Nebraska First Lady Suzanne Pillen partners with Concordia University, Nebraska to visit Seward school, promote literacy
Seward, NE (03/18/2025) — On Tuesday, March 18, Concordia University, Nebraska presented "Bushels of Stories," a literacy special event featuring special guest Nebraska First Lady Suzanne Pillen, who visited Seward Elementary School in Seward. This celebration of literacy allowed the first lady to combine her background as a teacher and her family's roots in farming to promote both literacy and agriculture to educators and students in second, third and fourth grade.
"Bushels of Stories" included interactive read-alouds, hands-on activities and engaging storytelling. The event is part of Concordia Nebraska's new "The Power of Story" program, a project of Concordia University, Nebraska's Institutes. The program celebrates the profound connection between stories and literacy.
"The Power of Story explores how stories and literature hold immense power in shaping a child's imagination, emotional intelligence and understanding of the world. And we are thankful to have the privilege of partnering with the First Lady of Nebraska to highlight agriculture and promote literacy in our state," said Concordia University, Nebraska Director of University Institutes Deb Jurchen '06. "Through vivid characters and enchanting narratives, children embark on journeys beyond their own experiences, fostering empathy, curiosity and creativity. Books introduce them to new ideas, cultures and perspectives, helping them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Stories also provide comfort, offering lessons on resilience, kindness and courage in the face of challenges."
Concordia University, Nebraska's institutes provide outreach, service and educational efforts that align and advance the University's mission and vision by engaging audiences beyond the campus while serving as a resource to the church at large.
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.
###
Media Attachments
Nebraska First Lady Suzanne Pillen reads to Seward Elementary School students as part of Concordia University, Nebraska's new "The Power of Story" program.
Concordia University, Nebraska
Amy Crawford, 402-643-7387, newsdesk@cune.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Concordia Nebraska hosts annual Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association conference
- Registration now open for May 2026 courses in Concordia Nebraska's Studia Vitae continuing education program
- Concordia Nebraska's Initiative for Early Childhood Education supports leaders and educators in Lutheran schools.
- Concordia Nebraska to host second annual SPARK Summer Camp
- Bulldogs break onto podium at State Speech Tournament
- A New Song: newly-commissioned composition honors heritage, celebrates Lutheran hymnody, proclaims Jesus Christ
- Theatre department hosts variety of spring performances
- Concordia Nebraska announces promotion of two faculty members
- More than 300 students attend Concordia Nebraska church work lunch event
- Harley '73 and Becky '73 Burk joyfully support Concordia Nebraska's agriculture program, advocate for sound theological training of laity