Collin Christiansen competes in third annual LCEF National Student Marketing Competition

2014 Apr 22

A team from Concordia University, Nebraska competed in the third annual Lutheran Church Extension Fund National Student Marketing Competition April 4 in St. Louis, Mo. This was the university's first time entering the competition.

The team included:

Collin Christiansen, junior, Palmer, Ark.

Concordia Nebraska's team competed against seven other Concordia University System schools, working throughout the spring semester to research and develop a cooperative marketing plan for a partnership between LCEF and The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod elementary and secondary schools.

"This year's assignment focused on how LCEF might work with elementary and secondary schools to help increase enrollment," said Richard C. Robertson, LCEF president and CEO. "Our ultimate goal is to boost the sustainability of our Lutheran schools, which we see as an effective mission offering to communities."

Concordia Nebraska's team created a campaign based on the tagline "The Advantages of Private Education are Academic" and highlighted the college preparedness of private school students.

Each Concordia team traveled to St. Louis to present its final work to a judging panel selected by LCEF in polished 20-minute presentations of their strategic plans, creative work and budgets. During competition day, the teams had the opportunity to watch the other teams present, tour the Worldwide KFUO radio studio and the LCMS International Center and attend chapel with area Lutheran high school students, as well as LCEF and LCMS staff.

Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn., took top honors, with Concordia University, Irvine, earning second place and Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., placing third in the competition.

Other participating universities were Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.; Concordia College-New York, Bronxville; Concordia University, Portland, Ore.; and Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon.

LCEF presented cash prizes ranging from a $5,000 first-place award to $750 participation prizes.

To read more about the competition and view photos, visit lcef.org.