broadcaster

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 1 0 1 | N O. 2
C O N C O R D I A U N I V E R S I T Y, N E B R A S K A
 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus

for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we
should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). What a tremendous
joy it is to wake up each day knowing about God’s love in
Jesus Christ, reminded that “while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.” Basking in this Good News, what an
honor and joy it is to also know that God is indeed at work
in and amid us. As masks of God, He brings blessing to
many through His people living out their varied vocations.
As such, this issue of the Broadcaster is celebrating the
theme of “His workmanship.” All good things come from
our Heavenly Father!

We offer a series of articles for your consideration. You will

read about emeriti faculty, the unconventional service and
work of current students, alumni who returned to lead and
serve as faculty, how our graduate faculty are nurturing
the faith of students and our mission of preparing the next
generation leaders for Concordia and Lutheran education.
Amid all these articles is a common thread. Yes, you will
learn about inspiring and extraordinary gifts of God’s peo-
ple. More than that, it is my prayer that you will see each of
these as reminders that God is indeed at work in and amid
His people. May this issue inform, encourage, inspire and
ultimately serve as a reminder of our good and gracious
God whose love is most clearly revealed in the life, death
and resurrection of Jesus.

Together in His service,

Dr. Bernard Bull, President

Photos: Megan Endorf ’25, Kayla Loesche ’25, Hope Rickords ’21, Ben Meyer Concordia University, Nebraska

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Broadcaster Staff MYSTERY PHOTO
Associate Vice President of Marketing &
Communications
Emily Witt
6
Editor
Danielle Luebbe A Harmony of Cooperation
Art Director From art to bees, Don Dynneson
Liz Kucera
finds beauty and opportunity in every
Designers circumstance.
Riley Riggs ’23

Contributors
Dr. Bernard Bull
Amy Crawford 10
Jake Knabel
Brooke Lange ’24
Hope Nelson ’25 Once a Bulldog,
Forever a Bulldog
University Administration Many of Concordia’s full-time faculty are also There are many hidden gems around campus, if you look closely enough! Do you recognize where this photo was
President
Dr. Bernard Bull
proud Concordia alumni. taken? Email us at [email protected]!

MYSTERY SOLVED
Provost
Dr. Tim Preuss ’83

Executive Vice President, CFO & COO

David Kumm
14
Vice President for
Enrollment Management & Marketing To Joyfully Serve
Dr. Gary McDaniel ’83
Concordia students have the opportunity to
Vice President for Student Affairs
explore their many vocations.
Gene Brooks CO ’91 GR ’03

Board of Regents
Rev. Benjamin Ball, Hamel, Ill.
Mrs. Krista Barnhouse CO ’95 GR ’01, Lincoln, Neb. 20
Mr. Stuart Bartruff, Omaha, Neb.
Rev. Brad Birtell ’88, Madison, Neb.
Mr. Ryan Burger ’04, Lincoln, Neb. Make it Genuine
Dr. Craig Ernstmeyer CO ’96 GR ’02, Saint Peters, Mo.
Mr. John Fraser, Omaha, Neb. Rev. Dr. Andrew Watkins excels at finding
Rev. Doug Gaunt ’77, Kearny, Neb.
Mrs. Gail Hawkins, Omaha, Neb. connections with his students, even online.
Mr. Dick Helms, Arapahoe, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Hu, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Mr. Richard Huebner, Centennial, Colo.
Mrs. Jill Johnson GR ’17, Seward, Neb.
24
Mr. Dennis Meyer ’70, Miami Beach, Fla.
Mrs. Trudy Meyer ’92, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Moll ’89, Seward, Neb. Embracing the Legacy of
Rev. Richard Snow, Seward, Neb.
Doug Tewes ’83, Seward, Neb. Lutheran Education
Mr. Erik Vieselmeyer, Holyoke, Colo.
Rev. James Woelmer GR ’99, Plano, Texas Serving at a Christ-centered learning

About the Cover

institution is an investment in the future of
families, churches, communities and beyond. T he structure of the new Borland Center for Music and Theatre features modern precast panels, which look extra nice
juxtaposed with the blue Nebraska sky!
Each one of us, at Concordia and beyond,
are part of God’s workmanship, crafted to
spread His glorious message of salvation We love hearing from our readers!
in Jesus Christ around the globe.
28 Athletics Have feedback or comments on our latest issue?
We want to hear from you! Email the editor at
[email protected].
33 Alumni & Friends
© 2023 Concordia University, Nebraska

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 A Harmony of
Cooperation
story: Amy Crawford
photos: Liz Kucera, Courtesy of Don Dynneson
Emeritus professor of art Don Dynneson looks for ways to
make connections in his art, his teaching and his life.

A talented artist, military veteran, beloved retired art

professor, hobby beekeeper, proud father and loving
husband, Donald L. Dynneson has a lot of stories to tell.
Whether he is serving others or creating masterpieces,
he always stops to marvel at the beauty and opportunity
in every day and every circumstance.
“I’ve been blessed with a wide variety of experiences in
my life,” he said. “I have had the opportunity to experience
all kinds of interesting things.”
After graduating from high school in Sidney, Montana,
Dynneson worked on the first Boeing 707 off the line as
an installation mechanic in Renton, Washington. He
served for four years in the United States Air Force prior
to college. He enjoyed serving on an on-call mountain
search and rescue team and recalls having roast porcupine
for Thanksgiving while on a rescue mission in Idaho.
Following his time in the Air Force, he attended
Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, where he met his wife
Judy in an art class. He graduated with a bachelor of
arts degree in art and a minor in psychology and then
taught senior high school art in Ely, Nevada, and junior
high art in Aurora, Colorado. After earning master of
art and master of fine art degrees from the University of
Wyoming, he was hired by Concordia Nebraska in 1971.
He taught at the university until 2000.
“I was very impressed with Concordia’s faculty and
staff. They have continued to nourish my Christian
faith as well as my profession. Professors Reinhold
Marxhausen, William Wolfram and Richard Wiegman
were particularly supportive,” he said. “They provided
models for my growth in art as a profession and exhibited
strong Christian convictions in teaching and living the
Lutheran faith.”
Although he taught a variety of courses during his
time at the university, Dynneson recalled a few favorite
classes and experiences.
Don Dynneson next to a sculpture he created which is housed in Brommer Hall.

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 “I taught a fundamentals class, and most of the students “They also place a high value in creative idea making,”
were non-art majors. I really enjoyed watching them he said. “Each uses skills from which we all benefit. I am
respond to a diverse curricula,” he said. “I was able to blessed with their support and love.”
pique the interest of students who labeled themselves as Leanne was a professional musician who has played
non-artistic. I am blessed with a wide variety of interests, the violin for more than 30 years. She currently works as
and it was a joy to share that with them. Some students a librarian in Lincoln. When she started violin lessons
were not comfortable in two-dimensional projects, but many years ago, it sparked Dynneson’s interest in music,
then loved ceramics and other three-dimensional media. and he began studying the cello. He played for more
I remember football players that didn’t think they were than 30 years with the Lincoln Civic Orchestra and
artistic but then found things that they truly loved in in Concordia’s chamber orchestra. A shoulder injury
the program.” prevents him from playing now, but he recalls the time
fondly and is thankful for the lessons learned during
“I am blessed with a wide the experience.

variety of interests, and

“That gave me an understanding and a vocabulary to
parallel so many concepts of structure and expression

it was a joy to share that

between music and art,” he said. “I was able to reach
some students to understand those aspects.”

with them.” Lane previously worked in media ministry at St.

Andrews Lutheran church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri,
He recalled a favorite project from one of his classes. but is currently enjoying a successful career in welding.
“In the ceramics unit, we replicated the Native When he is not busy welding and raising his family, he
American tradition of making pots,” he said. “There crafts ceramic creations for sale through his business,
was once a brickyard off of south Columbia. I’d have the Dynneson Clayworks.
students dig the clay, construct the ware and fire the pots Dynneson said he does miss his time at Concordia
with dried cow chips.” Dynneson and one of his many hobbies Nebraska and returns to campus from time to time. At
He said former university president Ralph L. Reinke’s unique dome home and numerous, unique outdoor art 85, he said he has slowed down some and most of his
wife was taking the class one semester, and she had her installations. art is created through welding and watercolor painting.
husband help her find chips. “Our acreage provides gardening and the reliving of “Working with stone is physically challenging, so I
“Oh boy, I had the president of the university looking my agrarian Montana upbringing,” he explained. “The find it’s smarter to pursue art in other ways now,” he said.
for cow chips,” he laughed. “And there were times I’d load large windows of our geodesic dome home let us enjoy “I take great joy in my art pieces that are out in places
“Suffering Servant - Triumphant King” by Dynneson
students into the back of my old Chevy pickup to go dig the unique selection of God’s creation.” for the public to see.”
clay. And then we’d go fire their pots out at my place. I Dynneson’s art is on display in various places on the When he is not engaged in other pursuits, he said
don’t think that would work today!” Concordia Nebraska campus, as well as at The Lutheran he does enjoy fishing from time to time, and delights in
After unexpectedly obtaining a swarm of bees from Church—Missouri Synod Nebraska District office in being out in nature enjoying God’s beautiful creation.
Wolfram, Dynneson found that he loved beekeeping. Seward. In 2002, he was also commissioned to create “Concordia Nebraska provided a strong foundation
“It’s blossomed into an extensive hobby of 50 years,” an 11-foot-tall stainless steel piece titled “Suffering for my personal and professional growth,” he said. “The
he said. “It’s a challenge now to keep the bees alive Servant – Triumphant King” for Immanuel Lutheran experiences of teaching and producing art that matches
because of all of the threats to their welfare. But they Church in Valparaiso, Indiana. my particular skill have to be the work of the Holy Spirit.
are incredibly interesting creatures that the Lord has “I consider this my most inspired and most successful It has been a near perfect fit through the years. God gave
designed, and my how they thrive. When everything work,” he said. “It’s a beautiful combination of a hanging me a charge of students who seemed to thrive with what
goes right, it is this beautiful harmony of cooperation. corpus seen from one side and the triumphant King I could offer. I have grown in the struggles both then
Everyone has their job, and they don’t fuss, they just go image from the other. The entire project turned out to and now. I am so blessed with this particular harness.”
about their business.” be a real blessing to me.”
With ample property east of Seward, Nebraska, His wife Judy, daughter Leanne and son Lane are
Dynneson has plenty of room for his bees, the family’s artists in their own right.
Dynneson’s dome house

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 Once a
TO B I N B E C K H S ’ 7 1
Assistant Professor of
Journalism and Political Science

Bulldog,
High School Diploma

Forever a
DR. ROBERT HERMANN ’87
Professor of Physics
B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, LTD

Bulldog
“When the opportunity arose for me to return, it R E V. D R . PAU L H O LTO R F C O ’ 8 7 G R ’ 9 4
felt like the right thing to do, like coming home.” Chair of the Theology, Philosophy and Biblical
Languages Department, Professor of Theology
story: Danielle Luebbe B.A. History
photos: Courtesy of Concordia Marketing M.P.Ed. Parish Education
Many of Concordia’s full-time faculty trace their own
educational roots right back to Concordia. D R . K E N T E I N S PA H R ’ 7 9
Professor of Computer Science, Director of IT
Special Projects
B.S. Math
B.S.Ed. Education
B.A. Physics

D R . L I S A A S H BY ’ 8 8
D R . E DWA R D R E I N K E ’ 8 5
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences,
Professor of Mathematics
Professor of English
B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, LTD
B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, LTD
D R . M A R K W. M E E H L ’ 7 9
Professor of Theology “I wanted to return to teach at Concordia because
B.A. History it gave me the chance to give back all that I had
B.S. Secondary Ed received at Concordia: caring professors, a Chris-
tian education and the opportunity to serve others.
“I wanted to be a long-term part of that
DR. LORINDA (SCHOMACKER) SANKEY ’80 This was really a dream job for me, and I felt so
community of educators and scholars and to
Dean of the College of Education, Health and privileged to join the Concordia faculty.”
contribute what I could to my students.”
Human Sciences, Professor of Education
B.S.Ed. Elementary Education

D R . B R E N T R OY U K ’ 8 8
D R . K R E G G E I N S PA H R ’ 8 2 D R . K U R T VO N K A M P E N ’ 8 3 Professor of Physics
Professor of Biology Chair of the Music Department, Professor of Music B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, LTD
DR. MARK BLANKE CO ’82 GR ’93
B.S. Biology B.S. Education, Music Education,
Professor of Education, DCE Program
English Education (7-12)
Director, Director of University
Institutes, Director of the Institute for
Religious Education
B.S.Ed. Education, DCE
D R . V I C K I B OY E ’ 8 2 M.A. Parish Education
Professor of Health &
Human Performance
B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, LTD
DR. ANNETTE (KLENKE) ANSCHUTZ
CO ’83 GR ’02 GR ’09
Director of Master of Early Childhood Education
DR. ANDREW LANGEWISCH ’82 B.A. Social Work
Professor of Business Administration M.S. Family Life JA M E S B O C K E L M A N ’ 8 9
B.S. Mathematics M.Ed. Early Childhood Education Professor of Art
B.S.Ed. Elementary Education,
Secondary Education, LTD

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 D R . T H A D D E U S WA R R E N C O ’ 9 1 G R ’ 9 6
Chair of the Human and Social Sciences
Department, Professor of Human and Social
Science (DCE)
B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, LTD, DCE
M.S. Family Life

J E R R I TA ( K A H L E ) S TA E H R ’ 9 5 DR. JOEL HELMER ’92 D R . A M Y ( D E N C K L A U ) S T R A DT M A N N ’ 9 1

Assistant Professor of Education, Chair of the History, Geography, Middle Level Program Director, Assistant
Director of Field Experience Intercultural Studies and Modern Professor of Education
B.A. English Languages Department, Professor B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, LTD
of Geography
B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, LTD

DR. BETH (ROYUK) PESTER CO ’96 GR ’04

Director of Dual Credit and School Partnerships,
Associate Professor of Education
B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, LTD
B.A. Biology
M.Ed. Secondary Administration
“Concordia is such a formative and positive part
of my story – growing in faith and knowledge –
and being able to give back to this institution, her DR. JOHN JURCHEN ’97
D R . A M A N DA ( R E I T H E R ) G E I D E L ’ 9 6 D R . L AU R I E Z U M H O F E ’ 9 6
students, and her mission, is fabulous. I’m right Professor of Chemistry
Chair of the Education Department, Special Professor of English
where God is using me best, and I love it!” B.A. Chemistry
Education Program Director, B.S.Ed. Elementary Education
B.S.Ed. Secondary Education
Professor of Education
B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, LTD DR. SHANNA (SANDER) OPFER CO ’99 GR ’05
Elementary Education Program Director, Associate Professor of Education
B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, LTD
M.Ed. Elementary School Administration
A M Y H U B AC H ’ 0 1
Assistant Professor of Education, Intern Site
Coordinator
B.A. Theology, DCE
DR. JOSEPH HERL GR ’01
“After 20 years of parish education, God called me Professor of Music
to educate and train future church workers. I have Colloquy Lutheran Teacher
loved every second of being back at Concordia.”
D R . KY L E J O H N S O N ’ 0 8 SETH BOGGS ’03 D R . T I M OT H Y
Associate Professor of Biology Associate Professor of Art SCHROEDER ’01
B.S. Biology, Chemistry B.F.A. Commercial Art Professor of Mathematics A M Y R OY U K ’ 0 1
B.F.A. Studio Art B.S.Ed. Secondary Assistant Professor of Spanish
Education, LTD B.S.Ed. Secondary Education, LTD

R O B E R T C O DY ’ 1 4
Assistant Professor of Music
B.Mus. Music Education, LTD
“The call to equip the next generation
of music teachers and church musicians
MARCUS GUBANYI ’13 weighed heavily on my heart, and the Lord
Chair of the Mathematics and Computer provided a means for me to do that here at B E N JA M I N H I N C K F O OT ’ 1 4
Science Department, Assistant Professor of
J U S T I N G R OT H ’ 1 1 Concordia, and I look forward with joyful Assistant Professor of Health and
Computer Science
Assistant Professor of Art anticipation of all that God will do through Human Performance
B.S. Computer Science, Math
B.F.A. Art Education, LTD our program in the coming decades!” B.S.Ed. Secondary Education
Degrees listed were earned at Concordia and may not include the entirety of the faculty members’ educational journey.
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 To Joyfully Serve
story: Brooke Lange ’24
photos: Liz Kucera and Hope Rickords ’21
Concordia students serve their communities through
internships and careers even before graduation.

B etween internship requirements, summers off and

attempting to find a stable income before graduation,
working during college becomes pretty standard practice
and all people can live out every day. Genter states, “When
people hear ‘calling from God,’ they may begin to think
of church-related areas of ministry. Pastors, Christian
for college seniors. Often, the purpose of these jobs can teachers, deaconesses, DCEs, church musicians and so
seem inherently self-centered—they are either resume forth certainly have callings from God. But so do parents
boosters, working for a cool-sounding title or company in raising children, accountants keeping accurate books and
exchange for not that much pay, or working for a company farmers providing the world with food.”
Recently, I had a few opportunities to talk to students
that isn’t in your career field purely for the purpose of
who are living out their vocations as students who are
making money. In either case, having a job as a senior in
working part time while attending school.
college can feel like a necessary evil, to either pay the bills
or boost the resume or, if you’re lucky, both. AMI PRITCHETT
In order to get through this potentially dull phase of Ami Pritchett ’24 finds great joy in her work as a farm
work, it can be helpful to reframe the idea of what work hand. “I love being outside and working with my hands.
should be about. That change starts with realizing that Although the work itself can be very exhausting, it’s a joy
“work” is not just about the jobs we have, work is about to be able to serve others and provide for them in this way.”
what motivates us to do the jobs we have. This means Pritchett works at the farm Tuesdays, Thursdays and
that the work we do has to come from a starting place of Fridays. A typical day for her looks like weeding, sorting
ideals. At Concordia University, Nebraska, these ideals the produce and delivering it.
that motivate people to do the work they do often stem Even though working on the farm is a unique experi-
from the word “vocation.” ence, Pritchett feels that her penchant for doing her work
We don’t choose our vocations; God chooses us for them. well and serving those around her is something she will
Everything we do, from our jobs to our relationships to be able to do wherever she goes. “Every farm has a slightly
being good citizens in our community are charged with different culture and set of values,” she said. “Regardless
the presence of God. of that, no matter where you are, God’s going to give you
Students at Concordia get a sense of what vocation opportunities to advance the kingdom to serve the people
is through required Faith and Life classes. Rev. Dr. John around you. In my job, there’s lots of opportunities to be
Genter, professor of theology, philosophy and biblical an example. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I
languages, makes vocation an important focus in his try to stay calm and positive to serve the other people
Faith and Life Class. Genter makes the clarification that around me.”
Ami Pritchett
vocation is not just an idea, it is something that students

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 JENNA POTRATZ
Certified Nursing Assistant
Jenna Potratz ’24, senior biology major, also lives this out
frequently in her work.
Potratz is currently working part time as a Certified
Nursing Assistant at Ridgewood Rehab & Care center. On
a practical level, she chose to do the job because it fulfilled

“We are led by the Word,

an internship requirement. Her daily tasks in her job have
the potential to look relatively mundane. She is regularly

gather together as the

tasked with walking people to dinner and helping them go
to the bathroom. But there is a large portion of the work
that requires a lot of patience.
family of Christ, at times “Throughout my time, I’ve learned people skills more
than anything,” Potratz said. “You really have to be patient
receive the Lord’s supper and have a lot of empathy for people, regardless of where
they are mentally. For example, if a resident thinks that
and we pray as Christ their room is on fire, it might seem a little silly at first,
but you’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t try to
commanded us to do.” see things from their perspective. If my room was on
fire, I would be freaking out. What we think is sometimes
ridiculous is their absolute reality.”
Potratz also puts in effort to go the extra mile for
residents. “I really try to care for people, even when I get
frustrated. I know that I would want someone to do the
Andrew Brandt
same for me.”
ANDREW BRANDT and finding how best to sell them—he sees the opportu- This selfless care is a very important aspect of voca-
Software Development Intern nities to serve others around him within the field that he tion. “It is in our God-given callings as family members,
Andrew Brandt ’24, a senior computer science major works. “The most fulfilling thing about my work is that neighbors, workers, congregants and citizens that we
currently working part time as a software development a few weeks ago I didn’t know how to do something, and live out our faith, bear our crosses and joyfully serve
intern at Sandhills Global, is trying to navigate doing his now I know how to do it. It is the process of learning that those whom God has put in our life’s path,” said Genter.
work well, while simultaneously feeling like a novice. He is really fulfilling.” “Experiencing life through the lens of Christian vocation
initially applied for this internship for the opportunities to Brandt is putting in the work so he eventually can do reminds us that, no matter how seemingly inglorious the
learn, but a lot of what he is learning is how to ask for help. just that. “I really want to get to the point where people task, it is all service to our Lord Jesus Christ who hides
Brandt comments that this is not uncommon. “Soft- can eventually ask me for help. That is part of the reason himself in our neighbor.”
ware development is a very collaborative process,” he why I’m willing to work through these things.” So even when the work feels confusing, or like it
said. “Most of my time is spent building off things that doesn’t matter, we can remember who we are working
other people have already created, rather than starting for. God is present in every part of our lives, including in
something new.” the mundane tasks we are assigned at work, when we deal
with difficult coworkers or when our email inbox is full.
“No matter where I am
Because of this collaborative nature, Brandt currently
spends a lot of time figuring out problems with help from We always have the opportunity to serve others through
that work. That is an incredible gift.
or what I’m doing, I try
his coworkers. “Usually, I start working on a project, and
I have to find who in the company has worked with this

to stay calm and positive

software, so they can help me figure it out. You really have
to learn to balance between asking for help and working

to serve the other people

through it yourself.”
Though Brandt feels that his work does not always look
like serving others in a traditional sense—for example, his
work a few weeks ago entailed comparing tractor prices around me.” Jenna Potratz

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 A SEMESTER
IN PHOTOS
Concordia’s fall semester 2023 was full of
service, worship and learning.

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 Rev. Dr. Andrew Watkins was Concordia’s 2021 graduation speaker.

Make it “God finds a way to help us learn and connect with

one another.”
“I like seeing pictures, [and] seeing who I’m talking
church started saying, ‘Andy, you really ought to go and
be a pastor.” But tuition, as Watkins discovered, was
not cheap. However, committed to becoming a pastor,
“You find things that you enjoy...if you get too un-
comfortable, then you’re not going to [help others],
right?” For Watkins, reaching out to others means not

Genuine with,” Watkins explains. He knows, however, that

people learn in different ways – in 2013, he earned his
doctorate from the University of Arizona in differen-
he took on an electrician internship that provided him
with a comprehensive education as well as an increase
in salary. Four years later, he enrolled at Concordia
only meeting them where they’re at, but finding them
in a place where he can function at his best as well.
For him, this often means baking, fixing things and
story: Hope Nelson ’25 tiated instruction, a field that teaches the importance Seminary in St. Louis. working with children.
photos: Courtesy of Rev. Dr. Andrew Watkins and of education methods that optimize learning for all “I don’t try to connect [people] to me, but through
Concordia Marketing
Rev. Dr. Andrew Watkins uses his past experience to
students. 2014 marked his first semester as a graduate me, they have to be connected to God,” says Watkins. “Find things that you
professor at Concordia University, Nebraska. Since In his current role, where he serves as a pastor at the
meet his M.Ed. students where they are.
then, he’s taught a course during almost every eight- Lutheran churches in Bennett and Stanwood, Iowa, know a little bit and care
R ev. Dr. Andrew Watkins believes that growing
up on a dairy farm taught him to recognize how
week instructional period. The course he teaches is
entitled “Serving and Leading in the Community and
as well as the East Side Mission LCMS church in Dav-
enport, Watkins has the opportunity to connect with about, and use that. God
will show you.”
people learn. “Cows...they don’t all learn at the same World” – and Watkins knows service. many people each week. Perhaps the word connect is an
rate. You know, this one can do this, and this one you After graduating from high school, Watkins joined understatement. “They [the kids at the mission church
have to wait for,” he says. “I didn’t even know that I was the Army, where he said, “I like to be outside. Give me in Davenport] are learning to read, so I...help them to “I play games with the kids outside,” he says. “How
learning this when I was little.” a job where I can be outside.” After working as a topo- read the words like ‘Hazael,’ from Israel in the Old do you get to know people...you figure out where they
I first met Watkins over a Zoom screen in October graphic surveyor in the U.S. Army for four years, he Testament.” Shepherding his congregations as family, are.” Much of Watkins’ service to the church and to the
2023. Neither of us could figure out how to get the sound went to college for geology and became a high school Watkins also bakes homemade treats every Saturday world has focused on meeting people where they are
to work, so we ended up hearing each other through science teacher in Lynchburg, Virginia. night, which his congregants enjoy every Sunday, plays and making connections with them. Despite teaching
our cell phones and seeing each other on our computer It was the LCMS church in Lynchburg that planted games with the children of his congregations and even completely online classes at Concordia, he still finds
screens. Watkins asserts with years of experiences, a new idea in Watkins’ head. “I started inviting [my offers his skills as an electrician when needed. ways to reach out to his students, talking with them
students] to church,” he says. “Then other families in

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 over the phone or over Zoom about school issues, major his life, and that thread is service that is grounded in and build relationships with others. “So find things
life events, or whatever else the student wishes. God’s Word as well as the relationships he forms with that you know a little bit and care about, and use that.
“I’ve talked to tons of students. Maybe somebody is other people. Whether he is baking for post-Sunday God will show you. He’s always been faithful; He has
depressed. Maybe somebody lost a child. Somebody is service snacks at his churches, on a video call with a the bigger picture; He knows tomorrow before we do.
out of work.” No matter their station in life, Watkins student who may be struggling or helping people fix And He knows how to set things up.”
knows how to reach out to his students, which in turn, things in their homes, Watkins uses what he knows Serving others doesn’t have to be difficult; it doesn’t
he hopes, makes his students into better teachers. “I to connect with others. have to feel foreign. There is no secret formula for living
teach people who are getting a master’s degree...they The last question I asked Rev. Dr. Watkins was: a life of service, and although it may look different for
already teach somewhere,” he explains. When his stu- “What advice would you have for people who want to everyone, every person can serve both the church and
dents ask why he is willing to give them feedback on get out into the world and serve others?” He immedi- world in a way that best suits them. “You have to make
rough drafts of projects that, if they follow, will result ately started in on a response, and I could tell that I’d it genuine,” as Rev. Dr. Andrew Watkins might say.
in them receiving a perfect score on the project, he touched on an important topic for him. “My wife enjoys
replies: “It actually helps you; it affects the way that painting,” he explains. “So when she’s done painting Learn more about Concordia’s Graduate Programs at
cune.edu/graduate.
you deal with all your students...it helps [your] family, in somebody’s house, she’ll ask them about life.” He
just like being a pastor.” encourages people to use their interests and abilities
In 2019, Concordia asked Watkins to write a new as a platform for serving others.
course for their graduate education programs aimed “If you don’t take care of you, you can’t be good for
specifically at teachers in Lutheran schools who did other people,” says Watkins. “Work, just for work’s
not graduate from the Concordia system. He wrote sake, gets tiring.” Watkins wants people to know that
rubrics, activities, projects and even made sure that taking time for themselves is not selfish. Instead, he
students enjoyed a highly relational class experience emphasizes that it better enables a person to use the
without even buying any textbooks. “Online classes can resources and skills at their disposal as a way to serve
sometimes be just very static,” he said. “So in week 5, I
made [my students]...use a graphic organizer and show
me how things fit together. It just made that whole week
Concordia graduate students fill out evaluation surveys at the end of each class. Here are a
pop.” His class, entitled “The Teacher in a Lutheran
few things that students had to say about Rev. Dr. Andy Watkins:
School: Vocation,” incorporates student-made videos,
Zoom meetings with Watkins if students desire and
other visually engaging, creative projects. “Everything from Andy Watkins’ class “Dr. Watkins was a real inspiration. He
When Concordia invited Watkins to be the com- was amazing! He did a great job of really made our class focus on Christ
mencement speaker at its 2021 graduation ceremony, preparing and encouraging me to be a and our purpose in this world. It was
he was overjoyed and humbled at the thought of being
able to meet some of his students in person for the first
servant leader in all aspects of my life!” a very eye-opening course, and I really
time. As part of his address, he invited an instrumen- enjoyed it.”
talist to play the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” “When “Dr. Andy Watkins had the most impact
she started to play,” says Watkins, “I could see some on me during my time at Concordia. He “Pastor Andy Watkins had a positive
people with tears in their eyes and even laughing... really challenged me and encouraged impact on my experience at Concordia.
what an honor.”
“Why am I going to keep talking about the glory of
me to think in depth about my place in Not only did he strengthen and renew
God if you don’t already get the humility of Christ?” God’s kingdom. I feel that I have more my faith, but he fully immersed himself
Watkins asks. “You really need to listen so that you courage and knowledge about using in our class. He gave timely and helpful
can tell where people are, so that you can help them
God’s vocations to help others in need, feedback and made me feel like I was an
along each step of the way.” There is a common thread
among Watkins’ service to his three Iowa churches,
especially my family, my neighbors, my important contributor.”
his Concordia classes and the way in which he lives students and co-workers.”
Rev. Dr. Watkins

22 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 23

 story: Dr. Bernard Bull preparing God-fearing people for faith, life and leadership
photos: Liz Kucera, Cara Bresette-Yates and throughout all parts of society and government.
Stephanie Wheelock
THE VISION FOR CHRIST-
The noble calling of serving at a Christ-centered learning
CENTERED EDUCATION
institution is an investment in the future of families,
churches, communities and beyond. This points us to the legacy we inherit and the charge
we have for the future. Confident in God’s promises, we

T
move forward with humility and trust, commending our
o serve at a Lutheran school or university is a noble
sometimes feeble efforts to Him in prayer and moving
calling, a grand quest, a humbling but meaning-
forward with courage and confidence, not because of
rich endeavor, and a deep and abiding blessing to the next
our ability and not because of any guarantee of earthly
generation. It means becoming part of a 500-year-old
successes, but because:
global movement in Lutheran education.
• “our names are written in the book of life” (Luke 10:20),
HISTORICAL ROOTS OF • “Heaven and earth will fade but His word remains
LUTHERAN EDUCATION the same” (Matthew 23:35),
The Lutheran church is the only denomination in history • God has built his church on the truth that Jesus is
that originated with a professor of moral theology inviting the “Christ, the son of the living God” and “the gates
others to a scholarly debate (with Dr. Martin Luther’s of hell will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18),
posting of the 95 Theses). When The Lutheran Church— • And because, while we know that life in this world
Missouri Synod (LCMS) formed in the 19th century, they will bring “trouble and tribulation, [Jesus] has
held education in such high regard that congregational overcome the world” (John 16:33).
membership required a commitment to education. Today, Dr. Luther, in his well-known “Letter to the Councilmen
if you review the LCMS Consitution, you will find that of All Cities in Germany that They Establish and Maintain
five of the ten objectives of Synod include a direct or Schools,” made a compelling case for the importance of
implied duty to education. The reason is because those an education where God’s Word is celebrated, present,
who came before us knew the importance of education for prevalent and permeating everything. In today’s language,
the future of our youth, families and congregations. They we might say that is a vision for education where God and
understood that an education grounded in God’s Word is His Holy Word are present from the classroom to the
fundamental to equipping people for lives of conviction court, the hallway to the teacher’s lounge, always welcome
and character, preparing them to be immense blessings in every class, meeting, competition and conversation.
in their families, churches, communities, workplaces There is no such thing as a neutral education. Either God’s
and beyond. Word is welcome or it is not. Both have a bias, but one
A vision for Christ-centered education started in is a blessed bias that belongs in every Lutheran school.
the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Then, C.F.W. Luther warned that God’s Word and grace is a passing
Walther, the first president of the LCMS, re-affirmed it in rainstorm. He recounted instances of persistent rejection
19th-century America. Walther expressed such a vision of God’s Word in a community only to find themselves
using the following words, “You certainly will share the suffering from the vacuum created by its absence years
sense of importance which I attach to these new schools later. Lutheran education is distinct when it heeds the
which are coming into being in our church. Beyond all wisdom of these words and strives for a learning commu-
question, they are the very best means that we have to nity where we explore a myriad of subjects while placing

Embracing the Legacy

spread our doctrine to the mass of people of this land. a high priority on the Truth of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, that
From now on our confirmed youth must get the ability “all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching,
to attain to, and to hold with dignity, all American civil rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness that

of Lutheran Education
positions and State offices, and for this high purpose they the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every
must be trained” (Evangelisch-Lutherische Schulblatt, good work.” As such, faithful and flourishing Lutheran
1870). Walther envisioned Lutheran schools that were schools and universities require faculty, staff and leaders
Christ-centered and world-class in their academics, whose loyalty is to God’s Word, and that above their dis-
ciplines, fields of study or any other professional guilds.

The bright fall leaves surrounding Thom Leadership Education Center onlooking Janzow Campus Center.

24 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 25

 Or, perhaps you know others in your family or church
whom you can gently prompt to consider a possibility
now or for their future. It may not always have the flair
or perks of other titles and positions. Our schools and
universities are also not utopian communities. They
are full of sinner saints, just like you find everywhere
else. However, serving in a Lutheran school or univer-
sity is mission-minded and meaning-rich work that is
worthy of our best. It is an investment in the future of
our families, churches, communities and beyond. It is
a joyful calling to love God and neighbor by providing
or supporting a Christ-centered education that rivals
the best institutions in the world. Who knows but that
you or someone near you has been granted such gifts
and abilities to be a blessing in Lutheran education for
such a time as this?

A child reads to Dr. Amanda Geidel of Concordia University, Nebraska.

JOINING THE MISSION All of this is the joy and honor of using one’s gifts in
To have the incredible honor of being part of a global Lutheran schools and universities. Our schools need
Lutheran education movement where we can say and the best and brightest in our churches to accomplish
celebrate such truths is a precious gift. this work. Central to enacting and expanding upon
What a joy it is to be part of: such a mission is a long line of people who say yes to the
• A system that honors the legacy of faith formation possibility of using their many and varied gifts to serve
started in the home, when parents brought their and be a blessing in Lutheran schools and universities.
children to the waters of baptism, offering educational This includes future teachers and professors across
options that will build upon and honor that foundation disciplines. It also means mission-aligned people with
rather than ignore or diminish it; gifts or openness to develop the requisite skills in fi-
• A school system where faculty and staff can nance, fundraising, recruitment, marketing, strategic
freely express their faith as they go about their
planning, coaching, student life, information technology,
various callings;
business management, event planning, administrative
• A place of intentional nurturing and mentoring in
assistance and so much more. God works through these
the faith combined with rigorous academics where
people and their gifts to sustain, strengthen, grow and
we seek and celebrate truth, beauty and goodness;
expand Lutheran schools and universities. Of course,
• A community where we practice Christian
hospitality to those without a church home, pointing many in the church have countless gifts that they use
them to the lamb of God who takes away the sin of in inspiring ways to be a blessing in their workplaces
the world; and communities. That is good and noble work. It is “There is no such thing as a
• A legacy committed to equipping a next generation honorable and commendable.
of laborers for the harvest; Yet, I write this article as an invitation for each reader neutral education.”
• A quest to prepare the next generation through to prayerfully consider whether now or some time in the
whom God will work to be a blessing to many through future might involve an opportunity to join in this noble
their varied vocations. quest and global mission that we call Lutheran education.

26 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 27

 Coming Full Circle
story: Jake Knabel
photos: Liz Kucera, Courtesy of Concordia Marketing
Derek Engelbart is finding his return to Concordia to be
a slam dunk.

F or those who have followed the Bulldog men’s bas-

ketball program, the Engelbart name is a familiar
one. Darin Engelbart ’96 starred during the mid-1990s
Concordia. Undeniably, Darin’s path helped influence
Derek’s decision.
“When I was looking at schools, I didn’t know if I wanted
while being named the 1994-95 Nebraska Iowa Athletic to play basketball, so I tried not to make it about basket-
Conference Player of the Year in the process of setting ball,” said Derek. “The business college at Concordia in
the school record for career assists. Derek Engelbart ’01 the mid-90s was just starting to grow under Dr. Stan
arrived at Concordia a year after his brother Darin had Obermueller ’68 and Dr. Andy Langewisch ’82, and that’s
graduated. The Engelbarts are the only brother combination where I wanted to go with my career path.”
in school history to appear on the 1,000-career points list. Once Derek knew he’d have the academic opportunities
Their importance to the history of the program is unde- he wanted and was able to meet the rest of the basketball
niable. Former head men’s basketball coach and Concordia team, he knew Concordia was the right choice for him.
Athletics Hall of Famer Grant Schmidt ’83 acknowledged “Ultimately, that’s what led me here,” he said. “It was
this, writing, “The Engelbarts have definitely left a mark the sense of community and the people I would get to
on this program that will be remembered and respected hang around. Learning life lessons from the incredible
for many years.” coaches and getting a Christ-centered education that
Derek Engelbart’s roots in Seward and the Concordia could be applicable in the business world was a perfect fit.”
community run deep. His father Dennis Engelbart CO ’68 Derek may joke that “it wouldn’t take that long” to
GR ’76 graduated from Concordia and his mother Nancy unpack his college basketball career, but that is not ac-
grew up in Seward. As a youngster, Derek competed curate for someone who averaged 16.1 points per game
in C-Club basketball tournaments on the campus and as both a junior and senior and led the 2000-01 team to
attended sporting events along with his family. Darin the national tournament round of 16. Truthfully, Derek
and Derek both wound up attending Lincoln Northeast likely doesn’t remember all that many details from the
High School, but their ties to Seward were ever-present 88-70 national tournament win over Cardinal Stritch in
in their lives. Darin first chose to play basketball at the 2001. And while he may lament the loss to Cornerstone
University of Nebraska-Omaha before transferring to
Derek Engelbart

28 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 29

 in the proceeding round, he’ll mostly think about the “It is special,” Derek says of the bonds formed through education makes upon the faith and life of students, and
friendships and shared experiences. the men’s basketball program. “It’s not only the era of his extensive experience and qualifications make him an
As a friend and mentor to many, Derek has earned the guys that I played with but also the eras before us and excellent addition to our leadership team. I believe that
respect of teammates and co-workers alike throughout even afterwards. You get to know different aspects and God has brought us just the right person for such a time
his adult life. Even his older brother felt inspired by Derek. eras that I wouldn’t have if I wasn’t tied into a team that as this. We look forward to working with him to further
“Whether he knows it or not, he was always an inspiration had that culture. Then you get the broader sense of the the mission, vision and strategic plan of the university.”
to me,” said Darin. community of Concordia that supports that culture and Engelbart sees opportunities for innovation and en-
After graduation, Engelbart used his business admin- it becomes so incredibly special.” hancement. He wants to continue to grow industry
istration degree to serve the people in the communities partners, upgrade facilities and capitalize on creative
in which he has lived. He primarily worked in medical “That’s the future of ideas such as the recently announced Paul Scholars
and healthcare sales positions in the St. Louis area
before returning to Lincoln, Nebraska. Engelbart took
Concordia – continuing work college program. At the same time, the values of
the university will remain unchanged.
on the position of Surgery Center Director at Lincoln to invest in the people and “Our Christ-centered mission is always going to sepa-
Orthopaedic Center before being hired at the University rate us from a lot of other schools,” Derek said. “If we can
of Nebraska-Lincoln, first as the Associate Executive the programs that arm maintain that while also growing these innovative ideas, it
Director of Alumni Relations and eventually as Assistant
General Manager, juggling various marketing and cor-
them for their vocation.” will be really special. We’re going to need support to do it.”
As Derek will tell people, “support” can mean a lot of
porate sponsorship initiatives within Husker Athletics. In the years since Derek graduated from Concordia, his different things. Every single penny can help in maintaining
Then, late in the summer of 2023, a conversation about appreciation for the university has grown exponentially. operating budgets while propping up endowments. Derek
how he might help his alma mater turned into something Through years of perspective and reflection, Derek realizes welcomes alums and friends of the university to reach
Engelbart hadn’t expected. there were many factors that came together to give him out about ways they can help. Above all else, Engelbart
“My first reaction was I love what I do, and I love the the experience he enjoyed. The people included not just is here to improve the lives of Concordia students and
people I work with,” Engelbart said. “But if there’s ever the coaches, professors, teammates and classmates, but ensure they have everything they need to be equipped
a time when I can help my alma mater personally or also those who generously gave their time and financial for service in the church and world.
professionally, I always want to learn more. The more it support to Concordia student-athletes. Engelbart’s passion for this place and the people of
grew into bigger conversations and meeting leadership “The chance to go to Florida or California to play games Concordia have brought him full circle. Derek and his
and the advancement team here on campus, the more over the holidays, that was something that really excited wife Jenni (Weaver) Engelbart ’02 never left the Bulldog
I got excited about how I could plug into a great team us as student-athletes,” Derek said. “We felt the support family, but now they’re just a little bit closer to the action.
and help. It got even more exciting as I understood the because we knew that others made that happen for us. “The greatest thing about Concordia is its people,” said
opportunities involved in working with so many great Professors or staff or community members might make Engelbart. “That’s the future of Concordia – continuing
alumni and supporters of Concordia while carrying out us a prime rib dinner or have us over for a pizza party. to invest in the people and the programs that arm them
Derek Engelbart makes a shot. the initiatives and goals of the university.” Those are things our teammates still talk about.” for their vocation. Giving back can help support those
Ultimately, Engelbart accepted the call to become Naturally, Derek is happy to talk to anyone who may opportunities for the next wave of Bulldogs, and we can’t
Concordia’s Vice President of Institutional Advance- have a desire to enrich the lives of Concordia students of wait to make it happen together.”
ment. The position fits Engelbart’s talents for service the present and future. Considering his business back-
and leadership to a tee. ground, Derek looks proudly upon the Paul H. and Mary
Since returning to Concordia, Derek has been brought Ann Koehler Department of Business and appreciates
closer to former teammates like basketball coaches the determination it took to bring to fruition the Dunklau
Ben Limback ’99 and Drew Olson ’03 and professor of Center for Science, Math and Business and the Borland
mathematics Dr. Tim Schroeder ’01. On one particular Center for Music and Theatre.
September day, they gathered together around a table in It wasn’t hard for Engelbart to continue to buy into
the Janzow Campus Center while eating lunch and sharing Concordia’s mission and vision for the future. As Presi-
stories, a continuation of their playing days. There were dent Bernard Bull said at the time of Engelbart’s hiring,
discussions involving hot topics in the sporting world “His commitment to and passion for Concordia’s mission,
Concordia’s 2000-01 men’s basketball team and the Concordia community – and plenty of laughs. deep understanding of the difference that a Concordia

30 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 31

 Alumnotes
1960s Diane (Koppen) Rickard ’77 was
Rev. David Bueltmann ’68 and his wife, Charlotte, recently interviewed on the New
celebrated 60 years of marriage on June 29, 2023, and Mercies Podcast about her more
55 years since ordination on August 11, 2023. than 40 years of involvement with
Concordia volleyball broke new ground in 2023 by rising to No. 1 in the NAIA coaches’ poll during the month of October. On the final day of
the regular season, head coach Ben Boldt’s squad claimed a share of the GPAC regular season title, marking the program’s first conference the hospital ship charity Mercy
championship since 2000.
Kathy (Lobeda) Shouse ’68 qualified to attend the Ships. She has also been presented with a service award.
2022 USTA National Invitational in Surprise, Arizona,
with her 65+ women’s tennis team. Out of 16 teams across Linday (Broekemeier Abraham)
the United States, Kathy’s team came in third place. Sherry ’77 and Rev. David Sherry
were married March 20, 2022. The
1970s couple are both retired, but David is
helping cover a vacancy and con-
Rev. Nathan Brandt HS ’72 CO
tinues to preach twice a month. Dave and Linda each
’76 retired from parish ministry in
have three children with spouses, and between them,
2019. His wife, Charlotte (Bruns)
they have 16 grandchildren, ranging from ages one to 12.
Brandt ’76, retired from teaching
ministry in 2019. Michael Heidtbrink ’78 was in-
ducted into the Thrivent Hall of
Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas ’72 is a Visiting Profes-
Fame 2023 and the Victory Christian
sor of Church and Ministry at Good News Theological
Academy Hall of Fame for coaching
For the first time in Concordia men’s soccer history, the Bulldogs Led by a GPAC high 19 goals from Kierstynn Garner in the regular
Seminary, Accra, Ghana (West Africa) during the Fall
boys’ basketball. Michael and wife
completed an undefeated regular season (13-0-4) and climbed as season, Concordia women’s soccer vaulted from seventh place in Semester of 2023. Dr. Thomas’ book, “A Rumor of Black
high as No. 18 in the NAIA coaches’ poll. The success is a continu- the GPAC in 2022 to second place in 2023. Coach Nick Smith led the Elaine (Malotky) Heidtbrink ’79 currently reside
ation of 2022 when coach Jason Weides guided the program to a Bulldogs to an 8-1-3 league mark. Lutherans” (Fortress Press) was published in November
GPAC tournament championship. in California.
2023 and is available on Amazon.

Terry Stricker ’73 and Kathy (Finnigsmier) Stricker 1980s

’73 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June Dr. Ralph Steele ‘80 wrote and published his 22nd
9th, 2023. The couple returned to Estes Park, Colorado, book titled “Fasting, Prayer, Healing and Deliverance”
where they had honeymooned 50 years earlier. Terry in August 2023.
and Kathy retired from education in 2017. Terry had
been a principal for 43 years and Kathy an elementary Thomas Wrege ’85 was awarded
teacher for 36 years. the Charles Winterstein Administra-
tor of the Year Award for Lutheran
Dr. Wendy (Going) McCarty ’77 Schools. He is the principal of Zion
will be retiring at the end of 2023 Lutheran School in Georgetown,
after 22 years of teaching at the Uni- Texas. The school, which is known in the community
versity of Nebraska at Kearney. She as one that embraces students with special needs, has
started at UNK as a senior lecturer an LSEM program which includes a resource room and
Paced by the likes of Kylahn Freiberg, Keeli Green and Julie McIntyre, Concordia women’s cross country placed second in the GPAC, rose to No. 6 in the
NAIA coaches’ poll and earned a berth to the NAIA national meet. Head coach Matt Beisel’s program earned its highest national ranking since 2005.
in the Teacher Education Department and is leaving as a talented/gifted component. The award is named after
a full professor and director of the Transitional Certi-

Champions of Character
former Lutheran leader Chuck Winterstein, who deeply
fication Program. loved children and our Lutheran schools. Thomas is
pictured with wife Keven (Nienhueser) Wrege ’85.
photos: Matt Beisel, Jake Knabel, and Ben Meyer

Read more about the fall sports seasons at cune.edu/summaries.

32 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 33

 Greg Rathke CO ’88 GR ’00 is Christie (Johnson) Hampton ’09 recently became Ellen (Hente) Birkedal ’11 and 2020s
currently serving as vicar in the the communications specialist for Concordia Seminary, Andreas Birkedal welcomed their Cody Williams CO ’20 GR ’21 is
SMP program at Trinity Lutheran St. Louis. third son, Jonas Einar, on June 29, working as a member of the human
Church in Fremont, Nebraska, where 2023. He joins brothers Magnus, 4, resources team at Amazon. He has
he as wife LeAnn (Janke) Rathke and Henrik, 2. been able to travel to Amazon Head-
’88 currently reside. His ordination will take place in quarters in Seattle, Washington,
Jannie Eggleston GR ’11 earned
July 2024. for training, been sent to Little Rock, Arkansas, to train
her Doctor of Leadership and Higher
Education degree with an emphasis other HR members and on-boarded and trained several
1990s
in organizational change in May new team members all in the last year. Cody has recently
Pamela Buth Nelson ’94 and been promoted and hopes to continue within HR with
2023 from St. Edward’s University.
Wendell Nelson were joined in a goal of transferring to an Amazon facility in Europe
She was inducted into Tri-Alpa Honor Fraternity and
marriage on June 3, 2023, in Rice in the coming years.
earned the university’s Presidential Award. Her dis-
Lake, Wisconsin. Pam started her
sertation is published in ProQuest and is titled “Real Harrison Helmer ’21 and Lau-
fourth year of teaching high school
and Perceived Financial Barriers to Higher Education ren (Havlat) Helmer ’23 met on
English at Divide County High School, Crosby, North
in the United States.” the Concordia golf team. They got
Dakota, in September. Wendell teaches 5-12 band and
Rev. Dr. Justin Hannemann ’05 celebrated the 10th married July 29, 2023, at Wilderness
7-12 choir in Ray, North Dakota. Ryan George ’12 started his own business, RT’s Lawn
anniversary of GracePoint Institute for Relational Health, Ridge golf course. They had the honor
& Landscape, after working in sales for the past 10 years.
Kathy (Gabrillo) L’Heureux which he co-founded with his father, Rev. Dr. Mark of having Pastor Matthias take part in marrying them.
’97 recently returned to Concordia Hannemann ’80 in 2012. GracePoint (Relationalhealth. Matt Kuske CO ’12 GR ’17 was promoted to senior
University, Nebraska as the Director org) is a non-profit Christian counseling ministry with manager in compliance advisory at Discover Financial Megan Hakes ’22 has accepted a
of Counseling Services. She is excited offices in Omaha, Lincoln and Columbus, Nebraska, Services. He leads and supports a team that monitors and new position through One Collective,
to begin this new professional and specializes in care and counseling for church guides the compliance activities in his business. a mission organization. She will be
journey, be a resource for students to address barriers workers. Justin and his wife Katherine (Eberhard) launched to Santiago de Compostela,
that may impact life and learning and let them know Hannemann ’06 have relocated back to Seward with Dr. Ryan Sanft ’13 and Rebecca (McCracken) Sanft Spain, next spring, where she will
they are loved. their four children to enjoy the good life in small town ’13 welcomed daughter Madison Ivy to their family on July serve as a workshop facilitator, engaging in community
America. Justin leads a team of 12 counselors, including 17, 2023. Madison joins brother, Graham. The Sanfts live development alongside local nonprofit Apotheca.
2000s his brother, Rev. Aaron Hannemann ’11, who serves in the St. Louis area, where Ryan is a doctor of physical
therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy and Rebecca man- Morgan (Fischer) Fenton ’23
Rev. Tim Koch ’06 completed a 4-week sabbatical as Site Director for the newly established Columbus of-
ages media and public relations for Centene Corporation. married Noah Fenton ’22 at St.
at the Cemanahuac Spanish School in Cuernavaca, fice, and was installed September 10 as pastor of Trinity
John Lutheran Church in Seward,
Mexico. His goal was to learn Spanish well enough to Lutheran Church, Schuyler, Nebraska, Aaron and Kaela
Rev. Mark Gaschler ’14 was ordained into the Office of Nebraska, on June 17, 2023. Morgan
offer Spanish worship services at his congregation in (Geyer) Hannemann ’12 live in Columbus with their
Holy Ministry on June 25, 2023. He is currently serving at was admitted into the clinical mental
Linn, Kansas. Tim’s wife, Emily (Pryor) Koch ‘06, four children. Justin also serves the Nebraska District in
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Linn, Kansas. health program at Rollins College, where she works as a
stayed stateside with their five children while he studied. the area of church worker care. Pictured are Rev. Dr. Mark
graduate assistant in the Rollins’ Center for Career and
The first Spanish-only worship service is scheduled for Hannemann, Rev. Aaron Hannemann, Rev. Dr. Justin Dr. Dean Wood GR ’18 completed a Doctor of Education
Life Planning, and will receive her M.A. in counseling in
Sept. 23, 2023. Hannemann at Aaron’s 2023 Installation Ceremony at degree in August 2023.
May 2026. The couple live in Orlando, Florida.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Schuyler, Nebraska.
Kara (Repenning) Malone ’06 is currently serving Dr. Josiah McAllister ’19 completed medical school
as a human resources generalist at the North Carolina at University of Nebraska College of Medicine and has
Department of Health and human Services, where she 2010s entered residency at University of Kansas School of
Class Endowments
assists with recruiting and salary administration. She Dr. Elizabeth Wooster-Pierson ‘10 and Michael Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program
Concordia holds 21 endowments that offer
is also working on starting a fundraising/event planning Pierson along with their 2-year-old Jeremiah announced at Smoky Hill in Salina, Kansas.
scholarships from alumni classes to current students.
business. the birth of Ethan Pierson on May 13, 2023. Ethan was Learn more about our class endowment gifts at
Dr. Alex (La Plant) Murphy ’19 earned her doctor-
Molly (McCree) Hardin ’07 is currently serving as brought to the waters of Holy Baptism on June 18, 2023, cune.edu/class-endowment.
ate in physical therapy in May 2022 from Texas State
the Director of Life Enrichment at The Residence at at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Share Your News
University and was recognized as “Most Outstanding in
Gramercy in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Concordia Bulldog Clinical Performance.” In January 2023, Alex married Have you experienced a life-changing event? Perhaps
Cheer and Dance team recently held a pep rally for the you got married, had a baby or moved. Maybe
Louie Felipe Murphy. She recently began her own physical
you got another degree, wrote a book or earned a
residents. therapy practice, Flourish Physical Therapy and Fitness,
promotion. Let us know!
in Spicewood, Texas.
Submit details and a photo at cune.edu/broadcaster.
34 Broadcaster cune.edu Nebraska’s University With Value(s) Broadcaster 35
 In Memoriam
Dr. Floyd Behrens HS ’49 CO ’54
Willard Timmerman HS ’50 CO ’54
Dr. Carl Everts CO ’53
Walter Beck CO ’55 June 3-13 ITINERARY SUMMARY
“Go everywhere in the world and tell June 3: Arrive in Rome
Hersey Mangels CO ’58 June 4: Civitavecchia, Italy
the good news to everyone”
Jeanne (Pfeiffer) Dalzell HS ’60 June 5: Naples, Italy
(MARK 16:15).
John Kreitzer CO ’60 June 6: Day at Sea
Carolon (Koenig) Leonard CO ’60 Join the Concordia University, Nebraska June 7: Florence/Pisa, Italy
Richard Meyer CO ’60 community for a nine-day cruise and June 8: Florence/Pisa, Italy
two-day land tour to Italy, France and June 9: Santa Margherita, Italy
Betty (Polster) Baden CO ‘63
Spain. Don’t miss the opportunity to June 10: Cannes, France
Edward Schade Jr. HS ’61 CO ’65 enjoy God’s great creations and see June 11: Provence (Marseille), France
Mary (Dittrick) Galliart CO ’62 classic historical sites while traveling June 12: Day at Sea
Joan (Walz) Lyman CO ’62 with your Concordia family! June 13: Barcelona, Spain
Shirley (Roettjer) Meyer HS ’62 CO ’65 GR ’75
Beverly (Holland) Anderson CO ’65 Register at cune.edu/cruise
Laura (Zuber) de la Motte CO ’65
William Hoehne CO ’65
Rev. Dr. Dean Vieselmeyer HS ’66 CO ’70
Linda (Moehnert) Sitze CO ’68
Frances (Eggers) Kniep CO ’70
David Pedersen CO ’70 Save the date

March 21,
Byron Borck CO ’71
Lois (Shadbolt) Brubaker CO ’72
Marjorie Rosenkotter CO ’72
Susan Wesche ALND ’72

2024
Vivian Schluckebier GR ’73
Bryan Schulz CO ’73
LaRae Vawser CO’74
Roger Lutz CO ’75
Jeaneen (Petermann) Hall CO ’76
Oliver Hemmann CO ’79
Find out more at cune.edu/dayofgiving.
Katherin (Grueber) Schkade GR ’79

Arranged by graduation year: current as of Oct. 23, 2023

HS: High School
CO: College
GR: Graduate
ALND: Alumnus Non Degreed

36 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 37

 New Graduate Programs
Combine faith with rigorous academics and practical, real-life experiences
means Concordia can help you fulfill a higher purpose in your vocations
and your life.

M.ED. ED UCATIONAL N ON - PR OFIT M A N AGE M E N T

A DMI N I ST RATION FOR
C HRI STI AN S CH OOLS A DVA N C E M E N T FOR
C HR IST IA N SC HOOLS
M.S. ATHLET IC
A DMI N I ST RATION

A HEART FOR TEACHING

story: Scott Seevers ’90
photo: Courtesy of Bill Cramer

Bill Cramer of Hemet, California, recently estab- or more in funding, which is then professionally
lished the Janet Hillman-Cramer Endowed Faculty invested. The annual investment income there-
Position in Elementary Education in memory of after funds a portion of the respective faculty
his late wife, Janet Cramer ‘72, a long-time Lu- member’s salary and provides them with extra
theran elementary school teacher. The endowed resources for professional development and in-
position honors her lifelong calling while resourc- novative initiatives. Over time, endowed positions
ing Concordia’s education faculty to prepare help Concordia build a stable, committed team of
generations of excellent, faith-filled teachers. mentors who pour themselves into future Janet
“Teaching was in her heart—a part of the person Cramers in education and other fields.
she was,” recalls Bill. “It was truly her calling.”
Through Janet, Bill Cramer observed the positive
Bill’s vocation has always been in agriculture-re- influence one talented teacher can have on thou-
lated businesses. Yet from the day he met Janet, sands of children. By endowing a position that
then a young teacher serving at St. Paul Lutheran trains thousands more future teachers, the impact
in Orange, California, Bill admired her passion for of his gift will be exponentially greater. “I hope
education. Her way with children and her commit- that this faculty member will be an inspiration to
ment to their development was exceptional. “In all elementary education students for generations.
the years I knew her, she never said a cross word That would be a wonderful, fitting tribute to Jan-
about a student. She just wanted to help.” et’s career in education.”

This will be Concordia’s fourth endowed position, To learn more about endowed faculty or staff po-
an incremental step in a larger plan to support sitions, contact Concordia’s Advancement Office
Concordia’s exemplary faculty and staff. Estab- at 402-643-7240 or [email protected].
lishing such an endowment requires $250,000
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRADUATE OFFERINGS AT CUNE.EDU/GRADUATE.

38 Broadcaster cune.edu
 800 North Columbia Avenue
Seward, NE 68434-9980

“Lunch” by Arthur Geisert ‘63, exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, 2022