broadcaster

S U M M E R 2 0 2 4 | V O L . 1 0 2 | N O. 1
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,

People of Christian conviction, character, competence

and compassion are an immense blessing to the world.
Concordia nurtures such people, devoted servants and
leaders in their families, churches, communities, work-
places and the world. We do this by providing a higher
education where God’s Word is present and prevalent and
where intellectual growth is paired with vocational and
disciplinary discipleship.

As we continue to look at the needs and opportunities for

sharing the Truth of God’s Word and the Gospel of Jesus
Christ in our current culture and context, we recognize
the importance of supporting Christian families, casting a
vision for the beauty and value of God’s plan for the family.
As such, our Board of Regents recently approved the launch
of two new graduate programs. The first is a master’s
degree in family life education from a biblical perspec-
tive, equipping pastors and others in the church with the
knowledge, tools and skills to apply a biblical worldview to
the challenges and needs of the family in society today. In
parallel, we are also launching a Master’s of Marriage and
Family Therapy, allowing graduates to become licensed
therapists or counselors. We pray that these graduates
will be salt and light in the modern world of counseling
and therapy by serving people through Christ-centered
and biblically informed perspectives.

In honor of this development, we’ve dedicated this issue

of the Broadcaster to celebrating and sharing the stories
of God at work through His people at Concordia Univer-
sity, Nebraska. You will learn about these new academic
offerings, read stories of our current staff and alumni and
get a glimpse of our goals for the future. May God bless
and inspire you through this new issue of the Broadcaster.

Together in His service,

Photo by Hope Rickords ‘21 Dr. Bernard Bull, President

Gabbi Krutsinger’s graduation day got even better when her fiancé Michael proposed after the ceremony. Concordia University, Nebraska

2 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 3

Broadcaster Staff MYSTERY PHOTO
Associate Vice President of 6
Marketing & Communications
Emily Witt

Editor
To Walk Alongside
Danielle Luebbe
Concordia prepares future counselors to
Art Director restore relationships with His help.
Elizabeth Kucera

Contributors
Amy Crawford
Jake Knabel
Brooke Lange ’24
Hope Nelson ’25 10
Scott Seevers ’90

Who cares for the caregivers?

University Administration GracePoint provides Christ-focused counseling
President with a dedicated, compassionate team.
Dr. Bernard Bull

Provost
Dr. Tim Preuss ’83

Executive Vice President, CFO

14
David Kumm

Chief Operating Officer Messages of Grace,

Kim Boyce
Mercy and Compassion There are many hidden gems around campus, if you look closely enough! Do you recognize where this photo was
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Derek Engelbart ’01 Concordia’s on-campus counselors promote taken? Email us at [email protected]!
student well-being through comprehensive

MYSTERY SOLVED
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Dr. Gary McDaniel ’83 support and integration of faith.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Gene Brooks CO ’91 GR ’03 20

Board of Regents Beyond the

Rev. Benjamin Ball, Worden, Ill.
Mrs. Krista Barnhouse CO ’95 GR ’01, Lincoln, Neb.
“Mountain Top Experience”
Mr. Stuart Bartruff, Omaha, Neb.
Christian outdoors ministry can be an
Rev. Brad Birtell ’88, Watertown, S.D.
Mr. Ryan Burger ’04, Lincoln, Neb. important part of faith formation for
Dr. Craig Ernstmeyer CO ’96 GR ’02, Saint Peters, Mo. today’s youth.
Mr. John Fraser, Omaha, Neb.
Rev. Doug Gaunt ’77, Kearney, Neb.
Mrs. Gail Hawkins, Omaha, Neb.
Mr. Dick Helms, Arapahoe, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Hu, Cheyenne, Wyo. 24
Mr. Richard Huebner, Centennial, Colo.
Mr. Dennis Meyer ’70, Miami Beach, Fla.
Mrs. Trudy Meyer ’92, Lincoln, Neb.
Mr. Timothy Moll ’89, Seward, Neb.
Renewing Faith
Rev. Richard Snow, Seward, Neb.
Dr. Doug Tewes ’83, Bennet, Neb. Two Concordia alums are supporting church
Mr. Erik Vieselmeyer, Holyoke, Colo. workers through their ministry.

About the Cover 28 34

This issue focuses on mental health from
a Christian perspective, one where we can Athletics Alumni & Friends
always find His light in the darkness.
The koi pond in Concordia’s Borland Center for Music and Theatre features river rocks as well as koi. It’s a beau-
tiful addition to a beautiful building!

We love hearing from our readers!

Have feedback or comments on our latest issue?
© 2024 Concordia University, Nebraska We want to hear from you! Email the editor at
[email protected].

4 Broadcaster cune.edu
 To Walk
Alongside
story: Brooke Lange ’24
photos: Courtesy of Concordia Marketing
Concordia’s academic programs help prepare future
counselors to restore relationships by using a scriptural lens.

I t is a Thursday night at Concordia University, Nebraska,

around 8:30 p.m. In the basement of Thom Leadership
Education Center, around 25 students are divided in groups
of three. In each group of three, one is talking about a problem
they decided to bring to class that night, one is listening and
asking questions and the third person quietly observing.
They do this form of counseling for about eight minutes
until a timer goes off, and they get a break.
This practice is the cornerstone of Concordia Nebraska’s
Introduction to Counseling class. Students spend most of the
semester learning to listen actively, respond with empathy,
ask appropriate probing questions and ultimately, attempt
to recognize a major theme of the sharing student’s problem.
After the students have finished this cycle of counseling,
Professor Venita (Harnapp) Steinbauer ’88 goes to the front
of the room and reminds them: “You are not there to tell the
person what to think. You are there to walk alongside them
and guide the conversation.” The class listens, seems to
collectively take a deep breath and begins again.
I’ve taken the class; I’ve been a teaching assistant for
it for three semesters afterwards, and each semester I
become more convinced that the practice of truly listen-
ing to someone is a sacred practice. Every semester, I see
people who did not know each other previously find that
they are going through the same difficult situation. As the
class goes on, the students begin to see each other as more
than one dimensional background characters in their own
lives, but real, living human beings with souls and problems.
The power of the time spent listening to others is unique
and palpable.
What distinguishes Concordia from other colleges
that may want to teach you psychology is not this feeling
of camaraderie or the understanding that selflessness is a
good thing. Those are inherently human things. The thing
that sets Concordia apart is that faith allows people to have

Dr. Thad Warren

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 a basis for understanding why compassion for others and
the restoration of relationships is so important.
The real difference is that we know that this connec-
tion and the restoration that comes from relationships is
something that comes directly from God. There are two
pieces to this. One is recognizing the compassion that God
grants us, and the second is understanding the God-given
structure of relationships.
Dr. Thad Warren CO ’91 GR ’96, professor of psychology
and director of Concordia’s new master’s program in family
life education, bolsters this idea. He says, “In Concordia’s
psychology classes, we teach a holistic perspective, but
we teach it through a scriptural lens. We want people to
be aware of all of the situations they may encounter in
this field, but also let them know how Christians would
view this. Rather than teaching what the secular world
teaches, we will look at what the secular world says and
view it through a Christian framework.”
This lens allows students the opportunity to look more
compassionately at the world around them. Dr. Kathy
Miller, professor of sociology at Concordia, says, “It can be
hard to understand why people live how they do and make
choices that differ from us, but Christ did not come for the
Kathleen von Kampen
privileged, He wants us to care and love our neighbor even

“It’s incredible that Christ

when we disagree with them. I encourage my students to
understand and learn about people up close, so we are less

would design for us to likely to judge others but see people as God sees all of us.”
The desire to see people as God sees people permeates all
Dr. Kathy Miller’s class serves at Project Connect Lincoln, helping families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Currently, Concordia has two masters options to practi- that we do. The goal is to walk alongside someone throughout
not be alone and be in coursework at Concordia. Standard classes for psychology cally work on the restoration of this God-given institution. their struggles and see them the way that Christ sees us: as
undergraduates include abnormal psychology, research and Concordia offers a masters in family life education and a someone broken, undeserving of forgiveness but receiving
relationship with one a summative capstone project at the end of the program. masters in marriage and family therapy. The masters in reconciliation through God’s grace.”
All of these classes more holistically inform students about
another from our very first the people and the world around them. Miller says, “My
family life education equips people to work with families
in the church, while marriage and family therapy gives stu- Learn more about Concordia’s undergraduate and

conception and breath.” faith very much informs the field I am in and the desire to graduate program offerings at cune.edu/academics.
dents the ability to become licensed therapists. Throughout
help students see people/groups who lack power, resources, both programs, students will take classes on the family
etc. as people that Christ calls all of us to - to see everyone systems framework, promoting family/work balance and
as the beloved, deserving of love, mercy and help.” other important topics.
If Concordia’s undergraduate psychology programs Additionally, there is a responsibility to serve members
give people the groundwork to see people as Christ sees of the church body. “There are people hurting, grieving,
them, then the graduate programs give the opportunity struggling inside the church as well as outside the church.
to develop the ability to restore relationships to the way We want to serve these people and our church workers so
that Christ sees them. Kathleen (Garner) von Kampen that they can continue to serve their congregations,” says
’10, director of Concordia’s marriage and family therapy von Kampen.
program, states the intricacy of this design. “It’s wonderful Even though the specific people that one may end up
to consider that Christ would design for us not to be alone working with after Concordia’s marriage and family ther-
but be in relationship with one another from our very first apy program may vary, the way that one treats individuals
conception, just as the Persons of the Trinity lived together remains the same. Von Kampen states, “The gift to serve
and were/are in relationship to one another.” our neighbor is not just found in our family, but in everything

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 Who cares
in God’s kingdom. When I entered graduate school, I felt
very well prepared to think critically. I was trained well
in theology, philosophy, psychology, history and human

for the communication. This gave me a head start for grad school
and the work that I am doing now.”

caregivers?
story: Amy Crawford
MARK HANNEMANN
Since Justin and Mark founded GracePoint, the ministry
has grown and now has 13 therapists on the team. While
photos: Courtesy of GracePoint Justin serves as CEO, Mark serves as president of the
Concordia Nebraska alums working at GracePoint offer nonprofit organization, which is also a Recognized Service
compassionate and effective pastoral, individual, couples Organization (RSO) of the LCMS. Since 2022, Mark has
and family counseling to support those suffering from
also served as executive director of Good Friend Ministries
mental illness or difficulties.
in Traverse City, Michigan, a nonprofit retreat ministry

A s Lutherans and Christians, we know that God’s established to serve pastors of the Michigan District of
Word and His church are the means by which God the LCMS. The organization provides retreat facilities and
heals and sustains His people. Although many at first counseling services enabling pastors to rest, pray, reflect
and return to their ministry setting renewed, refreshed
balk at the idea of therapy, Christian therapists have the
and re-energized for service.
unique opportunity support others while pointing them
“Pastors and their wives frequently feel there is nowhere
to the only true source of truth and hope: the person and
to turn for help and support. Who cares for the caregivers?”
work of Jesus Christ.
says Mark. “I consider it holy ground to be invited into the
lives of those who have dedicated themselves to serving
JUSTIN HANNEMANN
Justin Hannemann and caring for others and are hurting, struggling, grieving,
“I believe the church needs more caregivers. Our society is Mark Hannemann

to serve as assistant to The Lutheran Church – Missouri experiencing conflict, exhausted and suffering. To remind
hurting, and historically the church has been on the front
Synod (LCMS) Nebraska District President. them of God’s love and forgiveness, to point them to the cross
lines of soul care,” says Rev. Dr. Justin L. Hannemann ’04.
GracePoint has counseling offices in Lincoln, Omaha and the empty tomb, to seek God’s face, to seek the Spirit’s
“Well-trained therapists, in both psychology and theology,
and Columbus. comfort and reassurance—it doesn’t get better than that!”
can partner with clergy and commissioned ministers to
push back against the forces that are increasingly hostile “We provide counseling, assessments and consultation
AARON HANNEMANN
to healthy individuals, couples and families.” to professional church workers across the country,” says
Rev. Aaron Hannemann ’11 joined GracePoint in 2023
Following graduation from Concordia University, Justin. “I lead a team of therapists, manage the nonprofit
and serves as site director and counselor at the Columbus
Nebraska where he studied psychology, human commu- aspects of GracePoint and provide psychotherapeutic
office. He specializes in serving Spanish-speaking clients,
nication and was in the pre-seminary program, Justin services to members of the community, but I specialize
making use of his language training at Concordia Nebras-
began graduate studies at Saint Louis University School in caring for church workers. I also have the opportunity
ka. He has also served in the mission field in Guatemala.
of Medicine to obtain a master of arts in counseling and to lead through consultation with churches and schools
He is married to Kaela (Geyer) Hannemann ’12. He also
human development, then enrolled in Concordia Seminary regarding their relational health.”
serves as part-time pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in
St. Louis to work on his master of divinity degree. While Justin met his wife Katherine (Eberhard) Hannemann
Schuyler, Nebraska.
at seminary, he worked toward licensure in marriage and ’06 at Concordia Nebraska. She works as the administrative
“There is a great need in our rural communities. It is
family therapy and was accepted into the Ph.D. program at executive for GracePoint, and Justin describes her as “the
reported that 88 of 93 Nebraska counties are underserved
St. Louis University where he earned a doctor of philosophy glue that holds our operations together.” In addition to Justin
by mental health professionals,” he said. “What a blessing
degree in medical family therapy. He then went on deferred and Katherine, a number of Concordia Nebraska alumni
it is to serve in these two communities and to share the
vicarage in Nebraska. now serve at GracePoint.
good news of Jesus and His love in the counseling office
Following vicarage, he and his father – Rev. Dr. Mark “Concordia Nebraska’s Rev. Dr. Allan Paul Vasconcellos
and from the pulpit.”
Hannemann ’80 - founded GracePoint Institute for Re- was pivotal in helping me understand the intersection of
lational Health in Omaha in 2012. Justin then received a psychology, my faith and the helping professions,” explains
K AT H L E E N VO N K A M P E N
call to serve as a counseling pastor at Christ Lutheran in Justin. “The theology faculty helped me go deep into the
Kathleen (Garner) von Kampen ’10 graduated from Con-
Lincoln, Nebraska, and in 2018 he received his current call Word of God and its implications for my future service
cordia Nebraska, with a bachelor of arts in theology and
Aaron Hannemann

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 “It is not always easy being a Christian within today’s program. During all of this, I had the opportunity to become
secular culture and workplace, let alone being a Christian more intimate with the behind-the-scenes struggles within
counselor navigating modern psychology and practices,” families and with individuals. I knew I had an opportunity
she says. “I am blessed that I had a Concordia experience within the church as an encourager for everyone with wor-
that strengthened my faith and allowed me to develop ship, but I also knew I wanted to work outside the church
confidence in my approach and communication with those to help individuals as well.”
who might believe differently. I appreciate the consistent She obtained a master of arts in counseling, served
message of grace through faith and utilizing my vocation Lutheran Family Services for eight years, then joined
among my neighbors to share Jesus with my actions and GracePoint.
service to others, which I do with every client and inter- “I started at Lutheran Family Services primarily as a
action, even if not directly proclaiming Jesus with words. drug and alcohol counselor working with individuals who
Concordia further developed the foundation of my desire to were a part of the intensive outpatient treatment program.
serve others and point to Christ with all that I do in work, I loved working with this population of people. It gave me
family and community.” the opportunity to meet individuals on an individual basis
After returning from Latvia, Kathleen accepted her first and get to know them in a way that the papers and or public
call to St. John Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado, as a did not know them,” she says. “While at Lutheran Family
DCE for youth ministry. She married Paul von Kampen ’11 Services, I was not able to discuss my faith openly, though
and re-settled in Orange, California, in 2012, where she served many there knew I was a Christian and would ask me about
as a DCE at St. John Lutheran Church. While in California, that and let me pray with them. At GracePoint it is a natural
Kathleen studied at Azusa Pacific University and received part of our sessions to discuss and pray.”
a master of arts in clinical psychology: marriage and family Gieseke said her work at GracePoint allows her to show
therapy. She also worked part-time at a women’s recovery clients Jesus’ love and tell them about His grace.
center in Newport, California, as a clinical technician for “To be able to come into an environment where you can
Kathleen von Kampen women recovering from drug addiction. Mary Lou Gieseke talk about very hard things and not be judged is life-saving
“There is a desperate need for more Christians who are me in so many ways they may never realize, but that’s the for many people. Working in a community like GracePoint,
“Christ brings light to the also therapists and eager to support others with the love of
Jesus, the only true source of healing, hope, comfort and
joy of working with and for people,” she says. “It has high we meet regularly to encourage, help with complicated
cases and pray,” she says. “We as counselors are trained
demands but high rewards, and I am grateful for the chances
darkness, and our world peace,” she says. “Christ brings light to the darkness, and God gives me to share in the joys and the challenges with in many areas to help people through anxiety, grief, trau-
our world can often feel dark, but Christian therapists have ma and depression, but the primary starting place is that
can often feel dark, but
my clients and students.
an opportunity to share the light of Jesus, offering hope, relationship with the therapist. If a connection is there,

Christian therapists have forgiveness and even law and gospel as needed to support
and encourage clients in need. Whether clients are facing
M A RY LO U G I E S E K E
Mary Lou (Duitsman) Gieseke ’77 has served as a therapist
then all of the training is excellent to have, but the caring
relationship is the most important. We are not there to
an opportunity to share grief, trauma or everyday life stressors, I am fulfilled in my
service to Christ first and the opportunities I have to walk
at GracePoint since 2020. She came to Concordia Nebras-
ka to study to be a teacher. As a student who sometimes
make them into Christians and make them obedient, we
are there to help them live their lives with less emotional
the light of Jesus.” with people in their journeys, pray for clients in the midst struggled in school, Gieseke said she always felt drawn to struggles and exhibit the love of Jesus.”
of hardships and ultimately use my varying vocations to helping those who seemed to be having a hard time with GracePoint is just one of many Christ-focused organi-
a Director of Christian Education certification and has
reflect Christ to the church and world.” different aspects of school and life. zations that offer pastoral counseling as well as individual,
served as a therapist at GracePoint since 2023. Though
The von Kampen family relocated to the Detroit, Mich- Following graduation, she began teaching in North couples and family counseling. The GracePoint team is
a 2010 graduate, Kathleen began a Christian Education
igan area, followed by a move back to Seward, Nebraska. Judson, Indiana, where she taught for two years and served dedicated to providing compassionate, effective care to
internship in Riga, Latvia, in September 2009 that con-
Kathleen continued her counseling vocation, served as the as an organist and choir director. She then received a call those who are suffering from mental illness or difficulty.
tinued through March 2011.
director of counseling services at Concordia and taught to Calvary Lutheran and Messiah Lutheran in Lincoln, Justin describes GracePoint as a safe place to work through
She said her time at Concordia Nebraska and her one-
undergraduate psychology courses. In 2023, she also began Nebraska, where she taught for five years. While there she those struggles.
and-a-half-year internship in Latvia with the Evangelical
working with Concordia Nebraska to develop a master of also led several choirs and played organ. She left teaching “The most fulfilling part of this work is seeing people
Lutheran Church of Latvia and LCMS World Missions
family therapy program for the university. to raise and homeschool her children. develop and heal because of the grace of God working
were both very formative. They helped her grow in her
Kathleen said it is easy to see God weaving the puzzle “I continued to work in the church with music,” she says. through me and the GracePoint team,” says Justin. “The
relationship with Christ and prepared her to serve others
pieces together of her various vocations and career expe- “I did a lot of one-on-one with people, working with them Word of God is powerful to heal and sustain suffering
in her current roles.
riences for His glory, as she summarized her vocational in music and worship teams, through death and funerals, people. Watching God at work is humbling and gratifying.”
work and experiences in service to others: “Clients give to weddings and helping with building a women’s ministry

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 Messages
of Grace,
Mercy and
Compassion
story: Danielle Luebbe
photos: Hope Rickords ’21
Concordia University, Nebraska’s counseling office uses
faith and God’s word to help them minister to students’
mental well-being.

M
Students getting coffee on Morning of Wellness, an initiative created by Concordia’s counseling services team.
ental health counselors are pivotal in promoting
the overall well-being of students at universities is our life headed and what is the meaning of our lives is “With a signed release from the student, counselors can
like Concordia University, Nebraska. Their work addresses found in God’s Word.” coordinate support with professors they are connected
immediate mental health concerns, support for common “Delivering the message of grace, mercy and compassion with as well as the health office and Academic Resource
issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and relationship is woven into my counseling sessions to promote forgiveness Center,” says L’Heureux. “Our Care Team, which serves as a
problems and can ultimately contribute to students’ long- and healing as I guide students in addressing issues of guilt, multidisciplinary team, meets weekly and reviews students
term personal and academic success. “The questions of who we who have been referred, and we determine as a team who
will be connecting with those students to provide support.”
“Mental health counselors offer a safe and confidential
space for students to express their thoughts, feelings and are, why we are here, where Counselors assist students with a wide range of issues,
concerns,” says Kathy (Gabrillo) L’Heureux ’97, Director including anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders,
of Counseling Services. “Early intervention and ongoing is our life headed and what substance abuse and more.

is the meaning of our lives

support can significantly improve students’ mental health “We work with students to develop coping strategies,
outcomes.” resilience and emotional regulation skills,” says L’Heureux.
Chief Operating Officer Kim Boyce started his journey
at Concordia Nebraska as a professor of practice of psy-
is found in God’s Word.” “By addressing underlying issues and providing tools for
self-care and stress management, counselors promote
shame and past hurts,” agrees L’Heureux. “It is important emotional well-being among students.”
chology and also served as a part-time counselor in the
to me to help students draw strength and resilience from In addition to therapeutic services, such as short-term
Counseling Center.
their faith during difficult times.” and group counseling and assisting during personal cri-
“Often times for college-aged students, this is the first
Another way counselors support students on campus is ses and emergencies, Concordia’s counseling center can
time in their lives they have really begun to consider who
by working with the Care Team. The Care Team assists and also help students find community-based mental health
they are, what their life purpose is and where they are headed
ministers to students who have been identified by faculty services and offers brief, confidential consultations called
in life,” he says. “Many students in the current generation
or staff as experiencing difficulty academically, socially, Let’s Talk. Let’s Talk is a free drop-in service, and no ap-
(Generation Z) suffer from negative symptoms in a large
emotionally, physically or spiritually by informally attempt- pointment is needed.
part due to a lack of a sense of identity.”
ing to connect them with key individuals and resources. “By fostering a culture of mental health awareness and
Christian counselors in particular have the opportunity
Many initial contacts with students begin because a acceptance, counselors contribute to a more supportive com-
to integrate faith and bring comfort through God’s word.
faculty member, coach or RA connects the student to the munity on campus,” says L’Heureux. “Through addressing
“Christian counseling means that all understanding
counseling office. Faculty and staff can also refer students mental health concerns and providing strategies for self-
of the human psychological and emotional experience is
to the on-campus Care Team if they notice a decline in care, time management and academic stress management,
viewed through a Biblical lens,” says Boyce. “The Bible
academic performance, that they are disengaged or display we can also support students in achieving their academic
is the authority in how we approach life’s difficulties and
atypical behavior. and personal goals.”
problems, and even how we view and approach our sense of
self. The questions of who we are, why we are here, where
To learn more about mental health resources at
Concordia Nebraska, visit cune.edu/mentalhealth.

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 COMMON MENTAL
Kathy L’Heureux, Director of Counseling
Services at Concordia University, Nebraska,
6. HOMESICKNESS
Some students experience homesickness
shared the most common issues she sees in
and feelings of isolation, particularly if they
students at Concordia.

HEALTH ISSUES
are studying in a different city or country

1. ACADEMIC PRESSURE from their family and support network.

Saying “goodbye” to what life was like in
Balancing coursework, exams, assignments high school and acclimating to a new life of
and deadlines can be overwhelming for independence and being away from home is
students, especially when taking multiple a big change that is difficult for some.
challenging courses simultaneously.

2. TIME MANAGEMENT 7. PEER PRESSURE

Some students may feel peer pressure to
Many students struggle with managing their engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as
time effectively, leading to procrastination, excessive partying, substance use or risky
stress and difficulty prioritizing tasks. I see activities, which can influence students’ well-
many athletes who are trying to find the being and academic performance.
balance, as the demands of being a student-
athlete are challenging.
8. CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
3. FINANCIAL STRAIN International students may face challenges
related to cultural differences, language
Tuition fees, living expenses, textbooks and barriers, discrimination and adapting to a
other costs can create financial stress for new educational system.
students, impacting their ability to focus on
academics and participate in extracurricular
activities. This is especially true for those
9. CAREER AND
who are navigating college expenses on their FUTURE UNCERTAINTY
own without family support. Students may feel pressure to choose a
major, plan their career path and make
4. MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES decisions about their future, leading
Many students may experience anxiety, to anxiety and uncertainty about their
depression, stress or other mental health academic and professional goals. As seniors
concerns due to academic pressure, social approach graduation there is an increase
challenges, homesickness, trauma or in anxiety as they prepare to enter the
personal issues. workforce and not knowing what that may
look like can be scary.
5. SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT
Transitioning to college life can be 10. WORK-LIFE BALANCE
challenging for students, especially if We have many students who are balancing
they are away from home for the first academics and some athletics too, with
time. Building new friendships, navigating part-time jobs, internships, volunteering,
social dynamics and adjusting to a new extracurricular activities and personal
environment can be daunting. responsibilities that can be challenging for
students, leading to stress and burnout.

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 A semester in photos
“Live out your witness for Jesus, the One who
provides purpose, life and salvation — the One who
is the very definition of all that is true.” - Deb Burma,
commencement speaker

18 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 19

 Beyond the
“Mountain Top Experience”
story: Hope Nelson ’25
photos: Courtesy Bethany Andrews ’12
and Laura Sattler ’17
Concordia Nebraska alumni detail the lasting impact of
Christian outdoors ministry.

G
certification. After serving in congregational ministry
oing to summer camp is a rite of passage for many
for three years, she returned to the camp where she’d
children. Packing the car with pillows, sleeping bags,
spent a few summers as a staff member since 2011 –
sunscreen and more gives way to feeling a growing sense
Camp Lutherhaven.
of excited anticipation for children as the drive to camp
“Camp ministry rarely has two days the same, and
wears on. Finally, the sounds of the city or the highway
that’s something that I enjoy about my job,” Andrews
die away, and the car pulls into a parking lot alongside says. During the spring and fall seasons, she spends her
a lake, a large log cabin or something else, signaling the
arrival at the final destination: summer camp.
Going to camp may be a rite of passage, but for members
of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, it is more than
a fun summer getaway experience – it’s a unique ministry
in and of itself. At a Christian camp, kids can disconnect
from the outside world for a few days, a week or longer,
while connecting to other Christians and, most impor-
tantly, their Savior, Jesus Christ. The time they spend in
nature is time spent in God’s creation, and participation
in camp games means building lasting relationships.

W H AT I S O U T D O O R S M I N I S T RY ?
Outdoors ministry, or camp ministry, is a form of spiritual
outreach that takes place in outdoor settings, either during
the summer months or year-round. It allows children and
families to experience the joy of learning about Jesus
through playing sports, making crafts and spending time
in His creation. Several alumni of Concordia University,
Nebraska are now involved in camp ministry. Two of
these alumni are Bethany Andrews ‘15 and Laura Sattler
‘17, both of whom were eager to share their thoughts and
experiences about camp ministry as Lutherans.

BETHANY ANDREWS ’15: CAMP

L U T H E R H AV E N , A L B I O N , I N D I A N A
Bethany Andrews is the Director of Engagement at
Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana. She graduated
from Concordia in 2012 with an education degree and
in 2015 with a Director of Christian Education (DCE) Bethany Andrews

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 time teaching classes outside to school groups, training Plus, getting to live out her own faith through outdoors
seasonal staff member, and interacting with visiting ministry is an experience that she’s blessed to have. “Faith
students. During the summer, on the other hand, she is an important part of my life and my job,” says Andrews.
leads Lutherhaven’s weekend family camps, works with “I have the blessing of being able to talk about who God is
guest groups and manages the camp’s social publicity by and what He’s done and is doing with just about everyone
working with staff who capture photos and videos for I connect with.” Her faith was strengthened by the edu-
campers during the summer. cation she received at Concordia Nebraska. Small group
Andrews sees outdoors ministry as a means of reach- Bible studies, daily chapel and theology classes all came
ing people of all ages and stages in life where they’re together to give Andrews the faith basis that she desired
at. “Often, people will talk about how time at camp is a to share Jesus with others.
‘mountain top experience,’ meaning that it has a high Andrews offers words of encouragement for current
impact on their lives and faith in a short time,” she says. Concordia students who may be interested in outdoors
“Camp uniquely provides a short-term community for ministry: “It’s a ton of fun,” she says. “Most importantly,
people, where they can feel safe being vulnerable with college students have an opportunity to talk about Jesus
others...it creates opportunities for people to be met by and the ways His love is real with many at camp. They get
God’s love in big ways.” to be the hands and feet of God as they serve.”
Attending camp is more than just the mountain-top
Laura Sattler
experience, however. Andrews believes that coming to L AU R A S AT T L E R ’ 1 7 : H O N E Y R O C K
camp can bring people closer to God and their faith in a CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP “The part of my work that I really enjoy the most is Furthermore, Sattler believes that her time at Concordia
way that many other experiences can’t. The unique na- D E V E LO P M E N T, T H R E E L A K E S , being able to work hands-on with people,” says Sattler. Nebraska greatly strengthened her faith and her ability
ture of coming close to God’s love while “sitting around WISCONSIN She reflects on HoneyRock’s unique “developmental” to reach out to others in the camp context.
a campfire, learning how to paddle a canoe or praying Laura Sattler graduated from Concordia in 2017 with a mindset, which allows the staff there to approach people of “I’ve always been at a lack of words to express how
with [a] cabin group,” she says, can bring even people who B.F.A. in studio art and a B.A. in educational studies – or, all ages and meet them where they’re at with an outdoors impactful it was, but Concordia had far-reaching influ-
don’t feel comfortable in a church setting for whatever as she describes it, “essentially...a major in art education.” ministry experience uniquely tailored to them. ence in my life as a disciple of Jesus,” she says. “I think
reason close to others who know and love Jesus, creating She, like Andrews, found her calling in outdoors ministry “We can see the very tangible way it impacts students, community is one of those defining factors of how my faith
connections that can be life-changing. long before starting her professional career, working at or campers, or the families that we serve,” Sattler says. was formed both at Concordia and in outdoors ministry.”
Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wisconsin, each summer “We want what happens here to form campers and staff She also cites the mentorship she received from faculty

“Camp uniquely provides of her college years.

After college, she worked at Camp Timber-lee for
alike, for them to experience the challenges and joys of
living life in community, what it means to serve, work,
at Concordia as a major factor in her faith development.
Professors Don Robson and James Bockelman ’59 in the
a short-term community another year, overseeing the camp’s internship program. rest and play, and through these experiences we want art department are two that she recalls especially looking
people to be formed into faithful disciples of Jesus for up to. “They knew my name, where I was from, what I
for people, where they
After that, she returned to Concordia for one year, work-
ing as an admissions counselor, but felt a calling toward a whole life’s journey. HoneyRock does camp in a way was exploring in my artwork and they got to know me

can feel safe being working in outdoors ministry. That’s when she found
HoneyRock, the Center for Leadership Development
that requires the whole person to engage and experience
transformation.”
in a genuine way. They spoke into my life with purpose,
humor and care,” she says.
vulnerable with others...it of Wheaton College based in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. Sattler believes that outdoors ministry is a place where
God’s love is uniquely present. Being close to God’s creation
Finally, Sattler encourages college students who are
interested in outdoors ministry to pursue their passions.
“It sounded really intriguing to me, like a mixture of
creates opportunities for several things I really care about,” she says. “I knew I and “unplugging” from the world can bring campers and “The Lord didn’t call you to these places if He didn’t want

people to be met by God’s needed to get some different camp experience, and that’s
one of the major things that drew me to HoneyRock.”
other participants of all ages into close connection with
their Lord and their faith. She especially speaks to the
you there,” she says. “The Lord works through college
students in the outdoor ministry setting, as you lead right
love in big ways.” Since starting at HoneyRock, Sattler has worked with
the Vanguard Gap Year Program, acquired her master’s
impact of outdoors ministry on youth in a world where
mental health concerns are common.
from where you are. There is a huge network of Lutheran
camps and outdoor ministry organizations out there. The
For Andrews, the outdoors is a special place for spir- in Outdoor & Adventure Leadership through Wheaton “The mental health epidemic is kind of dominating potential connection that Concordia could have with the
itual development to take place. Creation, community College Graduate School and currently serves as the mar- youth culture,” she says. “But when you come [to camp], outdoor ministry industry is, frankly, unrealized, so it’s
and Christ are the three words she uses to sum up the keting specialist for HoneyRock. Her current work with you have to remove yourself from your normal communi- really up to the student to engage the opportunity that
mission of Camp Lutherhaven. Christ’s love shines marketing, she says, is “creative and strategic. Some of it ty...that’s a lot of what outdoors ministry revolves around, outdoor ministry provides. It’s a place for everyone, not
through the relationships formed, experiences had and can be mundane...but overall marketing is very interesting the idea of stepping away to take part in a new experience just DCEs, education majors or future church workers.
even the “classic camp” atmosphere that makes Camp and very forward-thinking, and very creative, and you get and stepping back into where you were, while living in The Lord uses Christian camping to equip people for
Lutherhaven so enjoyable. to work with a lot of different people.” the ways that camp influenced or changed you.” their life’s journey.”

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 Renewing Faith
story: Amy Crawford
photos: Courtesy Shepherd’s Canyon
Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Ministry offers church workers
a chance to destress and rediscover their joy in serving.

S ince 1987, Rev. Kevin John Bueltmann CO ’88 GR ‘01

has served The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
(LCMS) churches and camps in Montana, Nebraska and
Science degree in family life ministry. He also graduated
from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2011. Tawn has a
Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with
Illinois. Today, he and his wife, Tawn (Gudgel) Bueltmann a Lutheran Teacher Diploma from Concordia Nebraska.
’87, serve as executive director and executive coordinator Both Kevin and Tawn’s fathers are Concordia Ne-
respectively for Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Ministry. braska graduates (David Bueltmann ’64 and Richard
Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Ministry focuses on worker Gudgel ’64). Kevin wanted to be a DCE and to attend an
wellness. Their seven-day, intensive retreats offer help, LCMS college in a small town. Tawn chose Concordia
hope and healing to pastors and other Christian minis- Nebraska because she was familiar with the college as
try workers going through stress, burnout, depression, a Nebraskan through Gathering of the Talents and from
compassion fatigue and conflicts through counseling knowing many graduates.
retreats. The retreats are designed for Christian ministry Both agree that their professors had a profound impact
workers and their spouses-- including pastors, mission- on their faith and discovering God’s path for their lives.
aries, teachers and administrators in Christian schools, Kevin credits Dr. Bill Karpenko – who was director of
Directors of Christian Education, deaconesses, camp the university DCE program while Kevin was a student
directors, military chaplains, worship leaders and others. – as especially helpful. He gave Kevin the opportunity
“Pastors, ministry workers and spouses are in the front to serve as a DCE staff assistant helping to plan events.
lines of bringing hope, help and healing to the people, Tawn fondly recalls Rev. Dr. Allan Paul Vasconcellos.
ministries and communities that they are called to serve,” “Dr. Vasconcellos really made an impact on me through
says Kevin. “Just like cars need to go to the shop in order his doctrine class,” she says. “He was an amazing teacher
to keep running well for years, a tune-up at Shepherd’s who really brought things to life! I had come from an
Canyon Retreat can help our church workers continue incredible learning experience having my dad as my
sharing the Gospel and the love of Jesus with a world teacher for four years of elementary school, but ‘Vasco’
in need.” continued the education. He made the tough stuff of the
The Bueltmanns discovered Shepherd’s Canyon in Bible easy to understand and kept our interest in class
2021 after realizing they needed a respite from ministry like no one I’ve seen before.”
and serving others through COVID-19 and enduring the Tawn says her time at Concordia Nebraska was for-
sometimes relentless schedule that ministry requires mative and inspiring.
of its workers. This eventually led to the Bueltmanns “College is a time of growing. A time to practice the
accepting calls to the organization. skills you’ve been taught. A time to exert your indepen-
Kevin and Tawn both credit Concordia Nebraska as dence. Concordia was a safe and encouraging place for a
part of the trajectory that led them to their current service. young person to become an independent young person,”
“Every piece of my story then and since brought me she says. “I had had servant leadership modeled for me
to where I am today,” says Kevin. by my parents and other church workers all my life, but
Kevin has a bachelor of science in elementary ed- I continued to see that in the leadership at Concordia. “
ucation and music with a Lutheran Teacher Diploma Kevin and Tawn both say their time at the university
and Director of Christian Education certification from impacted their faith in Jesus Christ.
Concordia University, Nebraska as well as a Master of

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 Tawn received her first call the summer after gradu- in Duluth, Minnesota, with her husband Austin. Davis
ation and taught at Trinity Lutheran School in Kalispell, graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a
Montana, for four years. When Kevin took a call to Illinois, degree in game art and works remotely for EA, a video
Tawn became a stay-at-home mom to their toddler. game company based out of Sweden.
“Like many stay-at-home moms, I was able to spend Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat is an LCMS Recognized
a lot of time and energy serving the church,” she says. “I Service Organization (RSO) that was founded by Dave
played the organ, substitute taught, started MOPS groups and Barb Anderson fourteen years ago. Dave still serves
and much more. Over the years, I’ve served as director as endowment coordinator.
of music at churches in Illinois. I’ve played the organ for “During my first year at Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat,
church for decades. Teaching music and language arts at it was like being a camp director of a small camp or a site
Lutheran schools, and serving in camp ministry as assis- manager of a large camp because I oversaw everything
tant and food services director have also been part of my that happened on the property and managed the main-
life experiences. I’ve also enjoyed writing for Concordia tenance staff, cooks and volunteers,” says Kevin. “Now
Publishing House and the Synod over the years. While that I am the executive director, I work remotely quite a
living in northwestern Montana near Glacier National bit because my wife and I travel a lot to raise awareness
Park, I started a hospitality business, renting cars and a and raise funds. When we are on site in Arizona, about
Rev. Kevin and Tawn Bueltmann
guesthouse to tourists.” ten days a month, we stay in a tiny travel trailer that
“Faith was incorporated into every class. It wasn’t Two months later, Kevin took a 12-week online men’s
just delegated to religion classes, but the religion classes
were very helpful and insightful,” said Kevin. “I had never
course with Delight Your Marriage.
“My good marriage turned into an awesome mar-
“They find support and encouragement and a reminder
studied the Bible so much in my life before coming to riage, which also really helped me better cope with all that God cares about them as individuals and is eager to
Concordia. Going to chapel was also very important to
my faith development as well.”
the challenges of my life at that time,” he says. “Delight
Your Marriage later offered me a job to work remotely.
help them through the challenges life throws at them.”
Prior to his work at Shepherd’s Canyon, Kevin served They strongly encouraged Sabbath rest and didn’t allow Kevin is also passionate about song-leading with his doesn’t go anywhere. We’re praying for a real “casita”
as a DCE at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell, Mon- working on weekends or evenings because they wanted guitar for kids, youth and adults in worship at various with consistent temperatures and more than 240 square
tana; as a DCE at Christ Lutheran Church in Normal, their workers to have good balance in work and life. I had churches, schools and camps. Years ago, he travelled feet! We’ve driven thousands of miles to conferences for
Illinois; as director at Camp Luther of Nebraska Schuyler, never had a ministry tell me that before! It seemed like with his brother Kurtis and sister Kim in a music group pastors, teachers, DCEs, worship leaders, etc. in about a
Nebraska; as program director at Camp CILCA Cantrall, the perfect place to work while God continued to heal called Sibling Harmony. Their biggest concert was for dozen states to help others learn about how this unique
Illinois; as pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church Green me and so I resigned from my church and camp job and 4,000 women at an LWML convention. ministry can be helpful to them and to thank friends of
Valley, Illinois; as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church accepted the position at Delight Your Marriage.” He also enjoys writing songs. the ministry. It’s been a joy to meet some of our many
in Kalispell, Montana; and as camp director at Trinity One of the therapists Kevin and Tawn worked with at “I wrote upbeat VBS songs for Concordia Publishing donors who help make these retreats possible for min-
Lutheran Camp in Bigfork, Montana. Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat remembered the couple and House for 11 years during the time when I was in camp istry workers.”
“In 2017, I started serving at a church in Montana that suggested to Shepherd’s Canyon founder Dave Anderson ministry, but then I changed to writing songs for congre- Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat receives generous support
owned its own camp,” he explains. “I was the camp director that he contact them about serving with the organization. gational worship when I became a parish pastor,” he says. from the LCMS, but Kevin said donations are always
and associate pastor, but then when our lead pastor left “After prayerful consideration, Tawn and I moved “The most popular kids’ song I wrote for CPH is called ‘The needed to ensure that no one is turned away from Shep-
at the end of January 2020, I took over the vacancy and to Arizona in September 2022. I served as director of Baa Baa Song,’ which is still sung around the world and herd’s Canyon due to lack of funds.
many of the responsibilities that go along with being a operations and marketing and Tawn served as director has about a half million views on YouTube. These days, “I love that I can work behind-the-scenes to make
lead pastor on top of my already full schedule right before of hospitality,” he says. “A year later, Dave and Barb An- my passion is co-writing with others. I am so blessed to these retreats possible,” says Tawn. “We’ve heard so much
the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I focused so much derson turned over the leadership of the entire ministry be a part of The Songwriter Initiative.” positive feedback from people who were stressed, weary,
on helping others that I neglected my own emotional, of Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat to us, and I was installed Kevin and Tawn have four adult children. Aaron at- frustrated, overwhelmed, whatever! Through Shepherd’s
physical and spiritual health. I was headed for burnout as the executive director and Tawn as executive coordi- tended Valparaiso University and Concordia Seminary Canyon Retreat, I can be part of God’s work to support
and one year later, my wife suggested that we attend a nator on October 1, 2023. I didn’t know it at the time, but and is a pastor in Ohio. Brianna attended Harvard and ministry workers in the challenges they face.”
week-long counseling retreat for ministry workers and through all the events and experiences of past years, God is a social worker for a non profit ministry in Chicago.
spouses. We went to Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat and that was preparing us to serve at Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat.” Carly ’18 attended Concordia Nebraska, has an account-
was exactly what I needed to begin the healing process.” ing degree, and works as an administrative assistant

26 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 27

 “If we have a physical injury in our body, we go to the
athletic trainer and we get it worked on,” says Angie. “Our
mind and our mental health can also get injured. Maybe
we’ve had a bad game – our mental health can go down.
Maybe it’s other things happening in life where mental
health is struggling. Doc’s whole point is that we train our
bodies physically, we can train our minds, too.”
For coaches like Boldt, caring on a personal level is a
higher priority than worrying about an individual’s hitting
percentage. The culture the program has built is one of
the reasons why it is enjoying unprecedented success
and rose to No. 1 in the NAIA national poll in 2023. Inside
the huddle, the Boldts strive to strike a balance between
having a fierce ‘mamba mentality’ within competition
while maintaining a kind-hearted positive atmosphere
in which everyone has a role.
One point that Dr. Widmann has made clear is that
it’s normal for highly competitive athletes to endure
periods of mental struggle. Concordia pole vault national
champion Zach Zohner ’24 can talk first-hand about his
Concordia volleyball team
own strife on the way to the mountaintop. First, the Battle

A Winning Mindset Creek, Nebraska, native was kicked down by injuries and
then the resulting fear of reaggravation. He had to face
those fears before he could become a national champion.
Zach Zohner

story: Jake Knabel

Following his 2024 NAIA indoor pole vault national
photos: Jake Knabel and Ben Meyer
Concordia athletics finds ways to foster competitive,
title, Zohner said, “It’s taken the last three years putting
motivated student athletes who are healthy physically things in order, one at a time. Your body can be ready
and mentally. but sometimes your mind isn’t. I just have to thank God
for everything. He’s led me through it all and helped me
through the obstacles.”

B eneath the red championship banners won by Con-

cordia Bulldogs teams are groups of athletes who had
to overcome. Self-doubt. Identity crises. Injuries. Poor
through Him that we were able to accomplish this. It’s
through Him that we have all of these gifts.”
In other words, an identity in Christ is stronger and
For athletes who have seemingly sunk their entire lives
to date into perfecting their crafts, they can be overcome
by despair when injuries or poor performances occur.
performance. Academic stressors. Relationship problems. more meaningful than an identity as solely a successful A member of the 2021 NAIA World Series qualifying
Tragic circumstances. These struggles are normal. athlete or coach. As each Bulldog squad looks ahead to Concordia baseball team, pitcher Nathan Buckallew ’21
What is abnormal is the way Concordia University, new seasons for 2024-25, the process of tearing down admitted that he had too closely tied his happiness and
Nebraska is uniquely constructed to help student-athletes and building up both team and individual identities is his identity to what transpired on the field. Buckallew
navigate the rollercoaster of both positive and negative underway. What does the winning mindset of a Concordia felt himself slip into a negative state of mind as he battled
life events. There’s responding to adversity, and there’s Bulldog look like? Ideally, the team environment fosters injuries and other off-field circumstances.
also handling success. fiercely competitive and intensely motivated but also Buckallew’s success in 2021 and 2022 felt more reward-
In jubilation or despair, perspective is needed. In the kind, compassionate and empathetic Christians. ing once he began to properly prioritize what mattered
aftermath of leading the Bulldog women’s basketball Husband and wife duo Ben and Angie Boldt have taken most in his life. A conversation with head coach Ryan
team to a national championship in March 2019, head Concordia volleyball to new heights while purposefully Dupic helped push Buckallew in the right direction. “It
coach Drew Olson ’03 told a crowd gathered inside embracing mental health and the power of sport psychol- was pretty transformational going through that,” says
Friedrich Arena, “There’s a song that kept ringing in my ogy. The program has enlisted performance psychiatrist Buckallew. “I realized that I don’t have to earn or achieve
head throughout the day. It says, ‘I don’t want to leave a Dr. Larry Widman to speak to the team roughly four anything. I know that Jesus is going to love me the way
legacy. I don’t care if they remember me. Only Jesus.’ It’s times per year. that I am.” Angie Boldt

28 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 29

 Joey Grabanski

“Your body can be ready but

The case of former teammate Joey Grabanski ’24 and fostering relationships. The program has tenets of in on this key element of individual athlete and team
was the opposite. To be frank, Grabanski really never communication, humility, resilience, selflessness and trust. building. The winning mindset of a Concordia Bulldog

sometimes your mind isn’t.” struggled for any extended stretches during his standout
Concordia career. His ability to compartmentalize and
According to Olson, the stressors that college athletes
face are no different today than they were in 2006 when
is rooted in Christian faith, fearlessness in competition,
relentless drive and an ability to take wins and losses in
focus on the task at hand may have been an overlooked he first took on the head coaching role at his alma mater. stride while understanding the larger picture.
aspect in his pursuit of the all-time NAIA home run record. Those main stressors, as he pointed out, remain academics, “Our culture is very positive,” Angie Boldt says. “We
During April 2024, Grabanski enjoyed perhaps the most relationships and home sickness. Olson has devised differ- have to make sure we have this true balance of high stan-
productive month of his baseball life while attention on ent ways to help alleviate stress. Examples are activities dards, high accountability and fierce competitors with
the home run record picked up – and as he was about to like ‘hunger games,’ karaoke nights and team devotions. love and care. That’s what Ben and I try to balance all the
become a father for the first time. Every week during the school year, each player will talk time. One of the things that makes Concordia special is
After breaking the NAIA home run record (88 career to at least one of the program’s three coaches one-on-one. that we are this Christian university. Everyone in our
homers by season’s end), Grabanski stated simply, “Hon- If someone is dealing with a tough situation, Olson department is rooted in love and care already. Now it’s
estly, in the moment I wasn’t thinking about anything. I and his staff want to be there to help in any way they up to us as coaches to develop what our championship
was just sticking to my approach and doing whatever I can. Whether subtly, unintentionally or purposefully, the behaviors look like.”
could to help the team in whatever way possible.” critical aspect of mental and spiritual health is constantly “We’re up front about who we are and what Concordia
On the hardwood, the Bulldog women’s basketball pro- being managed from an individual and team perspective. is all about in the recruiting process,” agrees Olson. “I
gram has long been respected nationally for its winning The resources available to Concordia student-athletes think that’s a huge draw for a lot of players. I hope that
ways. That didn’t happen solely because of Drew Olson’s extend beyond their own teams and includes professors, our players know that we value them more than as bas-
acumen when it comes to X’s and O’s. The players respond counselors, staff and the campus community. ketball players and that their identities are in Christ. It’s
to Olson as a leader who excels greatly in team building Positive mental and psychological health is a competitive not just whether you can make buckets.”
advantage, and the successful teams of today have homed

30 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 31

 MAJOR INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS
IN 2023-24
Women’s 4x800-meter relay team Joey Grabanski
(Jenna Esch, Rylee Haecker, Julie • NAIA all-time records for
McIntyre and Kylahn Freiberg) home runs (88) and RBIs (300)
• 2024 NAIA indoor national • 2024 GPAC Baseball Player of the
title in a school record time of Year award
9:06.48
Jaidan Quinn
Tessa Blough • 2024 GPAC Baseball Player of the
• 2024 ITA NAIA National Arthur Year award
Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship • NAIA First Team All-American
award • College Sports Communicators
Second Team Academic
Bree Burtwistle and Camryn Opfer All-American
• Represented the GPAC
championship volleyball team with Rylee Ladd
NAIA All-America accolades • Female collegiate bench
press record for 52-kilogram
Concordia baseball team Jessie Ciezki weight class

2023-24 GPAC
• Women’s open skeet
national championship at the 2024 DJ McGarvie
ACUI National Championships • Football program’s career record

All-Sports Champions
holder for passing yards (6,679)
Claire Kee and passing touchdowns (54)
• Captured the women’s open super
sporting national championship Chris Wren
at the 2024 ACUI National • 2024 NAIA outdoor hammer throw
FIFTH GPAC ALL-SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP Championships national title

IN SCHOOL HISTORY Evan Fukuhara

• Weightlifting program’s first-ever
Zach Zohner
• 2024 NAIA indoor/outdoor pole
2003, 2005, 2015, 2022, 2024 national champion
• 67-kilogram title at
vault national titles with vaults
above 17 feet
GPAC CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS the 2024 National University
Championships
Baseball
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Indoor Track & Field
Women’s Outdoor Track & Field
Volleyball

Read more sports summaries at cune.edu/summaries.

Jessie Ciezki Rylee Ladd

32 Broadcaster cune.edu
 Alumnotes
Allie (Parkhurst) Urberg ’15 and
Adam Urberg were married on De-
cember 2, 2023, in Eau Claire, Wis-
consin, where Allie serves as a DCE
at Peace Church.

1970s 1990s
James R. Thomas ’72 wrote a book Nick Butcher ’16 and Caitlynn
Nichole (Reiners) Wade’93 re-
titled “A Rumor of Black Lutherans: (Schwehn) Butcher CO ’13 GR ’15
cently illustrated her first picture
The Formation of Black Leadership welcomed Asa William James Butcher
book called “Ella and Star,” written
in Early American Lutheranism.” in February 2024. The couple current- Join us Sept. 26-29 as we celebrate
by Michelle Wanasundera. Nichole
It is an account of the role of early ly serves at King of Glory Lutheran Homecoming Week 2024!
is currently working on illustrations
American Lutherans in higher ed- Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.
for upcoming books.
View the schedule and register today
ucation among African Americans. Jonathan Jahnke ’16 and Danielle
Troy Keilig ’98 is currently serving at cune.edu/homecoming.
Rev. Dr. Jerome Brownlee ’73 accepted a call to be the (Harstad) Jahnke ’17 welcomed
as the 2024 AIA Nebraska President
part-time pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton, Judah Jonathan Jahnke on Febru-
for the American Institute of Archi-
Kansas, after 15 years of semi-retirement. He says there ary 12, 2024. The family currently
tects. Troy is a principal architect
is too much ministry to do to retire full time. resides in Alexandria, Minnesota.
and partner with CMBA Architects
in Hastings, Nebraska.
Caleb Witt ’17 and Emily Witt
1980s 2010s
welcomed Eli Nathan Witt on No-
Rebecca Oerman ’85 received the Distinguished Billy Anderson ’10 was awarded the BNSF Railway vember 8, 2023. The family currently
Lutheran Secondary Teacher of the Year award for the Employee of the Year award in December 2023. Billy resides in Seward, Nebraska.
Minnesota South District. She currently teaches high currently lives in Seward, Nebraska.
school and dual-credit English at Martin Luther Jr./Sr.
High School in Northrop, Minnesota. Rachel Brainard ’12 graduated
from Southern Nazarene University Erin (Rowland) Schaefer ’19 re-
Rev. Kevin Bueltman ’88 and Tawn (Gudgel) Buelt- with a Master of Arts in Educational ceived her Ph.D. in biology from
mann ’87 accepted Divine Calls to serve as the leaders of Leadership in May of 2024. She is Northern Illinois University in May
Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat, an LCMS RSO that provides on the founding team for Proud to 2024. She received the Outstand-
week-long counseling retreats and has successfully Partner Leadership Academy, a new ing Graduate Student award for
helped hundreds of struggling ministry workers and charter high school in southwest Oklahoma City, where the Department of Biological Sci-
spouses over the years who are in various stages of she will be the chair of the math department. ences. She and husband Brisco Schaefer have moved
burnout, stress, depression, compassion fatigue and to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where Erin will begin a
conflicts of all kinds. Hayley (Koeritz) Luther ‘13 and postdoctoral research fellowship at Middle Tennessee
Paul Luther welcomed their second State University.
Jennifer Ristvedt-Hille ‘89 wrote son, Max Arthur, on October 18,
and narrated “The Joe Family from 2023. He joins big brother Grant, 4.
Grand Staff and the Common Side- M .A. M ARRI AGE
AND FAM I LY
walk,” an interactive flipbook with Class Endowments T HERAPY
over 200 audio files. The book uses
story, movement and math to help
Ryan Lane ’14 and Katie (Worth- Concordia holds 21 endowments that offer
scholarships from alumni classes to current students.
Reflect
ington) Lane ’13 welcomed their
readers understand how to read music notes. Learn more about our class endowment gifts at Christ’s light
sweet baby boy, Hayden David Lane,
on December 11, 2023. Hayden was 8
cune.edu/class-endowment.
through
pounds, 8 ounces and 21.5 inches long.
Share Your News faith-focused
Have you experienced a life-changing event? Perhaps
you got married, had a baby or moved. Maybe
therapy.
you got another degree, wrote a book or earned a CUNE.ED U/M FT
promotion. Let us know!

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

34 Broadcaster cune.edu 35
 BULLDOGS BULLDOGS BULLDOGS

SEPTEMBER 26-29 SEPTEMBER 26-29 SEPTEMBER 26-2

TW ENTY-TW ENTY F O U R TW ENTY-TW ENTY F O U R T WEN T Y-T WEN T Y FOU

In Memoriam
Elizabeth (Wesch) Wilke CO ’42 Kathryn (Schnoor) Cook CO ’65 WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME! WEL
Donald Hermann HS ’47 CO ’51 David Hemme CO ’65
Delbert Meyer HS ’48 CO ’52 Alton Mahnken HS ’65 CO ’69
BULLDOGS BULLDOGS
Doris (Schorzman) Reith HS ’48 ALND ’51 Melvin Varner HS ’66 ALND ’67
Claire (Peterson) Bunge ALND ’50 Robert Waterman CO ’66 SEPTEMBER 26-29 SEPTEMBER 26-29 SEPT
Rosella (Niemoth) Hiegel HS ’50 ALND ’54 John Weber CO ’66 TW ENTY-TW ENTY F O U R TW ENTY-TW ENTY FOUR T WEN
Della (Everts) Hartmann CO ’51 Fred Schmeling CO ’67
Helen (Bierwagen) Peter HS ’52 CO ’56 Herbert Wacker CO ’67
Margaret (Kroeger) Romberg HS ’52 Loren Huseman CO ’68
Dr. Arnold Schmidt HS ’52 CO ’56 Linda Cardone HS ’69 CO ’73
Donald Gleichman ALND ’54 Owen Einspahr HS ’69 CO ’74 WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME
Lela (Bartels) Bauer CO ’55 David Hartman CO ’69
Dr. Robert Holtz CO ’55 Susan (Lams) Wuertley CO ’69
Ernest Schauland CO ’55
Lois (Brakenhoff ) Holtz ALND ’56
Lowene (Korte) Werkmeister ALND ’56
Dr. Ellwood Ziegler Jr. CO ’69 GR ’73
James Hurd CO ’70
James Kamprath CO ’70
BULLDOGS
Homecoming Honorees BULLDOGS BULLDOGS

Joanne (Kohtz) Rubel HS ’57 CO ’61 Ann (Herrmann) Pooker CO ’70

Robert Dickhudt CO ’58
Ardeth (Walter) Loseke ALND ’58
Dean Raabe CO ’70
Rev. Terry Brandenburg CO ’71
ALUMNI AWARD ATHLETIC HALL
Dr. Leah Serck CO ’58 Dr. Corine Schleif CO ’71 RECIPIENTS OF FAME
Carol Lee (Koehler) Draube ALND ’59 Paul Duensing HS ’72 CO ’77 Each year the Concordia Alumni Association The Concordia University Athletic Hall of
David Geisler Sr. CO ’59 Earl Knodel CO ’72 honors alumni and friends for their service and Fame recognizes former athletes, coaches,
accomplishments. Congratulations to all of our teams and others who have made exceptional
Dr. Frederick Schamber HS ’59 CO ’63 Rev. Thomas Piel CO ’72
2024 Alumni Award winners! contributions to the athletic programs at
Theodore Zoch CO ’59 John Borchelt CO ’76
Concordia and who exemplify the Christian
Kenneth Bobrowske CO ’60 Oliver Hemmann CO ’79 Korrey Klein ‘01
principles to which Concordia adheres.
Frances (Schmidt) Drews CO ’60 Sherry (Bessert) Marose CO ’82 Alumnus of the Year
Norman Hoppmann CO ’60 GR ’74 Maxine (Carey) Benson CO ’83 Rev. Travis Ferguson ‘13 2004-05 Men’s Basketball Team
LeRoy Horst CO ’60 Gary Pomerenke CO ’83 Young Alumnus of the Year Kregg Einspahr ’82
Gary Steinmiller CO ’60 Vicki (Stoltenberg) Fisher CO ’91 Amy (Paulson) Scholz ‘94 Track and Field, Cross Country
Rev. James Wenzl HS ’60 Rev. John Deang CO ’02 Servant Leadership Award Ceron Francisco ’17
Ronald Krueger HS ’61 Katherine (Bailey) Klinge ’10 Dr. Larry ’57 and Miriam Wrestling
(Gutekunst) Matthews ’59
Jane (Winter) Rabe CO ’61 Jodi Groeteke Hockemeier GR ’16 Frank Greene
Lifetime Service Award Softball
Sylvia (Bokelman) Schlichting CO ’61 Arranged by graduation year: current as of June 18, 2024
Royuk Family
Michael Held HS ’62 CO ’66 HS: High School Audra (Nothwehr) Anderson ’01
CO: College Family Heritage Award Women’s Tennis
Judith (Kumm) Wendt CO ’62 GR: Graduate
Dr. J. Sharee Eggleston ’11
Joan (Michel) Farmer CO ’63 ALND: Alumnus Non Degreed Elizabeth (Rhoden) Dillingham ’04
Lifelong Learner Award Women’s Basketball
Lavonne (Spiering) Sandersfeld CO ’63
David and Risë Lange
Margaret (Maschmeyer) Towriss CO ’64 Katie (Werner) Loveless ’08
Honorary Bulldog Alumni Award Track and Field, Volleyball
36 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 37
 A TEACHER’S releasing butterflies or utilizing a classroom
aquarium George set up for her.
ENDOWED POSITIONS AT
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY,
MISSION
This is precisely how George hopes the
endowed education faculty position at NEBRASKA
Concordia will benefit future professors and,
story: Scott Seevers ’90 HOW DOES AN ENDOWED FACULTY/
in turn, their students. Each year, a portion of
photo: Courtesy of George Nielsen
the endowment income will be reserved for STAFF POSITION WORK?
Alum George Nielsen chose to honor the life and work
the professor’s use for research, conferences Gifts for endowed positions are professionally
of his late wife, Lois, with a special gift.
or special projects. Recalling his own time invested, with a portion of the annual
Recalling the passion his beloved wife at Concordia, George says, “We had good investment income used to support the
had for educating young people, George teachers who were marvelous personalities, faculty/staff member’s salary and benefits;
Nielsen ’54 asserts with a sense of admiration, but they didn’t have many opportunities another portion affords discretionary funding
“Teaching was her life. She really liked people, for research or professional development.” for scholarly research or professional growth.
and she wanted to start by helping families.” For the education faculty member enjoying HOW DOES THIS HELP CONCORDIA?
The late Lois (Mueller) Nielsen ’55, was the Lois Mueller Nielsen endowed position Gifts to any endowment provide perpetual,
clearly a shining star in the eyes of both her hereafter, funding for such opportunities will reliable funding from the endowment’s
husband and her pupils, brightening their lives soon be available. investment returns. Endowed positions serve
throughout a long and dedicated career in Now in his 90s, George says, “I thought to as effective tools to recruit and retain talented
education. myself that it’s time to do something,” and he professors and coaches, providing them with
In Lois’ honor, George recently established asked himself and others, “What are you going resources to grow and to dream about serving
Concordia’s Lois Nielsen Endowed Faculty in to do with the money your family doesn’t students better.
Education position with a $250,000 gift that need?” For him, the answer was clear, and CURRENT ENDOWED DEPARTMENTS
will bless the university’s education faculty and the result is satisfying. “Seward was a good AND POSITIONS
generations of future students. place to get rid of it,” he joked. “It was where Paul H. and Mary Ann Koehler Department of
From only one year spent together on Lois and I met. She was a good teacher, and I Business
Concordia’s campus, George and Lois built want to remember her in that way. For me, this Stelzer Endowed Professorship in Music
a marriage and a lifelong partnership in provides a feeling of completion.” T-L Irrigation, LeRoy and Jean Thom
education. Wherever George served, Lois Endowed Chaplaincy
sought out a nearby position in an academic
Paul Reuter Endowed Chair of Languages
setting—nine different times and places in all,
ranging from a traditional Lutheran school Willard A. & Leitha K. Richardson
classroom in Houston to an adjunct faculty Professorshipin Education
position at Concordia University Chicago. Lois Mueller Nielsen Endowed Faculty in
George was fond of his wife’s enthusiastic Education
teaching style, noting that she was always
Janet Hillman-Cramer Endowed Faculty in
on her feet and moving purposefully and
Elementary Education
enthusiastically, “like a coach on the sideline,”
encouraging the best from her students. Meinzen Family Endowed Faculty in
Lois’ energy didn’t end, however, as she Computer Science and Agriculture
dismissed her students each day. Like many FUTURE ENDOWED POSITIONS
teachers, she also dedicated substantial time (THROUGH ESTATE GIFTS):
to ongoing professional growth. George • Theology
recalls how she regularly picked up additional • Biology
coursework at night and during summer • Business
breaks, adding credentials throughout her • Agriculture
teaching career. She supplemented that • Literature & Composition
coursework by creating engaging projects for
Interested in supporting a new or existing
her classrooms, like raising and subsequently
endowed department or position? Contact us at
[email protected] or 402-643-7240.

38 Broadcaster cune.edu Broadcaster 39

800 North Columbia Avenue
Seward, NE 68434-9980

We hope you’ll join us for one of our upcoming travel tour opportunities!

EUROPE STUDY TOUR: DEC. 27, 2024 - ALUMNI CRUISE: JUNE 1-8, 2025
JAN. 9, 2025 Join our Concordia alumni family on a tropical
Visit Prague, Vienna and Budapest, three of cruise with ports of call to the Bahamas,
the most beautiful cities in Europe, filled with Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Florida!
history, literature and culture. For more info, For more info, contact [email protected].
contact [email protected].
IRELAND A CAPPELLA CHOIR TOUR: 2026
VIETNAM STUDY TOUR: MAY 11-23, 2025 Travel to Ireland with the University A
Explore a rich Asian culture, discover excellent Cappella Choir! For more info, contact
cuisine and learn more the history of Vietnam! [email protected].
For more info, contact [email protected]
or [email protected].

Learn more about upcoming travel opportunities at cune.edu/alumni.