Concordia University, Nebraska

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.

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.

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'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.

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 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."

Concordia University, Nebraska's Vocal Jazz ensemble is set to travel to locations across Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and South Dakota during their spring 2024 tour from May 5-10. The 14-voice choir, comprised of mostly music majors, is selected from among the A Cappella choir members and has performed concerts and school assemblies throughout the Midwest including performances at the Nebraska Music Educators' annual conference, the Columbus NCDA jazz festival, and in the historic Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, Mo. The choir is under the direction of Concordia's director of vocal music, Dr. Kurt von Kampen. Von Kampen has served at Concordia since 1998. He earned his bachelor's degree from Concordia Nebraska, a master's in choral conducting from Oakland University and a doctorate in choral music education from the University of Nebraska.

Thirteen Concordia Nebraska students currently have art work on display at the 2024 CINCF/Lincoln Industries Student Art Show in Omaha. The 2024 CINCF/Lincoln Industries Student Art Show is open through April 26, 2024, in the Hillmer Art Gallery on the College of Saint Mary campus located at 7000 Mercy Road in Omaha. The exhibition is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Concordia Nebraska students exhibiting in the show art Ava Bartels, Sophia Bossio, Abby Gerber, Matt Hawes, Hannah Helmer, Elizabeth Lee, McKenzie Moore, Isabella Peperkorn, Kaitlyn Porter, Hannah Schaefer, Harley Storie, Heidi van der Heijden and Aiden Weishaar.

Concordia's Competitive Leadership team took the top two spots in the recent Collegiate Leadership Competition, which took place on April 4 and 6. Twelve students competed in total, forming two teams - Concordia Platinum and Concordia Cobalt. The CLC was founded in 2015 as a nonprofit organization where students can engage in a digital practice space to apply what they're learning as part of their undergraduate education. Each April, they host a national virtual competition. Schools up to five times as large as Concordia compete, including the University of California - Riverside, Old Dominion University, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and more. Dr. Curt Beck was the first to start a competitive leadership team at Concordia in 2017. Since then, Beck and other members of the business faculty have engaged in its leadership, allowing it to grow and flourish as a consistent national contender. Concordia's CLC team uses curriculum that allows its students to learn the attributes of effective leaders, creative problem-solving methods, conflict resolution, ethical decision-making, and more. This year's virtual Collegiate Leadership Global Challenge ended with Concordia Platinum and Concordia Cobalt taking the top two spots and maintaining their title as national champions.

On Friday, March 22, the Concordia Music Department hosted its Spring 2024 composers' recital. The composers' recital provides a unique opportunity for students who have composed original musical works to debut them in front of an audience. The program featured pieces by five different Concordia students. Performances included arrangements for voice, saxophone, organ, piano, violin and viola.

On Sunday, March 24, Concordia's music department hosted its spring chamber recital. Chamber recitals, given once each semester, allow students to facilitate, practice, and perform pieces of their choice in small, or "chamber," ensembles. Students' ability to choose their own pieces opens the recitals to a variety of musical genres, instrumentations and arrangements. Six ensembles performed at this spring's event, which included both vocal and instrumental performances in the recital hall of the newly renovated Borland Center for Music and Theatre.

On Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m., Concordia's music department hosted its spring 2024 honor recital. The honor recital allows students who perform at a high level to showcase their vocal and instrumental talents in front of a live audience. Placement in the honor recital program is based on students' performance at auditions held by music department faculty members. The department holds auditions and recitals twice per year, or once each semester. This semester's recital featured pieces from composers from across several centuries and many countries, and pieces performed vocally or on instruments including clarinet, trombone, piano and organ.

Concordia University, Nebraska's theatre department will perform the play "Little Women" in the Black Box Studio Theater in the Borland Center for Music and Theatre March 22-24.

Four members of Concordia's Wind Symphony participated in the 2024 Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Convention held in Lincoln, Neb. on March 2. The annual NSBA convention brings together middle schools, high schools and colleges from across the state to partake in several days of music-making and other activities. The intercollegiate band takes place during this convention.

Concordia Nebraska usually has about 45 resident assistants (RAs) each year in the university's 11 residence halls. Each residence hall coordinator (RC) oversees, helps support and supervises nine to 13 of those RAs as their primary role. Their secondary role is helping serve the residents directly. The RC role includes many tasks including providing spiritual leadership for RAs and residents in their buildings, supporting their group of RAs throughout the year, working with Student Life Office staff to help lead RA training and the annual staff renewal retreat, assisting the Student Life Office Staff in emergency or crisis support on campus and responding to other incidents that occur on evenings and weekends. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the university sought to hire for all four of the university's residence hall coordinator positions. After reviewing applications and reference forms from a number of applicants (all of who are current RAs), the university has announced that students Micah Henschen, Joshua Jurchen, Eliyah Moldenhauer and Abigail Niemeier will serve as university residence hall coordinators for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Concordia University, Nebraska recently named 226 students to its honors list for the Fall 2023 semester. Students who earn a 3.90 GPA or higher while also completing at least 12 credit hours qualify for the honors list.

Concordia University, Nebraska today announced that four students have been inducted into the university's Eta Theta chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK). Elena Batenhorst, Greta Corneliusen, Seanna Patterson and Micah Henschen were honored by the university on November 12.

This year, Concordia University, Nebraska's Lighthouse club is participating in Dressember. They have surpassed their amount raised last year by almost $2,000 already, and they are only $200 away from reaching their new goal.

This May, several faculty and students went on a study and service-learning tour to Peru. The trip was led by Dr. Joel Helmer, Holly Helmer, and Dr. Brian Albright.

On Saturday, November 4, Concordia's programming team ended their competitive programming season with the North Central North America Regional. This regional contest is part of the International Collegiate Programming Competition (ICPC), where thousands of universities from around the world strive to solve as many programming problems as possible, as fast as possible.

On November 12, 2023, Concordia's music department hosted its fall honor recital. The semiannual honor recital at Concordia showcases the vocal and instrumental talents of student musicians. Musicians are chosen to perform based on auditions judged by music department faculty members. The recital is held twice a year, once each semester.