Zane Francescato '17 discovered Concordia Nebraska as a teen at the LCMS Youth Gathering

Seward, NE (07/15/2025) — Growing up, Zane Francescato '17 was an active member of his home church's youth group at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alamosa, Colorado.

"The summer before my freshman year of high school, I attended the 2010 Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) Youth Gathering in New Orleans with my youth group. While exploring the expo hall, I stopped by the Concordia University, Nebraska booth-not because I was thinking about college yet, but because I wanted one of the popular "Kiss Me, I'm Lutheran" buttons for my backpack," he said. "Unfortunately, they had run out by the time I got there, but I walked away with a handful of materials and a positive impression of Concordia."

A few years later, as he was sorting through a growing stack of college brochures, he came across the Concordia Nebraska information again. He remembered the friendly people he met at the booth as well as the praise his pastor had for the university-he, his wife and one of his daughters were all alumni.

"I knew I wanted a smaller college that offered a strong sense of community, a variety of academic opportunities and, most importantly, wasn't in my hometown," he said. "The summer before my senior year, I visited Concordia Nebraska for the first time and immediately fell in love with both the university and the town of Seward. When application season arrived, there was only one acceptance letter I truly cared about-Concordia's."

Francescato entered college as a history major but added a criminal justice major and a philosophy minor.

"Shout out to Dr. John Hink, Dr. Tim Huntington and Dr. Dirk Reek for encouraging me to expand my academic pursuits!" he said. "My favorite thing about Concordia was the sense of community. From the start, I had an incredible group of friends on my freshman-year floor, a group that stuck together for three years until we moved off campus, sharing countless memories between late-night movie marathons, too many TV show binges, Super Bowl parties and spontaneous trips to Lincoln. Even as some of us moved off-campus our senior year, those friendships remained strong."

He said that beyond the friendships, what made Concordia Nebraska special was how easy it was to get involved both on campus and in the Seward community.

"I jumped into Improv, the drama department, Phi Beta Lambda, speech and debate, the Student Activities Council and several other clubs, with my time in Student Senate being especially meaningful, culminating in a term as Student Body President," he said. "Off campus, I engaged with the Nebraska National Guard Museum, civic organizations and even had the chance to shadow the Seward City Administrator for a month, an experience that sparked my passion for local government."

At the 2016 Youth Gathering, Francescato had the unique opportunity to serve as a young adult volunteer.

"I had the incredible honor of being a live Concordia advertisement speaking about my Concordia experience on the floor of the New Orleans Superdome to 25,000 gathering attendees," he explained. "That deep sense of connection, both to people and to opportunities, made Concordia a true 'home away from home'-something I still cherish today."

When he graduated from Concordia Nebraska, he initially planned to pursue law, but his plans have changed several times since then.

"At 28, I can confidently say that I'm still on the path to discovering my purpose, because as life changes, so do priorities," he said. "I've since pivoted three or four times in my career. However, what Concordia did instill in me-through both coursework and mentorship-was the profound importance of servant leadership. Concordia professors don't just teach; they invest in their students. They encouraged me to think critically, engage with my community, and approach leadership with humility and a service-minded heart. Whether it was through discussions in class, advice during office hours or their own examples of leadership, they shaped my understanding of what it means to lead with purpose."

At the time he graduated, Francescato had already been accepted to Concordia University School of Law in Boise, Idaho, but with a few months before his start date, he decided to pursue two internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.

"I spent eight months working in the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman Jeff Fortenberry and at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs. Every day, I felt incredibly fortunate to be in the heart of policymaking, gaining firsthand experience in government operations at both the legislative and executive levels," he said. "At the State Department, I was one of 15 interns in my bureau-and the only one from a Christian liberal arts institution. I found myself surrounded by peers from Cornell, Michigan State, American University, George Mason and even Harvard. It was a humbling and eye-opening experience, one that reinforced my ability to hold my own in a competitive environment."

After his time in D.C., he started law school, but after his first year, he realized it wasn't the right path for him.

"I made the decision to pivot, and shortly after, I was hired to work for Congressman Fortenberry in his Lincoln District Office. That opportunity deepened my passion for public service and community engagement, leading me to my next role at the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership (SCCDP), where I worked to support local businesses and economic development efforts," he said "I started at SCCDP three weeks before COVID-19 shut down the world - what a start to a career in economic development!"

Following that opportunity, he served as the central outreach director for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, advocating for international engagement and diplomacy as a means of strengthening the nation's economy, global presence and security.

"Eventually, I transitioned to my current role as the southeast navigator for 6 Regions, One Nebraska, a joint initiative between the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Office of Governor Jim Pillen. In this capacity, I help connect businesses, communities and policymakers to foster economic growth and collaboration across 15 counties in Southeast Nebraska," he said. "In addition to my current day job I was honored to be elected to the Seward City Council as the representative for Ward 4 - which includes Concordia's campus - in November 2024. This role has been especially meaningful, allowing me to serve the community that played such a pivotal role in shaping my career and values."

He started his current role with 6 Regions, One Nebraska in June 2024, and his work focuses on connecting businesses, local governments and economic development organizations to resources and opportunities that foster growth across the region.

"I've seen the initiative evolve as we refine strategies to better address workforce shortages, infrastructure challenges and business retention efforts. The role has required me to adapt quickly, build relationships across sectors and develop a deep understanding of economic development at both the state and local levels. In addition, while I'm still early in my first term on the Seward City Council, I've already gained insight into how local government operates and the challenges that come with making decisions that directly impact the community. The role is dynamic-balancing infrastructure needs, community growth, and fiscal responsibility-while ensuring that residents' voices are heard."

He said both roles are incredibly fulfilling because they allow him to make a tangible impact on his community and state.

"With 6 Regions, One Nebraska, I get to be a connector-helping our communities grow and working with leaders to solve challenges that impact Nebraskans. Seeing partners come together from across 15 different counties and work collaboratively on strengthening our region makes the work meaningful," he said. "On the City Council, the fulfillment comes from knowing that my decisions directly impact the people of Seward. Whether it's improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses or ensuring responsible growth, I take pride in serving my community and working to make it a better place. The ability to listen to residents, address their concerns, and be part of shaping Seward's future is both humbling and rewarding."

Francescato said he stays in touch with several of his former university professors.

"It was their guidance that pushed me to get involved-both on campus and beyond-and those experiences ultimately led me to where I am today. While my career path continues to evolve, the values and lessons I learned from my professors remain a constant foundation. I'm honored to call several of my former professors friends as a Seward resident - I even have a couple who are constituents!"

He said his time at Concordia Nebraska shaped him in ways he never expected.

"While my career path has taken a few unexpected turns, Concordia provided me with a strong foundation rooted in servant leadership, community engagement and adaptability-qualities that have been essential in my current service," he said. "Through my involvement in Student Senate, I gained firsthand experience in leadership, decision-making and understanding the needs of a diverse group of people. That experience, combined with my professors' mentorship, helped me develop the ability to listen, collaborate and lead with a service-first mindset. Beyond campus, Concordia encouraged me to engage with the community and foster a genuine curiosity about the place I would call home, reinforcing my appreciation for public service and the importance of stepping up when needed. Today, as I serve my community, I constantly draw on the lessons I learned at Concordia. Whether it's fostering relationships, working through challenges or making decisions that impact others, the values instilled in me during my time there continue to guide me."

He said his time at the university also strengthened his faith, and that Concordia provided an environment where faith is not just something personal but something that is lived out in community.

"It wasn't just about attending chapel or religion classes-it was about seeing faith in action through professors, classmates and the service-oriented culture of the university. Discussions in class challenged me to think critically about my beliefs, while experiences in Student Senate, campus organizations and community involvement showed me what it truly means to lead with faith and purpose," he said. "Concordia reinforced the idea that faith isn't separate from daily life; it's woven into how we serve others, approach challenges and make decisions. Though my faith has grown and evolved since my time on campus, the foundation Concordia provided continues to shape my perspective and the way I engage with the world around me."

When he's not at work, he often spends time with his parents, a close-knit group of friends (several of whom are Concordia graduates) and his orange tabby cat, Alfredo. He also has a wide range of interests that keep him engaged and always learning. He enjoys reading, golf, travel, movies and TV shows, following politics and writing.

"At the heart of my Concordia experience was a sense of belonging, a community that encouraged me to grow, explore, and serve in ways I never expected. From lifelong friendships to career-shaping experiences, Concordia gave me the foundation to lead with faith, integrity and a service-first mindset," he said. "It's a place where professors become mentors, classmates become family and opportunities become stepping stones to a greater purpose. Even now, as I serve the community that once shaped me, I carry with me the lessons and values instilled during my time at Concordia. I'm grateful for every challenge, every late-night conversation and every moment that made Concordia not just my college, but my home. I am beyond proud to be an alumnus."

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