Concordia University, Nebraska

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Freshman Hannah Gruber seeks to serve others

Seward, NE (12/15/2025) — Freshman Hannah Gruber of Lincoln, Nebraska, is studying theology and Christian education leadership at Concordia University, Nebraska. She is in the pre-deaconess program and is part of the university's Luke Scholars honors program and President's Future Lutheran Leadership Circle.

"Both of these select groups are incredible avenues to experience Concordia Nebraska's encouragement to grow in faith, socialization, academics and living for Christ in a variety of ways," she said. "Being a part of a small cohort of students and faculty truly helps establish genuine friendships and more in-depth understanding of our discussions and conversations."

Gruber only applied to Concordia Nebraska. There were simply no other colleges on her consideration list, she said.

"Truly, the Lord put it on my heart to reach out to the fantastic admissions team, and each step that followed seemed to fall into place in a way that only could have been God's hand at work," she said. "Covering the cost of tuition alone was going to be a huge obstacle, and I ended up needing to surrender to God saying, 'Lord, if this is where You want me, You will make it happen.' And miracle of miracles, He certainly did with the generous amount of scholarships, grants and other magnificent doors being opened to pursue. I cannot explain the process or the amazing opportunities in any other way."

She said many things led her to choose Concordia Nebraska but that one thing that stood out was the university's supportive, faith-based community.

"All my life I have attended public school, and therefore, never have been welcomed to talk openly about a relationship with Jesus or explicitly discuss God while in that secular environment. Among all of Concordia Nebraska's fantastic qualities, the freedom to express my faith, participate in fellowship with both Biblical scholars as well as young Christians, and share my testimony with other students and disciples has been the highlight of finding a home at this university," she said. "Studying a variety of classes through the lens of the Bible and a Lutheran worldview adds another contextual layer of learning to each lesson. For example, history and science are taught in respect to the truth that comes from Scripture rather than contrary to God's Word, as other non-Christian universities may teach. Having smaller class sizes and a major focus on building relationships with one another also goes a long way towards the strong sense of family found within the Concordia community."

She said Concordia's people - faculty, staff, students and friends - make it a special place.

"I genuinely adore all of the awesome people that live, work, maintain and run Concordia Nebraska. From the students to professors to cafeteria staff, there have been countless positive interactions with the members that make up this beloved university and enable Concordia to be such a special place," she said. "I love that people will smile at you in passing, the crucial emphasis on building strong bonds within the community, and the authenticity behind the morals of the university. From day one, it is apparent how sincere Concordia's promise is to hold to their values."

She said that her professors seek to challenge their students to adopt a fresh perspective, both in and out of the classroom.

"Especially with pursuing theology and ministry, being pushed to delve deeper into my understanding of God has really transformed my outlook on creation as a whole," she said. "Learning new information, which becomes the seeds of wisdom when met with maturity and real-life application, has a profound way of shifting your thoughts from what you once interpreted or assumed the world to be, and gives a person a fresh set of eyes to expand the horizons, so to speak. One of my favorite qualities about the professors at Concordia is that they want to equip you not only as a student, but as a human being living in a broken world, aiming to be salt and light. They see us as people with unique thoughts, ambitions and goals, each with a God-given value and purpose to be alive, not just a number on a page or name in the gradebook."

She said Concordia Nebraska has also provided many opportunities for her to strengthen her faith.

"Concordia has been revolutionary to my faith journey, especially because I have never really been able to partake in fellowship with those of my own age group until making a home here! Our family was raised in the church, but having a personal relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit did not truly come to fruition for me until some life-altering health adversities began in 2021, when my entire reality was flipped on its head and everything changed for our family. Since those initial brushes with death, trauma and suffering, the Lord has proven that it is most certainly true, how we do not realize that God is all that we need until He is all that we have."

Due to health challenges, Gruber was hospitalized or homebound much of her high school years.

"Coming to Concordia has been really the first chance I have had to mature and share faith with other 18- to 21-year-olds. The university fiercely encourages students to be unashamed of their testimonies and have the confidence to tell others about their stories, which is another reason why the authenticity of the university is so vital," she said. "I believe God has allowed me to endure trials and testing for His divine purposes, and maybe our family's survival and perseverance will inspire others to keep fighting for the future God has promised, no matter how impossible it may appear standing from ground zero. Here at Concordia, we are unified by our common declaration of the One True God and that forges a bond stronger than we can possibly fathom."

Gruber is not sure what her service to the church and world will look like following graduation, but she said she enjoys taking care of and serving others and sharing Jesus with them.

"The future feels largely like a blank page as of this point right now, or maybe a block of clay waiting patiently to be sculpted. God is going to make the paths He desires to be taken open up as they come, and always has a way of providing guidance and discernment to figure out which avenues to follow," she said. "All I know is that service to His church and His people is absolutely the goal ahead; the details will fall into place with time! I am pursuing studies in theology, Director of Christian Education (DCE) and the pre-deaconess program because there is significant fulfillment in helping other people, whether that be to meet their basic needs of food or shelter, or educating them about God and His holy Word. I love being a caretaker, and I want my time spent here on earth to make an eternal impact in the lives of others. I want my experiences and testimony this side of Heaven to point people to the author and perfector of our faith; Jesus Christ, that they may see a reflection of Him in every word and deed in order to bring them into the sheepfold to develop an intimate, meaningful relationship with their Lord themselves. However that ends up looking in the years to come will be part of the joy in the journey! I want to be able to say, 'Here am I. Send me!' like Isaiah and 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening' like Samuel."

Gruber is very close to her parents and sister and spends time with them as often as possible, she said. When she's not in class, you'll find Gruber spending time outdoors, cooking or baking with family members, reading biographies or realistic fiction novels, sketching, drawing, painting, gardening or listening to podcasts.

Gruber said her studies and interactions at the university are not only preparing her for her future vocations but also teaching her how to thrive in relationships with others.

"Concordia excels at laying a solid foundation of skills, knowledge, wisdom, and fundamentals for pursuing a life following Christ and reflecting His Light to the world! One of my greatest hopes in attending Concordia Nebraska is to grow as a member of a community bigger than myself," she said. "This school makes sure to remind its student that we belong to a family and a mission beyond the individual, and shows us the beauty in running the race and fighting the good fight alongside our friends, family, mentors, disciples and all the other people we are blessed to know along the way! I want to learn how not only to thrive in relationships but also help others build and sustain their own."

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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