Broadcaster

maga zine of Concordia University, Nebraska

the

winter 2011 volume 88 no. 2

from the president

The question: How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb? The answer: Change? What seems to be true of many Lutherans may be true of most people without regard to belief or creed. During the past year Concordias leadership team and I spent a lot of time studying, discussing and implementing change. One of the things we learned is this: people dont resist change, they resist loss. Even when people see with clarity and passion a future filled with gain and progress, weve learned they see with equal passion the losses they are being asked to sustain. Adapting to a new environment requires experiments, new discoveries and adjustments. It requires learning new ways and changing attitudes, values and behaviors until the change is internalized and owned (Leadership on the Line, Linsky & Heifetz, 2002). This issue of the Broadcaster contains numerous examples of how Concordia, our alumni, students, faculty and staff are adapting to a changing environment. Our university-wide vision statement is a reminder to each of us who serve and support this institution that Concordia must continually adapt to its changing environment if we are to fulfill our mission in these dynamic days of the 21st century. Preparing students in and for the 21st century also calls us to help students learn how to adapt to a changing environment. As administrators, faculty and staff who are working to prepare the next generation, we can teach and model successfully only what we have learned and practiced ourselves. As you read this edition of the Broadcaster, I hope you observe, as I have, that while we continue to adapt to our changing environment, Concordias essence, our mission, has not changed. Nor will it! This is an exciting time to serve and support Concordia! As 2012 begins, I am deeply grateful for the many friends and alumni who support our students faithfully and generously. Our God, who changes not, is blessing your gifts and prayers in marvelous ways. We are adapting to our changing environment and, through your ongoing support with Gods abundant blessings, Concordia will be even better equipped in the future to prepare students for the church and world than it is today. May God bless you richly with His grace upon grace in the New Year ahead! Brian L. Friedrich President
Vision statement: By 2015 Concordia University, Nebraska will grow and expand its influence to diverse populations by fostering collaboration and adapting to our changing environment while remaining faithful to our mission of excellent Christian education. Mission: Concordia University, Nebraska is an excellent academic and Christcentered community equipping men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.

photo: Karen Chittick

Broadcaster Staff
Editor Andrew Swenson 08 Managing editor Rosanne Reese Graphic designer Karen Chittick 05 Student designer Sara Fredrickson 13 Contributing writers Tyler Beltz, 11 Emily Hemphill 14 Rosanne Reese Scott Retzlaff

winter 2011
4 Help and hope in Joplin
Following a deadly tornado, Concordia alumni in Joplin, Mo., look to the future with hope.

University Administration
President & CEO Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich Provost Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke Associate Provost Dr. Lisa Ashby Executive Vice President, CFO & COO David Kumm Vice President for Enrollment Management, Student Life & Athletics Scott Seevers Vice President for Institutional Advancement Rev. Richard Maddox

10 Balancing life and learning

Concordias online programs allow students to live their lives and further their education.

Board of Regents
Dr. Dennis Brink, Lincoln, Neb. Mr. Robert Cooksey, Kirkwood, Mo. Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Seward, Neb. Rev. Keith Grimm, Omaha, Neb. Mr. Barry D. Holst, Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Mike Klintworth, Seward, Neb. Mr. James Knoepfel, Fremont, Neb. Mr. John Kuddes, Leawood, Kan. Mrs. Bonnie Meyer, Palatine, Ill. Mr. Lyle Middendorf, Lincoln, Neb. Mr. Timothy Moll, Seward, Neb. Mrs. Monique Nunes, Baltimore, Md. Mr. Paul Schudel, Lincoln, Neb. Mr. Timothy Schwan, Appelton, Wis. Rev. Russell Sommerfeld, Seward, Neb. Mr. Max Wake, Seward, Neb. Mrs. Jill Wild, Seward, Neb. Rev. Karl Ziegler, Bellevue, Neb.

14 Learning in the Sandhills

Dr. Joel Helmers annual trip to the Sandhills gives his students the chance to see what they have discussed in the classroom in the field.

University Contacts
General Information www.cune.edu 800 535 5494 Alumni & University Relations Alumni@cune.edu Institutional Advancement Development@cune.edu Undergraduate Admission & Campus Visits Admiss@cune.edu

College of Graduate Studies GradAdmiss@cune.edu Athletics Athletics@cune.edu Bookstore www.cunebookstore.com Career services CareerServices@cune.edu Center for Liturgical Art LiturgicalArt@cune.edu

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Concordia Scene Athletics Alumni News Alumnotes

The Broadcaster is published by the marketing and communication office of Concordia University, Nebraska to more than 45,000 alumni, faculty, staff, pastors, businesses, parents and friends of the university in all 50 states and over 15 foreign countries. COPYRIGHT 2011, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA

On the cover: A simple but heartfelt message in Joplin, Mo. Cover photo: Karen Chittick

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Help and hope in Joplin

Rev. Greg Mech, known as Joplins disaster pastor, shares his experience of surviving a deadly tornado, responding to community needs and looking to the future.
On May 22, 2011, one of the nations deadliest tornadoes ripped through Joplin, Mo., destroying over 9,000 homes and other buildings and claiming 161 lives. Although the damage knocked most of Joplin down, among those left standing was Pastor Greg Mech of Immanuel Lutheran Church, alumnus and former Concordia chaplain and professor. At first I wasnt sure of the nature of the storm, Mech said, recalling the afternoon the twister touched down. He was alone at home in his parsonage playing a video game when he heard a warning siren go off. Since Missouri often experiences tornadoes, Mech ignored the early warning, determined to beat the next level of his video game. When a second siren sounded, Mech looked out the window and saw it was dark on one side of the house and light on the other. He dropped the game and took shelter. Many of Joplins homes do not have basements because the town is located in a former mining area. I grabbed a book and went into the hall.
photos: Karen Chittick

I wanted to go out praising the God who had given me a good life, Mech said. A sense of calm came over mejust as the roof of the house came off. The tornado winds were estimated to be over 200 mph, peaking at 250 mph. The path of the tornado stretched more than a mile wide. The storm increased in intensity as it moved across the city of Joplin, leaving flattened houses, debarked trees, mangled vehicles and destroyed buildings in its wake. When the winds subsided and Mech left his home, he was amazed at the extent of the damage. Mech described the surrounding landscape as scoured. It looked like pictures of Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped on it, Mech recalled. It was surrealistic. Of the approximately 22,000 homes in Joplin about 7,500 were destroyed or damaged. According to the National Weather Service, emergency managers reported damage to 75% of Joplin. Communication lines were cut, and water and electric services were down. As Mech surveyed the damage, he saw people wandering near the church, shocked from what had just occurred. He welcomed everyone he saw to the parsonage and tried to help in any way he could. According to Mech, traveling through Joplin was nearly impossible because streets were littered with debris.

As the winds increased, Mech realized the gravity of what was happening. He remembers noticing the walls moving as if they were breathing. He remembers praying for safety: his own, his wifes, his church families and his communitys. He remembers singing the Te Deum.

Hand-made signs highlight the positive attitude of Joplin residents. In the distance both the destruction and rebuilding can be seen.

At the time of the tornado, Mechs wife was working at the hospital in town. Mech would have to wait five and a half hours before he found out she was unharmed via a text from his son in Las Vegas: Mom OK. Doing triage. When the immediate danger had passed, Mech knew he had to check on the welfare of the members of his congregation and meet the needs of the community. I needed to respond with compassion and care. We needed to meet the physical and spiritual needs and then deal with the financial needs, said Mech.

of congregation and community members, organized hot meals three times a day for three months. People from as far away as 90 miles brought food. Later bag lunches were provided. Donations and volunteers have continued to roll into Joplin, and recovery has begun. The blessings have never deserted us, Mech said. Tools worth $350,000 were donated to the community by Stanley Black & Decker to help in the rebuilding process. An Immanuel Lutheran congregation member purchased a factory and the wood-working equipment in it. The building was given to the church to use to store donated items, and the woodworking equipment was given to the local high school to reestablish industrial education classes.

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Immanuel Lutheran Church is on the edge of the tornados path and was spared for a purpose.

One of the most pressing problems was sanitation. The church building had little damage, so they opened it to the community in the days following the storm. A sign in front advertised clean restrooms. Because at the time there was no running water, Paul Doner, an eighth-grader at the Martin Luther Lutheran School, volunteered to take rain water in waste baskets and manually flush the toilets. He did that for six and a half hours straight, said Mech. It is amazing. Another need was feeding the residents and volunteers. The church opened its doors again and, with the help

From October 19-26, ABCs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was in Joplin to build seven homes in seven days. Members of Immanuel Lutheran staffed the tool trailer around the clock, making sure the more than 10,000 volunteers had what they needed to get the job done. The program will air in January of 2012.

DOG BREATH
When devastation hits, God opens opportunities to minister in many different ways. For the members of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther Lutheran School comfort came with soulful eyes, cold noses and long tails. Jackson and Louie, a pair of golden retriever comfort dogs, joined the staff of the church and school courtesy of Lutheran Church Charities shortly after the tornado. Pastor Mech reports that the dogs are extremely helpful in working with victims of the storm. When people pet the dogs they relax, and pretty soon they start to talk about whats really bothering them. Beginning when they were just three months old, Jackson and Louie underwent nearly nine months of training to learn how to unlock doors, carry keys in their mouths and flip a light switch. Although they are canines of many talents, Jackson and Louie serve mostly by allowing people to pet them and hug them.

Donations and volunteers poured into Joplin after the disaster. Immanuel Lutheran Church was instrumental in organizing those resources.

As part of the ongoing work to rebuild Joplin, Immanuel Lutheran has launched TRANSFORM JOPLIN, a non-profit organization and strategic plan for a new ministry to continue transforming neighborhoods and lives in Jesus name. Their website shares, Immanuel Lutheran Church is on the edge of the tornados path and was spared for a purpose. The people of Immanuel sprang immediately into action, providing for the needs of the neighborhood and community. There is still much work to do in Joplin. Mech reports that many of the volunteers and those serving in ministry at Joplin are alumni or former staff of Concordia University, Nebraska. Everything is always changing, reported Mech, saying that if the Concordia community wants to support the rebuilding ministry in Joplin, the best thing to do is check the website [www.transformingjoplin.com]. Our volunteer and donation needs are always up-to-date there. There are signs of progress. When Mech discusses Joplins recovery, he describes traveling down blocks leveled by the tornado and seeing just one family starting to rebuild, a bare house frame jutting out from the horizon. You can see hope and need in one glance, explains Mech. After a disaster like the Joplin tornado, Mech feels it is especially important to reflect on the word of James about perseverance and wisdom. If you can stand, says Mech, you reach for those who have fallen down. It is a thrilling time to be a pastor.

About 20 handlers in Joplin have been trained to work with the dogs, including Pastor Greg Mech and Martin Luther teacher Charlotte Robertson. And in case anyone forgets these dogs are working dogs, both Louie and Jackson have their own business cards, email addresses and Facebook pages.

Want to help transform Joplin?

Visit www.transformingjoplin.com for information on how to get involved.

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Concordia alumna Charlotte Robertson 71 was one of the many Joplin residents who lost their homes in the summer tornado.

The first tornado siren sounded as Charlotte and her husband were preparing dinner. Like many in Joplin, the Robertsons dismissed it at first. Still Charlotte couldnt shake an uneasy feeling. This warning just felt different. Just moments after the Robertsons decided to take shelter by crawling under a mattress they lugged into their hallway, the unmistakable sound of breaking glass started to cascade around them. The mattress was their only shelter from hail and flying debris. Even in the midst of the chaos, Charlotte asked her husband to make sure he had shut the light off in their den, to which he responded, What light? What den? I can see trees!

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When the Robertsons emerged from their shelter, they were stunned. Nearly all of the houses on their block were damaged and nearly everything they owned was destroyed. Its an interesting experience to be homeless, car-less, stuff-less in less than an hour, Charlotte said. Shortly after the storm, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther Lutheran School, where Charlotte teaches second grade, became command central for the relief effort. It was unbelievable, Charlotte remembers. Our church and school stepped up and made our school a disaster center with hot meals all day. If you cry, people help you. I cried a lot. The number of people coming from all over the union to help us was overwhelming.

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The Robertsons were fortunate. Although they were unable to rebuild their home due to a city-wide moratorium on construction, the Robertsons found and purchased a new house in town. Ironically, the Robertsons had eyed the house when they first moved to Joplin 24 years ago. I loved it then, explained Charlotte. I told God I wish I could have a house like that. Well, he takes his time in answering!

The Robertsons continue to be amazed by Gods love and by the generosity of others. One of my former pastors and his wife sent me some money this summer. The note with the money said, use as you see fit or give away. I had been so worried about the children all summer. So I took that money, split it up in $10 [bills] and gave it away to children that I knew who had lost their homes. What a joy to see their face when they knew they had some money they could spend! Recovery in Joplin and for the Robertsons continues. Their church, Immanuel Lutheran, continues to lead the process. Now that the Robertsons have a roof over their heads, they also have become involved in that process. They have fed and housed many volunteers and look for opportunities to help others. And of course they pray, for those who are still homeless, for those who have lost loved ones and for all of those who have helped and prayed for Joplin. Prayerthere isnt anything that can help us more than that.

Balancing life and learning

As our lives become increasingly infused with technology and as the desire for convenience increases, many universities have added online programming to their academic catalog, allowing students to earn a degree from the comfort of their homes, offices and local coffee shops. Looking ahead to the future of education, Concordia has been working to expand its own online offerings, giving students the ability to earn a degree without stepping into a classroom. For some students involved in Concordias graduate programs, these online classes may be their only option, as is the case with master of education student Shawna Tate. As a full-time teacher with two part-time jobs, the online program at Concordia gave me the flexibility that I needed to balance school, work and family, said Tate, a seventh grade science teacher and single mother. For Tate, taking classes on campus is not a viable option. I reside in Omaha, and I would not be able to make the weekly commute to campus. Taking classes online allows me to work around my busy schedule. At times it gets challenging; however, I balance it by working on my homework while my daughter is working on hers. It works well for me. Another student reaping the benefits of Concordias online programs is Becky Romshek who is currently pursuing her gerontology degree. For Romshek, a case manager with the Area Agency on Aging, a wife and a mother of two, it is the flexibility of online classes that allows her to continue her schooling.

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We have been progressively expanding our online offerings for several years, said Dr. Renea Gernant, program director for gerontology and human services. Many of the gerontology courses, a number of general education courses, graduate teacher certification courses, several degree completion electives, some MBA courses and a large number of graduate education courses have been available online for some time. Until recently, we didnt have the official permissions to offer programs exclusively online. Vice president for enrollment, student life and athletics Scott Seevers expanded on this. The recent approval from the Higher Learning Commission to our Substantive Change Request for Distance Delivery allows us to offer up to 20% of Concordias programs in a fully online format.

photo: Karen Chittick

I am married. We have a five-year-old and an 18 month old. Balancing school, along with work, and activities of my family is tough at times, but with the online classes, I can complete the assignments once the girls go to bed or on weekends. It allows me to work full-time, take my five-year-old to dance and gymnastics, and do family activities. The online class schedules allow me to complete my masters and not miss any family time. If something comes up with work or home life, the professors allow time to deal with issues that arise. The flexibility is greatly appreciated.

The development of the human services program also is meant to meet a growing societal need. Gernant shared that human services workers work with about one in ten people across a variety of demographic groups. By providing direct care to vulnerable populations, human service providers make valuable contributions to our overall quality of life and the economies of our communities, said Gernant. The training of human services workers has not kept up with the demands of the position. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website indicates that As the elderly population continues to grow, the demand for social and human service assistants will expand. Concordias vision for 2015 includes a goal to grow and expand our influence to diverse populations, said Seevers. That means serving people that we cannot reach today, and we believe that online education will help us reach some of those folks.

As a full time teacher with two part time jobs, the online program at Concordia gave me the flexibility that I needed to balance school, work and family.

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Concordias Fully-Online Programs

Master of Education, Administration Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education, Early Childhood

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Concordias newest degrees which can be obtained solely through online study include the Master in Human Services and the Master of Public Health.

Master of Education, Literacy with ESL certification option Special Education (Mild and Moderate) Endorsement Secondary Teacher Certification, with Master of Education option Master of Science, Family Life Master of Arts, Gerontology and Aging Studies Master of Human Services Master of Public Health Bachelors Degree Completion, Business Administration Bachelors Degree Completion, Gerontology Bachelors Degree Completion, Professional Studies

The development of the Master of Public Health online offering is meant to meet a growing need to increase the number of people entering the public health field.

It is apparent that this Master of Public Health program is not only timely but is very much needed to rebuild the public health workforce and meet the health needs of the U.S. and global population, said Dr. Jennifer Janousek, director of the Master of Public Health program. Additionally, the research shows projections for long-term growth and viability, said Janousek, citing a report by the Association of Schools of Public Health which says more than 250,000 Public Health workers will be needed by 2020. Of more than 100,000 current government public health workers, approximately one-quarter of the current public sector workforce will be eligible to retire by 2012.

Teacher Tips
As alumni will attest, Concordia professors do a great job of providing their students with new theories, methods and ideas, equipping them for lives of learning, service and leadership. Now one Concordia program has taken a step to make living a life of learning even easier. The education department has launched a new email newsletter with content thats meant to help all teachers, whether they are rookies or seasoned veterans, find a source of inspiration and fresh ideas.

We have been busy in the education department putting together a series of video clips called Teacher Tips, explains Beth Pester, director of Concordias middle-level education program. Each week Concordias department of education publishes an email newsletter with a link to a short video featuring a new teacher tip. Not only do current and former Concordia faculty offer their expertise in the videos, but also the teacher tips series has featured alumni who are teaching in schools all over the country. Topics range from lesson planning and evaluation to classroom management and activities to try. Best of all, Pester says, [the tips] are intended to be things that are practical, usable in your classroom right away. Beyond just weekly tips, the education department recently filmed and produced three additional video resources for teachers: an hour-long workshop on financial literacy led by Concordia alumnus and CPA Ryan Burger, a questionand-answer session about Concordia Plans led by Connie Butler, Concordia Universitys director of human resources, and a presentation on income-based loan repayment and public service loan forgiveness. All the videos are available online, free of charge. If youd like to view the videos or join the mailing list for Concordias Teacher Tips email newsletter, visit www.cune.edu/TeacherTips

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Learning in the Sandhills

(above) Dr. Joel Helmer and Brian Gesche prepare for a wetland adventure. (right) Matt Wingert gets a birds eye view of surrounding terrain.

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The best educators have always been able to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. For Dr. Joel Helmer, chair of the social sciences department, bridging that gap means taking an annual adventure across Nebraska, complete with a treasure hunt. Each fall since 2008, Helmer has taken his physical geography and geology class to the Sandhills to show students the unique physical geography of Nebraska, especially at the Ogallala Aquifer.

Junior Matt Wingert recalled how it took almost eight hours to make the 275 mile trip (a little over double the amount of time it would take to drive the speed limit straight through). Dr. Helmer had created a packet including information about almost every town along the way, and the journey included many interesting stops. Students got to practice their treasure hunting skills by participating in geocachinga world-wide outdoor treasure hunting game. Students used global positioning system devices to locate hidden objects (geocaches) whose location coordinates are posted on the Internet. In their pursuit to locate the geocaches this year, students used GPS devices to tap into almost a dozen positioning satellites. There were boxes about the size of an ammo box hidden, said Wingert describing the geocaches. When we located them and opened them, we found a rolled up piece of paper. We added our names to the people who had found the cache before us and then reburied the box. It was pretty cool. Dana Zluticky also thought the geocaching was intriguing. We planted our own geocache on the ranch on Monday morning before we left. Its exciting to think that other people will go looking for what we left behind, and there will always be something there to remind us of our trip.

The aquifer is one of the largest in the world, and the Sandhills are the largest dune formation in the western hemisphere, said Helmer. The region is extremely beautiful, containing a great diversity of flora and fauna, natural wetlands and a unique cattle ranching based culture. Traveling into this region provides a great opportunity for experiential learning. During their adventure, students spend three days traveling and staying at the Double R Guest Ranch, a working cattle ranch in the heart of the Sandhills near Mullen, Neb., in Cherry County. They experience the physical processes that created the landforms firsthand, then work together to create an original educational video from the pictures and videos they collect during the trip.

Once the group arrived at the Double R Ranch, they hiked and explored extensively. The group also took time to help Pat Bridges, the owner of the Double R Guest Ranch where Helmers group has stayed the last three years. Helmer explains, [Pats] husband, Jim, passed away last December after a tragic accident on the ranch. Earlier this year Pat broke her leg and then later her back. She is a lifelong resident of the Sandhills and is just a wonderful lady who welcomes my students to her amazing ranch each fall. After hearing about her tough year, I asked my students if they would like to help her out by doing some work on the ranch during our stay. They said You bet. The students took a break from their exploring to paint the gift shop and the roof of the calving shed. Pat was so grateful she gave us a thank you card with cash inside. The students decided to donate the money to Concordias scholarship fund in Pats name. To complete their adventure the class went tanking on the Middle Loup River and studied the interdunal wetlands. The trip down the river in a large, repurposed metal tank provided an especially fond memory for Helmer. The tanking trip down the Middle Loup River was the highlight of the trip. This group of students was adventurousjumping off the cut banks into the river, swimming, climbing and hiking. The funniest thing that happened was when Dana Zluticky decided to get out of our tank and wade. She thought we were in shallow water, but when she stepped out of the tank into the icy water she went completely under. When she surfaced her eyes were wide open! We all laughed and laughed, Helmer shared. That laughter seems to be indicative of the bond that was created in the class from the adventure. It was really fun to get to see everyone in such a different setting, Zluticky said. It was good to relax and have some fun while exploring the things in real life that we were learning about in the classroom. Wingert agreed. The whole dynamic in the class has changed since the trip. We are interacting much more. And the learning that took place is apparent. As funny as it sounds, its almost hard to believe that the things we learn about in class are real, shared Zluticky. Seeing them with my own eyes really made the things we talked about in class make more sense. The whole trip was a learning experience, Wingert said. And it was nice that we could tie service into itthat we could make a difference.

photos: Matt Wingert

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Top photo: Angela Harstad discovered the Nebraska wildlife living in the Sandhills. Bottom photo: (l-r) Josh Grass, Garrett Golke, Levi Shinn, Ray Finley, Matt Mueller and Matt Bucholz try tanking.

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Top photo: The physical geography and geology class, (l-r) Matt Mueller, Liz Buss, Matt Bucholz, Dana Zlucticky, and Helmer jumped into experiential learning. Bottom photo: Matt Wingert practiced some photography effects. Using a long exposure time, he captured the light from flashlights wielded by some of his classmates. The effect is dazzling.

Here to serve you in the writing center

Writing well, like knowing how to do laundry or where to find cheap burgers, is a skill every college student needs. But unlike laundry and burger hunting, writing is sometimes daunting, tricky to master and required to succeed in nearly every course in the catalog. Beyond required writing classes Concordia stepped up its commitment to developing better writers by opening a new writing center this fall. A service of the Academic Resource Center, the writing center serves as a place for students of all skill levels to receive feedback and tips. Im excited about creating a space where students know its okay to be imperfect, said Patrick Hargon, Academic Resource Coordinator, Theres no gradeno judge and jury. Its okay to keep getting it wrong until we learn whatever lesson that mistake is trying to teach us. Although Hargon oversees the center, the tutors are students chosen for their writing ability and an aptitude to work with peers. These students are serious about their work. The tutors are not here just to give a quick fix but instead to help make people better writers for a lifetime, said senior and tutor Sarah Dinger. Hargon agrees with Dinger. He attributes the centers philosophy to an article written by Dr. Stephen North, The Idea of a Writing Center. Hargon and Concordias writing center have adopted Norths view: Our job is not to make a better piece of writing; its to make better writers. Tutors work with writers to generate and organize ideas and to research and write with purpose. In addition to face-to-face conferencing, students can receive help online. As a result the writing center is open to all Concordia students, including those taking classes at another site or online.

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faculty notes

Center for Liturgical Arts managing artist Mark Anschutz, current student Evan Balleweg and alum Justin Groth worked together to create three large, mosaic sculptures for the prayer garden of St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Omaha, Neb. Bradley Baurain, instructor in Concordias master of education program and Ph.D. candidate at the University of NebraskaLincoln, was awarded the University of Nebraskas prestigious Presidential Graduate Fellowship.

photo: Dan Oetting

Our hope is to give [students] tools that they can use later on. I guess its sort of like helping students take a step back from their work and start to ask their own questions and to find methods they can use for strengthening and improving their papers, explained tutor Stephanie Lund.

Professor of Art James Bockelman collaborated with professor emeritus William Wolfram to create a mural titled Regeneration. The mural, which is a reconfiguration of one of Wolframs former works, now hangs in on the main floor of the Thom Leadership Education Center on campus. Dr. Ron Bork, dean of the college of education, led a faculty in-service for Christ Lutheran School, Norfolk, Neb., titled School Law: Liability and Best Practices for Supervision.

Professor of music Dr. Jeffrey Blersch was a featured performer and composer on American Public Medias Pipedreams. His recent publications include an original hymn tune for Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying and a hymn concerto on Voices Raised to You We Offer. Blersch was also a featured presenter at the annual Vi Messerli Lectures in Church Music at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. Dr. Matt Buns, assistant professor of health and human performance, published Coaching Youngsters:

The center has been in development since 2010 and became a reality as part of the recent library renovation which was made possible by anonymous donations. Senior Rory Wendelin says attending the writing center has been a positive experience for her. She first went to the center as part

of a class requirement but says the center has there just to see where their weaknesses helped her gain skills she can use in all areas are and what their strong points are. Its of writing, not just for class. a helpful experience. I was nervous in the beginning, but as I went on I saw how [tutors] structured it, and I find it useful, she shared. After being at the center, I think students should go

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The 4 Guiding Principles of Motor Development in Techniques, the official publication of the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Dr. Joel W. Helmer, social science department chair, secured a grant from the Geography Educators of Nebraska to bring the worlds largest map of Asia, produced by National Geographic, to campus during Geography Awareness Week. Concordia professors, Dr. Jen Janousek, Dr. Renea Gernant, Dr. Vicki Boye, and director of health services, Heidi Gubanyi, worked with Vicki Duer of Region 5 services and Laura McDougell of Four Corners Health Department to host the first Resources, Response, Recovery for rural Nebraska workshop. Rev. Dr. Kevin Kohnke, director of family life ministry, presented at the 15th annual Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering and at the Deshler circuit seminar, Convocation on Marriage and the Family. Assistant professor of education Annette Oliver was the keynote presenter at Iowa West District Early Childhood Conference. Phil Perschbacher, assistant professor of art, designed and created a carving of Christ the King for the Lutheran Home chapel in Arlington Heights, Ill. Perschbacher also created a full scale drawing of a stained glass window for St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Ankeny, Iowa, which was built and installed by Mark Anschutz and current students.

Here to serve you in the cafeteria

With pizza and ramen noodles constituting the staples of many students diets, college hasnt typically been associated with the pinnacle of healthy eating. Concordias food service partner Chartwells is trying to change that. Over the past few years, Chartwells has made some serious changes to offer healthy options and more variety to students and staff. They now serve gluten-free bread products, dairy and lactose-free milk and are adding an increasing number of vegetarian options. Chartwells uses zero-trans fat cooking oils and is working to make students more aware of what theyre eating. Nutrition has always been an important part of what we do, said Scott Giddens, director of Chartwells. Part of our mission is educational. Its not just providing you meals. Its letting you know some things about nutrition and letting you experience foods and cuisine that maybe youve not been exposed to. Outside of the dining hall Chartwells offers free nutrition and diet tools through their website, dineoncampus.com/concordia. The site allows students to track their eating habits, leave comments, complete surveys and submit their own recipes. In addition to being responsible about their nutritional offerings, Chartwells strives to be responsible to the environment as well. The company buys localwithin 150 milesas often as possible and sources food from farmers committed to sustainability. They have tried to make an effort, said junior Todd May, a vegetarian. Its good that they put up posters and signs about going green. In order to receive more student feedback, Giddens has set up a focus group in conjunction with Student Senate. This group consists of seven students who meet with Giddens every other week to discuss ways to improve dining services.
photo: Dan Oetting

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Chartwells wants to make the services they provide something students enjoy and offer something quality, said Student Senate President Preston Sunderman, who oversees the focus group. The purpose is basically to expand student options.

...

Dr. Kristy Plander, MBA associate program director, successfully defended her dissertation,Understanding the Process of Familial Financial Caregiving: A Grounded Theory Study, earning a Ph.D. in business administration. Art department chair Don Robson received an honorable mention at the Nebraska Art Teachers Association Annual Art Educators Show for his mixed-media entry, Matriarch Series Number 2. Professor of Art Lynn Soloway directed a three-day studio workshop for the 2011 Conference of the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs titled Abstraction, How Do You Get There? Angela Wassenmiller, director of instructional technology and e-learning, presented Self-Perceived Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Preservice Teachers with Dr. Guy Trainin (UNL) at the Critical Questions in Education Conference in Kansas City, Mo. William Wolfram, emeritus professor of art, furnished 13 illustrations for Misiologicke Info, Publications in Slovak and Czech of Central European Centre for Mission Studies. He also provided the cover photograph for the book, Krizove situace v cesko-slovenskem kontextu po roce 1989. In addition Wolfram recently has built four wood mosaic and stainless steel crosses for the entrance and hallways of Faith Regional Health Service in Norfolk, Neb.

A variety of brochures are available to help students make healthy eating decisions.

Chartwells serves an average of 1,700 meals a day and expends about 200 hours of labor a day in food preparation and service. First semester they used

7,700 gallons of milk 2,160 tomatoes 8,600 apples 12,720 hamburgers 8,580 pounds of French fries

24 concordia scene

.
student notes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Faith Ahlman, Nicole Mapes and Mia Pauluhn were each honored with an outstanding student award from the Nebraska Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. The artwork of Rebecca Aldrich, Megan Birnstein and Kaylie Mellema was featured in the Marxhausen Gallery of Art as a part of their senior thesis show. Three teams from Concordia University, Nebraska participated at the annual ACM North Central North America Regional Programming Contest sponsored by IBM at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Participants include Katie Bergt, Taylor Friedel, Marcus Gubanyi, Daniel Klinge, Jacob Krings, Josiah Krings, Matt Olson, Cory Prelerson and Matthew Schranz. Michaela Gierke attended Transportation YOU, a joint initiative of WTS International and the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she gave a speech and met the secretary of defense. Justin Groth was accepted to a ceramic internship at North Dakota State University. Elizabeth Kelly won second place in an essay competition sponsored

Here to serve you in the success center

Forget running around campusa recent remodel to the Janzow Campus Center will now help students schedule classes for next semester, check on dorm room assignments, learn how to polish their resumes and have a sore throat checked out all in the same office suite. Most of Concordias student service offices have been relocated to the top floor of the Janzow Campus Center. The renamed Student Success Center houses the first-year academic advisers, synodical placement and career center, residential life office, student activities office, counseling and behavioral health and health services. The remodel was designed to provide students with easier access to the services they need. Director of advising Angela Mueller says the new one-stop arrangement is working out well. It eliminates trips across campus for students to handle their business, she said. Students are busy studying and pursuing their degree; the least we can do is make handling the day-to-day business a bit easier. In addition to rearranging offices, Concordia also expanded its career placement services. The department hired a full-time career counselor, Corey Gray. Gray partners with Bill Schranz on career preparation and placement services. Career services offers a wide variety of resources including resume and cover letter writing and review, internship information and job opening updates. I have a goal to get in front of as many students as possible to share with them the resources we can provide, said Gray. We also have Facebook and Twitter accounts that we use to reach out and let students know about the career center. Gray has worked with more than 100 students already this year and hopes to continue to provide guidance and assistance for students throughout the coming semester.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------by the Council on International Educational Exchange for an essay she wrote about a semester she spent in Seville, Spain. Amanda Kisker completed a marketing internship with Tabitha Health Care Services in Lincoln, Neb. Amber Konz designed eighteen large banners of the Fruits of the Spirit in the parking lot areas, entrance road and exterior of Faith Regional Health Service in Norfolk, Neb. Micah May completed an internship with the May Corporation. Jonathan McGuire and Andrew Metcalf served this summer as computer science interns at Concordia Plan Services in St. Louis, Mo. McGuire since has been hired to continue working at CPS. Anna Meyer participated in the Campus Crusade for Christ San Diego Summer Project. Tyler Groskurth completed an internship with Nebraska Bank of Commerce (NBC) in Lincoln, Neb. Alison Sandall was accepted to the MBA program at the University of Houston. Matthew Schranz was chosen for the summer 2011 information technology position at Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis. Dana Schmidt was accepted into the physical therapy program at Des Moines University. Megan Schmidt, Mia Pauluhn, Ashlea Vaudt, Christina Tomka, Nicole Mapes, Ashley Willoughby, Daniel Margritz and Kellie Fegter were selected as the first inductees into the Health and Human Performances Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK) honorary. Rebecca Walker won a design competition sponsored by Dwell magazine and the green cleaning products company method. Luke Wohlgemuth received third place at the 2011 Nebraska State National Association of Teachers of Singing student auditions.

photo: Dan Oetting

...

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26 concordia scene

photo: Karen Chittick

Donning a very important shirt

The goal was to get the boys to begin badges Concordia has unique expertise or facilities to provide, said Potratz. Where else are they going to be able to throw a pot on a potters wheel in the morning But theres more to Kevin than an affinity for tech and a love of flower prints. Hes also fond of another shirt, the one that and blow stuff up in chemistry in the designates him as the Boy Scouts of America scoutmaster afternoon? Concordias of Troop 256. resources, both human Potratz has been passionate about scouting since he and physical, are joined as a cub scout in the second grade. Now he sees unique. We were able participation in the scouts as a way to give back to his to provide exposure community. As an adult I have the opportunity to shape to a wide range young boys into young men through scouting, he said. of topics that most scouts cannot find An Eagle Scout, evidence of Potratzs accomplishments in their home town. during his twelve years as a boy scout in Wyoming now sit with his achievements as an adult in scouting as Most of the instruction embroidered knot insignias on his scoutmaster shirt. Its a offered to the scouts was provided shirt he wears with pride. by Concordia faculty. Troops were given the opportunity On Concordias campus Kevin Potratz is known for two things: his uncanny ability to fix computer problems and his fondness for Hawaiian shirts. That pride is especially evident as Potratz talks about his current work with youth and the vision of Boy Scouts of America. One of the nations largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, Boys Scouts strives to provide programs for young people that build character, train them in the responsibilities of citizenship and develop personal fitness. Its not about me, Potratz stresses. A Boy Scout troop is boy-led. This means the boys decide what to do. The meetings are planned and led by the boys. Scouting uses activities to teach the boys leadership skills. Thats what its all about. We are shaping boys to be citizens and leaders. The activities in which Potratzs scouts have been involved are diverse. They have camped, white water rafted, hiked to mountain peaks and carried the colors in the Seward Fourth of July parade. Most recently Potratz organized a Merit Badge University on Concordias campus. Almost two hundred boy scouts aged 11-17 from across eastern Nebraska gathered for the inaugural Merit Badge University. The event allowed scouts to work on merit badges they wouldnt normally have a chance to obtain. to work on badges in 25 different skill areas such as citizenship, nuclear science, graphic arts, geocaching and public speaking. Potratz felt the event was a great success, and plans are in the works for next years Merit Badge University. But Potratz is quick to explain that earning badges isnt what boy scouting is all about. The goal of our activities is teaching leadership skills, Potratz said. Advancement in rank, ultimately becoming an Eagle Scout, is an outcome of an individual scouts growth in leadership and involvement in the activities. Right now Potratz is looking forward to future activities with his troop, including the 2013 National Jamboree in West Virginia, and to helping guide adolescents into adulthood. God has given me some gifts that allow me to interact well with adolescent boys. I want to use those gifts and witness my Christian values through my actions. It is a way for me to give back and to make an investment in our future.

...

NET Radios Classics By Request hit the road for the first time

And now . . . live from Concordia

We wanted to take Classics By Request on the road for the first time and test the concept, but we didnt want to go too far away from our headquarters in Lincoln, said Finken. We wanted to go to a school that would welcome us and be excited about the opportunities that the live broadcast would offer, and we wanted a school where there is a strong music program, so we could have live music for the show and interesting teachers who could talk about the music. Finken looks forward to taking the program on the road in the future because of the success it had at Concordia. The event was a huge success! We are thrilled that everything went so well. The live music and interviews from the campus were outstanding! Additionally, the buzz preceding the show, during the event and afterward has been strong. We will definitely do this again.

ever on Friday, Nov. 11, when it broadcast live from Concordias Recital Hall in the Music Center. Guests had the opportunity to meet Classics By Request host Lora Black and to enjoy live music performed by Concordia faculty and students. Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo, Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, the Concordia Handbell choir, the University A Cappella Choir and selected members from the University Symphonic Band all were featured during the broadcast. Black interviewed several Concordia music department members. The idea of bringing the popular program to Concordia was first suggested in an email correspondence between NET Radio network manager Nancy Finken and Concordias Dr. Kurt Von Kampen. According to Finken, Concordia was chosen for a number of reasons.

28 concordia scene

...

Making it home

30 concordia scene

When students arrive at Concordia, most walk into an empty 11 x 16 foot dorm room. Blank, bland and boring. But, with a little imagination, students transform those empty spaces to reflect their personalities and interestsa home away from home.

For wrestlers Frank Ayalla and Ryan Perez, comfort is of the highest importance. We bought a futon, coffee table, television and a huge rug to give it that homey feeling, Ayalla said. I think it has worked, too, because our teammates are always in here just hanging out.

We are always renting movies and having movie nights here. One thing that I love in my room is my California state flag. I am proud of where I came from. When Amanda Kisker first walked into the room she shares with Wendy Boller, she recalls how excited she was to personalize it. For Kisker and Boller that means lots

of pictures and bright colors. One wall documents Kiskers trip to France, sporting an Eiffel tower wall cling and pictures she took. The roommates blankets, pillows and comforters are all in matching bright colors, too. Wendy and I like cheery colors. We also covered almost half a wall with pictures from the last two years. Lots of memories!

Plum Creek Childrens Literacy Festival director Dr. Janell Uffelman presents the first Spirit of Literacy Award to Caldecott award-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney.

A legacy of literacy at Plum Creek

32 concordia scene
In the sixteen years since its inaugural event, The Plum Creek Childrens Literacy Festival has grown from one day, one author and about 200 attendees to a three-day event with eight awardwinning authors and illustrators and over 9,000 attendees. Dr. Janell Uffelman, the festivals director since it began, attributes that explosive increase to the uniqueness of the festival and to the fact that she and her committee have always dreamed big. is one of the things that makes Plum Creek special. We always wanted to push the excellence bar. The pursuit of excellence helped the festival grow from a one-day conference for both adults and children held in Weller auditorium to a three-day celebration of literacy involving visits by the authors to area schools on Thursday, a childrens day packed with a variety of events on Friday and an adult conference and endowment dinner on Saturday. The festival has drawn award-winning authors and illustrators like this years Caldecott award-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney, who was the speaker at the endowment dinner. Pinkney has been named to the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. In addition, Bill Harley, who has been called the Mark Twain of contemporary childrens music by Entertainment Weekly, entertained audiences with his range of musical styles and quirky, heart-filled lyrics. Harley has received two Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album For Children. So why would a renowned author or illustrator want to come to the tiny college in the cornfield? It has much to do with Uffelmans philosophy. She sees the festival as a ministry outreach and, as such, tries to treat everyone involved with love and respect, to make every effort to accommodate the authors and illustrators needs and to set them up for success. We seek to treat our featured presenters, adult attendees, child attendees... everyone involvedyes, even the bus drivers!...with care, concern, and respect so that the light of the Gospel may shine through our actions, words and demeanor, Uffelman said. Former presenters eagerly share their positive experience with their colleagues in the tight-knit artist community.

Uffelman remembers the early days of the festival with a chuckle. We did things back then not on a shoestring but on the tip of a shoestring. In the early days that meant hand writing name tags and creating tabs on the conference brochures by manually affixing scotch tape. Because of a typo in one of those early brochures, Uffelman recalls spending hours correcting that mistake with a pen. However, that attention to detail

photo: Karen Chittick

photo: Dan Oetting

Presenters who normally do not go out to present consent to come to Plum Creek because their friends simply insist that they must do Plum Creek, said Uffelman. And dreaming big also comes into the mix. Uffelman seeks out presenters who are outstanding in their area of expertise and can relate to large, diverse audiences. Festival coordinator Vikki Gremel, who has worked with Uffelman for the past six years and masterfully handles all the details that go into an event of this size, echoes those criteria. Its not just about being a good author or illustrator, said Gremel. They must have a dynamic presentation, engage the children, be comfortable speaking to large groups and play well with others. We aim for a variety of experiences and a diverse group. Once the presenters arrive on campus, they are treated very well. Dr. Leah Serck, professor emeritus who has been part of the Plum Creek committee for the

entire sixteen years, finds out what the presenters favorite snacks are and then has the guest house rooms filled with those goodies. Along with keeping the authors stomachs satisfied, Serck makes certain they stay on schedule and listens to their needs during their stay. The preparation of the students who attend the festival also is designed to make the experience a good one for the authors and illustrators. Teachers of the groups that will be coming to campus are provided with downloadable teacher guides that include author biographies, activities they can use with the authors books and websites for further information. When the students arrive to listen to the presenter, they are a receptive audience. Knowing youngsters need to exercise their muscles as well as exercise their brains, Literacy on the Lawn became a part of the festival in 2004. Hands-on activities such as book making, creating illustrations, relays, story blankets and

Coming in 2012!
Clare Vanderpool Newbery award winning author Gary Schmidt Two-time Newbery award winning author R.W. and Zoe Alley authors and illustrators (husband and wife team) Andrea Pinkney author Ted Scheu poet Jarrett Krosoczka author and illustrator And the THREE TIME CALDECOTT WINNING ILLUSTRATOR, David Wiesner.

34 concordia scene

the always popular parachute toss involve Concordia students and help the children expend energy. Uffelman sees these activities as being as integral to the festival as the presentations in helping students create pleasant associations with the festival and with reading.

and ones that could benefit the most, explains Uffelman. We asked specifically for [Lincoln] schools that were economically challenged or those that had a higher minority presence. Expanding the festival to become a truly campus-wide event is also a goal. The music, art, drama, science, physical education and education departments have all presented sessions on Childrens Day, and all departments are encouraged to host sessions on Friday for the visiting students. Gremel sees this as a great recruiting opportunity. How better to promote Concordia University to these future college students? All of this excellence does come with a price tag. Festival expenses for the 2011 event ran about $80,000. Although adult participants are charged a nominal fee and book sales help immensely, funding is sought from grants and donations for the balance. In 2006

an endowment fund was established with a goal of $1.5 million. This fund would generate enough interest so the focus could remain on the festival content instead of on writing grants and soliciting donations. However, that $ 1.5 million is still a long way off. Individuals who share the vision have come forth at critical times. Businesses and organizations realize that literacy is the foundation of our society and our future, said Uffelman. The goal has always been to have the festival be selfsufficient. My prayer is that individuals will come forth to invest in the festival as their legacy for generations to come. Uffelman and her committee members will continue to dream big and to make The Plum Creek Childrens Literacy Festival extraordinary. As Uffelman shared: God has blessed our efforts.

We need to get them into literacy at their [the childrens] entry level, she explains. The organizers continually are trying to improve the scope and diversity of the festival experience while maintaining its high quality. To reach even more students, authors and illustrators are not just going into Seward-area schools on the Thursday of the festival, but also are appearing in Lincoln and York schools.

We especially wanted to share an author with schools that never had the chance to come to Plum Creek

...

(opposite page) Students enjoy a variety of activities related to the festivals books at Literacy on the Lawn during Childrens Day. (left) Author and illustrator Dyanne DiSalvo mesmerizes the children with her illustrations. (below) Lance Schwartz was on hand at this years festival to share the magic of the day with KOLN-KGIN viewers in Lances Journal.

photos: Dan Oetting

Sweets and songs

In Concordias inaugural dessert theatre, Last Course Cabaret, a cast of 24 presented a revue of over 30 classical and modern musical theatre songs, including numbers from Hello Dolly, Beauty and the Beast, Pippin, Jekyll and Hyde and Spamalot. A buffet of treats and desserts was offered prior to each show.

photos: Matt Wingert

She touched a part of me that released a fountain of creativity I did not realize was there, shared Sharon Nelsen of her teacher and mentor artist Sister Corita Kent. A Joyous Protest: The Graphic Art of Sister Corita, a gallery show celebrating Kents work, was on display this fall at the Marxhausen Gallery of Art on Concordias campus. In conjunction with the exhibit, the Marxhausen hosted a panel discussion regarding theology, art and the evolving role of women in each. Nelsen, who now teaches adult courses at St. Patricks Church in Elkhorn, Neb., shared her experiences studying under Kent in the summer of 1960. Other members of the panel included Father John Folda of St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb., who spoke about the theology of Mary in relation to Catholic and Lutheran doctrine, and Seward resident Esther Pfabe, who discussed womens roles in the church. Kent became known for her colorful serigraphs that highlighted political issues in the 1960s. She served as head of the art department at the now-closed Immaculate Heart College, a private Catholic institution in Los Angeles. After leaving the Immaculate Heart order in 1968, Kent focused her art on raising awareness of social justice. Nelson recalled how Kent taught her students to challenge the precedence set by those before them. They were encouraged to experience art instead of simply learn about it. Kents own art combined text from the Bible and pop culture songs and poems with elements of graphic design, something nearly unheard of until her time. She gave me permission to be different, irregular, creative, innovative and enthusiasticand to be joyous in that, said Nelsen.

A Joyous Protest

38 concordia scene

...

Do You See What I See?

The works of Reinhold Marxhausen, Concordia art professor emeritus who passed away in April 2011, were the subject of the exhibit Do You See What I See? A Tribute to Reinhold Marxhausen in the gallery that bears his name. According to James Bockelman, Marxhausen Gallery director and Concordia art professor, the exhibit celebrates the person, career and reputation of Reinhold Marxhausen. After establishing the art program at Concordia in 1952, Marxhausen improved, enhanced and promoted art within the church and world in his roles as both a professional artist and an educator. The title for the exhibition is taken from one of Marxhausens slide lectures often used in the classroom and for the public. His emphasis was to encourage people to discover the exceptional within the common ordinary events of the day. Marxhausens creativity was centered in the Concordia classroom where he taught lessons learned from his studio experience, said Bockelman. Much of the artwork he created was a result of his relationship between the classroom and studio.
photos: Dan Oetting

To open the exhibit, Marxhausens colleagues Jack Duensing, William Wolfram, Donald Dynneson, Steve Wake and Norman Geske, the director emeritus of the Sheldon Memorial Museum in Lincoln, joined Marxhausens former students Arlen Meyer and Edna Duensing to reflect on his contributions as a teacher, as a Nebraska artist and as a civic leader within the Seward community. Through workshops, lectures and films Reinhold Marxhausen became known as an innovative and influential arts educator throughout the state of Nebraska, the Lutheran Church and the nation at large, said Bockelman. Marxhausens artwork, educational writings and related material have been published, exhibited and collected widely.

...

Womens soccer reaches new heights in 2011

Before the 2011 season Concordia womens soccer coach Lisa White set a lofty goal for her team. There is a history of our teams running into a familiar wall, a wall that says we will not advance in postseason play, remarked White. This team fully intends to destroy that wall. As it turned out, the Bulldogs faced more than just the challenge of advancing in postseason play this year. Three seniors and key team members, Mallorie Blanckthe Bulldogs leading scorer, Mia Pauluhn a back line leader and Jamie Sanchezwho was second in goals and assists, suffered serious injuries that kept them on the sidelines for a majority of the season. We found ourselves in familiar ground as that match moved into overtime, said White. It was our fifth overtime of the season, which really played into our hands, preventing anxiety from ever setting in. The shootout was new territory for us, and the only thought I can recall having was You can do this Dogs! During the shootout, senior goalkeeper Ariel Harris made a pair of key saves, giving senior midfielder Kelly Ross the chance to deliver the game-winning goal for Concordia. With the 4-3 win, the Bulldogs advanced to the semifinals, where they fell to top-seeded Hastings College 3-1.

We are developing a trait in our players that will strive to overcome.

40 athletics

While the loss of key players has a tendency to derail teams, White didnt allow the injuries to become an excuse. There was no other option, remarked White. We had goals to accomplish, and they were to be pursued passionately by the team regardless of the active roster. This team holds the concept of family in the highest regard, and this was a response of a family.

Coach White discussed the importance of the teams first-ever playoff win. At this point we really dont know what the impact of getting that win will be, although I am certain it will be longlasting. At the very least, it provided our players with affirmation of the belief in themselves to achieve.

The injuries had little effect on our tactile strategy, she explained. If the injuries had any impact on our team, it was a strengthening of our family, and it drove our team to succeed for those players who would no longer be able to compete. As a coaching staff, we like to think that we are developing a trait in our players that will strive to overcome; players and people that will choose to strive in unfavorable situations rather than sit in a puddle of helplessness. The Bulldogs rose to meet Whites tough expectations, going 9-9-1 overall, 6-4 in conference play and earning the number four seed in the GPAC tournament. On Nov. 3 Concordia hosted fifth seed Dakota Wesleyan in the quarterfinal round of the GPAC tournament in what ended up to be the most exciting game of the season. After regulation and two overtime periods, the Bulldogs and Tigers were tied at one goal, forcing a shootout.

As for individual accomplishments, Blanck and Ross earned second team All-GPAC recognition. Blanck led the team in goals scored and kicked three game-winning goals during the year. Ross had just one goal but contributed a team-best six assists on the season. Harris, Sanchez, Rachel Gordon and Molly Humlicek all received honorable mention All-GPAC recognition. Blanck and Sanchez also received conference player-of-the-week honors during the 2011 season. The Bulldog womens soccer program continues to make strides. With the programs first-ever postseason win now taken care of, Concordia has plans for continued progress. The successes of this season have contributed towards our team having a tangible experience of what they know they are capable of, said White. Perhaps more importantly, they have been able to demonstrate what they are capable of to our opponents. As for the future, expectations will remain high as they have in the past, and the team will continue in the direction of doing more than they think they can.

...

photo: Dan Oetting

Sports wrap-ups
Cross Country
2011 was another successful year for the Bulldog cross country teams. Coach Kregg Einspahr led the womens squad to nationals for the 17th time in 18 years, and members of both squads picked up multiple GPAC honors during and after the season. Concordia also totaled eight NAIA scholar-athletes this year. The Concordia women finished second at the GPAC championships and earned the GPACs automatic berth to the national meet. Junior Sarah Kortze led the way throughout the year. Kortze earned two GPAC runner-of-the-week honors. She earned All-GPAC recognition and was 13th overall at Nationals to earn All-American status. Junior Jena Schwalenberg picked up a GPAC runner-of-the-week award during the year. Schwalenberg also earned All-GPAC recognition. The Bulldogs finished 17th at Nationals, marking the 17th top 20 finish in the past 18 years for the Concordia women. Concordia was also 17th in the final NAIA Top 25 Poll. The Bulldog men were led by freshman Ben Sievert. Sievert had an outstanding year. He picked up a GPAC runner-of-the-week award and also earned All-GPAC honors for his efforts at the conference championships. The Bulldogs finished third overall at the GPAC championships, but Sievert was selected to attend the national meet. Colin Morrissey also picked up a pair of GPAC runner-ofthe-week awards during the 2011 season. The Bulldogs received votes in the final NAIA Top 25 Poll. At the end of the 2011 season, both Concordia squads were listed among the NAIAs 10 best programs. On the womens side, Concordia is eighth on the All-Time top programs and second on the top current programs list. The Bulldog men are eighth in the top current programs list.

photo: Dan Oetting

Junior Sarah Kortz led the women Bulldogs this season.

42 athletics

Football
Concordia went 4-7 overall with a 3-6 mark in conference play during the 2011 football season, taking eighth in GPAC standings. Concordia lost the opening two games of the season before rattling off four straight wins. The Bulldogs then lost five straight to end the year. Concordia picked up wins over Hastings College (10-0), Dordt College (21-7), Dakota State (49-21) and Briar Cliff (47-12). Quarterback Cohl Tufford, Richardson, Texas, was recognized as the Beyond Sports Networks athlete-of-the-week for his efforts in Concordias win over Dakota State. Kyle Little, Johnson, Neb., earned GPAC defensive player-of-the-week honors following the Bulldogs win over Briar Cliff. Seniors Jerrod Fleming, Houston, Texas, and Ben Klein, Dallas, Texas, each received first team All-GPAC honors after the season. Senior Charles Washington, Houston, Texas, was a second team All-GPAC selection on offense for the Bulldogs. Derek Rodine, Polk, Neb., and Dylan Heithoff, Elgin, Neb., were All-GPAC second team defense selections.

.
photo: Dan Oetting

Kicker Kenny Zoeller earned All-GPAC honorable mention recognition.

Fleming finished third in the conference in total tackles with 84. Klein finished in the top 10 in the GPAC in passes defended, and he added 52 tackles on the year for a Bulldog defense that was seventh in the conference in total defense. Multiple players received honorable mention All-GPAC recognition.

Golf
The Bulldog mens golf team finished seventh in the opening GPAC qualifier and ninth at the second GPAC qualifier. Following the two events Concordia is seventh overall heading into the final two GPAC Qualifiers in the spring. The Bulldog men finished second out of eight teams at the Doane College Invite, and Caleb Davison was the overall champion in that event. The Bulldogs also finished fifth at both the Hastings Fall Invite and the Mount Marty Invite. On the womens side Concordia finished 10th in the opening GPAC qualifier and ninth at the second GPAC qualifier. The women Bulldogs are 10th overall heading into the final GPAC qualifiers in the spring. Following the first two qualifier events, Chelsea Peck is tied for 11th overall in the conference.
photo courtesy Linda Milberger

Nicholas Milberger lines up a putt.

Mens Soccer
The Bulldog mens soccer team advanced to the GPAC Tournament and finished with a record of 11-5-3 in the 2011 season. Despite going 0-2-1 in their final three matches of the season, the Bulldogs still finished with one of the best records in Concordia mens soccer history. Sophomore Nathan Douglas, Winnipeg, Can., and senior Kurt OKelly, Littleton, Colo., led the way in 2011 and earned second team All-GPAC honors for their efforts. Douglas scored a teambest 11 goals and added three assists for a team-high 25 points. OKelly started all 19 games as a defender and finished with one goal and one assist. Chris Podlich, Brisbane, Australia, Chris DeFeyter, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Aaron Skipworth, Colorado Springs, Colo., all received honorable mention All-GPAC honors for the Bulldogs.
Raul Lopez moves the ball down the field.

Volleyball
This fall Concordia went 11-21 overall and 4-12 in conference play. The team did advance to the GPAC tournament, where it fell in the first round to Morningside, who won the conference tournament. Amanda Kisker, Lincoln, Neb., and Marlee Denton, Fremont, Neb., were honorable mention All-GPAC selections for their efforts this season. Kisker, a junior transfer from Dana College, led the team with 315 kills and 38 aces. She was also second on the team with 305 digs. Denton closed out her Bulldog career with a solid season at the middle blocker position. She was third on the team with 211 kills and was third in total blocks with 68.

photo: Matt Wingert

Ashley Vaudt goes for the block.

photo: Dan Oetting

Four players and one team welcomed to Athletic Hall of Fame

The 2011 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Oct. 7, as part of the festivities for the 2011 Homecoming, Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend celebration. Lloyd Holsten, Darin Engelbart, Teresa Noffke Pokorny and Rachel Kirchner Miller were this years individual inductees. The 1976 mens soccer team also was inducted in this years Hall of Fame class.

Lloyd Holsten (posthumously awarded)

Lloyd Holsten, a 1961 graduate, was a three-year letter winner on the Concordia football team. Despite not playing high school football Holsten enjoyed a highly successful collegiate career and was the first known Concordia football player to sign a professional contract. Holsten was a member of the 1960 Tri-State Championship team already inducted in the Concordia Hall of Fame. He was awarded the All Tri-State College Conference football award by the Omaha World Herald and was a first team Tri-State all-conference performer at middle guard and nose tackle. Holsten was the 196061 Concordia athlete of the year and was invited to attend the Detroit Lions training camp following his graduation. Holstein earned his bachelors degree in education from Concordia Teachers College in 1961. He went on to earn a masters degree in secondary education from the University of MissouriSt. Louis in 1981. Holstein taught at Bethlehem Lutheran School in St. Louis from 196166 and at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis from 1966-97.

Darin Engelbart
Darin Engelbart enjoyed an impressive basketball career at Concordia. The 1996 graduate was a two-time secondteam All-American selection, earning the honor in 1994-95 and 1995-96. Engelbart was also a two-time first-team AllNIAC selection and a two-time All-NAIA District 11 selection during the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons. He was a member of three NAIA National Tournament qualifying teams. He was selected to the NAIA National Tournament all-tourney team in 1994-95, was the 1994-95 NIAC player-of-the-year and the 1995-96 Concordia athlete-of-the-year. Engelbart was a member of three NIAC regular season championship teams and three Concordia Invitational Tournament championship teams. He earned his bachelors degree in elementary education.

44 athletics

Teresa Noffke Pokorny

Teresa Noffke Pokorny graduated from Concordia in 1990. She enjoyed one of the most impressive basketball seasons in Concordia history in 1988-89. During that season she was an NSCAA first team All-American and honorable mention NAIA AllAmerican selection. She also earned first team all-district and all-conference honors. The Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald also recognized Pokorny for her efforts in the 88-89 season. She was a first team all-state selection by the Journal Star, while the World Herald tabbed her as a second team all-state selection. Pokorny was a team captain, team MVP and the Concordia Invitational Tournament MVP in 1988-89. She earned her bachelors degree in education and then received her masters degree in curriculum and instruction from Doane College. Pokorny is in her 22nd year as a teacher at Aquinas High School in David City.

1976 mens soccer team

The 1976 Concordia University mens soccer team qualified for the NAIA National Tournament and finished with a record of 9-3-1. The .731 winning percentage is good for second on Concordias all-time list. The Bulldogs scored 40 goals and allowed just 16 during the 1976 season. The Bulldogs were led by Dave Wolter, Barry Terrass and Kent Schlichtemeier. Wolter and Terrass earned team MVP honors, while Schlichtemeier scored 11 goals and added four assists for a total of 26 points. Head coach Jack Kinworthy and assistant coach Joel Wehrspann coached the team to the national tournament, where they fell to Benedictine College in the opening round.

Rachel Kirchner Miller

Rachel Kirchner Miller, a 2003 graduate, enjoyed a successful collegiate career in both volleyball and basketball during her time at Concordia. Miller earned multiple AllAmerican honors during her volleyball career. She was an NAIA honorable mention AllAmerican selection, a first team Lutheran Brotherhood Lutheran College All-American selection and second team Dodge Truck & Successful Farming All-American selection in 2000. In 2001 Miller was an NAIA third team All-American performer and also an NAIA All-Region IV first team selection. She earned all-conference honors during all four years of her career and was a three-time first team all-conference selection. Miller set multiple Concordia records. On the basketball floor, Miller was an all-conference performer as well as a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete. She was the Concordia University athlete of the year in 2001-02. Miller earned bachelor degrees in biology and chemistry. She began her professional career with LI-COR Biosciences from 2003-05. She has been Concordias head volleyball coach since 2005 and holds a career record of 107-125 and 39-73 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.

Concordia honors alumni during homecoming celebration

The Concordia University, Nebraska Alumni Association honored six individuals and two couples as part of its 2011 Homecoming, Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend celebration. The awards are given annually to those who have made outstanding accomplishments in their careers, personal endeavors or in service to the university, church or world. director for Grace Lutheran. He is a presenter for the LCMS Northwest district and a volunteer consultant for schools seeking accreditation or implementing improvement plans.

Lay Worker of the Year: Timothy Moll

Timothy Moll earned his bachelors degree in business at Concordia in 1989, where he was named outstanding business graduate and helped form the student business organization. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law and graduated with a J.D. in 1994. Moll joined the law firm of Rembolt Ludtke, LLP in 1995 and became a partner in 2003. Moll is an adjunct professor and seminar presenter on taxation at UNL and serves on the board of directors of the Law College Education Services Corp. Moll continues to serve Concordia as a member of its Board of Regents and as a director of the Concordia Foundation, Nebraska.

Church Worker of the Year: Henry Aschbrenner

Henry Aschbrenner has served in Lutheran education for more than 50 years. After graduating from Concordia, Aschbrenner went to Menlo Park, Calif., to teach and direct the choir at Bethany Lutheran School. In 1966 he became principal and taught at St. John Lutheran School in Napa, Calif. During his 15 years there he directed its internationally touring choir and handbell choir. Aschbrenner worked for the Diablo Valley Lutheran Education Association from 1981-91, establishing a preschool and three elementary schools during that time. He earned a masters in school administration from Simpson College. In 1991 he became the executive director of the Sharing the Vision of Our Ministry campaign for the The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod California-Nevada-Hawaii district. Aschbrenner joined the staff of Concordia University, Irvine in 1994 as the director of major and planned gifts. Two years later he was named vice president and executive director of the Concordia University Foundation. He retired in 2001.

Young Alumna of the Year: Margaret Ingerslew Lange

After graduating from Concordia in 2004 with a degree in business, Margaret Ingerslew Lange began working for Network Direct Incorporated and earned salesperson of the year honors there in 2005. Lange founded Making It Possible, Inc. in 2006, an organization created to help local schools and athletic clubs raise funds. Lange is currently a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. She was named a top graduate in flight school, was given the Major General William A. Cohen Strike Leadership Award for Superior Performance and now works as a navigator on a B-52.

46 alumni news

Church Worker of the Year: Gaylord Flicker

Gaylord Flicker has spent more than 35 years working in Lutheran education in Idaho and Texas. A 1974 Concordia graduate, he began teaching 5th and 6th grade at Grace Lutheran School in Pocatello, Idaho, and became principal two years later. In 1985 Flicker became principal of Prince of Peace Lutheran School in Carrollton, Texas, and in 1988 he founded Christ Our Savior School in Coppell, Texas. He earned his M.Ed. from Idaho State University. From 19912001 Flicker returned as principal to Grace Lutheran, where he helped the school regain its accreditation, restructure its day care and extended-day programs, add an early childhood center and establish a counseling center. Flicker won the National Distinguished Principal award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals in 2001 and is currently the executive

Lifetime Service Award: Michael Meyer

Equipped with a bachelors degree in broadcast journalism from the University of NebraskaLincoln, Michael Meyer joined the KSRD radio staff in Seward in 1979. In 1986 he began working as an audio visual specialist for the Nebraska State Patrol, producing and editing scripts, training videos and public service announcements.

Meyer also works with forensic video and audio analysis, directly impacting investigations and trials. He serves as a spokesperson for the state patrol and has worked with both local and national news organizations. Meyer is involved in youth and mens programs at St. John Lutheran Church and volunteers for ministry campaigns and events, including a medical mission trip to Guatemala in 2009.

Friend of Concordia Award: Bruce Koeller

Bruce Koeller earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia in 1982. He then taught at Redeemer Lutheran School in South Gate, Calif., and later at Bethany Lutheran School in Long Beach. After six years Koeller moved to Colorado to begin a career as owner and manager of multiple Subway restaurants, developing employee training and support manuals. His materials were distributed to Subway restaurants state-wide. He is currently managing 11 Subway locations as well as a gelato shop.

Partners in Mission & Ministry Award: Ivan and Jennifer Loudenback Rasch
Ivan came to Concordia as a missionary youth from Nigeria, earning his bachelors degree in secondary education in 1991. Jennifer earned her degree in elementary education and music in 1991 also. Both of the Raschs taught in Illinois after graduating, Jennifer at Zion Lutheran School in Matteson, and Ivan at Luther East High School in Lansing. From 1994-1999 the Raschs teaching careers moved them to Texas. In October of 1999, Ivan was called to teach at Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria, the school he attended growing up. He now works with LCMS World Mission in Nigeria and serves as volunteer coordinator and computer technician for the school, while Jennifer teaches music.

Honorary Alumnus Award: Brian Friedrich

In acknowledgement of his 20 years of dedication to the mission and ministry of Concordia, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich was made an honorary alumnus. Friedrich earned a bachelors degree at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn., in 1979 and a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., in 1986. His career in education began at Martin Luther High School in Maspeth, N.Y., and Lutheran Church of St. John in Flushing, N.Y., where he concurrently served as a religion teacher and dean of chapel as well as assistant pastor from 1986-88. He then was called to serve Peace Lutheran Church in Park Falls, Wis., as associate pastor and pastor. Friedrich joined the community at Concordia in 1991 as director of the universitys Centennial Campaign. He later was named dean of development and college relations and then assistant to the president before being named vice president for institutional advancement in 1997. Friedrich became the tenth president of Concordia in 2004 and earned his Ph.D. from Capella University, Minneapolis, Minn., in 2005. Since 2004 Concordia has expanded programs, increased student enrollment, completed the $63 million On A Mission campaign, completed numerous facility renovations, and constructed Jonathan Hall and two phases of the Walz Human Performance Complex. Within the community Friedrich is past- president of the Seward Rotary Club and a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Church Leadership in Outreach Award: Patrick and Susan Frerking

After earning his bachelors degree from Concordia in December of 1987, Patrick taught science and coached football at Lutheran High South in St. Louis, Mo. While there he also helped start a school-wide service program. In 1993 he accepted a call to teach science at Hong Kong International School. Later Patrick also earned his masters degree from Concordia. Patrick and Susan crossed paths first at HKIS where Susan taught language arts, physical education and social sciences. In 1998 the Frerkings became two of the first faculty members at Concordia International School Shanghai. Starting with just 22 students, the school now educates 1,200 students from 30 countries in preschool through 12th grade. The Frerkings are now in their first semester at the new Concordia International School Hanoi. Susan teaches, while Patrick serves as the middle school principal.

Meet Dick Maddox

New vice president of institutional advancement feels he is answering Gods call.

Concordia welcomed its new vice president of institutional advancement in October. Rev. Richard Maddox joined the development team after serving sixteen years in a similar position at Valparaiso University in Indiana. After retiring from that position, Maddox served as a special assistant to the president of community relations and institutional strategy at the university. I felt the Lord was telling me I had unfinished business to do, Maddox said. There was such a strong match between what Concordia needed and my experiences. I felt very strongly that this was where God was calling me.

Before entering the field of institutional advancement, Maddox obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in education as a math major at the University of NebraskaLincoln in 1973. He then attended the UNL School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1976. From there he enrolled at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., to earn his Master of Divinity degree in 1981. He served ten years with The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod before moving to Valparaiso.

It wasnt any intentional planning on my part, Maddox said of his different areas of study. When I was at the seminary people would ask me why I had a law degree, and I would say I dont know. I was feeling I would graduate from seminary and At Valparaiso Maddox worked primarily with fundraising. He led three major campaigns that were successful in raising nearly be called to a parish as a pastor. I wasnt anticipating the detour that would become a lifelong vocation. $400 million for the university. He plans to bring some of the At first Maddox was unsure about the detour that led him same strategies to Concordia. He currently is working with the Concordia staff and cabinet to develop a fundraising plan that into the work of fundraising for churches and universities. is supportive of the universitys long-range strategic plan. My initial reaction was a rather unpleasant view of fundraising. Once I started though, I realized fundraising wasnt really asking We want the education that Concordia can provide to be people for money. It was helping them as Christian stewards accessible to families, Maddox said. We also want to provide the environment that enables the university to fulfill its mission. decide whats important in their life and what God is calling them to do with all of his blessings. We need to add resources other than tuition to keep the mission vibrant. Concordias president Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich is excited to welcome Maddox to Concordia. Dick Maddox brings a wealth of experience and expertise from his previous positions at The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod Foundation and Valparaiso University to Concordia, said Friedrich. We are blessed to have him leading our institutional advancement efforts and serving as a member of our senior leadership team. Maddox says hes adjusting well to the small town feel of Seward and is at home working with the Concordia community. I have a fondness for this place because of my family members who have gone into church work and the teaching ministry have graduated from Concordia, he said. Its an opportunity for me to join them in a sense.

48 alumni news

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photo: Karen Chittick

Youre invited!

Special Events for Alumni and Friends!

January 1315 - 2012 Lutheran Education Association National Administrators Conference in Orlando, Fla. Be sure to visit the Concordia exhibit and greet faculty and staff. January 2728 - Concordia Invitational Basketball Tournament at Concordia University Chicago. Please join President Friedrich and fellow Bulldogs for the annual post-tournament alumni gathering on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Healys Westside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park, Ill. Find out more at www.cune.edu/CIT February 4 - Basketball Fan Appreciation Day February 913 - Chamber choir tour to Southern California February 2326 - Symphonic band tour in the upper Midwest March 919 - A Cappella choir tour to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas March 2224 - Regional DCE Conference in La Vista, Neb. March 24 - Donor Day April 14 - Gathering of the Talents on Concordias campus. An alumni, faculty and parents reception will be held in the Thom Leadership Education Center throughout the day. May 36 - Class of 1962 Golden Reunion during commencement weekend Oct. 1214 - Homecoming, Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend Music Department Reunion: Celebrate a tradition of excellence Concordia High School Class of 1962 Golden Reunion Honored Year Reunions: Gold & Great (All classes who have celebrated their 50th reunion year) 40th Reunion of the Class of 72 (CO & CHS) 30th Reunion of the Class of 82 25th Reunion of the Class of 87 20th Reunion of the Class of 92 10th Reunion of the Class of 02 5th Reunion of the Class of 07 Please contact the alumni office to set up your reunion group event on Concordias Alumni Facebook page!

50 alumnotes

Using new media to connect alumni

How do you connect with Concordia? Sure, theres homecoming, the phoneathon and alumni meetups at events like CIT, the LCMS convention and the National Youth Gathering. Now Concordia is proud to announce two new ways to connect: an all-new alumni and friends email newsletter and alumni Facebook page. Concordias new email newsletter will include information about alumni activities and events, a summary of the campus beat (including fine arts performances and athletic events), a listing of upcoming events on and off campus and information about how you can support your alma mater. The best part about the new format: big photos and a chance for you to add your own comments. You can sign up to receive the Concordia Alumni & Friends email Newsletter at www.cune.edu/AlumniNews Concordias new alumni Facebook page will connect alumni with one another, provide information about upcoming alumni events, and, most importantly, give us the chance to have some fun. (Weve already dug out a few old yearbooks.) Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ ConcordiaNebraskaAlumni Connecting with Concordia is really about connecting with people, so wed like to introduce you to two of the faces behind these new efforts: alumni, university and church relations director Jan Koopman 69 GR75 and newcomer Carrie Merry 08, university and alumni events manager. Concordias alumni and friends email newsletter is received by thousands all across the globe, and this new format will be even more engaging for our loyal supporters, explained Koopman. Photos, short bios and so much more can be anticipated in the months to come. This fresh perspective covering both on and off campus events will encourage everyone to share the latest good news from Concordia University, Nebraska and hopefully, encourage our alumni and friends in far-off places to reconnect with each other and their alma mater. Alumni are incredibly important to Concordia, said Merry.

photo: Karen Chittick

A Nebraska native, Merry graduated from Concordia University with a double major in business administration and in communications with an emphasis in interpersonal communications. She worked at Sandhills Publishing as a marketing territory manager and at Lincoln Lutheran High School as a development assistant, recruitment coordinator and graphic designer. Her degree emphasis in interpersonal communication and her employment experience working with clients and prospective students and planning events will serve her well at Concordia. The 2011 Homecoming Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend gave Merry the chance to talk to many alumni. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting other alumni who share my love of this school, she said. Our revamped newsletter and new Facebook page provide us with additional ways to connect with alumni from all over the world. We invite all Concordia alumni to join us in remembering all of the good ole times they had at their home-away-from-home. You can connect with Jan and Carrie by sending an email to alumni@cune.edu

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Alumni

Notes
Rev. Claude Houge 72 was installed as pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 16. Houge also completed his hike of the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail, beginning in Georgia and ending the 5 month trek in Maine on August 27. Dr. Marilyn Fuss 73 Reineck, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Concordia University, St. Paul, has accepted an appointment to serve as the senior vice president for academic affairs at Concordia University Chicago. Susan Prochnau 74 began her 25th year as a special education resource teacher this fall at Zion Lutheran School in Surrey, British Columbia. Scott Wiesehan 77 retired from Baker Prairie Middle School in Canby, Ore., after 34 years of teaching. His wife, Roberta Cloeter 76 Wiesehan, retired from Trost Elementary School in Canby after 25 years of teaching. Scott will continue to train Army Reserves as a lieutenant colonel. Rochelle Gottberg 82 Brummer celebrates her 30th year of teaching. She teaches physical education and music at Messiah Lutheran in Lincoln, Neb., where she lives with her husband, Terry. Jeff 85 and Rebecca Jank 86 Limmer moved to Houston, Texas, last summer as Jeff became the national director of medical physics and treatment planning for McKesson | US Oncology. Frank Curnow CO 86 GR 91 retired after 18 years of teaching special education in Pierre, S.D.

John HS 58 CO 62 and Caroline Timmerman HS 58 CO 61 Boll were featured in the Lutheran Education Associations Shaping the Future magazine, Summer 2011 edition. John retired from teaching in 2005 and joined the ministry of Gideons International, teaching weekly Bible studies in the local county jail. When Caroline retired in 2006, they joined The 72 Partners on the Road outreach ministry of the LCMS World Mission. Rev. Dr. Barry L. Kolb HS 62 CO 66 celebrated 45 years in the ministry and 25 years as an ordained pastor on July 10. He taught in several states as well as served in ministries around the world and worked regularly at the prison in Angola, La. James Meisinger 69 and Don Vogt 68 are currently working for the Hazel Park Community School District in Hazel Park, Mich. Jim is the deputy superintendent and former high school principal, and Don is the current high school principal. Del Harnisch 71 was selected as a Fulbright scholar for 201112. He will visit the Republic of Georgia to work at the University of Georgia at Tbilisi. He currently serves as director of the assessment and leadership learning program at the University of NebraskaLincoln. Rev. Howard Shane 71 was granted professor emeritus status by the Saint Paul Lutheran High School, Concordia, Mo., Board of Trustees. He has also been asked to teach New Testament history at Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls, S.D. Lt. Col. Ted Wolfram III 71 made his last flight on Sept. 24, at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. He served 27 years in the Air Force, fighting in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Wolfram is pictured with granddaughter, Katie Lemke, 06.

52 alumnotes

Mark Hofman 87 accepted a call as executive director of fund development for the LCMS headquarters in Kirkwood, Mo. He began service on Oct. 31 and was installed Nov. 2 by Synod President Rev. Matthew Harrison.

Nancy Griffiths 89 Buchli and husband, TJ, celebrate the birth of twin daughters, Annabelle Grace and Ellianna Sophia, Aug. 26, as well as the college graduation of their oldest child, Cody, in June. The couple has two more children, Dakotah and Ethan. Nancy teaches math at Southeast Community College in Milford, Neb., while TJ builds custom cabinets. Rev. John Barton Day 92 joined Synod staff as executive director of the Life Together department. Day received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1997. He served at Memorial Lutheran Church and school in Houston, Texas, and at LINC Houstons Bible Institute. He taught at Concordia University Texas, and is currently pursuing degrees from Notre Dame University and Concordia University, Nebraska. Pamela Buth 94 graduated with a Master of Nonprofit Management degree from Hamline University School of Business in St. Paul, Minn., in May. She is now the executive assistant to the president of River of Goods in St. Paul. Martha Becker 94 Swearingen and husband, David, announce the birth of their son, Heath Christopher, on June 9. Heath joins older sister, Holly. David works as a FedEx office manager in Springfield, Mo. Martha is currently a stay-at-home mom after teaching 15 years at Springfield Lutheran School. Dr. Dave Wagner 94 was promoted to associate professor of biological sciences at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Cyndee Baldwin 95 graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. She is currently in private practice as a relational psychotherapist and teaches art in Seattle, Wash. Dr. Louis Hoffman 95 recently published his fifth book, Toward a Christian Clinical Psychology: The Contributions of H. Newton Malony. He is on the faculty at Saybrook University in San Francisco, Calif. and is the president-elect of the Society for Humanistic Psychology. Krisha Niemoth 95 Uden and husband, Leland, of Kenesaw, Neb., welcomed Darius Lee on Oct. 2, 2010. Darius has one older sister, Abigail. Christina Buehring 97 Hergenrader and husband, Mike, welcomed son Nathanael on July 29, 2010. Nate joins sisters, Catherine and Elisabeth, and brother, Samuel. Christina published her sixth book, a Bible study titled God Loves Moms. Ruth Werner Probasco 97 and husband, Lloyd, received the Association of Lutheran Development Executives Heartland chapter Spirit of Giving Award, demonstrating Christian stewardship and service. Ruth is formerly the director of alumni relations at Concordia, and Lloyd is a director of the Concordia Foundation. Jeff Eisman 98 is the geographic information systems manager at Samaritans Purse International Relief in Sudan. He received his masters degree in geographic information science from Northwest Missouri State University in 2011.

Rev. Dr. Peter 99 and Katie McCoid Nafzger 01 celebrated the birth of Louisa Kate on Nov. 4. Louisa was welcomed by sister, Olivia, and brothers, Johann and August. Peter is pastor of New Life ChurchLutheran in Hugo, Minn., and is an adjunct professor of theology at Concordia University, St. Paul. Katie is a full-time homemaker. Jonathan 99 and Kristi Kriete 98 Schkade celebrated the birth of their daughter, Jamie Rose, on Oct. 3, 2010. Kristi teaches at TrinitySt. Paul Lutheran School in Hamel, Ill. Jonathan writes childrens books and recently published Icky Sticky, Hairy Scary Bible Stories with Concordia Publishing House. Nina Klepacki 00 Baumbach, husband, Christopher, and son, Logan, welcomed Noah Paul to the family on Feb. 11. The family resides in Duluth, Minn. Nina is a stay-at-home mom, and Christopher is a resident physician.

Madeline Roebke 00 was united in marriage to Aaron Curns on Dec. 11, 2010. The couple resides in Omaha, Neb., where Madeline works as assistant general attorney for real estate matters with Union Pacific Railroad. Dr. Brandon Seifert 01 recently signed a contract to work with Dr. Doug Tewes 83 and the Lincoln Orthopaedic group. He also will be serving with Tewes on the sports medicine staff at Concordia.

Ken Kahl, Jr. 05 of Buck Grove, Iowa, was presented the Governors Volunteer Award for outstanding service to the state of Iowa by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds on July 6.

Michael 06 and Holly Smith Nelson 08 announce the birth of their daughter, Clara May, on June 18. Clara was baptized July 16 by her grandfather, George Nelson.

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54 alumnotes
Tonia Carlson Nantkes 00 is a member of the 201113 national board of directors of American Mothers, Inc. and serves as area III coordinator. Nantkes is state president of the Nebraska American Mothers Association and was the 2008 Nebraska Young Mother of the Year. She also serves on the Concordia University Alumni Council.

Susan Braunsroth 07 Devereaux and husband, Patrick, announce the birth of their son, Patrick Francis, on June 23.

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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Catching up with Concordia Save a browser bookmark for www.cune.edu and visit Concordias site for the most recent university news. Past issues of the Broadcaster are also available online at www.cune.edu/broadcaster Send comments and story ideas for the Broadcaster to Broadcaster@cune.edu For alumni wishing to submit a class note, see the submission guidelines on page 55. ALUMNI: Stay Connected Concordia has a printed alumni directory available, an e-news mailing list, a Twitter feed and a Facebook presence to keep you connected with your alma mater and each other. Find out more at www.cune.edu/alumni.

In Memoriam
Enid Meyer 41 Herzig Harold Jagels 41 Harold HS 38 CO 41 Stelzer Dorothy Werdin 46 Riewe Paul Hillmann 46 Marie Seifert 52 Einspahr Elaine Predoehl 53 Beyers Norman HS 50 CO 54 Bachmann Dr. William Ebel 57 Carl Hafner 61 Martin Honig 62 Arlene Jensen 65 Judith Moerer 66 Ralph Nitz 66 Donald Poock 66 Edwin Carlson 68 Thomas Christman 70 Marcia Adams 70 Thayer Terry Timm 70 Sally Jopps 70 Meyer Richard Maske 71 Bonnie Hohensee 73 William Neumeyer 73 David Bowlby 80 Susan Sahn 93 Smith Gary Turner 99 Dawn Dvorak 05 Steve Radke

Tracie King 07 Hudson and husband, Andrew, welcomed their first child, Gavin Michael, on May 22. The Hudsons reside in Kearney, Neb., where Tracie teaches at Zion Lutheran School. Andrew is a fitness specialist at Good Samaritan Hospital. Jason Phelps 07 is currently serving as the spiritual care director at the Krause Center, a part of Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. in Katy, Texas. Kayla Gutz 07 Preto and husband, Alessandro, welcomed Adriana Adelia on Dec. 1, 2010. They currently reside in Castro Valley, Calif., where Kayla serves as a part-time director of Christian education at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hayward, and Alessandro serves as a registered nurse.

Alicia Foley 09 began work as a zookeeper at the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium on Aug. 20. She is pictured holding a baby Chilean flamingo. Adam Hubrig 11 has been accepted into the creative writing program at the University of NebraskaLincoln.

About Alumnotes
Heidi Kohn 11 married Peter ONeill on July 23. They now live in Charlotte, Mich., where Heidi teaches Spanish at Parkview Elementary, and Peter teaches music and K8 choir at Lansing Christian School. Concordia welcomes news of alumni accomplishments and other milestones in the lives of alumni. Alumni news needs to be submitted directly by the featured alumni rather than a third party. When submitting a death notice, please send a copy of the obituary, if possible, and include the names and class years of any survivors who attended Concordia, Nebraska. All submitted items may be edited. Address updates can be made at www.cune.edu/broadcaster. Send submissions to Alumni@cune.edu or, by post, to Concordia University, Nebraska, Alumni News, 800 North Columbia Avenue, Seward, Nebraska, 68434. Photos are welcome, whether printed or digital versions. Photos will not be returned. When possible please send your photograph as a jpeg attachment along with your e-mail submission of news. A submitted digital photo should have a minimum of 1200 pixels on its longest side. We encourage photos with the alumni in the picture. Please note that sending an image does not guarantee its publication. Please submit items for the Summer 2012 issue by May 1.

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Calendar

Visit www.cune.edu/events for the most recent schedule and ticket information. Home openers and major meets or tournaments are listed below for athletics.

January

67 Lutheran Invitational Tournament (LIT) 9 Spring term begins 9 Commemoration: Art from the Sheldon Museum of Art open through Feb. 1., Marxhausen Gallery 1315 Sleet and Snow Forensics Invitational 15 Commemoration: Art from the Sheldon Museum of Art opening reception in Marxhausen Gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. with artists talk at 2 p.m. 16 Visit Day for prospective students, visit www.cune.edu/VisitDay to register 16 College of Graduate Studies open house, Lincoln Campus, 4:306:30 p.m. 21 Concordia High School Speech Classic 21 Alumni Council meeting, TLEC 2728 Concordia Invitational Tournament, Concordia Ann Arbor

March

February
1 3

Wrestling hosts Dakota Wesleyan/Midland Triangular IMPROVables performance, Studio Theatre, Music Center, 7:30 and 9 p.m 5 Steve Roden: Notations (visiting artist sponsored by Jones Bank) open through March 23, Marxhausen Gallery 912 Chamber Choir tour (West Coast) 10 Steve Roden: Notations Opening Reception with artist talk, 7 p.m., Thom Leadership and Education Center Auditorium 10 Mission IMPROVables show, Weller Auditorium, 8 p.m. 18 Incoming students music scholarship auditions, Music Center 18 Wrestling at NAIA North Region Championships, Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa 19 Chamber Choir home concert, St. John Lutheran Church, 3 p.m. 20 Visit Day for prospective students, visit www.cune.edu/VisitDay to register 23 Career and Graduate Fair, Cattle Conference Room, 10 a.m. 3 p.m. 29March 4 Symphonic Band tour (Midwest)

13 NAIA national championships for wrestling, Geneva, Ohio 23 Antigone performance, Studio Theatre, Music Center, 7:30 p.m. 4 Antigone performance, Studio Theatre, Music Center, 2 p.m. 8 Chamber Orchestra performance, Recital Hall, Music Center, 7 p.m. 919 University A Cappella Choir tour (Texas) 1018 Spring Break 19 Softball home opener vs. Peru State College, 4 p.m. 23 Visit Day for prospective students, visit www.cune.edu/VisitDay to register 2324 Experience Art Day, Brommer Art Center 23 Alumni Council meeting, TLEC 2324 IMPROVables 24-hour IMPROVathon, 7:30 p.m. 24 Donor Day luncheon, Janzow Campus Center, 11 a.m. 24 Baseball home opener vs. Valley City State College, 1 p.m. 25 Bachelor of Fine Art thesis exhibition, open until April 13, Marxhausen Gallery 25 University A Cappella Choir home concert, St. John Lutheran Church, 3 p.m. 25, 26, 27, 28 Osten Observatory open house 89:30 p.m. 30 Tennis at Concordia Invitational Tournament 30, 31 The Importance of Being Earnest performance, 7:30 p.m.

20 Visit Day for prospective students, visit www.cune.edu/VisitDay to register 22 Male Chorus and Womens Chorale concert, St. Gregory the Great Seminary, 4 p.m. 25 Chamber Orchestra performance, Recital Hall, Music Center, 7 p.m. 27 Spring JazzFest, Weller Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. 28 IMPROVables performance, Studio Theatre, Music Center, 7:30 p.m. 29 Handbell concert, Recital Hall, Music Center, 3 p.m. 30 University-Community Band concert, Weller Auditorium, 7 p.m.

May

3 Class of 62 Golden Reunion 35 GPAC baseball and softball tournaments 45 GPAC outdoor track championships, Lincoln, Neb. 4 Graduate and Golden Reunion luncheon, 11:30 a.m. 4 Baccalaureate, St. John Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. 5 Commencement, Walz Human Performance Complex, 10 a.m. 11 Outdoor track hosts Twilight Meet 1726 NAIA national softball tournament, Gulf Shores, Ala. 2426 NAIA national outdoor track championships, Marion, Ind.

April
1 3

The Importance of Being Earnest performance, 2 p.m. Bachelor of Fine Art thesis exhibition, opening reception in Marxhausen Gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. with artists talk at 2 p.m. 4 Outdoor track hosts Concordia Midweek Open 7 Blue River Invite, Mens Golf, Seward, Neb. 13 Symphonic Band concert, Seward High School, 7 p.m. 13, 14, 15 One Act Play festival, Studio Theatre, Music Center, 7:30 p.m. 15 Annual student art exhibition opening reception with awards, Marxhausen Gallery, 1 p.m. 17 College of Graduate Studies open house, Lincoln Campus, 4:306:30 p.m.

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