Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska's Competitive Leadership Team was started in 2017. What started with one team of six students has doubled in size in the past eight years. The team has traveled to places like Cleveland, Ohio, and Norfolk, Virginia, for past Collegiate Leadership Competitions (CLC) and this spring traveled to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for the regional competition. This year's Competitive Leadership Teams won the Midwest Regional Championship finishing in first and second place. Team member Victor Santana said that the trip to Oklahoma City allowed the team to grow both competitively and in their relationships with each other. The teams also finished in second and fifth place in the online Global Competition. Other teams that participated attended schools such as Brigham Young University, the University of Toronto, Old Dominion University and Southwest Oklahoma State University.

On May 10, Concordia University, Nebraska awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees to more than 430 graduates. The class of 2025 was honored during an undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremony.

The Concordia University, Nebraska speech and debate team participated in the AFA-NST (American Forensics Association - National Speech Tournament) at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte campus April 4-7, 2025. This intense, three-day competition features schools from across the United States who compete division free.

Concordia University, Nebraska's Uzziah Scholars recently enjoyed a spring industry tour to Fredericksburg, Texas. Students in attendance on the tour included Lane Schoff, Nathan King, Jenna Muntz and Kailyn Paul. The tour was led by Uzziah Agriculture Scholars Program Director Kellie Nelson '24. "This trip was designed to broaden the horizons of Uzziah Scholars students by immersing them in agricultural industries and practices distinct from those found in Nebraska," explained Nelson. "Through hands-on experiences and in-depth tours, students engaged with diverse agricultural operations, explored the influence of regional climate on production and gained insights into local cultural dynamics. This tour not only expanded their agricultural knowledge and exposure to innovative management practices but also fostered team building, collaboration and a deeper appreciation for the varied landscapes of American agriculture."

Concordia University, Nebraska's natural sciences department recently held its annual banquet, recognizing graduating seniors and students who have displayed outstanding service and scholarship during their time at the university. Students and faculty enjoyed each other's company, fellowship, prayer and the game, "Are you smarter than a middle schooler?" The banquet featured a presentation from Josiah Rensner '19, who majored in education, chemistry and biology during his time at Concordia. Resner is currently completing his Ph.D. in chemistry at Iowa State University.

On Friday, May 9, Concordia University, Nebraska will recognize the professional church work graduates at a sending service. The worship service allows for the students who are going out to serve the world through the church to be recognized for their work and dedication before they either take a call or go on to further their education. The service was started about seven years ago by Concordia Director of Dual Credit, Dr. Beth Pester. When Concordia was Concordia Teacher's College, the Lutheran teacher graduates would have experienced something similar to call day at the seminary at their graduation. Dr. Pester wanted to celebrate the people choosing to go into professional church work degrees. She talked to the university about implementing something that would do that and got approval to create the opportunity. She and Rev. Dr. John Mehl, Executive Director of Mission of Christ Network, collaborated to create a sending service that could become a Concordia tradition.

Selected music students performed vocal and instrumental works at Concordia Nebraska'ssemiannual honor recital on April 26. Honor recitals are designed to allow students who perform at a high level to showcase their musical abilities in front of a live audience. Placement in the honor recital program is determined by auditions that take place earlier in the semester and are judged by music department faculty members. All students who participate in an applied music lesson are eligible and encouraged to audition. This semester's recital included works by composers like Benjamin Culli and Claude Debussy, with performances vocally and on instruments including organ, piano, trombone and flute.

On April 27 at 7 p.m., Concordia Nebraska music students will perform original works on various instruments at the 2025 spring composers' recital. The annual recital offers students a chance to perform their original compositions in front of a live audience. This year, the recital will take place at St. John Lutheran Church. The program features pieces by five different Concordia students and is set to include instruments such as flute, clarinet, piano and organ. Adjunct Professor of Music John Kosch teaches Concordia Nebraska's composition courses and coordinates the annual composers' recital. Kosch has won several composition awards from the NAfME and other organizations. His works have been selected for performances at regional and national Society of Composers conferences as well as the Brevard Music Festival, Charlotte New Music Festival and the Cortona Sessions for New Music.

Over 60 students presented at the 14th annual Academic and Research Symposium at Concordia Nebraska on April 28, 2025. The event, which takes place in the Dunklau Center for Math, Science and Business, includes both poster and oral presentations throughout the late afternoon and evening. Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Brian Albright has been coordinating the event for the past four years. The symposium gives students the opportunity to present original research and significant projects they've worked on over the course of the semester in an interdisciplinary setting. This year, majors from history and psychology to biology and English were represented at the event. A total of 62 students gave 38 poster and 23 oral presentations on topics ranging from chiropractic care to football recruiting. This year, the event concluded with a lecture by keynote speaker Lyman Stone, a Lutheran demographer and senior fellow at the Institute for Family Studies. Stone's presentation was entitled "What Tomorrow May Bring: Evidence from the Lutheran Religious Life Survey Revealing How the LCMS is Changing."

Concordia Nebraska's theatre department will perform "WhoDunit...and to Whom?" as their spring mainstage play on March 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. and March 30 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place in the Black Box Theatre in the Borland Center for Music and Theatre on campus. The play was originally written by professional writer and actor Robert Frankel, who has published over 30 works in his lifetime.

Concordia University, Nebraska has awarded the university's President's Scholarship to 25 students for the 2024-2025 school year. The scholarship acknowledges freshmen with excellent academic performance, notable extracurricular involvement and high test score achievements. "While Concordia Nebraska is honored to have faculty and staff who are devoted to Christ-centered excellence, it is the students who play a central role in maintaining such a legacy," said Concordia University, Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull. "President's Scholarship recipients exemplify a commitment to excellence and, in doing so, promote a Christ-centered academic community that embraces a relentless pursuit of excellence, truth, beauty, goodness and using their gifts to be a future blessing to their families, churches, communities, and workplaces."

Four Concordia Nebraska students - Gracie Flamig, Mackenzie Houser, Megan Eurich and Yaire Ojeda - were recently inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice society. Concordia Nebraska's chapter of this society is called Pi Epsilon Eta and requires students to hold a minimum 3.2 grade point average overall and in four criminal justice courses.

Senior Joseph Kahrs of Franklin, Nebraska, is majoring in agricultural science and plays football for the Concordia Nebraska Bulldogs. He said he chose to attend the university because it offered him the opportunity to focus on the two things he loves - football and agricultural science - while studying at a university that offers a Lutheran, Christian focus.

Concordia University, Nebraska sophomores Reagan Martens and Abigail Kollbaum are both currently serving on the executive leadership team for YouthLead, the youth organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's Office of National Missions. For 40 years, YouthLead has equipped teens to develop and use their leadership skills to serve Christ in various capacities in their communities and congregations. The YouthLead executive team is elected for three-year terms by peers during Youth Leadership Training events. Martens, Kollbaum and four other teens were elected to this team by their peers at the 2022 event. Their duties as members include facilitating annual YouthLead events, becoming leaders in their own congregations and even helping with key aspects of the upcoming National Youth Gathering (NYG).

Concordia University, Nebraska recently named 249 students to its honors list for the Fall 2024 semester. Students who earn a 3.90 GPA or higher while also completing at least 12 credit hours during the semester qualify for this list.

This Concordia University, Nebraska esports fall season was a rollercoaster of excitement and growth for the program's teams. "The League of Legends and Rocket League teams both battled hard in highly competitive brackets, finishing with identical 3-4 records, showcasing moments of brilliance and setting a foundation for future success," said Concordia Nebraska esports coach Ryan Hinds.

Concordia University, Nebraska's speech and debate teams have enjoyed a remarkable fall semester, achieving significant milestones and showcasing exceptional talent across competitions. Under the guidance of head coach Malia Frerking and graduate assistant Angelina Stinson the team consistently excelled, ranking high at tournaments and achieving both team and individual successes. This semester, the debate team stood out with impressive rankings at multiple tournaments, including securing 2nd and 3rd place overall finishes. Freshman Jacy Jackson, freshman Aidan McKinnon and junior Brynn Holtmeier all qualified to nationals. At a recent tournament, every pairing on the team achieved a winning record, with three out of four teams advancing to the quarterfinal bracket. The duo of sophomore Thomas McKinnon and Aidan McKinnon had an extraordinary semester, losing only one debate round across multiple tournaments and claiming first place at the prestigious Vocal Viking tournament in Mankato, Minnesota, in November. On the speech side, the team saw four members qualify for nationals: senior Madelyn Graham, junior Esther Molina, junior Alayna Laughridge and freshman Alyvia Hardy. Seven additional team members are just one bid away from qualifying. Notably, Molina achieved double first-place bids, a rare accomplishment, while Graham has reached finals at every tournament she's entered this year. The freshmen have also made their mark, with every first-year competitor advancing to at least one final round in their events.

Concordia's programming team recently competed in the International Collegiate Programming Contest regional competition. Two teams from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln joined six from Concordia to compete on November 9. These teams were in competition against over 90 other teams in the North Central North America region. ICPC teams consist of three members each, who work to solve problems in an intense five-hour competition. The team who solves the most problems wins, with time-to-completion breaking ties. Teams compete in ICPC qualifying and regional contests, with the top teams advancing to continental championships and world finals. This year's North Central North America competition posed 12 problems to 93 college teams from Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ontario, Manitoba, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Michigan. The top four teams - each from a different school - in each region progress to the ICPC Nationals competition.

The theatre department at Concordia University, Nebraska is set to perform "Alice in Wonderland" as its fall mainstage play on November 8-10 and 15-17 in Weller Hall. Performances will take place each Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. "I'm excited about seeing the classic characters from Alice in Wonderland come alive in a new way," said sophomore Claire Horacek, who's serving as the assistant director for the play. "[The actors] put their own personal spin on each character, which makes this production unique and hilariously fun." "Alice in Wonderland" tells the story of a young girl who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world full of anthropomorphic animals and magical adventures. Originally written by English author, mathematician and deacon Lewis Carroll, the classic tale has been translated into over a hundred languages and adapted for film, radio, ballet, opera and more. "This show is fun for all ages!" said Horacek. "Kids can be introduced into a colorful, wacky world of smiling cats and croquet flamingos. Adults can be transported down the rabbit hole once again, remembering the magic of childhood but the necessity of growing up. Come revisit the magic with us!" "People should come and see the fall play because they help make the show better," said sophomore April Abbett, who plays Alice. "We actors get really excited when our audience is excited, happy and enjoying the play as much as we are." "Theatre can be all sorts of things, but I believe it is most powerful when done for God's glory," Horacek said. Tickets to see this production cost $10 for general admission, or $5 for Concordia students and children. Cast and Crew for Alice in Wonderland include: Cast Alice: April Abbett, sophomore, Platte City, Mo. White Rabbit: Jonathan Baumann, sophomore, Chester, S.D. Caterpillar: William Ebel, freshman, Salina, Kan. Frog-Newsie: Nathan Aschmann, sophomore, Kearney, Neb. Fish-Newsie: Joshua Nikodym, sophomore, Grand Island, Neb. Humpty-Dumpty: Sara Erickson, junior, Omaha, Neb. Cheshire Cat: Araceli Regalado, sophomore, Des Moines, Iowa Harley Storie, senior, Valley Park, Mo. Mad Hatter: Caleb Jalas, senior, Deshler, Neb. March Hare: Mackenzie Schepmann, freshman, Macomb, Mich. Dormouse: Catherine Vyhlidal, sophomore, Morse Bluff, Neb. Tweedledum: Aiden Jenik, sophomore, Colorado Springs, Colo. Tweedledee: Duncan Carrasco, freshman, Sidney, Neb. Queen of Hearts: Madeline Hudson-Knowlton, sophomore, Kenai, Alaska King of Hearts: Morgan Davis, freshman, Andover, Kan. Tiny Door/Ensemble: Marieka Kaufman, sophomore, Milwaukie, Ore. Daisy/Ensemble: Sarah Stepp, sophomore, Lincoln, Neb. Lily/Ensemble: Kristen Welling, junior, Atkinson, Neb. Violet/Ensemble: Kerria Wright, freshman, Madison, Neb. Rose/Ensemble: Mi-Ree Zwick, sophomore, Bartlett, Tenn. Guard/Ensemble: Aubrey Burmeister, freshman, Alburquerque, N.M. Crew Director: Bryan Moore, Professor of Communication and Theatre Arts Assistant Director: Claire Horacek, sophomore, Papillion, Neb. Stage Manager: Emilee Price, senior, Columbus, Neb. Assistant Stage Manager: Ella Bradley, freshman, De Soto, Mo. Scenic Design: Natasha Tupper, Staff Scenic shop crew: Andrew Ring, sophomore, Bismarck, N.D. Ernest Clausing, junior, Seward, Neb. Nathan Aschmann, sophomore, Kearney, Neb. Costume Design: Alexa Hatcher, Staff Costume shop crew: Julie Oetting, senior, Belvidere, Ill. Anne Aschmann, senior, Seward, Neb. Claire Horacek, sophomore, Papillion, Neb. Lighting: Vaclav Fiala, freshman, Herculaneum, Mo. Sound: Daniel Ascher, freshman, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Concordia Nebraska's programming team is set to return for another year of writing code, solving complex problems and developing as a group. They operate under the leadership of head coach Ian Kollipara '23, a Concordia alum and recent addition to the computer science department faculty. Kollipara served as the team's assistant coach last year, but is stepping up into a higher position this year. This fall, the team will be hosting and competing in the Nebraska Tech Builders Challenge, which enables students to attend various programming-related workshops and participate in contests. They will also compete in the ICPC Qualifiers on Oct. 5 and the ICPC Regionals on Nov. 9. According to Kollipara, the programming team has several projects in the works this fall outside of these competitions. An intramural management tool involves work from the whole team, but individual members are also taking on their own projects. "Many students have taken on individual projects related to cybersecurity, braille e-books, NFC signal readers, video games and much more," Kollipara said.

Concordia University, Nebraska hosted the first Nebraska Tech Builders Challenge November 1-2, 2024. The event was open to high school and college students and included both seasoned coders as well as those curious about how technology can solve real-world problems. The event was presented in partnership with the Seward Chamber of Commerce, the Seward County Visitors Bureau, Allo and the Center for Rural Innovation. The event featured a variety of workshops focused around building a product and marketing that product including a Softr Workshop demonstrating how to build an engaging product with zero coding knowledge, a Ideation & Team Creation Workshop focused on how to brainstorm effectively and find partners for your idea, a Storytelling and Pitching Workshop discussing how best to market a product to investors and potential customers and a Design Mockups Workshop detailing how to design an effective product from simple logo mockups to a full design system.

Luke Scholars is Concordia Nebraska's honors program, which is open to all students of any educational background. Participating students are selected via application, and about 15 to 20 new students are admitted annually. This school year, the program has 56 students total. The program is in its sixth year at the university. This year, 17 students were admitted into the program.

Concordia University, Nebraska's Uzziah Scholars program reflects the university's dedication to increasing the number of future stewards who will care for God's earth and serve as leaders in agriculture for the sake of others. As a Uzziah Scholar, participating students are challenged to solve real-world challenges, explore the many facets of agriculture in depth and be a part of creating sustainable, long-lasting and ethically sound agriculture practices. In the Bible, King Uzziah is described as a powerful man, with productive farms and a highly trained and equipped army. God gave Uzziah wonderful success as long as he sought the Lord. Concordia Nebraska's Uzziah Scholars are devoted to becoming Christian leaders, solving problems in agriculture in their local and global communities and serving as stewards of all agriculture and agricultural resources through their chosen vocations. Uzziah Scholars receive a yearly scholarship and typically major in agricultural sciences, agricultural education or business administration with agribusiness concentration, though in some instances, those minoring in an ag-related program find success in the program. Kellie Nelson '24 was recently named as the new program director for Uzziah Scholars at the university. She grew up on a farm and ranch in Kansas.

Concordia University, Nebraska recently named 205 students to its honors list for the Fall 2024 semester. Students who earn a 3.90 GPA or higher while also completing at least 12 credit hours during the semester qualify for this list.

Concordia University, Nebraska recently announced its upcoming Student Senate leadership team, which will take over the governance of the club in the 2024-25 school year. Student Senate is Concordia's student government. The Senate is student-led and holds weekly meetings. Smaller committees devoted to areas of betterment across campus, such as recycling, community service and public relations, meet once every two weeks. Each main Student Senate meeting is open to the public; however, each dorm floor and club is asked to send a representative to these meetings. Each year, Student Senate takes on a variety of campus-focused projects, with the main project for the 2023-24 school year being the renovation of Concordia's outdoor chapel. They also play an integral role in the creation of yearly budgets for each of Concordia's approved clubs. The budget for the upcoming school year is created at the end of the prior semester.

On May 4, Concordia University, Nebraska awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees to more than 475 graduates. The class of 2024 was honored during an undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremony.

Concordia University, Nebraska honored graduating seniors who exhibited outstanding academic success during their time at the university during its annual Commencement Honors Dinner on May 3. Each year, academic departments may confer two or more awards, depending on the department's size and the number of students in a particular program. The basis for students' attainment of these awards is determined by each department; however, they must consider students' grade point averages, service to Concordia and service to the department.

Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Each year, Concordia University, Nebraska art students submit work for the university's annual Student Art Exhibition and are eligible to earn awards and scholarships based on their submitted work. This year's scholarship and award recipients were announced at the Marxhausen Gallery of Art on April 21. The Student Art Exhibition is on display through May 1. Entrance in the Student Art Exhibition is required for all art majors. Senior and junior students must submit seven works, while freshmen and sophomores must submit five. Students with an art minor can submit up to five works. The total amount of money awarded among all scholarships and endowments this year totaled over $20,000.

Concordia University, Nebraska's natural sciences department recently held its annual banquet recognizing graduating seniors from the department and select students for their outstanding service and scholarship. Students and faculty enjoyed each other's company, fellowship, prayer and the game, "Are you smarter than a middle schooler?" The banquet featured a presentation from Concordia Nebraska physics professor Dr. Robert Hermann highlighting the 2024 American total eclipse and a trip that he co-led with physics professor Dr. Brent Royuk to bring Concordia undergraduate students to Southern Missouri and into the path of totality. Ultimately successful, the memorable trip became a legitimate "star trek" as unforeseen traffic difficulties plagued the venture.

The Concordia Theatre Department performed two student-directed performances on April 4-6, 2024 in the Black Box Studio Theater in the Borland Center for Music and Theatre for Concordia Nebraska's annual One Act Play Festival. The festival is the practical component of the communication and theatre arts play production class. The class takes the students through the process of analyzing their play from multiple perspectives, including design, technical and acting choices so they are prepared to work with their peers to direct and produce a complete performance. This year's plays included "But We Don't" by Alan Haehnel and "Odds Are" by Keith J. Powell. "But We Don't" was directed by Emily Loseke and assistant director was Makayla Finecy. The acting ensemble included Timothy Baker, Jonathan Baumann, Jason Church, Brett Determan, Aiden Jenik, Brianna Pike, Araceli Regalado, Ethan Reynolds, Amanda Steinke, Sarah Stepp, Alleah Struble, Catherine Vyhlidal and Kristen Welling. "Odds Are" was directed by Elizabeth Ascher and stage manager was Julie Oetting. The acting ensemble included Jonathan Baumann, Madeline Hudson-Knowlton, Marieka Kaufman, Joshua Nikodym, Sara Erickson, Jason Church, Harley Storie, Brett Determan and Sarah Stepp. "I enjoy providing the opportunity for these student directors to learn the process and develop the skills needed to produce a show, and for other students to participate in additional, smaller shows" said Professor Bryan Moore, director of Concordia Nebraska's theatre department. "Many of our former one act directors have directed plays and musicals in their jobs at schools, churches, and community theaters, so it's exciting to know that this course and production were a part of their training. I can imagine the same opportunities and success for Emily and Elizabeth in their future teaching careers."