Concordia University, Nebraska

« Back to Recent News

University supporters Andy and Cherie Stadler: "Concordia University Nebraska is a special place."

Seward, NE (12/13/2025) — Concordia University, Nebraska holds a special place in the hearts of Andy and Cherie Stadler of Columbus, Nebraska. Though neither of them attended the university, both of their children and their spouses are all Concordia alumni: Rev. Mark '18 and Paige '19 (Stadler) Esser and Grant '22 and Rebekah '23 (Eatherton) Stadler.

Andy and Cherie recently partnered with the university to create the Andrew and Cherie Stadler Steinway Excellence Endowment, which exists to maintain, operate, preserve, replace and upgrade the university's Steinway pianos as needed. Creating an endowment is one way that donors choose to leave lasting legacy that reflects their faith and passion. Endowments can be created to support scholarships, academic programs, faculty positions or campus improvements, and these gifts become a perpetual blessing, providing ongoing resources to enrich lives for generations to come.

"Excellence endowments have impact in many areas, including supporting the upkeep, improvement and expansion of Concordia's facilities, ensuring students have inspiring spaces to learn, worship and grow," explained Concordia Nebraska Senior Director of Development and Engagement Scott Seevers.

Andy and Cherie met in college choir and music has always been an important part of their lives, so the focus of this endowment was a perfect fit, they said.

"Our children and daughter in-law were all a part of the University A Cappella Choir," said Andy. "With Cherie and our daughter both having music degrees and our daughter-in-law a music minor we know the importance of music in the church and our everyday lives."

Andy has been a dentist in Columbus for the last 25 years and has served as an elder and on the church board at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus. A former Concordia Nebraska regent, he currently serves on the Concordia Foundation board. He is an avid golfer and loves all things Husker athletics.

"Concordia has many areas in which to study. The university gives everyone a chance to find their own strength," said Andy. "There are many learning communities from the sciences to education to business. We have encountered many students who are successful in being admitted to graduate programs in the medical field as well as law school and MBA programs. The education programs at Concordia Nebraska are amongst the best in the country and truly prepare students for the church and world."

Cherie is a former elementary music teacher and recently retired after a 32-year education career. She still enjoys substituting and has served on the school board for Immanuel Lutheran School and on the education board at Peace Lutheran. She accompanies church services, chapel services and choirs when needed.

"We have advised many students on the values of Concordia," added Cherie. "We see it as a place where you can find yourself. There are so many professors willing to take time with you to help you figure out where your calling in life is. Having a community campus that values faith and a faculty that follows suit is invaluable. Classes are taught by professors and not graduate assistants. Daily chapel and other opportunities to be in God's word keeps the Concordia Nebraska community focused on God's plan for students' lives."

The members of Concordia University, Nebraska's extended family - like the Stadlers - support the university in a variety of ways, giving generously of their time, prayers, talent and treasure.

At Concordia, "Excellence Endowments" provide ongoing funding to maintain, operate, preserve or make future improvements to the University's valuable capital assets. Each of the following help ensure a future level of excellence that will bless students for well into the future:

  • Thom Leadership Education Center Maintenance Endowment
  • Dunklau Center for Science, Math and Business Excellence Endowment
  • Music Center Excellence Endowment
  • Andrew and Cherie Stadler Steinway Excellence Endowment
  • Bulldog Athletics Facilities Excellence Endowment
  • Walz-Friedrich Human Performance Complex Excellence Endowment

How do endowments grow? Through wise investment. The principle of the gift remains untouched, while the earned income is used to support the purpose that each donor specifies, often choosing initiatives or areas that have special meaning to them. With over 400 funds managed by the LCMS Foundation, donor generosity to the university is carefully stewarded to maximize impact.

"Concordia University Nebraska is a special place. We knew it the first time we brought our children on campus for the Gathering of the Talents event many years ago," said Andy. "It was unlike any other college experience we had ever had. Concordia has given us much more than we could ever give. Concordia is preparing workers for the church and world. Concordia is a gateway to many vocations. You can train for your vocation, be involved in activities you enjoy and thrive!"

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

Andy and Cherie Stadler

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out