwork of Concordia student Jordyne Vanselow ’19 Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Mr. Larry Shepherd and Rev. feet. The lead gift combined with the donations of other
Haymarket Park, Lincoln, Nebraska was featured in the University of North Carolina 9th Paul Dunklau, both from the Dunklau Foundation, Mr. generous donors will fund the entire $24 million project.
Annual Asheville’s International Contemporary Draw- Paul Schudel, chair of the Concordia Board of Regents, The Dunklau Center will house the academic depart-
Sept. 22 Ms. Clara Rich ’18, a senior biology and music major, ments of science (biology, chemistry, physics, environ-
ing Exhibition. Vanselow’s drawing, “DANGER: Do Not
Homecoming Celebration and All-Class Reunion and Dr. Kristy Jurchen, associate professor of chemistry mental science), math, business and computer science.
Stand or Sit,” was one of forty-eight pieces selected for
Concordia Campus participated in the ceremonial breaking of ground to There will be five biology labs, three chemistry labs, two
the exhibition from over eleven hundred entries.
signal the beginning of construction. physics labs and two computer science labs. Research labs
Oct. 6 COMMUNITY
“More than fifty years ago, Concordia Teachers for each discipline, a gross anatomy lab and a greenhouse
Concordia Day at the Zoo Spring Break Service
College did something visionary – it opened a science will also be featured in the facility. When completed, it will
Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, Nebraska Six members of the Concordia University women’s soc-
hall, a facility dedicated to equipping teachers to teach include 11 classrooms and two lecture halls, all equipped
cer program spent their spring break in Las Vegas with
Nov. 16 science to their future students,” said Friedrich. “Today, with state-of-the-art technology.
Urban Plunge doing mission work along the Vegas strip,
Founder’s Day Concordia again takes a visionary step by breaking Additionally, the facility will provide collaborative
interacting with homeless communities in the area and
Concordia Campus ground on a new home for the natural sciences, math, spaces for students and faculty to work together in flexible,
organizing meals and clothing donations for children.
computer science and business. We break ground on a adaptable environments. A nearly 1,000 square foot collab-
Nov. 30­—Dec. 2 transformative project that will enhance opportunities orative laboratory extending above the campus quad will
Christmas at Concordia: for instruction, research and collaboration. We visibly be prominent, providing space for large and small group
Celebrating 125 Years of Music demonstrate our commitment to equip women and student projects and study, classes, programs and meetings.
St. John Lutheran Church, Seward, Nebraska men to serve and lead in God’s world in these vital For updates on the Dunklau Center for Science, Math
For more information go to cune.edu/125. vocations.” and Business, visit cune.edu/dunklau.

18 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 19
 photos: Allison Brooks ’19

From left: Annie Friesen ’18 receives her diploma

from President Brian Friedrich. Having faith helped
this graduate earn her degree. John B. Merz ’74
is given the Distinguished Service Award by Dr.
Jenny Mueller-Roebke HS ’69 CO ’73 GR ’81;
other honorary award recipients include Doctor
of Laws William W. Biggs, Doctor of Laws Rev.
Dr. Robert Rosin and Master Educator Cherie
Werner ’91. Graduates process in the traditional
last walk across campus. Rehema Kavugha CO

Commencement 2018
’07 GR ’18 proudly displays her MBA diploma.
Commencement speaker Rev. Dr. Robert Rosin
encourages graduates to find peace in their faith
and embrace their future.

#GoHigher Broadcaster 21
 A Good and
Faithful Servant
story: Sue M. Roush
photo: courtesy of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc.
Rupert Dunklau spent a lifetime living the Gospel call to
service. Now, the Rupert Dunklau Foundation continues
his mission to glorify God and serve His gracious will.
E arlier this year, Concordia University, Nebraska
announced the largest gift in the institution’s
124-year history: $10 million donated by the Rupert
Dunklau Foundation. The gift, combined with support
from other generous donors, will help fund the Dunklau
Center for Science, Math and Business, dedicated to
ensuring future generations of students discover, fulfill
and excel in their passions.
The Rubert Dunklau Foundation was established in
1968 by Rupert Dunklau and his first wife, Ruth (Eggert)
Dunklau. They wanted an outlet that would let them glorify
God by providing financial resources for various ministries
related to the Lutheran tradition. Since then, the Dunklau
Foundation has been a prominent supporter of Lutheran
educational institutions, health care initiatives and projects
that promote the spiritual, mental and physical welfare
of mankind. It has also been a key benefactor of efforts in
Fremont, Nebraska, the family’s home community, where
Rupert’s second wife Ruth (King) Dunklau still lives.
“The giving culture of the Dunklau Foundation is a
direct reflection of Rupert’s philanthropic philosophy
Rupert Dunklau was a man with an extraordinary purpose: to make the world a better place. – you give because of your love and faith in Jesus Christ
and because you acknowledge that God will continue
22 Broadcaster cune.edu
to outgive you,” says Delmer Toebben, Rupert Dunklau
Foundation president. “This culture, along with Rupert’s
passion for Lutheran higher education at Concordia,
made us want to be part of this exciting project. We
pray it will have a transformational impact on countless
generations of students to come and those they go on
to serve.”
Dunklau passed away in 2016, but his legacy will
live on in the generations of students who benefit from
his compassion.
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” says
Concordia president Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich. “The entire
Concordia community celebrates the transformational
gift commitment received from the Rupert Dunklau
Foundation. Rupert and Ruth Dunklau were longtime
friends and generous donors to the university during
their lifetimes. Naming this facility Dunklau Center
for Science, Math and Business is a fitting testament to
their faith in God and their commitment to equipping
students through Lutheran education for lives of service
and leadership in the church and world.”
To learn more about the Rupert Dunklau Foundation,
visit dunklaufoundation.org.
#GoHigher Broadcaster 23

Learning by Heart
story: Danielle Luebbe
photo: courtesy of Katie Bockelman CO ’93 GR ’16
Katie Bockelman CO ’93 GR ’16 is committed to learning
and teaching every day in her own classroom and in
classrooms across the globe.
W hen Katie Bockelman was first looking at colleges,
she actively resisted attending Concordia Uni-
versity, Nebraska. The Des Moines, Iowa, native wasn’t
sure she wanted to go to school that far from home.
“My parents [Byron ’57 and Suzanne (Krause) Bock-
elman ’85] had both attended Concordia and become
Lutheran educators, and my older brother Jim Bockel-
man ’89 was already a student there, also studying to be
a Lutheran teacher,” she says.
The reluctant high school senior knew she wanted to
go into education, so she agreed to visit Jim and see what
24 Broadcaster cune.edu
Concordia was all about. “When I made a visit to see
my brother, I realized there was something different at
Concordia,” Bockelman says. “People were so welcoming,
and I enjoyed the sense of familiarity because of people
who knew Jim or my parents.”
Bockelman earned her undergraduate education
degree in 1993, and began her career at Lincoln Lu-
theran Middle/High School in Lincoln, Nebraska,
where she teaches history and geography, is the fac-
ulty sponsor of the student council and assists with
the girls’ soccer team.
Beth (Royuk) Pester and Katie Bockelman led workshops in Belize to help educators be more successful.
When Bockelman’s son, Isaiah ’15, graduated from high
school and made his own move to Concordia, Bockelman
found herself with extra time. “With some encouragement
from my principal Matt Heibel ’84, I decided to begin
my master's in education program through Concordia,”
Bockelman says. “I loved the flexibility of the online
program, and I was amazed at how rewarding it was to
put myself back into the shoes of a student again. Each
of the classes was so engaging, partly because of my in-
teractions with the teachers and other students, but also
because of the direct application I could see each day in
my own classroom.”
Through her graduate studies work, Bockelman discov-
ered a passion for working with educators in Belize with
the Central American Lutheran Mission Society (CALMS).
Alongside Beth (Royuk) Pester CO ’96 GR ’04, Bockelman
has developed and presented workshops to secondary
educators through the Ministry of Education to improve
learning for Belizean schoolchildren. For her final master’s
degree project, Bockelman created a workshop to present
to the teachers in Belize. “I was able to design much of the
material for our summer workshop in 2016 based on the
topic of emotional intelligence, which had such a significant
impact on those who attended,” says Bockelman. “To be able
to earn credit for that project and successfully complete
my degree was really the icing on the cake!”
Bockelman was selected to receive the 2018 Lifelong
Learner Award for her commitment to service through
volunteerism and significant vocational achievement.
“I am humbled and grateful to be receiving the Lifelong
Learner Alumni Award,” Bockelman says. “I certainly
feel it is an appropriate title, as I realize every day that I
still have so much to learn! I often think back to the early
days of my teaching career, and realize how much I have
changed and grown since that time. None of that would
have been possible if it weren't for the many people that
have invested in me as a teacher and as a person. I am so
blessed to continue to learn each day from my students
and the other staff at a school like Lincoln Lutheran.
Being in a Christ-centered environment is such a gift.
I will always be thankful for the value my parents first
taught me of that gift, and for the impact of a place like
Concordia in preparing me for the amazing opportunity
to serve God and His children.”
#GoHigher Broadcaster 25
 Team
Work
story: Jake Knabel
photos: courtesy of Concordia Athletic Department
Small acts by Concordia’s student athletes make a big
difference in the Seward community.

T he privilege of wearing the Concordia Bulldog

colors comes with responsibility beyond preparing
for success on game days. An athlete at Concordia is not
a stranger within the Seward community, but rather
an active and contributing member. Bulldog athletes
become regulars at local churches, elementary schools,
at the rehabilitation and care center and in the neigh-
The Concordia Bulldogs Football team helps renovate a house in Seward as part of Habitat for Humanity. borhoods that surround 800 North Columbia Avenue.
 For some of the out-of-staters, community service
projects are the first opportunities to begin to understand
small town Nebraska. The stories that emerge from these
adventures are priceless.
Head football coach Patrick Daberkow CO ’08 GR ’11
helped create the Bulldog Buddies, a program which has
been a smashing success ever since its inception. In most
cases, the Concordia football players read to students.
These impressionable youngsters are then able to put a
face with the players they may see from afar on game days.
“Our staff wanted to find a way to engage the community,
and we thought this was a good idea to get our players out
in front of people they otherwise wouldn’t get to know,”
Daberkow says. “It’s exciting for the kids to get to know
our players and the players really enjoy building those
relationships with the kids and the teachers as well.”
Connie (Kirchner) Meyer CO ’78 GR ’06, the wife of
longtime Bulldog head football coach Courtney Meyer ’65,
sometimes asks the players to bring their helmets and
pads for the young students at St. John Lutheran School
to try on.
“There have been a lot of funny interactions with the
kids,” says Daberkow. “Martin Rodriguez ’12 was a safety
from Tucson that we had on the roster. It was his first
The football team reads to area schoolchildren through a program
small town Nebraska experience. He had kids ask him if
called Bulldog Buddies. he liked Case IH or John Deere more.”
The value that comes out of the intentional efforts
to immerse Bulldogs as part of the Seward community
is immeasurable. At the very least, each of Concordia’s
21 intercollegiate athletic teams have some sort of im-
pact on the town. Sometimes the deed is as simple as
painting and cleaning at the Seward Youth Center as the
men’s soccer program did on one particular Saturday.
On an evening shortly after the national tournament,
the women’s basketball program fielded questions from
people of all ages at the Seward Memorial Library. The
wrestling program invited Seward High School wrestling
fanatic Grant Fehlhafer to be an honorary coach at a dual
meet and has regularly supported him at the Step Up for
Down Syndrome Walk in Lincoln, Nebraska. The softball
program volunteers as trash collectors along Highway
34 in support of the Krieser family. Every fall, the entire
athletic department partners with Seward Middle School
on a wellness day at Plum Creek Park. The list goes on.
What Concordia student-athletes continue to realize
is that such service projects reap plentiful rewards. The
incredible success of the women’s basketball program
has practically elevated members of the team to rock
28 Broadcaster cune.edu
star status within some Seward circles. Riley Sibbel
’20 frequently participated in Seward community ser-
vice projects while representing Concordia women’s
basketball.
“All the residents (at Ridgewood Rehab & Care
Center) were like, ‘We watch you on TV every time you
have a game,’” says Sibbel. “When we went to Ridge-
wood the second time it was right before the GPAC
tournament, and they were so excited to see us. They told us,
‘We’re going to be watching you every step of the way.
We’ll be following you.’ It was just so heartwarming.
It shows how we can make an impact on people from
outside the school.”
Sibbel and many of her teammates visited Ridgewood
and shot baskets on a makeshift hoop with residents.
Concordia players mimicked their own warmup drills
while using beach balls in place of basketballs. Members
of the team returned to Ridgewood to paint nails and play
bingo. They also find time to play basketball and other
games with youths at St. John Middle School and at the
St. John Child Development Center.
A member of the 2017 GPAC championship women’s
soccer team, Lauren Martin ’19 effectively balances ath-
letics, school and community service efforts. The NAIA
Scholar-Athlete has even tried her hand at coaching
Seward youths on the soccer fields. Martin and a few
of her teammates went to Ridgewood for an event the
rehab and care center labeled as “dessert and dancing.”
Women’s soccer players served desserts and socialized
with the residents.
“It was basically like a social hour for us,” says Martin.
“Some of them invited their families. It was great because
we got to learn more about them.”
The memories that are made provide mutual benefits.
One particular moment stuck out for Martin, who says a
man at Ridgewood couldn’t hide his joy in regards to having
some new companions. The mere presence of Bulldog stu-
dent-athletes in such places has proven to light up rooms.
Says Martin, “There was this one special needs elderly
person at the event. He couldn’t really speak so he would
always point. He was super happy whenever we would
come and sit with him. As one person sat down he would
point at another person, and he would smile even bigger.
He was really happy for us to sit there with him.”
The football team also attended a dance at Ridgewood
for “prom night.” The event gave residents a chance to
dance with their favorite Bulldog football players, who
showed up dressed to the nines. “Apparently when the
The women’s soccer team visits with residents of the Ridgewood
Rehabilitation & Care Center.
guys show up they have quite a few ladies that want to
dance with them,” jokes Daberkow.
Daberkow says his program is essentially on call
for community service, both big and small. Sometimes
that means something as simple as helping a commu-
nity member move into a new house. Or it could mean
skipping a film session to renovate a home. The entire
team descended upon a house on Third Street this
spring while lending a hand with Habitat for Humanity.
Concordia football players helped refurnish the outside
of a home that had been abandoned and neglected – and
then they crushed 31 pizzas.
What Daberkow wants is for his players to be Christ-like
role models for younger generations. “Hopefully they’ll
see that they have kids watching them,” says Daberkow.
“We want them to be good ambassadors in the community.
When they have kids waving to them out at the grocery
store, they’re running into kids from those classrooms.
It’s fun to see those relationships blossom. We’re hoping
to get those guys a different experience and get them
outside their comfort zone.”
Pizza isn’t always part of the deal, but that’s just fine
with Concordia’s service-oriented teams. By way of one
small task, appearance or volunteer duty at a time, the
Bulldogs are making a big difference. The smiles they
see are reward enough. Of course, they love seeing those
same smiles in the audience on game days.
As Sibbel says, “It’s not only good for us, it’s good for
the other people too because all those residents have a
story. A small deed like going out and talking to them for
ten minutes could make their day or bring back a memory
for them. It’s the small things.”
#GoHigher Broadcaster 29
 Sports Summaries
Samantha Liermann
Women’s Track and Field
Concordia’s women’s track and field program was led in 2018
by national champion throwers Samantha Liermann and Adri-
anna Shaw. Liermann won the indoor shot put national title
and led the Bulldogs to a ninth-place national finish. She also
swept GPAC shot put titles. Shaw captured the discus crown
at the outdoor national championships, helping Concordia
place 12th. Coach Ed McLaughlin’s throwers, a group that
included Johanna Ragland and Carley Skorepa accounted for
a total of 10 All-America awards (men and women). Taylor
Grove won the GPAC title in the 10,000 meters and qualified
for nationals in the marathon. After placing fifth at the GPAC
indoor championships, the Bulldog women moved up two
spots to No. 3 at the conference outdoor meet. With many
of its top athletes set to return, Concordia looks to be even
stronger in 2019.
30 Broadcaster cune.edu
Cody Williams
Men’s Track and Field
Head coach Matt Beisel guided a more youthful squad in 2018.
New stars such as sophomore Jacob Cornelio and freshman
Cody Williams led Concordia to conference finishes of fourth
in indoor and sixth in outdoor. Senior Scott Johnson won a
GPAC indoor title in the triple jump and Williams followed it
up with a conference outdoor championship in the decathlon.
Cornelio earned All-America honors at the indoor and outdoor
championships. Williams also reached the podium at indoor
nationals in the heptathlon. As part of his impressive rookie
season, Williams broke the GPAC outdoor meet record in
the 110 meter hurdles.
Tanner Shuck
Men's Basketball
Picked eighth in the GPAC preseason poll, head coach Ben
Limback’s squad jetted out to a 12-3 record halfway through
the 2017-18 campaign. Though the Bulldogs lost ground over
the second half of the season, they managed to out-perform
outside expectations and finished 17-13 overall. Concordia
remained competitive within the conference (8-10 GPAC
record) while following the lead of its sophomore class,
which included three All-GPAC selections in Clay Reimers
(first team), Jake Hornick (second team) and Tanner Shuck
(honorable mention).
Annie Horn
Tennis
Behind standout senior Annie Horn, the Bulldog women made
a strong push at reaching the GPAC tournament championship
match. Head coach Joel Reckewey’s Bulldogs finished 13-10
overall, including 3-4 in GPAC matches. Horn accumulated
a team-high 13 singles wins, leaving her with 41 by the time
she finished her career. The men’s team finished with records
of 8-11 overall and 1-4 in conference play. Sophomore Luke
Zoller led the way with 10 singles victories.
Erin Lokke
Trap and Skeet
Concordia’s burgeoning trap and skeet programs appeared
at eight events throughout the 2017-18 academic year. Head
coach Joel Helmer’s squad placed 10th in the Division 2
breakdown of the Association of College Unions International
(ACUI) Championships. Concordia posted a score of 2,211
with 14 Bulldogs competing. Junior Erin Lokke continues
to shine as the program’s biggest star. She again earned a
spot on the Collegiate USA Skeet Team and paced the team
at the ACUI Championships with a 194th-place national
finish. She also placed third in ISO Skeet in San Antonio.
Additionally, Lokke won competitions at the Bronco Invite
and the Prairie Circuit Classic. Senior Seth Willard broke
a school record by hitting 99/100 targets in skeet at the
Bronco Invite.
Jerry Stepps III
Wrestling
The Bulldog wrestlers placed fourth at the GPAC wrestling
championships and fifth in the league’s final dual standings.
They produced team dual records of 8-8 overall and 5-3 in the
GPAC. Concordia landed at No. 10 on the National Wrestling
Coaches Association list of 2017-18 NAIA All-Academic Teams,
and junior Walker Fisher collected NAIA Scholar-Athlete recog-
nition. On the mat, Giovanni Castillo (133 pounds) and Deandre
Chery (174 pounds) both claimed GPAC titles and reached the
national championships along with fellow national qualifier
Chris Kimball (141 pounds). Castillo became the program’s ninth
wrestler all-time to earn All-America recognition. Castillo and
Jerry Stepps III (125 pounds) were named first team All-GPAC
choices. Stepps III made history by achieving a perfect 8-0
record in GPAC duals. Second team All-GPAC honors went to
Chery and Josh Nelsen.
#GoHigher Broadcaster 31
 Hhana Haro
Softball
A youthful squad experienced its share of highs and lows
during a 2018 season that culminated with a 21-21 overall
mark and seventh-place finish in the GPAC standings. Head
coach Todd LaVelle’s squad of newcomers made a big im-
pact this spring. Freshman Hhana Haro enjoyed a monster
season, breaking program single-season standards for hits
(76) and doubles (20) while leading the GPAC in batting
average (.494). As a result, Haro became the second player
in program history to be named the GPAC Player of the Year.
She led the way for a solid offensive attack that averaged
6.0 runs per game with the help of other newcomers such as
Cade Moring
Baseball
Head coach Ryan Dupic’s program placed sixth in the GPAC
and finished the 2018 season with a 25-22 overall record.
The senior class finished their four-year careers with a
combined record of 113-89. The 2018 pitching staff broke a
school record for most strikeouts in a single season (382)
behind ace pitcher Nick Little. Little earned GPAC Pitcher of
the Year accolades while posting a 9-2 (program record for
wins in a season) won-lost record to go along with a 2.36
earned run average and 90 strikeouts in a school record 91.1
innings. Cade Moring racked up a new school standard of
109 strikeouts. Second baseman Christian Meza also shined,

The Fast Break

Elanna Osthoff and Mackinsey Schimdt (first team All-GPAC). hitting .405 and earning first team All-GPAC honors. Thomas
Sautel (.371 average) and Wade Council (.339 average) were
named to the conference’s second team.

story and photo: Jake Knabel

Concordia women's basketball team falls just short of
the ultimate prize.

T he 2017-18 Concordia women’s basketball team

Murphy Sears
Golf
Head coach Brett Muller’s men’s program squad ended up with
a fifth-place conference finish during a solid April run. Junior
Nolan Zikas (74.69) and the team (306.88) broke program
records for lowest average round in a single season. Zikas
equaled a single-round school record by shooting a four-under
par 68 in the fall. Teammate Russell Otten finished his four-
year run with the third best career scoring average in school
history. On the women’s side, sophomore Murphy Sears collected
most of the headlines. She even reeled in an NAIA National
Golfer of the Week award on April 11 and finished eighth on
the GPAC individual leaderboard and picked up the second
all-conference award of her career. As a team, the Bulldogs
placed 10th in the GPAC.
Bulldogs Cheer Team
Cheer and Dance
Head coach Mandi Maser completed her second season
leading Concordia’s cheer and dance programs in 2017-18.
Bulldog cheer placed second at the Concordia Invitational
Tournament, fourth at the GPAC Championships and ninth at
the NAIA Northwest Qualifier. Meanwhile, the dance squad
placed fourth at CIT, eighth at the GPAC Championships and
ninth at the Northwest Qualifier. Kennedy Garner and Kathie
Nguyen served as captains of the cheer team while Neleigh
Lehr captained the dance team. NAIA Scholar-Athletes from
the cheer and dance programs included Taylor Brockhaus,
Garner, Taeva Hoppe, Lehr, Nguyen, Sarah Rogge, Chelsea
Willard and Victoria Woodburn.
checked off nearly every box while chasing down
its lofty list of season goals. The Bulldogs dominated the
conference in NAIA Division II. They won the regular
season by three games. They cut down the nets at home
for another GPAC postseason title. Concordia is the
only women’s basketball program in GPAC history to
sweep conference regular season and postseason titles
in back-to-back years.
For the third time in four seasons, head coach Drew Ol-
son led his program to at least the national semifinal game.
The latest – and perhaps greatest – squad equaled a school
single-season record with 36 victories. By any measure, this
winter was a rousing success. Those associated with the
program just wish there could have been a victory No. 37.
Needing to beat rival Dakota Wesleyan for a fourth time
in order to secure the national title banner, Concordia
had a rough night in an 82-59 defeat in the championship
final. “It’s frustrating to have one of the greatest seasons
of all-time end on that kind of note," says Olson. "They
worked so hard. They handled everything perfectly all
the way up until the final game. I still feel proud of the
accomplishments that we had.”
Really, brilliance is all this program has known under
Olson, who moved beyond 300 career wins this past Jan-
uary. With two All-Americans returning and the usual
stellar recruiting class waiting in the wings, the goals
probably won’t change heading into 2018-19.
“We checked off every single accomplishment that
we had as goals,” Olson said. “We just didn’t finish the
job and win the ultimate goal. That was the driving force
for the seniors. They had won conference championships
before. They had been to the final game. They wanted
that ultimate prize.”

32 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 33
 Alumnotes
1960s
Dr. James Holste ’66, senior professor and professor
emeritus of chemical engineering at Texas A & M Uni-
versity, was presented the prestigious Donald L. Katz
Award by the GPA Midstream Association. The award
recognizes outstanding work in industry science and
educational excellence in the classroom.
1970s
Katherine (Schneider) Brandon ’72 was granted Emeriti
status in the College of Education at Concordia Univer-
sity Chicago and will be retiring to her childhood home
in Michigan with her husband, Kevin. They are looking
forward to spending time with their family. Their pastor
son, Kurt, and wife have three boys, their daughter Karie
and husband are civil engineers, and daughter Kristin,
married to a pastor, has three sons. Katherine and Kevin
celebrated 40 years of marriage last year and praise God
for all the blessings given to them.
Deborah (Rosenkotter) Spaulding
’73 retired in 2017 and moved from
Shawnee, Kansas, to Grand Island,
Nebraska, with her husband, Ste-
phen Spaulding. Debbie taught 20
years at Johnson County Commu-
nity College in Overland Park, Kansas. She moved with
her family back to the old family farm in Grand Island.
Their son, Nathanael, lives in Grand Island, and their
daughter, Joanna, also moved last year to Omaha from
the Los Angeles area.
1980s
Robert Garrett ’81 was named the 2017 Don Shula NFL
High School Coach of the Year. Robert is the head football
coach of Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, California.
Jonathan Zimmerman ’81 is the
newly hired head cross country and
track coach at Life Pacific Univer-
sity (Southern California). After
six years teaching and coaching at
Chicago-Luther South High School;
34 Broadcaster cune.edu
19 years at Orange Lutheran High School in California;
9 years as head coach at Biola University and 3 years
care-giving and property managing for his ailing father-
in-law, he is back to coaching. Life Pacific is a new member
of the Golden State Athletic Conference and the NAIA.
Rebecca (Uchtmann) Fair GR
’83 has been blessed with having
five choral anthems published. She
attributes her DCE classes for giv-
ing her the scriptural training and
confidence to create music that
praises our Lord and Savior. Two more anthems will be
published in the next year. Her music can be found by
searching Rebecca Fair at jwpepper.com and on YouTube.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Stout ’89 was
selected to receive the University of
Nebraska—Lincoln’s 2018 Alumni
Achievement Award. Jeff is currently
a professor and department chair for
educational and human sciences at
the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
1990s
Tim Jank ’91 and Brenda (Schewe)
Jank ’90, both DCEs, are celebrating
25 years at Camp Lutherhaven in
northeast Indiana where Tim has
been the executive director since
1993. Tim has served on the leader-
ship team with National Lutheran Outdoors Ministries, and
Brenda began the 501c3, Run Hard. Rest Well. It has been a
delightful family adventure with their five children Joshua,
24, Samuel, 23, Joseph, 21, Anna, 19, and Noah, 17.
Krisha (Niemoth) Uden ’95 and
husband Leland Uden welcomed a
baby girl, Acacia Sue Uden, into the
world on February 6, 2017. She joins
siblings Abigail, 8, Darius, 7, Josiah,
5, and Rebekah, 2. The family lives
in Wood River, Nebraska.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Prince ’97, an active duty United States Kaleb White ’06 made the shortlist of the 2018 Sony
Navy chaplain, received the 2017 Distinguished Service World Photography Awards with a photograph of a red
Award presented by the Military Chaplains Association for stag in New Zealand.
his work assigned to the United States Coast Guard. This
Robert Nahmensen CO ’09 GR’12 began working as the
award recognizes exceptional ministry professionalism, ex-
new CEO of Russel Regional Hospital in Hays, Kansas,
pertise in an environment of diverse individuals, resiliency
on November 1, 2017. Before beginning his new position,
and effectiveness in addressing the spiritual and/or moral
Rob worked as the COO and CFO of Stanton County
needs and issues of our men and women facing the de-
Hospital in Johnson, Kansas.
mands of life and duty in the modern military environment.
Stephanie Glanzer ’98 received the
2017 Master Educator Award for El-
ementary Education from Concordia
University Wisconsin. She is a teacher
at Immanuel Lutheran Church and
School in Memphis, Tennessee.
Michael Popp ’98 was ordained
in December 2017 as the Associate
Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church
and School in Jacksonville, Florida.
Michael and his wife Jessa (Dor-
man) Popp ’99, and their two sons,
Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke HS ’69 CO
Peyton and Addison, are excited about where the Lord has
’73 GR ’81 grew up on Concordia’s
led them. The family lives in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
campus. “My mother was hired as the
Emily (Dumke) Fox ’99 received a prestigious Health college’s first dean of women,” she says.
Care Stars Award from the Colorado Hospital Association “My father was an English professor and
in April 2018 for her work as a Licensed Social Service academic dean from 1947-71. I grew up
Professional Supervisor at North Colorado Medical Center across the street from campus and
in Greeley, Colorado. we were always involved in student
activities.”
2000s Mueller-Roebke taught in Milwaukee,
Michael Kipp ’05, and his wife Andrea welcomed Owen Wisconsin, before returning home to
David Kipp into the world on June 19, 2017. The family teach English at Seward Junior High
lives in Sioux City, Iowa. School in 1974. In 1982, she joined Con-
cordia’s English faculty full-time. She
Jennifer Bockerman ’06 was named Nebraska Art
earned a master’s degree from Concordia
Educator of the Year by the National Art Education
and a Ph.D. from the University of Ne-
Association at their annual convention in March 2018.
braska-Lincoln. In 2008, she was called
Jennifer teaches at Moore Middle School in Lincoln, to be the university’s chief academic
Nebraska, and is an active visual artist. officer, as provost.
Natasha (Otjen) Onnen ’06 and While she looks forward to retirement,
Nicholas Onnen ’06 welcomed she will miss her colleagues and the
son Brooks Andrew Onnen into higher education atmosphere. “What a
the world on February 1, 2018. He privilege it has been to be at a place with
joins brothers Avery, 7, and Kyler, 4. such a deep commitment to mission. It
Nick and Natasha both serve at St. has been the best gig in the world. I will
John Lutheran School in Battle Creek, Nebraska. Nick is miss all these folks,” she says.
principal/teacher and Natasha teaches 4th grade.
#GoHigher Broadcaster 35

Adam Hengeveld ’09 and wife Beth
Hengeveld welcomed their third child,
Henry Josiah Hengeveld, on Sep-
tember 14, 2017. He joins siblings
Charlotte, 5, and Edy, 3. The family
lives in Denton, Texas.
2010s
Rachel (Dermody) Schmalz ’10
married Danny Schmalz on Sep-
tember 2, 2016. Rachel works as a
graphic designer and Danny is a parks
technician for the city of Mankato,
Minnesota.
Rachel (Dermody) Schmalz ’10 and
husband Danny Schmalz welcomed
their first child, daughter Hannah
Marcella Schmalz, on November 7,
2017. The family lives in Lake Crystal,
Minnesota.
Brittany (Pottschmidt) Koopman ’12
and husband John Koopman ’12
welcomed baby Gideon Henry Koop-
man on March 28, 2018. He joins
brother David Alexander, 2. The family
lives in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
Rebecca (McCracken) Sanft ’13
and Ryan Sanft ’13 welcomed their
first child, Graham Matthew Sanft,
into the world on April 3, 2018. The
Sanft family resides in St. Louis. Ryan
is a physical therapist at Athletico,
while Rebecca manages media and public relations for
Centene Corporation.
Emily Hemphill ’14 was named the 2018 Outstanding
Young Nebraska Journalist by the Nebraska Press Associ-
ation. Emily is the editor of the Milford Times newspaper
and a reporter for the Seward Newspaper Group.
Justina (Strecker) Utecht ’14 and
husband Ethan Utecht announce the
birth of baby Kaysen Orvil Utecht on
October 25, 2017. The family lives in
Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
36 Broadcaster cune.edu
Meet the President
Class Endowments
Concordia holds 21 endowments that offer schol-
arships from alumni classes to current students.
Learn more about our class endowment gifts at
cune.edu/class-endowment.
Share Your News
The Alumni Council is a group of leaders chosen to rep-
Have you experienced a life-changing event? Per-
resent and encourage their classmates and other alumni
haps you got married, had a baby or moved. Maybe
you got another degree, wrote a book or earned a to connect and engage with their alma mater through
promotion. Let us know! prayer, referral of prospective students and giving their
Submit details and a photo at cune.edu/broadcaster. time and talents to support our Bulldog community.
Reed Sander HS ’66 CO ’70 is the newest Concordia
Alumni Council president.
In Memoriam
What is your favorite memory from your time
at Concordia?
Bernice (Dunker) Eberhard CO ’46
Kenneth Schroeder HS ’46 My fondest memories all include the wonderful people
Elmer Becker CO ’48 I experienced at Concordia, both professors and fellow
Dr. Vance Hinrichs HS ’48 CO ’53 students. I learned many great lessons about life and
Brice Kuhlmann HS ’52 CO ’57 faith from so many. I enjoyed Concordia athletics and experiences. Alumni want to help and serve Concordia
Rev. Dr. Alan Steinbach CO ’52 remember catching a 65 yard touchdown pass against and just need avenues provided for their service.
Arlyn Franzen HS ’54 CO ’62 Dana College in the last minute of the game to win 7-0. The
Lois Schoech CO ’55 How do you hope to make a difference on the
other more outstanding memory was asking Sharolyn
Patrick McGinty CO ’56 Alumni Council?
Schomburg ’71 to go miniature golfing as a first date in
I see my role as President of the Alumni Council to serve
James Quade CO ’58 1968. We have been partners in marriage and Lutheran
our current Concordia leadership in any way possible.
Roger Varner CO ’58 church work for 48 years.
Concordia alumni are vibrant with rich memories of how
Darlene (Weiss) Guenther HS ’59 CO ’63
How did Concordia impact you? Concordia, its faculty, academic quality and faith-filled
Eloise (Mueller) van Engen CO ’59
God richly blessed me to be brought up in a strong Chris- environment have enriched their life experience. It is
Dr. Robert Fiala CO ’60
tian family. The primary impact Concordia had on me was my goal to lead the Alumni Council in providing a wide
June (Duchow) Ring CO ’60
to extend that Christian training by word and example. variety of service and involvement opportunities.
Russell Kluender CO ’61
Concordia provided an anchor to my faith and in times
William March, Jr. CO ’61 Anything else the readers should know about
of questioning, youthful experimenting and some ques-
Leroy Tietjen HS ’61 CO ’65 you or the council?
Mary Ortley HS ’62 tionable decisions there was always love, forgiveness,
Iris Young CO ’63 encouragement and help. The powerful Christian exam- Like so many of my alumni classmates, the Concordia
Dr. Clark Adams CO ’64 ples of so many professors, staff and fellow students have legacy has been passed on through our children. Our
Katherine (Bergt) Sandor CO ’64 always been a model for me to reflect on and try to emulate. daughter, Shanna (Sander) Opfer CO ’00 GR ’05, is
Rev. Dr. Albert Wingfield CO ’64 The blessing of meeting my wife and lifelong partner in also a Concordia alumnus and now serves as an assistant
Fredrick Tonn CO ’65 ministry at Concordia has been a gift beyond measure. professor in education. My wife and I have also demon-
strated our commitment to Concordia by being members
Dr. Alan Nielsen CO ’68 Why is the Alumni Council important?
of the Weller Society. I invite all to consider support for
Kristine (Halon) Schmitt CO ’73 Along with the Concordia Board of Regents and Concordia
Norma (Payne) Heinicke CO ’74 Concordia through gifts made as Weller Society mem-
Foundation, the Alumni Council serves as an important
Christopher Lail CO ’74 bers. The spirit of Lutheran Christian education remains
advisory board to the university. The Alumni Council has
Linda (Sylwester) Warneke CO ’77 strong and the Concordia student body represents great
input and influence in guiding the mission, ministry and
Randy Busboom CO ’80 potential for ongoing service to God, country and world.
vision of Concordia. My life has been so positively impacted
Rev. Dr. Stanley Engram CO ’84 Service to Concordia University, Nebraska is a great way
by the values and focus I learned while a student at Con-
Rev. Timothy Kersten CO ’90 to give back for so many of us who have received so much
cordia that I want to be a part of seeing that opportunity
Kathy (Moles) Itzen GR ’92 through the rich blessings God has provided us through
continue for the current student body. I know so many
our alma mater.
Arranged by year; current as of May 31, 2018. former classmates and students who feel the same way
HS: High School
CO: College
and the Alumni Council can provide avenues for alumni Learn more about the members of the Concordia
GR: Graduate involvement through prayer, referrals, gifts and on-campus Alumni Council at cune.edu/alumnicouncil.
#GoHigher Broadcaster 37
 Alumni Award Recipients
During Homecoming & Alumni Reunion Weekend, the Concordia Alumni Association honors alumni and
friends for their service and accomplishments. Congratulations to all of our 2018 Alumni Award winners!

Mrs. Sheila Psencik CO ’96 GR ’05

Alumnus of the Year
Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe ’05
Young Alumnus of the Year
Dr. Andrew Benscoter CO ’02 GR ’05
Servant Leadership Award
Dr. William Preuss CO ’60 GR ’75
and Dr. Judith Preuss ’60
Lifetime Service Award
Rev. Gerald CO ’63 GR ’75 and
Judy (Werth) Roggow ’63 Family
Family Heritage Award

The Gift of Education

Ms. Katie Bockelman CO ’93 GR ’16
Lifelong Learner Award
Mrs. Irene Schamber
Honorary Bulldog Alumni Award
Mrs. Sheila Psencik
story: Danielle Luebbe
photo: Eva Lube ’17, courtesy of the Seward County Independent
One Concordia donor made a huge impact on future
generations through estate planning.

M ore than 700 alumni and friends of Concordia have

Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe Dr. Andrew Benscoter
Gerald and Judy Roggow Family
Register today for Homecoming and All-Class
Reunion at cune.edu/homecoming.
Dr. William Preuss and Dr. Judith Preuss
Ms. Katie Bockelman
included a gift for the university in their estate
plans. People like Rhoda Bredow have helped Concordia
over the years provide a lasting legacy.
During her lifetime, Rhoda was a faithful supporter of
Concordia. She was present for the dedication of Weller
Hall in 1924, and her father’s plow was used to break ground
on the Link Library expansion. Rhoda also generously
gave gifts to help construct the Thom Leadership Edu-
cation Center and donated
to scholarships that would
directly benefit students.
Mrs. Irene Schamber
When Rhoda passed
away on July 12, 2016, she
continued to bless Con-
cordia. In her will, she left
300 acres of farmland to be
sold, with a portion of the
proceeds gifted to Concordia. Her gift resulted in $1.5
million, all of which will help provide a Christ-centered
education to Concordia students.
If you believe in supporting a Christ-centered, Lutheran
education as Rhoda did, consider including Concordia
in your estate plan. Your gift will help provide future
Concordia students the opportunity to study, pursue and
realize their vocational callings.
Visit cune.edu/giving to learn more about how you
can make your estate gift.
If you have questions about including Concordia in your estate plan,
contact Concordia’s newest gift officer, Craig Stirtz. Craig has more than
25 years of experience assisting donors with how to bless the ministries
they care about from what God has first provided to them.
Call 402-616-0312 or email craig.stirtz@cune.edu today to plan your gift.

38 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 39
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Seward, NE 68434-9980