broadcaster

S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 9 8 | N O. 2
C O N C O R D I A U N I V E R S I T Y, N E B R A S K A
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am blessed to begin serving as Concordia University, Nebraska’s 11th president. My heart has always been in Lutheran
education, and I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to serve our students, partners in ministry, alumni and
our community as we continue the excellent work that’s been taking place at Concordia since 1894.

In this issue of the Broadcaster, you will learn about the stories of many in the extended Concordia community who each
day seek to live out the wisdom of God’s Word found in Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.” When we are called to love our neighbors, it is not to gain greater attention for ourselves
or to increase our social media following. “We love because he first loved us.” The love of God in Jesus Christ frees us to
love the many neighbors around us, even when our work is behind the scenes or unnoticed by others. The stories in this
issue beautifully display this truth in action.

The Holy Spirit reminds us that the call to love our neighbors is an invitation to look first to the cross, and then to the needs
of those around us; to resist the temptation to look first or only to our personal needs and wants. Perhaps best stated by the
apostle Paul in his letters to the church in Corinth: “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” (1 Corinthians
10:24). It is this foundation in which the Concordia community interacts on campus, in the classroom, in our vocations
and throughout God’s kingdoms.

As such, I pray that these articles bless and inspire you as you join us in living out Concordia’s mission, “…equipping men
and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.”

Thank you for being a valued member of our community and for the work you do every day to spread the love and Word
of Christ, even (or, perhaps especially) when that work takes place behind the scenes.

Yours in Christ,
Dr. Bernard Bull, President
Concordia University, Nebraska
Students Makenna Clovis ’22 and Noah Freeman ’22 get ready to celebrate Independence Day in Seward, Nebraska’s Fourth of July City.
Photo: Elizabeth Kucera

2 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 3

Broadcaster Staff MYSTERY PHOTO
Senior Director of Marketing
Seth Meranda GR ’17
6
Editor
Danielle Luebbe
Eyes on a Higher Purpose
Art Director
Elizabeth Kucera Every role in education requires dedication
Contributors and service above and beyond the listed job
Jake Knabel description.
Carrie (Krenning) Kober ’97
Rev. Russ Sommerfeld
Logan Tuttle

Designers
Monica Brown ’22
Elisa Kurth ’22
12
University Administration A Random Tuesday Afternoon
President & CEO
Alum Rebekah Freed uses her talents to serve
There are many hidden gems around campus, if you look closely enough! Do you recognize where this photo was
Dr. Bernard Bull
Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Interim behind the scenes. taken? Email us at [email protected]!

MYSTERY SOLVED
Provost
Dr. Tim Preuss ’83

Executive Vice President, CFO & COO

David Kumm

Vice President for 20

Enrollment Management & Marketing
Dr. Gary McDaniel ’83

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

A Graduate Program
Kurth Brashear With Value(s)
Vice President for Student Affairs & Athletics
Gene Brooks CO ’91 GR ’03 Lisa Thompson attended Concordia’s
commencement ceremony in May 2021 as a
tribute to her late mother, who inspired her to
Board of Regents pursue her master’s degree.
Mrs. Krista Barnhouse CO ’95 GR ’01, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Stuart Bartruff, Omaha, Neb.
Rev. Brad Birtell ’88, Madison, Neb.
Mr. Ryan Burger ’04, Lincoln, Neb.
Dr. Craig Ernstmeyer CO ’96 GR ’02, Saint Peters, Mo.
Mr. John Fraser, Omaha, Neb. 24

O
Rev. Eugene Gierke, Seward, Neb.
Mrs. Gail Hawkins, Omaha, Neb. ur students love to serve! During WOW (Weekend of Welcome) in August 2003, they helped with a community project.
Mr. Dick Helms, Arapahoe, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Hu, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Unsung Heroes “The Seward Library had recently moved into a new location across the street from its former location,” recalls
Mr. Richard Huebner, Centennial, Colo.
Mrs. Jill Johnson GR ’17, Seward, Neb. Some Concordia alums are serving in simple, Pastor Aaron Kuehn ’06. “Both current students and new students formed a ‘fire brigade’ line and moved the books from
Mr. Dennis Meyer ’70, Miami Beach, Fla. but meaningful ways. one site to the other across the street.”
Mrs. Trudy Meyer ’92, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Schwan ’72, Appleton, Wis. Kira (Baldinger) Geiger ’04 thinks she’s identified many of the people in the photo, including (from left to right) Angela
Rev. Richard Snow, Seward, Neb.
Mr. Erik Vieselmeyer, Holyoke, Colo. (Onstine) Harris ’05, Stephanie Voss ’07, Justin Ryman ’05, Kendra (Sype) Rueckert ’05, Caitlin Ostgaard ’05, Jillian (Behm-
Rev. James Woelmer GR ’99, Plano, Texas
lander) Enterline ’07, Daniel Meyer ’05, Amanda (Schultz) Webb ’04 and Wess Robotham ’05.
Pastor Sam Powell ’06 thinks he sees Timothy Zum Hofe ’07 (in the middle, wearing a hat) and thinks maybe it’s Nathan
About the Cover Beethe ’05 holding the water.
Many of our Concordia alumni, students and
partners in ministry serve in roles that go And Jake Schmidt ’07 writes, “I’m not 100% sure but I believe that is me at the far left of the photo. It was at lunch right
unnoticed but are often the most important. This
Broadcaster issue is dedicated to those behind
Faculty and Student 28 Athletics after that service project that I was introduced to my wife in the Janzow cafeteria.”
the scenes who use their vocations to quietly and
Highlights Thanks for all the fun responses to this photo! We had a great time reminiscing with you!
faithfully glorify God and spread His Gospel daily.

Discover the many accomplishments 34 Alumni & Friends We love hearing from our readers!
of our students, faculty and staff. Have feedback or comments on our latest issue?
We want to hear from you! Email the editor at
© 2020 Concordia University, Nebraska cune.edu/highlights
[email protected].

4 Broadcaster cune.edu
Eyes On A
Higher Purpose
story: Danielle Luebbe
illustration: Elizabeth Kucera
photos: Courtesy of Alecia (Teichmeier) Boyd ’98, Lisa
(O’Brien) Holloway ’97, Angela Lewis ’02, Sam Moore ’20
and Chris Reno ’98
While many of us have seen the workings of a school
from the outside as students and parents, few of us get
to see all the work that happens behind the scenes.

T he first day of a new school year is always an exciting

time for educators, students and parents. Backpacks
are bought, front step photos taken, classrooms decorated.
for a class, the random hugs and the times when I get to
just play with children. I love all of the adventures that
come with my job!”
There’s an air of promise, of expectation, of eagerness; the Sam Moore ’20 just finished an adventure of his own:
start of anything new means that potentially anything his first year of teaching sixth grade homeroom, sixth
can happen. grade religion and sixth through eighth grade math at
To make a school year run smoothly, there is frenzied St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Concordia, Missouri.
work that happens behind the scenes that most people “I think a lot of times people think that teachers
never see. From administrators to teachers to support just work 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., they get weekends off and
staff to coaches, there are parts of every role in education summers off, and that is just not the case,” Moore says.
that require dedication and service above and beyond “Most teachers are working constantly, from making
the listed job description. new lessons that are tailored to their current group
“I have a saying, that each day is a new adventure in of students to grading papers to worrying about their
preschool,” says Lisa (O’Brien) Holloway ’97, the preschool at-risk students. We continue this process through the
director and assistant principal at Christ Lutheran weekends and the summers.”
Church and School in Phoenix, Arizona.
Holloway oversees the preschool program at Christ
Lutheran, which typically includes managing the staff,
classroom support and parent communications. As
the assistant principal, she also observes teachers and
classrooms, oversees the afterschool programs and
supports the principal.
“Besides the typical day-to-day routines, I often have
something come up that was not on the schedule for the
day,” she says. “I have had to plunge toilets, clean up
undesirable messes (you can only imagine what I have had
to clean up), try and locate a ‘mystery smell,’ find creative
ways to get a three-year-old off the playground equipment
who refuses to come in and the list of adventures goes
on. Now, with all of the messy stuff, also comes some
pretty great stuff; the times when I get to be the one who
comforts an upset child, getting to be the mystery reader
Lisa Holloway

6 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 7

Public Schools in Norfolk, Virginia. In her role, Lewis my morning with devotions with my sixth graders and
teaches teachers how to use and integrate technology where I can have my students start each class in prayer.”
into their lessons. Over the past year, it’s safe to say “Our world is a fallen, struggling place and a lot of
technology has become a vital piece of any industry, people are suffering and seeking relief,” Reno says. “I
but especially education as school districts, teachers, try to approach every day with an understanding that
students and administrators have adapted to the ever- I do not know all the crosses people have to bear. But I
changing pandemic. do know I am called to love the Lord God with all my
Before, many schools and students within Lewis’s heart, soul and mind and to love my neighbor as myself.”
school district did not have technology incorporated These Concordia alumni also know that they can call
Chris Reno into their daily lesson plans because resources were on their education and the Concordia network if they
Another education job that is often surrounded The job of an assistant principal typically involves limited, Lewis says, but now each student has a computer need a little extra push.
by misconceptions is that of school counselor. Alecia working with the principal to oversee teaching staff and available to them. “When I run into things that I’m not so sure about,
(Teichmeier) Boyd ’98 is a school counselor at Kearney enforcing a school’s policies and procedures. However, “I have also taken on many roles outside of integrating I can go to the vast network of people that I have been
High School in Kearney, Nebraska. “I think the perception for Chris Reno ’98, it goes deeper. technology in classroom lessons such as tech support, able to meet throughout my years at Concordia, from
of school counselors is that we help guide students to helpdesk support, coach and at times unofficial therapist/ my fellow classmates, professors and even teachers I
develop a post-secondary plan and that we help students “Fixing my eyes on the spiritual advisor to those who were frustrated, ready to worked with in the field,” says Moore.
with their schedules. While that is true, it is only part of give up and had lost their way,” she says. “My professors at Concordia encouraged me and
what we do,” she says. “A good portion of my day is spent higher purpose in the work Lewis says she’s honored and humbled to serve however modeled Christ-like service,” agrees Boyd. “They
providing personal-social counseling for students: helping
students develop coping strategies, communication skills,
that I do with students and she’s able. “It takes a village to raise a child and I feel
grateful to be a part of that village, serving teachers so
exhibited a passion for their content and helped me to
see my career as a calling and not just a job. Fixing my
conflict resolution and personal goals.” families is my strength in they may better educate and engage our students using eyes on the higher purpose in the work that I do with
Since counselors spend so much of their time with technology,” she says. students and families is my strength in the difficult days.”
students, they are often the first to notice when students the difficult days.” All of these education professionals lean on their faith
and families are in crisis or have mental health needs to help guide them through the school year.
that have to be addressed. Working with students in these At Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School “Anytime that things start to get a little rocky or I
circumstances can be difficult, and there isn’t always in Brookville, New York, Reno has started to use small find out one of my students is going through a hard time,
a fast or easy resolution. Sometimes an administrator group discussions with student groups to facilitate I know that I can go to God,” says Moore. “It is such a
needs to get involved and help mediate conversations restorative justice principles. And he’s been connecting blessing to teach in a Lutheran school where we can
between teachers, parents and students. more closely with students and their families. “I speak start our day as a staff in devotions, where I can start
to our students’ families on a weekly, if not daily basis,”
Reno says. “I have really learned to take the time to listen
to people and allow them to vent or get things off their
chest. At the end of it all, we are all made equally in the
image of God and people need to be treated in accordance
to that wonderfully-made image.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was a part of the catalyst
for forging those deeper connections. “In March 2020,
we officially went remote for the remaining part of the
school year,” says Reno. “It was during this time that our
school made a deliberate attempt to speak to parents
and touch base with our families to make sure they
were doing OK.”
COVID-19 has changed many things for educators
over the past year and a half. Angela Lewis ’02 is an
Instructional Technology Resource Teacher for Norfolk
Alecia Boyd Sam Moore Angela Lewis

8 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 9

Administration

BOARD OF EDUCATION SUPERINTENDENT ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT ATHLETIC

SUPERINTENDENT PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR

It Takes
Faculty

TEACHER SCHOOL LIBRARY/MEDIA COACH ASSISTANT

a Village
It takes a lot of people to raise and educate a child, and each school staff member, from the
Board of Education to the teachers to the custodians plays a vital role in helping make sure
COUNSELOR SPECIALIST COACH
each student gets the support and education they deserve. Thank you to all those who work
in education, whether your role is visible or behind the scenes, for all you do to educate future

Support Staff leaders in the church and world!

ADMINISTRATIVE TEACHER’S INFORMATION NURSE PARAEDUCATOR COOK CUSTODIAN MAINTENANCE SECURITY BUS DRIVER
ASSISTANT AIDE TECHNOLOGY
A Random
Tuesday Afternoon
story: Danielle Luebbe
photo: Elizabeth Kucera and courtesy of Rebekah Freed
From Concordia University, Nebraska to GRAMMY Award-
winning chorister back to Concordia, Rebekah Freed finds
ways to use her talents for serving and glorifying God.

R ebekah Freed ’11 has been preparing for a life of

serving others for as long as she can remember. As
she headed toward high school graduation, the Wichita,
missed being part of a musical group, so she looked for
local community choirs. Unfortunately, it was December
and many of them only held auditions in the fall.
Kansas, native knew she wanted to be a director of “The only one with January auditions was the Buffalo
Christian education (DCE). That limited her choices when Philharmonic Chorus (BPC),” Freed says. “I decided
it came to choosing a college. She wanted somewhere to go ahead and give the BPC audition a shot. Since I
close to home with an excellent DCE program and the hadn’t auditioned for anything in nearly seven years
opportunity to continue pursuing a passion for music. at that point, I figured if nothing else, it would give me
Concordia University, Nebraska was the place that some audition experience before auditioning for other
checked all her boxes. groups that fall. I never had to audition for another group
“From the logistical side that all made sense,” Freed because I made it into the BPC and started singing with
says, “but more than that, when I visited campus, I just the group within a few weeks.”
had a sense that this was where I needed to spend my The BPC was perhaps a more professional chorus
college years.” than Freed had anticipated joining, but once she started
Freed joined Concordia’s DCE program and double getting to know the ensemble, she realized it was a
majored in behavioral science and psychology with an perfect fit. “I was challenged to grow musically, met great
emphasis in youth ministry and family life ministry. She friends through rehearsals and performances and had
participated in music ensembles, took lessons in voice opportunities to sing with world-renowned musicians,”
and piano, served as a resident assistant in the dorms Freed says. “The BPC had a few concerts of our own
and generally found ways to support other students and each year and traveled to perform at a variety of venues
be involved on campus. around Western New York, but our primary role was to
During a DCE internship her senior year, Freed was sing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra whenever
placed at First Trinity Church in Tonawanda, New York, their pieces required a chorus.”
a suburb of Buffalo. After her internship, First Trinity One highlight of her time with the BPC was performing
extended a call to Freed to serve as director of high school and recording the East Coast Premier of Richard
and young adult ministry, a role she held for eight years. Danielpour’s “The Passion of Yeshua.” “It was an intense
After leaving Concordia, however, Freed realized that she week with hours and hours spent each day at the concert
hall or other rehearsal spaces, but so worth it to be part
of sharing this new piece with the world,” Freed says.
“The recording we made that weekend ended up getting
nominated for three GRAMMYs in 2021 and won the
GRAMMY for Best Choral Performance.”
The GRAMMY-winning recording features the
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by JoAnn
Falletta; the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, prepared by
Adam Luebke; and the UCLA Chamber Singers, prepared
by James K. Bass.
At nearly two hours long, the piece leads listeners
through the hours leading up to and including Jesus’ death.
The narrative sections were sung in English and various
Hebrew psalms were placed throughout to capture the
elements of Jesus’ Jewish background that can sometimes
be missed in the modern-day Christian reality.
Adam Luebke, director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus,
“Spiritually, there are not too many places in our
Freed with some of the students from the Spring 2021 Women’s Bible Study
and Rebekah Freed world where God’s Word can be proclaimed in such a
profoundly public way,” Freed says. “We had the chance them to be able to live out their faith and trust in Jesus on campus, which I really enjoy,” she says. “My favorite
over and over to sing of Jesus in a packed concert hall. on a random Tuesday afternoon when something hard was an 8-week-long women’s Bible study I taught this
Even still today, as I read certain sections of scripture, or joyful or challenging happens,” Freed says. “While I past semester. In addition to over 35 student participants,
‘The Passion of Yeshua’ melodies and instrumentation truly did love that role, now I’m getting to walk alongside we had a chance to match each of them up with a woman
come back to my mind, almost like a soundtrack of the them on the random Tuesday afternoon. Ministry here in our Seward community or a Concordia alumna
events leading up to Christ’s death.” happens right in the middle of day-to-day life here on to pray for them and encourage them while we journeyed
In the middle of that performance week, Freed received campus, celebrating with them in the joys of success through the study.”
a phone call about a job posting as the director of student or showing them the grace of Jesus while holding them Freed has come full circle back to Concordia, and she
development in Concordia Nebraska’s Student Life Office. accountable in a discipline meeting or simply helping wouldn’t have it any other way.
Not only was she performing with what would become them adjust to college life.” “The work done in this place can be truly life-changing,”
a GRAMMY-winning ensemble, Freed was also days As director of student development, Freed is the she says. “I hear stories from coaches about students
away from closing on a house in Buffalo. building manager for all 11 residence halls on campus, who now know and follow Jesus because of the way the
“I had been intending to settle in and stay in Buffalo for hires and trains the residence hall staff, meets with other coaches run their programs and invest in the lives of
quite a while, but evidently God had different plans,” she departments of the university to consult about student their athletes. I see our RAs and RCs comfort and care
says. “Within a few days, I was interviewing on campus life and is available to mentor and support any student for students at 2 a.m. while grieving the death of a loved
and was offered the position after my visit. Thankfully who needs it. She facilitates a peer ministry program on one. I witness professors go well beyond simply teaching
God made it clear that this was where He wanted to use campus, Peer2Peer, matching up students with trained a subject area as they literally walk with a student over to
me moving forward. It was such an extremely difficult peers to help them navigate whatever life challenges our office, the Wellness Center, the Academic Resources
transition that felt a little like whiplash for me, my family they might be facing. She leads LAUNCH, Concordia’s Center or financial services to help them get connected
and my friends. Instead of settling into a new house in new student orientation, and helps coordinate housing to resources they need. The education provided in the
Freed’s GRAMMY certificate
the place I had called home for nearly a decade, I was on campus. She responds to crisis situations, mediates classroom prepares students to go all over the world using
suddenly moving across the country learning a new career.” roommate conflicts and plans student activities. the gifts and talents God has given them. I’ve watched

“Ministry happens right in It was a quick decision, but one that was prayerfully
considered and one that fits Freed’s style of service
Basically, Rebekah Freed and her student life team
are the foundation that supports the student experience
students find freedom from addictions or unhealthy
coping mechanisms as they are met with grace, loving

the middle of day-to-day perfectly.

“A church setting typically lends itself to a model
at Concordia.
Her DCE training comes in handy as well. “I have had
accountability and guidance. What truly makes Concordia
special is everything that goes on behind the scenes.”
life here on campus.” of gathering youth and young adults together to equip opportunities to lead some spiritual growth opportunities
Essential Workers
story: Danielle Luebbe
photo: Elizabeth Kucera
Concordia’s staff is all essential, but perhaps none more
so than the often-overlooked staff that works behind
the scenes.

I t takes a lot of staff to make a university like Concordia

run. Everyone has a part to play, from the Board of
Regents to business office professionals to professors to
Facility director Dale Novak agrees. “My favorite part
of the job is serving and interacting with the students
and faculty.”

“As a partner in ministry,

computing services. Some of the most important partners
in ministry, however, are the most often overlooked.

I serve by doing all that

Our “behind-the-scenes” staff, whether they work in
security, dining services or buildings and grounds, are
the lifeblood that keeps Concordia operating. Each of
them goes above and beyond their written job description
I can to bring joy and
to make campus safer, cleaner and more like a second
home to students, faculty and staff.
satisfaction to students
“As a partner in ministry, I serve by doing all that I can
to bring joy and satisfaction to students primarily, and,
primarily, and, as time
as time permits, anyone else that is on campus during
my working hours,” says security officer Randy Mabry
permits, anyone else that
’77. “True joy and satisfaction are gifts of God, not only is on campus during my
through the sharing of His amazing grace through Christ,
but also in the sharing of small aspects of life like food, working hours.”
coffee, candy, smiles, conversation.”
Across the board, whether they’ve worked at Concordia It’s also Mabry’s favorite thing. “Making students
for less than a year or for more than 20 years, nearly every happy is my favorite part of the job,” he says. “That
single one of the partners in ministry of our behind-the- may be unlocking their door for them, handing them a
scenes staff say the reason they love their job is the same. Snickers bar, buying them coffee at 10:31 or multitudes
“The warm-hearted support of our Concordia students of other interactions that I am blessed to encounter
and staff that show us their appreciation every day is my each evening.”
favorite part of the job,” says Bob Agee, dining director
at Concordia.
Dale Novak, Bob Agee and Randy Mabry

16 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 17

Congratulations
Class of 2021!
“Instead of praying to have no trouble, pray for the wisdom
to navigate it. And trust that He will be there to guide you,
walking with you along the path of life and giving you peace.”
-Patrick Daberkow CO ’08 GR ’11
Congratulations to the Concordia University, Nebraska
Class of 2021!

18 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 19

teach-out partner, allowing Portland M.Ed. students to
complete their degrees without further interruption.
“When Nebraska reached out and said they would take
us and all of our credits, it was like a weight lifted off my
shoulder,” Thompson, who earned her bachelor’s degree
in 1991, says. “A lot of schools didn’t have a master’s in
curriculum and instruction with a reading specialist
concentration, so when I knew Nebraska was offering
the same thing, it was wonderful.”
In March 2020, when her mother passed, Thompson
thought about ending her pursuit, but her family
continued to encourage her and deep down, she knew
she had to continue. After finishing her studies amid
the pandemic, there was an instance where Thompson
considered not traveling to Nebraska to participate in
commencement. But she and her sisters got their first

A Graduate Program
round of the vaccination, so they’d have at least some
protection. And, her sisters, two of whom are cancer
survivors, weren’t going to allow Thompson to not

With Value(s)
complete her journey.
“They told me, ‘It’s your time, it’s your day and we’re
going to support you,’” Thompson says. “They said, ‘We’re
story: Logan Tuttle all going to get on these flights and put our big girl pants
photo: Laura Von Kampen ’22 on.’ We got our first dose of the vaccine and when we did
Lisa Thompson started her M.Ed. program with that my sister felt a little more comfortable. There’s a
Concordia University-Portland and finished at Concordia
lot that’s in this story, a lot that we went through just to
Nebraska, culminating with an emotional walk across the
commencement stage with a photo of her late mother, make it to Seward.”
who inspired her to pursue her graduate degree. It could have been the snafu at the airport on May
7, where Thompson wasn’t able to board her original
flight. After landing in Omaha at 11 a.m., she arrived

L isa Thompson GR ’20, a second-grade teacher from

East Orange, New Jersey, will never forget the
events of May 8, 2021.
in Newark, New Jersey, says. “I was like, ‘I just can’t do
this anymore.’ I mean, this was my driving force, and
now she’s not here for it. My family would tell me that
on campus 15 minutes before her ceremony began.
Behind the scenes, Ed Siffring, Concordia’s registrar,
and Concordia’s commencement team made sure her
As her name was called to receive her master’s degree I have to do it in her honor. That’s why I felt it was very regalia was ready for her arrival and Thompson snuck
in curriculum and instruction with a reading specialist important to walk because I was not only walking for in to the back of the processional line at the last moment
concentration, Thompson, who finished her degree in myself, but for my mother.” before walking into Friedrich Arena.
October 2020, walked across the stage and received That one instant—formed by the full scale of emotions— “My entire purpose for coming to graduation was to
her diploma while clutching a photo of her late mother. almost didn’t happen at all. walk,” Thompson says. “And when there was only one
That moment was a direct reflection of Thompson’s Thompson started her master’s journey with Concordia flight I could get on, Ed said not to worry, they’ll try to stall
perseverance as she overcame the heartbreak of losing University-Portland in 2019, to help her become a reading for you and to let him know when we arrived in Omaha.
her mother, Winnifred Thompson, the one who inspired specialist. In February 2020, Concordia Portland When I walked on the stage, Ed said to me, ‘Lisa, it was
and encouraged her to return to school and earn her announced it would cease operations, leaving thousands me texting you the whole time.”
master’s degree in the first place. of students unsure of where or how they could complete No matter what obstacle was put in front of her,
“When she passed last year, it really, really hurt,” their degrees. Soon after Concordia Portland’s fate was Thompson persevered, and then some. She finished her
Thompson, who teaches at Belmont Runyan Elementary determined, Concordia Nebraska became the preferred degree in 2020 with a 4.0 GPA.
Lisa Thompson

20 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 21

“When I started, I told my mom I would not get
anything less than an A because I wanted to show her I
could do it and do it well,” she says.
In the weeks leading up to commencement, Thompson
visited with Siffring, Janice Brooks ’88, Concordia’s
bookstore manager, and Jennifer Furr CO ’97 GR ’03,

“I felt it was very

important to walk,
because I was not only
walking for myself, but
for my mother.”
senior director of alumni and university relations. One of
the benefits of Concordia’s tight-knit community is that
Thompson was able to meet all three on graduation day.
“I really applaud the support I got from Nebraska on
graduation day; everyone was so helpful,” Thompson
says. “Ed was number one, he really pulled it off and I
want to give kudos to him. I thank Janice and Jennifer,
they’ve been so helpful.”
Thompson’s tribute to her mother will continue as
her 27-year-old son, a veterinary tech, is going back to
veterinary school. During their time in Nebraska, he
didn’t miss the opportunity to tell Thompson how much
she inspired him, reminding her of the times he’d wake
up at 3 a.m. to see her light on.
“He said, ‘Every time you finished your class after
the five weeks, you always came out with an A. You don’t
how much I admire your perseverance and hard work,’”
Thompson says.
“When you have children, you’ll learn that they’ll do
things on their own time,” she says. “You can nudge them
and give them pep talks, but at the end of the day, they’re
going to go when they’re ready. I thank my mom for always
being on me. I’m going on 53, and I just graduated with
my master’s and got straight A’s. I’m just so glad on how
everything worked out.”

Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Interim President, with Lisa Thompson

22 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 23

from the Good Shepherd church and school community Louis, Missouri. Daniel’s life as a DCE is not contained to
will tell you that Rachel was one of the first people to the walls of a church. His ministry can vary from being in
make them feel welcome. In all she does, Rachel sees her front of the church doing children’s messages to leading
vocations centered around sharing the Gospel. She has mission trips to just having conversations about life and
a sign hanging in her house that says, “Do Small Things faith with his students. Daniel is very active in serving
with Great Love.” This sign sums up what Rachel hopes youth and other youth leaders outside of his job at Christ

Unsung Heroes
to teach her children through both word and example in Memorial. He has worked on several National and District
the everyday, simple callings of life. Youth Gatherings as a planner and a speaker. He is part
of his local DCE cluster group and serves on the National
DCE Board of Directors.
story: Carrie (Krenning) Kober ’97
Through all the big and small ways Daniel serves, he
photos: Courtesy of Rachel (Gregg) Cross ’06, Daniel
Meyer ’05, Zach Schnare ’08 and Kelly Shaver ’12
keeps Col. 3:17 on his mind. He lives by and leads by these
Many Concordia University, Nebraska alumni serve in words, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything
humble, quiet vocations. in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through him.”

W e love to read the stories of the people who rise

above all odds and become someone known in
this world. We eagerly share the news, “Yep, that was my
THE STAY-AT-HOME MOM
Many of our Godly heroes are moms. Moms sacrifice
a lot through their lives for the sake of their children as
friend from undergrad - the one with the many titles and they faithfully raise them to be strong Christians. One of
degrees behind her name.” And yes, these are very proud these moms is alumna Rachel (Gregg) Cross ’06. Rachel’s
moments for our university! Concordia story starts as an 18-year-old committed to going
But what about that classmate that you wonder, “whatever to South Dakota State University to become an occupational
happened to him?” Just because you have not seen his name therapist or teacher. Her pastor recommended she check
in publications, at the awards banquet or on the traveling out Concordia Nebraska. She visited and fell in love with
speaking circuit does not mean he is not serving God in the friendly campus. Daniel Meyer and family
great ways. Quietly, maybe; simply, maybe; but nonetheless After graduation, Rachel’s first call was to be a Special THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR
still serving wherever and with whatever God has placed Education Teacher with Lutheran Area Special Education Another alumnus who is working at the big and small
before him. (LACE) of St. Louis. She taught at St. Mark’s Lutheran things that God has called him to do is Daniel Meyer ’05.
Who are some of these unsung heroes and how have they School, Eureka, Missouri, for three years in this position. Although Daniel never imagined he would be going to
fulfilled their many vocations in simple, yet meaningful ways? After getting married to her husband, Bert, she accepted a school in the cornfields, it became an easy decision once
call to teach kindergarten at Immanuel Lutheran School, he visited campus. He recalls the various blessings he
Wentzville, Missouri. Four years later, when Bert and received at Concordia that helped him fulfill the vocations
Rachel’s first child was born, Rachel felt a new calling he holds today.
and decided to be at home to raise Vivian (now 8). In the The two most important vocations he holds, husband
years that followed, Annalynne (6) and Alison (2) joined and father, are rooted in his time at Concordia. Daniel met
the growing family. Rachel has enjoyed spending her days his wife, Beth (Moline) Meyer ’06, his second year. Daniel
doing simple things with her three girls – reading, playing and Beth share a passion for life and ministry and work as
and watching them grow and learn. a team as they share the Gospel in their unique callings,
The decision to be at home also opened many doors to Daniel as a DCE and Beth as a teacher. Their children, Zach Schnare and family
serving others. Rachel’s priority is always being there for Caleb (12) and Elise (9), complete their family. Daniel
her family, but her time and talents have extended to her fulfills his role of dad by Christian discipling, coaching THE DIRECTOR
church and school, Good Shepherd Lutheran, Collinsville. and just doing life together. They enjoy their time camping Zach Schnare ’08 would tell you that through his life
She is known to be one of the “go-to people” when there is a and vacationing. It is through these small moments and there have been many callings that were not exactly his
need. Rachel often substitute teaches, reads with children experiences that Daniel lives out his call to lead his family plan, but he has stepped forward in faith anyway. When
who need extra help, volunteers at the school library, in their Christian walk. Zach was thinking about college, he felt the pull all along
organizes events such as the annual Auction and Trivia Daniel continues to lead others in faith through his to attend Concordia Nebraska. He even turned down a
Night and is part of a teacher appreciation group. Many call as the DCE at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St.
Rachel Cross and family

24 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 25

full ride elsewhere to follow in his parents’ footsteps and I create community wherever I am?” These two focuses
become a Bulldog. have permeated all of Kelly’s vocations through the years.
His time at Concordia was halted quickly as he was She started as a Spanish teacher at Rockford Lutheran,
deployed with the Nebraska National Guard after his first Illinois, and soon moved into smaller roles after starting a
semester at Concordia. When his year’s deployment was family. Her goal of helping wherever the need was greatest
over, Zach was back at Concordia pursuing a degree in has put her in the roles of supportive wife to husband Jordan
music and pre-sem. His path changed again after taking Shaver ’12, stay-at-home mom to Nolan (4) and Micah (2),
Fundamentals of Art. He saw the doors open to a possible substitute teacher, tutor, secretary for church council,
career in art education. His plans were still up in the air committee member for a moms group and the list goes on.
after marrying sweetheart, Dawn (Otten) Schnare ’08.
They decided that Dawn would teach, and Zach would “And whatever you
do, in word or deed, do
sell insurance, but God had different blessings in store
for them as they welcomed their first child, Ella (now 14).
This change led Zach to accept a teaching call at Metro
East Lutheran High School, Edwardsville, Illinois, as an
everything in the name
art teacher and drama director. He quickly made a name of the Lord Jesus, giving
for himself with the school musicals he directed. The
community came to expect the elaborate sets he built, like thanks to God the Father
the grand staircase for “The Sound of Music” or the special
box that opened and closed for “Cinderella” or the beautiful
through him.”
foliage he and his class grew for “Into the Woods.” He also A verse Kelly remembers in her roles is from 1 Timothy
started bringing in area elementary kids to be part of the 2:2-3: “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly
productions when they performed “Music Man.” and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing
Zach was headed for another change 11 years after in the sight of God our Savior.” Kelly’s moto that “it’s OK
Zach Schnare’s nickname is Dealership Dad. starting at Metro East Lutheran High School. In his quest to be ordinary” is not the philosophy of the world where Kelly Shaver and family

to balance vocations, he and Dawn put their family first everyone is trying to stand out and be noticed. But it’s a
again. To better provide for their now family of 10, they philosophy that serves the church and the neighbor well.
decided Zach would find a new job as a car salesman so Kelly’s latest call to serve others is in the role of
that Dawn could stay home with the kids. Keeping their Concordia Nebraska Regional Ambassador for the
family as the top priority has always been the driving force Chicago and Wisconsin areas. She enjoys helping students
of Zach and Dawn’s decisions. Leaving behind the identity see Concordia Nebraska as an option for their future. She
of teacher and director was difficult, but it also made Zach continues to create community among these students and
focus even more on the most important identity he has the Concordia Alumni in her area. This job comes naturally
through Christ. Because of this identity, Zach has been to Kelly as she is always promoting her alma mater anyway!
able to step out in faith to do what God has set before him. As Kelly readily says yes to the calls God puts before her,
she feels the partnership with fellow Christians throughout
THE AARON the world as each serves in their unique calling. This sense
It is rare to find someone who is not seeking recognition of working together as the body of Christ is what motivates
in some way in life. But isn’t this the call of all Christians? her in all she does.
Alumna Kelly (Thiessen) Shaver ’12, is a wonderful example
of being the “Aaron” lifting up the hands of “Moses” in
ministry. Through all her roles, she sees her serving as
being behind the scenes.
Kelly loves to support and lift others up in their faith
journey along the way. Her time at Concordia helped build
this service-minded focus as she was immersed in the
loving and caring community. This model at Concordia
has made her ask herself throughout the years, “How can

26 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 27

Superheroes
On The
Sidelines
story: Jake Knabel
photos: Jake Knabel
Behind the scenes, Concordia’s athletic trainers log long
hours in an effort to prevent injuries and aid in recovery
when unfortunate circumstances arise.

F or Bulldog athletic trainers Randy Baack ’87, Eric

Lundberg and Kyli Haines, the job is a passion.
Beloved by student-athletes for their kindness and care
(and occasional dad jokes), Concordia’s athletic training
team is here to serve. The desire to help others drove them
to pursue this time-consuming but rewarding vocation.
Concordia’s athletic trainers play an essential role in the
success of student-athletes.

WHY ATHLETIC TRAINING

Baack has held his current position since 2002, when
he returned to his alma mater. Baack was a teacher and
youth director early in his professional career, but he felt
like he hadn’t found his true passion.
A former starter on the Bulldog Baseball team, Baack
left teaching to pursue physical therapy. That line of
work also didn’t feel like the right fit. In a stroke of good
fortune, however, a physical therapist (dual credentialed
in PT and AT) that Baack worked with enlightened him
about the athletic training field.
“I know it was a God thing,” Baack says. “I really thought
I was going to do physical therapy, but God steered me
in another way.”
Lundberg was hired at Concordia as assistant athletic
trainer in 2016. While in high school, he once suffered an
ankle sprain that resulted in him going to the hospital.
Inexplicably, the emergency room doctor put a cast on
the ankle. The situation led to Lundberg seeking out
an athletic trainer, where he got an introduction to his
future career.
“I knew I wanted to do something service-oriented,”
Lundberg says. “I really enjoy helping people and helping
them achieve their dreams.”

Athletic trainers Eric Lundberg, Randy Baack and Kyli Haines

28 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 29
Haines joined the Concordia team prior to the start “I find that time super rewarding because I get to be with Limitations were placed on how many athletes could has understanding family members who know there are
of the 2019-20 academic year. Just like Baack, Haines these athletes on a more individual level,” says Lundberg. be in the training room at once and masks were always a times when the hours will be long.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to pre-practice requirement. Baack feels like he and his team did every- “You evaluate how important each thing is,” he says.
gave consideration to physical therapy, but preferred
preparations. Some of the tasks at this time may be as thing they could to limit potential exposure to the virus. “You have to be there for practice. You have to be there for
the athletic setting.
simple as taping ankles. The key is to get athletes in and “Whatever Four Corners (Health Department) would games. You get better at working smarter and not harder
“Going through the physical therapy program, I realized
out as quickly as possible. say, we did a little extra,” Baack says. “We were able to and maximizing your time.”
I wanted to stay in an athletic field,” Haines says. “It’s
Night games will lead to particularly long workdays. compete and hold practices and competitions, but ev-
pretty similar to physical therapy, but my love for sports IT’S ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIPS
On some occasions, the workload requires the presence erybody had to do the extra work.”
was something I couldn’t get away from.” Some Concordia student-athletes may roll their eyes
of athletic trainers early in the morning until evening It took much toil and attention to detail, but Bulldog
when Baack tells one of his many dad jokes, but they miss
A ‘NORMAL’ DAY post-event treatments have been completed. This is Athletics enjoyed a successful 2020-21 in spite of the virus.
them when they’re gone. So well-known on campus for
No two days are ever exactly alike when it comes to not a job where one can simply go through the motions. “Back in August there was definitely a lot of apprehension,”
these silly jokes, Baack often has student-athletes come
athletics. As athletic trainers will tell you, it’s not a good You have to love it. says Lundberg. “We had this problem that seemed insur-
to him with their own.
thing when they are needed a lot during competition At times, a tough call has to be made as to whether an mountable, but we came together as a cohesive unit and
These types of connections are evidence of the impact
or training. That means there are injuries. However, athlete can continue competing through an injury. There figured out how we could do this.”
athletic trainers have on student-athletes. It goes beyond
much of their time is spent away from the competition. are protocols that must be followed. Head injuries are
ACHIEVING WORK-LIFE BALANCE the physical health of Bulldog competitors. Athletic
Behind the scenes, trainers and student-athletes meet always met with extreme caution. Concordia’s athletic
Life as an athletic trainer sometimes means that train- trainers are like an extension of the coaching staff. The
on a regular basis. trainers keep the best interests of the student-athletes
ers go without seeing their families for certain stretches fostering of positive relationships with student-athletes
in mind when a hasty decision must be made.
“We see them at the “Right now, athletics is their life, but at some point, you
of time. The key is to take advantage of time with family
and get out of the office when times are slower.
is a truly rewarding aspect of the athletic training field.
“My main goal is to make sure the athletes leave with
highest of their highs and have to have a conversation,” Haines says. “If the injury
is significant enough, you have to look at the overall
“One thing I’ve been blessed with is my wife underwent some sort of positive experience, whether it involves an

sometimes, unfortunately,
some of the education process to become an athletic injury need or something emotional or spiritual,” says
well-being of the person.”
trainer,” says Lundberg. “She’s very understanding of the Haines. “It’s all wrapped into one for me. I want people

at the lowest of their lows..” ATHLETIC TRAINING IN A PANDEMIC

The 2020-21 athletic year was decidedly abnormal
job and the tasks at hand. There are times when it’s grit
and grind and get up and do your job.”
to have a positive interaction within the training room.”
Lundberg adds, “We see them at the highest of their
The focus for weekday mornings normally centers upon for athletic trainers across the country, including the Over the past four years, Baack has taken advantage of highs and sometimes, unfortunately, at the lowest of their
athletes with more significant injuries. For example, an Bulldog staff. Before anyone was allowed to enter the the opportunities to watch his daughter Anna compete lows. Helping athletes deal with injuries and getting them
athlete coming off an ACL surgery may come in during training room over the past several months, they had as a pole vaulter on the track and field team. At a place back to a level where they’re fulfilling their dreams is the
the morning for rehab purposes. A lot of one-on-one to be screened first. Athletic trainers often screened like Concordia, people are always willing to help. Baack number one thing that I get out of this job.”
time occurs in the mornings, allowing athletes to have athletes on game days as well, sometimes early in the has had other staff cover his duties at times so that he
specialized attention. morning before teams left for road events. could watch Anna compete. Like Lundberg, Baack also

Athletic trainer Randy Baack and head coach Drew Olson assess an injured player. Athletic Trainer Kyli Haines works with an injured runner.

30 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 31

Women’s Track & Field Baseball
Tied 1st
GPAC NAIA INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM RECORDS

1st
GPAC FINISH (INDOOR & OUTDOOR)
3rd
NAIA FINISH (INDOOR & OUTDOOR)
GPAC FINISH (REGULAR SEASON)
Jake Fosgett
GPAC Pitcher of the Year,
NAIA Honorable Mention All-America
Pitching Wins in a Season: 9

INDOOR INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS INDOOR INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS Champions Joey Grabanski

Single Season Homeruns: 17
Rachel Battershell 400m Rachel Battershell 400m GPAC TOURNAMENT RBIs: 60

42-12
Morgan De Jong Weight Throw Josie Puelz Pole Vault Total Bases in a Season: 136
Kylahn Heritage 1000m
Keaton Candor/Jesse Garcia
OUTDOOR INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS Most Career Home Runs: 29
OUTDOOR INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS Josie Puelz Pole Vault OVERALL SEASON
Nick Little

21-7
4X400M RELAY 3:55.28 Liz Stottlemyre Javelin All-Time Winningest Pitcher: 27
Rachel Battershell 400 Hurdles Most Career Innings Pitched: 253.1
Josie Puelz Pole Vault, Most Career Complete Games: 15
OUTDOOR PROGRAM RECORDS
GPAC Women’s Field GPAC SEASON
Performance of the Meet Josie Puelz Pole Vault: 13’ 7” Jayden Adams
Hits in a Season: 76
Addie Shaw Shot Put, Emily Loy Heptathlon: 4,733 TEAM PROGRAM RECORDS
Most Runs Scored in a Single Season: 65
Hammer Throw Liz Stottlemyre Javelin: 167’ 2” Wins 42
Liz Stottlemyre Javelin Rachel Battershell 100m Hurdles: Runs Scored 468 Peyton Scott
Most Stolen Bases in a Single Season: 24
14.25 Pitcher Strikeouts 529
4X100M RELAY 47.66 Home Runs 90

To view Concordia’s fall sports summaries, visit

32 Broadcaster cune.edu cune.edu/summaries.
Alumnotes
Dr. Heath Lewis ’07 successfully defended his dis- Lauren (Aufdembrink) Freudenburg
sertation in December 2020 and earned his Ph.D. in ’14 and husband Jason Freudenburg
Education from Drake University. Heath currently welcomed daughter Hazel Leila
serves as an assistant professor of Christian Education (pronounced Lee-eye-luh) into
& Leadership and director of the DCE program at Con- the world on December 28, 2020.
cordia University, St. Paul. She loves to watch her big brother
1950s 1980s Augustus (2) play with his tractors and dinosaurs.
Dr. Stan Topel ’58 has completed a series of eight books Jodene (Peck) Pappas ’84 pub- 2010s
titled “Now as I Recall” covering the first 200 years of Kayla (Smock) Kenow ’19 and
lished a book chapter titled De- Caleb Kruse ’10 received his Master
American history. They are available for purchase on husband Terrance Kenow ’19
pression and Obsessive Compulsive of Sacred Theology Degree from
Amazon.com. were married August 10, 2019, and
Personality Disorder (OCPD) in the Concordia Seminary in May 2020.
welcomed their first child, Ezekiel
book “LIS Interrupted: Intersections He and wife Brittany (Marrs) Kruse
Robert Heckman ’59 and Shirley (Knobloch) Heck- Terrance Kenow, on May 29, 2020.
of Mental Illness and Library Work,” which describes ’10 also welcomed their fourth child,
man ’58 observed their 60th wedding anniversary in He loves to move and talk constantly!
her experience working as a professional librarian with Louisa Faith, on October 28, 2020.
June 2020. The couple recently moved to Royal Oaks,
these health conditions. Jodene has worked in public and She is adored by big siblings Clara, August and Frederick.
a continuing care retirement community in Bradbury,
academic libraries across the country for more than 30 Louisa was baptized at Lord of Life Lutheran Church
California.
years, first as a reference librarian, then a cataloger and in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where Caleb has been serving as
1970s now an administrator. Jodene currently serves as the associate pastor since 2015.
Head of Technical Services at the University of Texas
Dr. Marilyn (Fuss) Reineck ’73 retired from Concordia Dr. Elizabeth Wooster-Pierson
Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas.
University, St. Paul after more than 40 years of higher ’10 and husband Michael Pierson
education experience. In her tenure at CSP, Marilyn 1990s welcomed baby Jeremiah Dean
served as Assistant to the Provost for Special Projects, Pierson into the world on March 10,
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Col- John Nutall ’93 and wife Steph-
2010. Jeremiah was baptized on April
lege of Arts and Sciences and professor and chair of anie Nutall welcomed their son,
11, 2021, at St. John Lutheran Church
the Department of Communication Studies. She also Caleb David Nuttall, to the world in
in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Jeremiah’s grandparents include
served as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs December of 2017. The family now
Concordia Nebraska alumni Lynette (Collingwood)
at Concordia University Chicago. Post-retirement, lives in Eastern Oregon, thoroughly
Wooster ’83 and Larry Wooster ’82, and godparents
Marilyn plans to continue as a dissertation advisor to enjoying the fishing, wildlife and
Emily (Hansen) Cotter ’10 and Dustin Cotter ’10.
CSP’s Ed.D. students, work on a number of personal quieter small-town living experience.
scholarly and devotional writing projects and spend Ellen (Hente) Birkedal ’11 and
Michelle Soenksen ’95 received the 2020 Master Front-
more time with her family, including reading books to husband Andreas welcomed Henrik
line Interpreter Award from the National Association for
her grandchildren. Andreas Birkedal into the world
Interpretation (NAI). The award is presented to those
on March 3, 2021. Henrik joins big
John Kiehl ’78 accepted a call as pastor at Spencer Creek who demonstrate a mastery of interpretive techniques,
brother Magnus.
Lutheran Church in Eugene, Oregon. His first Sunday program development and design of creative projects.
as pastor was April 11, 2021. The Kiehls formerly lived Michelle is the Interpretive Resource Specialist III at Hannah (Woollen) Howard ’12 and husband Drew
in Metropolis, Illinois, where John was pastor at Faith Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson, Missouri. Howard welcomed daughter Wyatt Jane in December
Lutheran Church. 2020. Hannah currently serves as Associate Creative
Class Endowments
2000s Director at Creative Energy in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Concordia holds 21 endowments that offer
Scott Wiemer ’78 won the 2021 Region 12 Athletic Dr. Melissa (Gunlock) Klamer ’06 graduated from scholarships from alumni classes to current students.
Director of the Year Award given by the Michigan Inter- Michael Palomaki ’12 earned a
Michigan State University in August of 2020 with a Ph.D. Learn more about our class endowment gifts at
scholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Scott Master of Music – Choral Conducting
in English, and also received a Graduate Certificate in cune.edu/class-endowment.
just completed 43 years of serving in the education field, degree from Sam Houston State
Digital Humanities. She and her husband, Rev. Lance Share Your News
including 19 years in Lutheran schools and 24 years University in December 2020. Michael
Klamer ’06, along with their four children, reside in Have you experienced a life-changing event? Perhaps
as an athletic director. He and wife Leslie have two is currently serving in his ninth year as
Fowler, Michigan, where she teaches English at Fowl- you got married, had a baby or moved. Maybe
daughters, Samantha and Taylor, and a son, Jacob. The Director of Choral Music at Concordia
er High School and he serves as Kantor and Associate you got another degree, wrote a book or earned a
couple also have two granddaughters, Sloane and Harper. Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas.
Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church. promotion. Let us know!

Submit details and a photo at cune.edu/broadcaster.

34 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 35

In Memoriam
Betty (Wolter) Bredehoft HS’ 36 CO ’39
Lucille (Grueber) Kirchhoff CO ’36
Dr. Theodore Blomenberg HS ’62 CO ’66
Roger Duerr CO ’62
Homecoming
2021
Clarence Rhode CO ’39 Amanda Husberg CO ’62
Aurelia (Ringenberg) Heine HS ’43 CO ’66 GR ’76 Maxine Steil CO ’62
Viola Ehlers HS ’44 CO ’49 Jesse Thomas CO ’62
Dorothy (Raabe) Cloeter CO ’47 Rev. Terrence Daberkow CO ’63
Merton Grabau CO ’47 Dr. Priscilla Lawin CO ’63
Darlene (Wolff ) Baedke CO ’50 Roger Mailand CO ’63
Donald Krecklow CO ’52 James Manion CO ’65
Walter Faszholz HS ’53 CO ’57 Margene (Unverfehrt) Schmidt CO ’67
Alice (Meyer) Koehnke CO ’53 Walter Halfmann CO ’68
Rev. Roland Pillack CO ’53 Richard Jostes HS ’69 CO ’73
John Aaberg CO ’54 Kenneth Smith CO ’70
Leroy Hotz CO ’54 Cynthia (Rausch) Walker CO ’72
LaVon (Carlson) Mason CO ’55 Rev. Jack Gillam CO ’74
M. Virginia (Miesner) Mehl CO ’56 Ellen (Bergt) Glanzer CO ’74
Kenneth Claus HS ’57 CO ’61 David Waterman CO ’74
Larry Becker CO ’58 Scott Weidler CO ’81
JOIN US OCT. 1-3 AS WE CELEBRATE HOMECOMING AND ALL-CLASS REUNION 2021!
Elizabeth (Reinboth) Grupe HS ’58 CO ’62 Rev. James Wiggins Jr. CO ’81
As part of this year’s festivities, we are excited to host an Alumni Art Exhibition and to honor Prof.
Margaret (Hopkins) Knox CO ’58 Cynthia (Steffens) Kuntz CO ’87
William Wolfram with a Lifetime Service Award. See the full schedule of events and register today
William Roundey CO ’58 Robin (Taylor) Schermbeck CO ’91 GR ’97 at cune.edu/homecoming.
Rosalyn Chmelka CO ’59 GR ’71 Jess Thacker CO ’92
Wilma (Hopkins) Fowler CO ’59 Timothy Heyen CO ’02
Marvin Hesterman CO ’59 Joshua Brumm CO ’17
Violet (Heppner) Overgaard HS ’59 Macey (Kroeger) Jeppesen CO ’19
Richard Grice CO ’60
David Koenig CO ’61 Arranged by year: current as of May 15, 2021
William Rutherford CO ’61 HS: High School
CO: College
GR: Graduate

On Aug. 22, 2021, Dr. Bernard Bull will be installed as Concordia University, Nebraska’s eleventh
president. To help our community learn more about our future leader in ministry, we invite you to
submit whatever questions you may have for him. Whether you want to know Dr. Bull’s outlook
for the future of Lutheran education, why he’s excited to be moving his family to Seward or just
his favorite flavor of ice cream, visit cune.edu/president to submit your questions! We’ll share his
responses via a special virtual Ask the President Q & A session!

36 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 37

“Supporting Concordia has been a way for us to
repay a debt that was incurred during the eight
years that Fred was a student on campus (both
high school and college). God’s plans for Fred
led him into a career as a scientist/technologist,
and the blessing of his time at Concordia is
one we wish to share with future generations
of young men and women who will also find
in Concordia’s grounding in God’s Word the
resources to labor effectively in God’s World.”
DR. FREDERICK SCHAMBER HS ’59 CO ’63
AND JULIE SCHAMBER

“Concordia University, Nebraska is one of

Why I
the gems of the worldwide Christian church
and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. It
provides a great education in an unabashed
Christian environment. It provides programs
for those going into church work directly and
those majoring in other areas that are vital to

Give
God’s people and His world. We thank God
for Concordia and those who have dedicated
their careers to the success of its mission for
sake of Jesus.”
FAITH (THORSEN) EVANS ’72 AND BILL EVANS

“We love to support Concordia University

because it is a foundational institution in the
LCMS and a pillar of the Seward community. It
has been so rewarding to see Concordia thrive
through the years, providing a solid faith-based
education for thousands of students who have
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with gone on to serve the Lord with their gifts.”
the firstfruits of all your produce; then your DAVID AND RISË LANGE
barns will be filled with plenty, and your “We feel strongly that this University stands
vats will be bursting with wine.” out among the many colleges and universities
(Proverbs 3:9-10). as having a firm foundation in Christ. It is our
During Concordia’s Answering the Call campaign, calling to serve God with our individual gifts.
Concordia raised over $90 million for the mission While both our daughters are on very different
of the university. In 2016, only God could have career paths; one in the business world and the
known that people deeply committed to that other church work, their individual and unique
mission would honor him with gifts exceeding gifts and talents were recognized, nurtured, and
the $65 million campaign goal by well over strengthened at Concordia by the wonderful
$25 million! Thanks be to God for over 11,700 educators and staff.”
donors who joyfully contributed to Concordia’s MOLLY AND PETER GAIDE
overflowing blessings from 2016-2021.

Visit cune.edu/give to partner with

Concordia and help ensure our mission Concordia celebrated the Fourth of July in style.

38 Broadcaster cune.edu
continues for generations to come.
Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 39
800 North Columbia Avenue
Seward, NE 68434-9980

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