Concordia University, Nebraska winter 2015 | vol. 93 | no.1

DISCOVERING A LIFE OF purpose

AND passion Broadcaster Staff 4 Director of Marketing Into the Heart of Ebola Seth Meranda

Editors Stephanie Williams GR '15 uses her God-given talents Danielle Luebbe and Concordia graduate degree to serve in the fight Jennifer Suggitt against Ebola.

Designers Carlos Acosta Davila '18 Sarah Bowe '16 Aubri Bro '17 8 Brianna Hallmark '17 Emmiline Moll '18 The Serendipity of a Life Together Chelsea Wohlgemuth '18

Contributors Reinhold and Dorris Marxhausen lived a joyful life with Demi Bartunek a passion for art, Concordia and each other. Kelsey Dinkel '16 Jacob Knabel Hope Moural '18

Brian, age 4; graduation day at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; ordination at Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, North Dakota, his Photographers good friend and college classmate Richard Biberdorf on the right. Brianna Cripps '18 Payton DeVencenty '18 13 Timothy Mehl '18 Aaron Nix Fulfilling the Call Benjamin Schranz '15 Drs. Amanda Geidel '96 and Torri Lienemann improve University Administration the lives of special education students through their Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, leadership of Concordia’s special education programs. President & CEO Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich God surprises me frequently. Have you ever had an hundreds to see the world in a new way; and Drs. Amanda experience in life that caused you to say, “God, really? You Geidel ’96 and Torri Lienemann empower students to Provost Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke CO '73 GR '81 want me to do what?!” ensure that the disabled have the same academic and 16 My mother tells me that when I was 4, I told her I emotional support as other students in the classroom. Executive Vice President, CFO & COO David Kumm wanted to be a pastor. Likely I did, but I never dreamed I Alexa Marquardt ’13 and sophomore Rosa Gonzales have Digging into the Word would someday be a pastor with a Ph.D. and serve as the found purpose in fulfilling their calling first and foremost Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing president of a Lutheran university. But God knew I would. as children of God. They are going willingly wherever He Alexa Marquardt '13 traveled more than 6,500 miles Scott Seevers '89 to the Holy Land, opening her eyes to the Bible in He placed into my heart a love of people and a desire to calls them to explore and share His Word—even if that Vice President for Institutional Advancement ways she couldn’t have anticipated. equip students. He kindled a passion in me for spread- means living far from the comforts of home and the people Kurth Brashear, Esq. ing the Gospel and helping people support students with they love. Vice President for Student Affairs & Athletics prayers and gifts. He blessed me with abilities and enabled As you read this issue, I challenge you to consider: Gene Brooks CO '91 GR '03 me to hone tools to serve Him in a role like this. And He What are your passions? Have you examined recently how 20 Student Focus cune.edu/highlights molded, shaped and grew my desires and skills so that I God has equipped you to fulfill a purpose for which He Board of Regents Faculty and Student Highlights could passionately share my love of Jesus Christ in exactly would like to use you? And have you allowed Him to do so? Dr. Dennis Brink, Lincoln, Neb. this way. I thank God for providing all of us with unique traits, Mrs. Krista Barnhouse CO '95 GR '01, Lincoln, Neb. 24 Concordia Scene It fascinates me how God forms each of us to be ex- attributes, gifts and talents. I pray He continues to work Mr. Ryan Burger '04, Lincoln, Neb. Discover the many accomplishments achieved by our Mr. Robert Cooksey CO '84 GR '90, Omaha, Neb. students, faculty and staff. actly the person—with personality traits, physical attri- through each of us so we may live lives of purpose and Dr. Lesa Covington Clarkson '80, Woodbury, Minn. butes and specific talents of His choosing—that He wants passion for the glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Seward, Neb. 28 Athletics us to be. Then He presents us with amazing opportunities and the love of our neighbor—those He calls us to serve. Rev. Eugene Gierke, Seward, Neb. About the Cover Rev. Keith Grimm, Andover, Minn. Using electrical tape on a 16-foot wall outside the to use those gifts in service to others. In other words, He Mr. Barry Holst '86, Kansas City, Mo. Thom Leadership Education Center auditorium, empowers us to live lives of purpose and passion in the Blessings, Mr. Richard Huebner, Centennial, Colo. visiting artist Akira Ikezoe and Concordia senior Mrs. Jill Johnson, Seward, Neb. 39 Alumni & Friends Mitchell Volk '16 recreated a pencil drawing by name of Jesus Christ. Guatemalan artist Jorge de León. León often exhibits Mr. Timothy Moll '89, Seward, Neb. As the articles in this issue of Broadcaster his drawings on paper while also enlarging one to Mrs. Bonnie O’Neill Meyer, Palatine, Ill. mural size outside the gallery. León’s and Ikezoe’s reveal, purpose and passion are present in a vari- Mr. Paul Schudel, Omaha, Neb. artwork was displayed in Concordia’s Marxhausen ety of vocations: Master of Public Health graduate Mr. Timothy Schwan '72, Appleton, Wis. Gallery of Art during the fall semester of 2015, giving Rev. Richard Snow, Seward, Neb. students like Volk an opportunity to further discover Stephanie Williams GR ’15 put her own health aside Dr. Andrew Stadler, Columbus, Neb. their passions for art and work alongside nationally to make others’ lives better in Ebola-infested Africa; Brian L. Friedrich Mr. Max Wake, Seward, Neb. renowned artists. Reinhold Marxhausen’s passion for play inspired President © 2015 Concordia University, Nebraska Stephanie Williams GR '15 risks her own health to save the lives of others during one of the largest epidemics in the world’s history. story illustration Danielle Luebbe Sarah Bowe '16 Four days after submitting her Master “I’ve always been an advocate for peo- of Public Health thesis to Concordia, ple,” Williams says. When her husband Stephanie Williams was on a plane to was in the Air Force, Williams became an Sierra Leone, Africa, to take part in the activist for military families with special fight against Ebola, one of the most infec- needs children. She had also done vol- tious and deadly diseases in history. unteer work at a clinic in Tanzania and “When I first responded to the re- helped with health care needs on mission quest for U.S. clinicians, I really didn’t trips to Mexico and Guatemala. give it a second thought,” Williams says. “I am very proud of the medical pro- “Ebola was ravaging a country, people fession, of my profession as a nurse,” were dying in masses and fellow health- Williams says. “I just kept hearing that care workers were risking their lives dai- so many health care workers were dying. ly, even when their own family members A majority of those nurses work for two and colleagues were dying of Ebola. I had to four years before they’re offered pay. to go.” They were pulling nursing students out The ongoing epidemic that began in of classes; the whole healthcare system West Africa in 2014 is the largest Ebola was overwhelmed.” outbreak in the history of the world, So, in March 2015 Williams left her and half of the people who have con- husband, special needs daughter and tracted this strain have died, according 16-year-old son at home and an older son to the Centers for Disease Control and in college to volunteer for seven weeks Prevention. in the Kono District of Sierra Leone. Her Ebola is spread through contact with husband, youngest son and daughter Stephanie Williams demonstrates the use of personal protective equipment for traditional Sierra Leone birthing attendants. Photo courtesy of Michael G. body fluids or tissues from infected peo- were supportive; they understood her Seamans, original publication Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, 2015. ple or animals. If the symptoms of Ebola desire to go and her need to help. Her are treated early, it can significantly in- college-aged son was angry when he crease the chances of survival. However, first learned of Williams’ decision. “He When she arrived in Africa, Williams experience—there are so many aspects After being treated for three days, good supportive care and a sound health- felt like I had responsibilities and things safely found her way to her district, an of the healthcare system that come into Williams was allowed to fly back to the care infrastructure are necessary for I needed to take care of at home, that I area where she had less risk of coming play. Poverty, poor healthcare infrastruc- United States—but she didn't stay long. making sure patients receive the treat- didn’t owe those other people anything,” into direct contact with the disease than ture, cultural issues. I was very grateful When she received another call to re- ment they need. says Williams. “I told him we all have to in some other areas that received sup- that I’d had all those courses to prepare turn to Africa in mid-October 2015, she As Williams was earning her M.P.H., use our gifts to give back to the world. I port from organizations like hers. The me. I already had the medical background, accepted without reservation. she was a public health nurse working couldn’t just turn my back.” Partners in Health team that flew to but the M.P.H. just made me stronger. All “Not everyone’s path or calling will PRN, or pro re nata, a Latin phrase that But Williams didn’t fully compre- Africa two weeks before Williams left aspects of that education came together. lead them to Sierra Leone to fight Ebola,” means she was working whenever she hend the magnitude of her journey until had contracted Ebola. But those were It prepared me to go out into the world says Williams, “but there will be times in was needed. With a retired husband and she was in the airport. She was traveling some of the last confirmed cases at the and serve.” your life in which you are not sure if the her PRN job status, she had a very flexible more than 3,000 miles to combat an ex- time, and efforts were shifting from re- After her seven weeks were over, path you are embarking on is the right schedule, so when the 2014 tremely contagious virus that had a seri- sponse to recovery mode. Williams was ready to return home, but path, or if you are the right one to walk Ebola outbreak occurred, ously high fatality rate. She didn’t know “We were there to help them get the on the day she was scheduled to fly out, along the path. It’s alright to look at it and “We all have to use she began exploring op- where she was headed once she landed in care infrastructure moving again,” says she spiked a fever. “I was a little afraid,” say, ‘Here I am Lord … send somebody tions to take action. Africa, and she didn’t know what the liv- Williams. “I was working in the hospital admits Williams. “I knew I hadn’t treated else.’ Of course, the response may be ‘You, our gifts to give back Without discussing ing or working conditions would be like. and clinic. We would assess people dai- anyone with Ebola, but I still could have my child, are still the one that I have cho- the idea with her family, “I remember stopping for a moment ly for 21 days to make sure they weren’t been exposed.” sen to do this.’ And then we move forward to the world. I couldn’t friends or coworkers, she prior to approaching the line to the tick- bringing Ebola into the health facilities. After being examined, she was di- remembering that He is strong when we submitted her résumé to et agent and thinking, ‘What on earth are It was all about prevention and control.” agnosed with malaria, which she had are weak.” just turn my back.” Partners in Health, a global you doing?’” Williams says. “At that mo- Williams is grateful that she had contracted even though she had taken Williams is scheduled to return to organization that provides ment, my husband, who I thought had left, the experience of Concordia’s Master of preventive medicine, used bug spray and the United States in early 2016 to resume medical services to underserved coun- appeared and gave me one last hug and Public Health program to prepare her for worn long-sleeved clothing. life with her family. But as time goes on, tries. After completing her application, gently sent me on my way. Even though the work she was doing in Africa. “It was 90 degrees out with 90 per- she will continue listening for God’s call, Williams shared her decision to serve. for that small moment I questioned my “When I entered the program, I nev- cent humidity,” Williams says. “It was keeping an open heart to helping wherev- Those who knew her weren’t surprised. decision, I still knew deep down I was do- er in a million years thought I would see so hot, and we would eat lunch outside. er she can and letting Him speak through After all, Williams’ desire to help others ing the right thing. I knew that God had all aspects of the M.P.H. come togeth- I only remember feeling a mosquito bite her to encourage others to use whatever was nothing new. put me on this path.” er,” Williams says. “It was an incredible maybe twice. It happens.” gifts they have to serve. n

6 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 7 I’m reminded of Marx and Dorris around with this doorknob and these Dorris: He was so happy with his job, every time I walk into Jesse Hall, which wires. Then I took another, I put it to my because he was actually employed. And is the home of the Marxhausen Art Gallery. ear and plucked the wires and said ‘nice his father was actually impressed. And Marx came to Concordia in 1951 to sound.’ So then I got another doorknob then, I guess, by some definitions of the teach biology and art. He was the school’s and put some wires on there, now I put word, ‘workaholic’ would apply. Because first art instructor. Dorris was a student. a wire across here, so now I was playing I always said he had three parts to his They met and, over time, fell in love. this thing, and I thought, ‘Wow!’ So the career: the teaching, speaking and pro- After graduation Dorris taught briefly, whole sound sculpture idea started on a ducing artwork on commission, but each and then she and Marx married in 1953, Saturday when I was bored, I had nothing of those yielded a little money—not a heck the year my parents, Ted and Carol Beck to do, I played with the doorknob. That of a lot, but it was always there. (and five-week-old me), moved to Seward started my whole career. At least we don’t have real high de- after Dad accepted a call to teach mu- See? I’ve told that story often, to mands or ambitions in whatever it sic. Our families became close friends. show people that’s how it begins. When takes to sustain us. When my sister, Tedi, was born, Marx you play, when you’re not serious. So I Marx: But to be this close to the was one of her sponsors at her baptism. teach people how to play, and I use that state capital, to be this close to the col- To me, Tedi, and our brother, Kevin, word a lot, the playfulness of creativity. lege, to be in a rural town, all that adds— the Marxhausens were “Uncle Marx” if I was in Chicago, on the south side of and “Aunt Dorris.” TB: For people who have lost touch Chicago, living there, and doing exactly After I became a journalist, I would with how to play, what do you tell what I’m doing now, I wouldn’t be as visit with Marx and Dorris when I was them to do? successful. You see the site, and the cir- The back in Seward, especially over Fourth Marx: Yeah, that’s a good question. cumstance, you can be somebody in this of July holidays. In 1993 I asked them if How do you play? What do you do? I re- state that has a small population. If I was I could record one of our conversations. member in Wisconsin a couple of years in New York, it would be a lot harder. They agreed. On the hot Friday afternoon ago, these business executives had a Dorris: You know they say a prophet of July 3, we sat on their front porch on conference. These were all high-tech is without honor in his own country, and Columbia Avenue just a block south of people, and I was one of the speakers it’s true. He was regarded as a nut for the the Concordia campus and talked. about creativity. I had these guys in kind first 10 or 20 years ’cause he roamed of a park out there, it was way out in the the alleys picking up junk and was wear- The Playfulness of Creativity boondocks somewhere, with some trees ing a beard when nobody else did and and some rocks. And I actually had these seemed to most types of people a kook. Marx: I still go out and lecture. I lecture business people on their hands and knees But now he’s not only treated with re- on serendipity. Serendipity means the with rocks and pinecones in the sand spect in Seward, but it seems like awe Reinhold and Dorris Marxhausen It's been nearly 50 years since Reinhold multiplied as their boys grew into men, possibility of accidentally discovering and they were making little villages with at times. actively lived their faith Marxhausen completed two major murals married and had their own families. something no one else has discovered. … their rocks. That has to be one of the in the Nebraska Capitol in Lincoln, one Marx retired from teaching at So I’m introducing that word to the kids most memorable moments of my life, to and passion through art, part of a remarkable career that was built Concordia in 1990. He started to show that I talk to and saying you don’t have see those guys crawling around, playing community activism and a on a remarkable partnership between symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in 1994 to be famous to do things. You should be with rocks and sand. I don’t know what joyful, playful existence. “Marx” and his wife, Dorris, who both and died in April 2011 at the age of 89. just an ordinary person who just notices they thought about that, but that’s what described their life together as ongoing Dorris, who faithfully cared for Marx until things. That’s why I use a lot of slides: Do they needed to do—it made little children serendipity. the illness progressed to where he needed you notice things, do you look at things, of them, and it loosened them up. story photos Marx’s passion and vocation was full-time professional care, passed away do you think about things? Tobin Beck Payton DeVencenty '18 and courtesy of Karl Marxhausen in making art and teaching people to this past June at the age of 83. And another thing I talk about is, TB: I’ve always admired Marx’s and the Concordia archives experience it: painting, sculpture, film, Besides the two state Capitol murals, 'Do you learn in a playful attitude?' The outlook—he sees things that other mosaics, you name it. “The Spirit of Nebraska” and “The Building whole sound thing that I’m involved in— people pass by. But you both really Marx was the artist, filmmaker, pho- of the Capitol,” which were completed it was a Saturday, it was a boring, dull seem to always have fun just in day- tographer and teacher, while Dorris in 1966, Marx especially was known for day, Saturday, nothing to do, what do I to-day living. was the homemaker, manager, critic, his sound sculptures, particularly the do, so I went to the studio, where I would Marx: Best thing that ever happened typist and supporter who also was a small enclosed metal sound sculpture go every day, nobody there, empty room. I to me, you know, you get a job like this. community activist. Both actively lived called “Star Dust,” which earned him was bored, I picked up a doorknob, on the their faith. fame, including a 1986 appearance on table there’s a doorknob there. Just for Together Marx and Dorris raised “The David Letterman Show.” But he was the hell of it I welded some wires to the two sons, Karl and Paul. They found accomplished in a wide variety of other doorknob. Just for the heck of it, looks Reinhold Marxhausen and his sons explored nature often, building snow that the joy and love for their family media as well. like a rocket. I was playing, I was playing forts together during the winter.

8 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 9 Do you see cows or Nebraska zebras? Reinhold Marxhausen encouraged people to discover new possibilities in what they see. Reinhold Marxhausen worked with unique media and textures, as he did when creating "Grass." The finished piece (right) is currently on display at Jones National Bank & Trust Company in Seward, Nebraska.

Then, of course, comes the counter Dorris: That sounds like nothing thing, that’ll be the people 30 or young- now, though. er, pursuing their careers, and they Marx: And I think I was the first happened to cross paths somewhere or person on campus to wear blue jeans in whatever, and never heard of him. OK, chapel. And it’s funny that this guy fit me you know, so much for fame, so much for out with a suit, and I never even wore it. Capitol murals and all those press clip- Dorris: Sometimes he’s disappoint- pings, and that’s that. ed that he can’t rock boats like he did be- Marx: When I got the let- fore. It takes a lot of boat rocking to rock ter to teach at Concordia, A.R. a boat these days. But he’s not willing to “I was bored, Kretzmann was a well-known go over all kinds of edges and still have clergyman in our church. He that sensationalism, but come on, we’re I had nothing to was a good friend of mine. talking a major show-off here too. So when I got the job offer, Marx (laughing): Oh sure. do, I played with he took me in his car and went Drs. Amanda Geidel ’96 to his favorite clothing store, and TB: As we talked about being in FULFILLING THE and Torri Lienemann are the doorknob. he told the guy, ‘This guy’s going Seward, about Concordia, about ac- dedicated to improving the to be a college professor and just complishments, the conversation lives of special education That started my can’t go running around in these came back around to serendipity. blue jeans and socks, so I want Dorris: The fact that he uses the word students through their whole career.” you to fit him out in a new suit, ‘serendipity’—sometimes also meaning leadership of Concordia’s new slacks, a pair of shoes and a just accidental—it’s very interesting that special education programs. top coat.’ He told the clerk that. And all he has begun to use that as a title for a that, he wrote a check, paid for it and general creativity lecture in the last few story photos sent me out to Seward. The first thing years, because we’ve both been very Jennifer Suggitt Payton DeVencenty '18 I did in Seward, I went downtown and conscious of serendipitous stuff through CALL Benjamin Schranz '15 bought a brand new pair of blue jeans. And our whole life... I went to chapel here with my brand new Marx: Serendipity—my whole life has pair of blue jeans. just been very serendipitous. n

12 Broadcaster cune.edu for special education even more,” she Building Trust When Others Wouldn't Listen stood at the back of the church getting says. “It was a chance for me to see ready to complete her processional, Chris that inclusion can work, and that When Torri Lienemann was in high arrived for the wedding, dressed up and it really is about all of the people school, her family was mostly beauticians with flowers in-hand. In the middle of involved, including the individual and teachers—and she was determined December in Nebraska, the middle school with special needs, the other students to follow a different career path. So, she student had bundled up and ridden his and their teacher. Just seeing how the began her freshman year at University bike from northeast Lincoln to the south students took ownership in meeting of Nebraska–Lincoln with a major in central part of the city to attend the Kelly’s needs and in helping him make business administration. ceremony. progress, they learned so much from “I could hear God calling me to “I was in the church vestibule waiting their relationships with him—things you education, and I kept telling Him no,” she to walk down the aisle when Chris walked don’t get from a textbook.” says. “I had been fighting [becoming a in. I cried for the first time all day, and I After two years at St. Michael, Geidel teacher]—not that I didn’t have fantastic knew [special education] was what I was knew special education was the area teachers in my life, but I had this idea supposed to do,” says Lienemann. She she needed to focus on professionally, that success was equated to money changed her major to special education so she enrolled at Michigan State and affluence. That was my goal—to be the next semester. University to pursue a master’s degree successful monetarily—and that was not Since graduating from college, she in special education. God’s goal for me.” has earned her master’s degree and doc- Dr. Amanda Geidel, assistant professor of education, director of special education program Before her classes could begin, During college, Lienemann was torate in special education, specializing Geidel’s husband, Jeremy Geidel ’96, was asked to teach catechism to sixth in ADHD and non-medical academic in- Discovering What Really Matters Geidel came to Concordia to earn recruited to be a graduate assistant for graders at her Catholic church. A young terventions, as well as strategy instruc- an undergraduate degree in elementary football and the head baseball coach at man in her class, named Chris, had tion. She is now Concordia’s Director of Ed and Kelly. Special children with education, as she had been planning to Concordia. The couple moved back to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Graduate Studies in Special Education special needs. Without knowing it, these do for many years. Her junior year she Seward, where she coached Concordia’s (ADHD), giving him lots of energy and and Early Childhood Special Education, two boys changed the course of Amanda explored adding a special education women’s soccer team for two years and outbursts—and misunderstandings and believing God’s call is for her to train oth- Geidel’s life forever, inspiring her endorsement, but she would have had worked on earning her master’s degree, challenges—in the classroom. er teachers to effectively help students passion for special education by simply to stay at Concordia an extra year. this time from the University of But things were different in like Chris. being themselves. After much discussion with the Nebraska–Lincoln. Lienemann’s class. “The more I got into education, the As a high school student who knew special education program director at In the following years, Geidel “He shared what happened at school, more I realized there are so, so many she wanted to be a teacher, Geidel the time, Dr. Judith (Walter) Preuss CO taught special education at the that no one would listen to him,” says students and teachers who are at a loss often volunteered to tutor students ’60 GR ’75, she decided to proceed with elementary and middle school levels Lienemann. “They wanted to put him for what to do,” says Lienemann. “It has with disabilities. As she began to build her focus on teaching at the elementary in and near Seward. She taught as an back on medication, but he didn’t think become my mission to train teachers to a relationship with a boy named Ed, age level in a Lutheran school, wanting to adjunct professor for Concordia for he needed it. He would share a lot of be effective in meeting the needs of all 17 at the time, wait and see seven years before becoming a full-time things about the other adults in his life students. I’m only one person and can Geidel gained if her heart professor in 2008, eventually accepting who didn’t trust him and wouldn’t listen only touch so many students, but if I can a perspective “There's a lot more to remained the role of director for Concordia’s to him, but he did trust me.” train teachers to do that, we can have a on life that drawn to the special education program. Geidel A natural connection, built stronger whole army of fully equipped special she couldn’t life than what kind of field of special earned her doctorate from Northcentral through after-class chats, empowered education teachers who are prepared n find within her education. University in October 2015. Dr. Torri Lienemann, director of graduate studies Lienemann to guide Chris through to help students be successful.” core group of jeans you're wearing.” Geidel’s Geidel received the Outstanding in special education and early childhood special some difficult times. And Lienemann friends. first teaching Teaching Award in 2012, an honor education couldn’t deny that she was making a “Ed wasn’t caught up in image or call was to St. Michael Lutheran School awarded during commencement to an difference for Chris, but popularity,” says Geidel. “Because of his in Wayne, Michigan, where she taught unsuspecting professor who is nominated she didn’t embrace God’s intellectual disabilities, he didn’t care third grade. In her class was a boy by students. While accepting the award, call to the special education “I could hear God about all the frivolous stuff that all my named Kelly, who happened to have an she acknowledged the two students who career path until the most friends cared about. Maybe at the time intellectual disability. touched her heart years ago: “Ed and unlikely of days to be calling me to I didn’t know it, but there’s a lot more With no special education teacher at Kelly are the reasons why I’m here and analyzing one’s career—her to life than what kind of jeans you her school, Kelly was included in Geidel’s why teaching is possible—because it wedding day. education, and I kept are wearing and what kind of car you class, and his needs were great. comes from the heart, and when I’m in A year after Chris have. [I thought,] ‘This guy is genuine, “I was excited about having Kelly in front of my students, it’s really easy to was in her class, she was telling Him no.” and he is my friend, and he accepts class and afraid at the same time, but share that passion.” n planning her wedding and me unconditionally.’ That was when I it ended up being the most wonderful shared an invitation with all her CCD realized there was meaning there.” experience, one that grew that passion students. On her wedding day, as she

14 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 15 Archaeological site where Alexa Marquardt worked. Layers from the Persian period and the beginning of an Iron Age II period were at this site.

Alexa Marquardt sat in Professor around the world multiple times to the of Theology Dr. Mark Meehl’s Old politically charged, culturally diverse Testament class as a freshman at city of Jerusalem and its surrounding Digging Concordia in 2009, staring at the piece of areas where Jesus himself lived, died pottery in her hand from the time of Saul and rose again. or King David. Examining the pottery into from such a faraway land and a time From the Classroom into the Field the so far removed from the 21st century, Wo r d Marquardt thought, “I should not be Marquardt traveled to Israel in 2012 with holding this.” Meehl, who takes students, alumni and The Bible came to life for Alexa Meehl’s class at Concordia “made community members on a tour of the Marquardt ’13 on a tour of the the Bible come alive” for Marquardt. Holy Land every three years. She was fascinated by her encounters The trip exceeded Marquardt’s Holy Land, taking her passion with pieces of history from the times expectations. for the Word of God to a higher when events of the Bible occurred. She After visiting places where the level and igniting a desire to saw photos of a six-chamber city gate Bible took place, she felt as though she spread it around the world. from the time of Solomon and the valley had “read the Bible in color,” building her where the confrontation between David passion even stronger to know more and Goliath took place, among other about the Bible and spread the Word. story photos experiences, and this exposure motivated As Marquardt was completing her Jennifer Suggitt Payton DeVencenty '18 and courtesy of Alexa Marquardt her to delve deeper into a world where education degree and theology minor and Dr. Bob Mullins archaeologists’ discoveries bring biblical at Concordia, she considered how she history to life. could feed her desire. She believed Alexa Marquardt assists at an But she had no idea her new and more education—especially back in the archaeological dig in Israel, taking elevations at the end of the workday. growing curiosity would develop into heart of the Holy Land itself—could be Photo courtesy of Dr. Bob Mullins, a passion that would take her halfway the solution. a dig director at the site.

16 Broadcaster cune.edu students learning English,” she says. “I was blessed by the hospitality and liveliness of the Palestinian Christian community who welcomed me into their lives and homes and shared their culture with me.” While studying at Jerusalem University College, Marquardt spent most of her time examining the country’s culture, history and geography by visiting historically significant locations in and around the city as often as she could, further building her understanding of the Bible and her desire to teach it to others.

Becoming Equipped to Share the Word Dr. Mark Meehl and students David Schrampfer, Laura Sweere and Samantha Welch examine a She returned to the United States in bowl-shaped piece of pottery, held by Welch, from around 1600 B.C. May 2014 and began pursuing a Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis from A Closer Look at the Holy Land Trip Leader Dr. Mark Meehl shares Philistine sherds, fragments of pottery from around 1100 B.C. (the Iron I period), with students in his Old Testament class. Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois, using her credits from Professor of Theology Dr. Mark Meehl Meehl started as a volunteer at the “My theology courses at Concordia also a lot of misunderstanding between Jerusalem University College to fulfill has lived and worked in the Holy Land archaeological dig site and worked his ignited and fueled a desire to learn these diverse peoples too.” part of her educational requirements. for more than a dozen years during way up to assistant field archaeologist. God’s Word more deeply and to be Still, Marquardt felt physically safe She plans to graduate in May 2016. his professional career. He uses Meehl assisted with publishing able to teach the Word with more in and around Jerusalem. Emotional Despite the pursuit of another that experience to provide a unique, outcomes and details about a part of experience,” she says. “Then, after safety was another story. degree in the United States, Marquardt’s information-rich tour of the Holy the experience that he had supervised visiting the Holy Land, I knew that by As a Christian in the midst of such desire to learn in the Holy Land Land for students and community while digging in Israel, and he being there longer, I would learn things a culturally and religiously diverse remained, so she returned to Israel members every few years, taking them returned to the Albright Institute in that I could not learn the same way area, Marquardt found herself feeling in the summer of 2015 to participate to historical sites and archaeological 1999 to assist with the editing of the anywhere else,” she says. emotionally challenged as a follower of in archaeological excavations at Abel dig sites like those he studied and publication. He also spent a couple Christ. Beth Maacah in the northern part of the worked at in the 1980s and ’90s. months in Syria in 1987, traveling and Finding Safety Among Other Christians She explains, “It was difficult to live country, near the Lebanon-Israel border. As Meehl explains: “Connecting excavating at Tel Raqai in northeastern where the Bible took place, in particular, Meehl had encouraged her to dig there the Word of God to actual sites—taking Syria near Hasakah. Marquardt began exploring options for to be living very close to where Jesus so she could learn about the way a dig a boat across the Sea of Galilee; Before joining Concordia in graduate programs in biblical studies died and rose from the dead in Jerusalem operates, the decisions that are made as walking through gates built by 1991, Meehl lived in Jerusalem at the with archaeological and to know that almost every person I the layers are uncovered and how data is Solomon; striding across the Temple Albright Institute for a couple of years, opportunities. She passed on the street or interacted with interpreted in the field. Mount platform built by Herod the performing research for his doctorate “Jesus’ sacrifice and discovered Jerusalem each day did not believe that—that Jesus’ “It is not only a lot of fun and really Great as Jesus, the disciples and Paul on archaeological material stored in University College sacrifice and victory was not the reality interesting to work with the material did; walking down the streambed that Jerusalem and Bir Zeit in the West victory was not the in her research and to them. It was disjunctive while in the culture of biblical time periods, but it David crossed to go fight Goliath and Bank. He became the program director studied there from place those events actually happened.” is also very valuable experience to gain where he picked up the stones used to for the institute and arranged field trips reality to them.” January to May 2014 She found comfort in her studies of since archaeology is an important part of kill the Philistine, to name a few—is a to sites and dinners with local Israeli despite the perpetual the Scriptures and a sense of belonging biblical interpretation,” says Marquardt. powerful learning tool, enriching the scholars for the fellows. political and religious unrest occurring in the presence of other Christians in the When she graduates from Wheaton, biblical events and embedding them Meehl first led a group to Israel in in the Holy Land. area by volunteering in a Lutheran school Marquardt would like to teach God’s in the students’ memory for a lifetime.” 2000, returning with other groups in “Living near the Old City of Jerusalem in Bethlehem. Word, a Word that she says is living Meehl’s first trip to the region was 2009, 2012 and 2015, and his next tour exposed me to the complexity and “A highlight of my experience was and active as we speak it and teach it to in 1984, at which time he excavated is in 2018. He hopes to continue leading difficulty of the politics and the violence traveling to Bethlehem once a week to one another. She yearns to be a part of at Abila of the Decapolis in northern the tours every few years, turning the that has racked that part of the world in volunteer at a Palestinian Lutheran sharing that living Word because, to her, Jordan and then worked at Tel Miqne- stories of the Bible into reality for all the most recent history,” says Marquardt. school (Dar al-Kalima Lutheran School), it will never be just a book of stories in Ekron from 1985 to 1996 in Israel. who attend. “There’s so much diversity—and there’s working with middle and high school black and white on a page. n

18 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 19 her mother. “I have never been afraid or embarrassed if I had to work in a house,” Rosa continues. “I don’t think it’s an issue. My mom worked her whole life in house- keeping, and that’s the way she raised me, so why would I be embarrassed of it?” When the Walls moved back to the U.S., they invited Rosa to visit. She traveled the country, seeing other mis- sionary families that she’d worked with in Peru and visiting colleges, including Concordia. That visit, with the way she felt on campus and the people she met, sealed the deal for Rosa; Concordia was where she wanted to be. But the actual process of attending was a little more complicated than just making the choice. “When I came here, it was such a short amount of time,” says Rosa. “I came, I applied and I passed my English test, but I didn’t know I had to take an SAT.” With only three weeks to study be- fore the SAT, Rosa put her future in God’s hands. “I was like, ‘God, whatever you Rosa Gonzales honors her Peruvian culture by keeping her country’s flag with her at Concordia. want is going to happen.’ I was working for the church, I was studying for my test Rosa Gonzales is not a traditional Instead, Rosa began volunteering at and it was just a lot. I studied for three Nebraska college sophomore. She’s 25 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod weeks every night until 2 in the morning, God Provides years old, and she’s from Chiclayo, Peru. mission. She learned that they didn’t have and then I’d wake up and go to my job.” Combine that with the path that God enough translators, and that sparked an All of her hard work paid off. She Rosa Gonzales '18 overcomes has led her on, and Gonzales’ journey interest in her. “I’m a person who likes achieved a positive test score on the SAT, the challenges in her life to Concordia University, Nebraska was to communicate,” Rosa says. “And I like was accepted into Concordia and is now by trusting in God and about as unconventional as they come. languages, so I was like, I’m going to work on a path full of opportunities that she Rosa’s life was difficult from the and save money to go and study English.” never dreamed were possible. And she following where He leads. start. She and her mother lived alone, and Rosa worked at a call center and studied continues working hard on campus as a they struggled to make ends meet. “Our English for two years before becoming a resident hall assistant and translator and story photos house was only a one-room house,” Rosa translator for the mission. Soon after, she trusting God each step of the way. Danielle Luebbe Payton DeVencenty '18 says, “but a room is like $100 a month. My was confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Rosa is studying middle level educa- mom is a seamstress and housekeeper, Two of the missionaries, Bruce ’05 tion with endorsements in social science and working together we would make and Sarah ’02 Wall, were looking for a and Spanish. She wants to teach in a tra- Rosa Gonzales’ work ethic, inspired by her mother, earned her the opportunity to attend and thrive at college in the United States. maybe $2,000 or $3,000 a year. So there’s housekeeper and nanny for their new- ditional classroom or serve as a mission- a lot of trusting in God and knowing that born baby. Rosa saw an opportunity ary—or experience another unexpected He is always going to provide for you.” to further serve. “In Peru, to work in a path. “I am planning to go wherever God could spend the holiday with her moth- “Sometimes people think that they Rosa started working when she house, it’s not like here,” she says. “To takes me,” she says. “It’s not my plan; it’s er. Rosa misses her family and friends in don’t have anything and that they’re poor,” was 5 years old and continued working clean a house or to be a nanny is like a about God’s plan. If He wants to send me Peru, but she calls or Skypes with them Rosa says. “God provides, God gives you through elementary school and high denigration; you do that because you’re wherever, I will go to serve there. I’m sure whenever she can. life, God gives you a next day, gives you school. Even though she got good grades, really poor and you don’t have other op- I will be afraid, but I don’t think I belong “It has been hard for my mom,” Rosa grace; what else can you expect for your Rosa wasn’t able to go to college in Peru. portunities. But Bruce and Sarah treated anywhere. I belong wherever God puts says. “It was just she and I for a long time. day? I would say what drives me every “To get into a national school, the vacan- me like I was part of their family.” me.” But I know God is taking care of her and day is just to wake up and say, ‘Thank You, cies are very tight,” she says, “so you have Rosa was no stranger to hard work. Rosa hasn’t been back to Peru since providing for her when I can’t.” God, for the opportunity that You give me to go to a special academy to get trained She embraced each new position, know- she started at Concordia. For Christmas Her faith is what gets Rosa through every day to live and enjoy the day.’ Just to take a test. Everybody fights for the ing it was an opportunity given to her this year, some other resident assistants whenever she starts to worry, and coming to wake up is awesome.” n spaces. I didn’t have the money for it.” by God so she could support herself and bought her a plane ticket home so she to Concordia has only solidified that faith.

20 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 21 The house is a typical family home where determine what has happened and iden- He is also one of just 17 board-cer- a mother may be cooking in the kitchen tify the next steps that will effectively tified forensic entomologists in the and a father playing with children in the wrap up their case. world, using his expertise in the study front yard, laughter and joy filling the air. “By offering this type of learning en- of insects to consult as an expert analyst Its cupboards are full of food, comfort- vironment, our students gain a better and/or witness for more than 100 death able furniture fills the rooms and plenty appreciation of how the criminal jus- cases, including the Roy Ellis and Casey of clothes hang in the closets. tice system works, and they realize that Anthony murder trials of the last decade. But a closer look reveals that some- the shows they watch on TV aren’t real,” Huntington realizes how valuable thing here has gone terribly wrong. says Huntington. “It is important that the exploration of different vocational The door is ajar, household goods students with a criminal justice major interests is during college. and decorations are strewn across the know what they’re getting into. Hands-on “When I came to college, I originally living room experience is wanted to go into law enforcement," he and blood the best way to explains. "Then during my junior year, spatters are “They realize that the help them un- I did this field study in entomology, and visible on the derstand what that’s kind of where it all started." floor from shows they watch working in this Huntington has served seven years near the front field could be as a professor of biology and criminal entryway to on TV aren’t real.” like after grad- justice at Concordia. He appreciates the back door. uation, and this the small-town feel of Seward and ev- This is not the scene of a local crime kind of learning environment demon- erything that it has to offer, like the that police are called to investigate; in- strates ways they can successfully serve Concordia campus and its students. stead, it is the scene at a house near cam- in this field." “As a graduate of Concordia and pus that Concordia students are tasked to As a 2002 graduate of Concordia member of a local Lutheran church, I examine and study as part of their crimi- University, Nebraska with a Bachelor of obviously enjoy the Christian environ- nal justice education. Science degree in biology, Huntington is ment. I also enjoy that Concordia is a Behind the scenes of this simulation a forensic scientist with a background small school and that I am encouraged is Dr. Timothy Huntington, associate pro- in criminal justice and law enforcement, to get to know my students well,” says fessor of biology and criminal justice. currently serving not only at Concordia Huntington. “Criminal justice is still "While having blood spatter and fin- but also as a part-time county deputy pretty new, but it’s growing, and it’s only gerprints in a classroom is fine for teach- sheriff for Seward County, Nebraska. going to get better as it goes on.” n ing the techniques, actually having the students go to an unfamiliar house and process evidence that was left during the simulated commission of a crime is a to- tally different and much richer learning experience,” says Huntington. Huntington knows that the foren- A Special sic science, criminal justice and biology students in his classes are not just there to learn. They are there to gain hands-on, Investigation applicable experience. The crime scene house—staged to look like a murder, kidnapping or bur- The "crime house" near campus glary has occurred—provides a unique gives students unique, hands-on opportunity for students to apply the in- experience, led by Dr. Timothy formation from their textbooks and class discussions to hands-on experiences that Huntington ’02, one of just will help them explore their interest in 17 board-certified forensic criminal justice occupations and better entomologists in the world. understand the world in which they live Anna Meyer '19 and Trevor Miller '16 and serve. examine a simulated crime scene At the crime house, students work story photos created as the final project of This house near campus, now used to mimic a police crime scene, gives students a fresh, realistic space Jennifer Suggitt Payton DeVencenty '18 their forensic science lab. together to investigate the crime scene, to learn techniques used in criminal justice occupations.

#GoHigher Broadcaster 23 Humbled & Honored at Homecoming 2015

photos Payton DeVencenty ‘18 Benjamin Schranz ‘15

Jonathan Jahnke '16 and Talitha (Tallie) Elbert '16 were voted the 2015 Homecoming king and queen by the student body. Both say they were surprised and humbled by the opportunity to represent Concordia and the Class of 2016 in this way, and they are looking forward to coming back for future Homecoming events as alumni.

Clockwise from top, page 24: Concordia football players ring the victory bell after their 47-14 win against Nebraska Wesleyan University. Bryce Collins picks up rushing yards during the football game. Ann Spilker paints the face of a girl on campus for Homecoming festivities. Alumni Bailey Morris, Enrique Barajas and Von Thomas are recognized as 2014-15 senior athletes of the year. Concordia students make some noise during the football game. Clockwise from top, page 25: Homecoming King Jonathan Jahnke and Queen Talitha Elbert greet the crowd. Concordia’s volleyball team won against Nebraska Wesleyan University 3-0. Alumni Council President Matt Kuske ’12 (far left) and President Brian Friedrich (far right) join alumni and friends honored with 2015 Alumni Awards. Tamira Knight shares a big smile with community members. For the full list of Alumni Award recipients (shown above) and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, as well as forms to nominate potential future recipients, visit cune.edu/homecomingawards.

24 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 25 9,055 Students, parents and teachers who saw author and illustrator presentations

1,346 Attendees at community and school events with native-Nebraskan astronaut Clayton Anderson

—Dr. Jennifer Fruend, assistant professor of biology at Concordia and leader of the slime-creating activity session “Oobleck—the Science of Dr. Seuss” 1,020 —Eric Litwin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the first four “Pete Attendees at adult conference the Cat” picture books and author of the new musical series “The Nuts” Workshops like “Oobleck—the Science of Dr. Seuss” teach and festival volunteers children to think beyond the words on the page and physically explore what the words are saying. In that session, students briefly re-enact the highly dramatic, silly tale of Dr. story photos Seuss’ “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” and then make the Jennifer Suggitt Seth Meranda slime described in the story, mixing it up step by step and Students, teachers, volunteers and Benjamin Schranz '15 BRINGING BOOKS TO LIFE joyfully squishing it and sliding it around in their hands. 11,421 community members served Mallory, an 8-year-old second grader, participate in the festival on Concordia’s and all the discovery and creativity loves to read. The more interactive campus and in surrounding schools. associated with developing the books the story, the better. So when she had Authors and illustrators of that the students enjoy so much. an opportunity to meet authors and children’s books share their stories, Beyond meeting the minds behind illustrators at the 20th annual Plum creative processes and personal the stories, the students also experience Creek Children’s Literacy Festival— experiences. The more personal the hands-on learning opportunities, such and specifically, to mimic the moves speakers get, the more relatable they as an Author Talk during which stu- of Eric Litwin as he led her, along become to the children. “I learned that dents listen to a story by one of the festi- 21st Annual with schoolmates and teachers, in the authors and illustrators don’t have to val’s featured authors and then make an Polka Dot Dance—she couldn’t hide comb their hair, and they can work in associated craft to take home. PLUM CREEK her enthusiasm. their pajamas,” says Mallory, with a Authors, illustrators and literacy She and the hundreds of other laugh as she recalls the day. experts share their experiences and CHILDREN'S children at Litwin’s presentation Getting to know the authors expertise with teachers, administrators LITERACY executed the moves and loudly chanted and illustrators as regular people and community members during an the words of the song—as featured in his strengthens the students’ connection all-day conference on the last day of the FESTIVAL book “The Nuts”—without hesitation, with the book; helps children recognize event. The information, creativity and smiles on their faces from start to finish. that they too can achieve the same tools shared at the adult conference leave Each year Mallory and thousands of accomplishments someday; and attendees feeling empowered to put other students have the opportunity to encourages a love for reading, writing their newfound knowledge into action. n

Illustrations from “Otis,” written and illustrated by Loren Long

26 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 27 BEHIND THE SUCCESS: THE OLSON STORY Championship basketball coaches Rich, Jarrod and Drew Olson '03 find success by drawing strength from the late Olinda Olson and their passion for the game they love.

story photos Jacob Knabel Payton DeVencenty '18 Rich, Olinda and Jarrod weathered a blizzard to cheer on Drew, who scored 22 points to help lead the Bulldogs to victory at the 2003 GPAC Tournament and courtesy of Drew Olson Championship game against Dordt College Drew's senior year.

It’s a Tuesday evening in the middle of they’ve always done. They used to play then I played two years—I didn’t really July, and two brothers have reunited often as their mother Olinda Olson play—I sat on the bench for two years at over a familiar round, orange and leather- looked on from her wheelchair. Nebraska. I knew then after my first year coated object that has been prevalent in that was what I wanted to do. I wanted their lives since birth. Jarrod Olson, now Rich in Success to coach. I’ve been coaching since 1971. 41, drives and whirls a pass back out top Here I am a whole bunch of years later.” to Drew Olson, 36, who rises and fires In 1989, Rich Olson, the father of Drew Like father, like son, Jarrod and a three. They narrowly miss out on the and Jarrod, as well as daughter Kindra, Drew have followed suit. Over the past Olson-to-Olson scoring connection. won his first Nebraska girls’ high school nine years, the two have led their respec- No matter—it’s simply one play in state championship. It was only a start tive collegiate women’s basketball pro- a series of pick-up games taking place for a man that received induction into grams to a combined record of 409-164. inside Walz Arena on the Concordia the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame Clearly they were drilled hard University campus where the Olsons, in 2012. He won another state title in by their father on the finer points of as competitive as ever, mix it up with 1992. Then another in 1996 and another coaching and steered relentlessly players much younger. On this night the in 2005. toward a career in the profession. two brothers from Omaha, Nebraska, pit Rich has become well known for Wrong. Says Rich, “That was never, ever themselves against foes mostly composed his many years coaching girls’ hoops at a goal. It wasn’t anything we talked of the budding men's basketball team— Millard South, Lincoln Northeast and about. Their mom and I just tried to coached by Ben Limback '99—and they Lincoln Lutheran, among many other make life as simple as possible and tried DREW OLSON still hold their own. schools—and he’s won everywhere he’s to make every day count.” Winningest coach in Concordia women’s basketball Afterward they join each other in been. He even served a year as an assis- Making every day count is what the history with a record of 226-78 (.743) entering 2015-16 the Walz athletic offices and answer tant at Concordia on Drew’s staff. Olson story is all about. Leads all Concordia women’s basketball coaches in national tournament appearances (7) questions regarding basketball, family He once left coaching briefly to work and national tournament wins (11) and faith. in a bank. He was a fish out of water. Like Defining a New Normal 2012 GPAC Coach of the Year Currently the head women’s his two sons, he belongs in the gym. 2014-15 NAIA Region 2 Coach of basketball coach at California Baptist “My dad was a sports guy,” says Rich. Behind these successful coaches stood the Year for women's basketball University, Jarrod jokes, “I stunk tonight.” “He was a teacher and coach. We’ve the rock of the family, Olinda. Courageous 2015 Midlands/State College Coach of the Year Again, no matter. Drew and Jarrod always been around sports. I played and fervent in her faith, Olinda likely nev- (The Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star) are doing what they love. It’s what basketball at Lincoln Northeast and er imagined the type of impact she would

#GoHigher Broadcaster 29 and whited out Seward for the GPAC that kept Schmidt’s Bulldog locomotive Meanwhile, Jarrod made his major tournament championship game on humming through the early 2000s. breakthrough as a head coach far from March 1, 2003. Drew went for 22 points Coming to Concordia proved to be one home (Mom would not have wanted him to help lead the Bulldogs to a 90-82 of the best decisions of his life. He grew to remain in Nebraska on her account overtime victory over visiting Dordt spiritually, helping him better come alone). A former women’s basketball College in a packed PE Building gym on to terms with his mother's struggles. assistant for NCAA Division I Creighton, the Concordia campus. Says Drew, “It He also met his wife, M’Leigh '10, at he landed a head job at Florida Southern was the greatest sports moment I’ve ever Concordia and will go down as one of the before settling into his current spot at Cal had. Jarrod, Mom and Dad were in the top coaches in the history of the school. Baptist. An already established basketball corner. It was a great game, but I’ll never Drew soaked up everything he could junkie, Jarrod “started coaching because forget that those three were there. That from Schmidt and assistant coach I couldn’t play anymore.” made it even more special.” Marty Kohlwey CO '83 GR '98, now In 2015, both Drew and Jarrod again Drew’s top assistant. He calls the two took teams to the national tournament. Finding a Home at Concordia of them some of his major influences Once there, neither could stop winning. Drew Olson and the women's basketball team watch intently as the Bulldogs defeat the Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves 92-37 on Dec. 2, 2015. in coaching and in life. In an incredibly unique circumstance, Drew left home to head to a different At Concordia, Drew is at home. the brothers both coached in national have. At 33, she was diagnosed with amy- There were certainly moments when seventh grader, Rich, sitting on the end GPAC school for his freshman year after championship games in an 11-day span— otrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS (also Drew wondered 'why.’ He explains, “I of the bleachers, barked at an official a stellar career at Millard South. Drew Jarrod and Drew Reach the Pinnacle Drew at the NAIA level and Jarrod at the known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). It was definitely had times where I struggled and received a technical (though dis- admits the decision to play there was a NCAA Division II level. 1982, and Jarrod, Kindra and Drew were with it in those adolescent years. ... Why puted by Rich, Drew says his dad was mistake. Even big brother recognized it. At just 25 years of age, Drew took over a Recalling that thrilling stretch, Rich ages 7, 5 and 2, respectively. Life would would mom get that disease? I think it tossed from the game). From that point Recalls Jarrod, “I was really upset be- Concordia women’s basketball program beams with pride. “It was unbelievable. never be the same in the Olson household. wasn’t until after being at Concordia for on Rich brought a crossword puzzle to cause I knew [the school] would be a hor- that the likes of Micah Parker '91 and Drew’s team was awesome all year long. For a disease that struck gradually, college and then coming back here that it games and sat near the top of the bleach- rible fit for Drew. It was. It was horrible.” Todd Voss '93 built into an NAIA power. You just came to expect things going ALS hit the Olson family like a train by helped me strengthen my faith.” ers. For the most part, he used a hands Drew decided to leave after just one Now the winningest coach in the along the way, but things went better the time Jarrod reached the age of 12. off approach when it came to basketball season. This time Jarrod was going to history of Bulldog women’s basketball, than anticipated. There they were in the That’s when Olinda, needing a trachea Gym Rats and his children. make sure his little brother found the Drew admits he was still learning when national championship game. Every time installed to help her breathe, lost the That was fine for the Olson brothers, right place. Jarrod took matters into his hired in 2006. Says Drew, “It was really we were driving home from Sioux City we ability to speak. The three siblings grew Drew and Jarrod found their sanctuary who played many youth games and for own hands by making some phone calls. scary because I didn’t know what I was were trying to pay attention to Jarrod’s accustomed to helping their mom and on the hardwood. Though separated travel teams without their parents in “I remember it like it was yesterday doing at the time. It was my first head games that were in Alaska, and they were having nurses in the home. They often in age by more than five years, the two attendance. The demands of Rich’s talking to Grant [Schmidt]," says Jarrod. coaching job, and I had never coached winning there. It was just phenomenal.” made her meals, fed her or helped her developed an intensely special bond that coaching, coupled with Olinda’s needs, "He was just so excited that we were women before. I always feel bad about Suddenly, the tone changed as Rich to the bathroom. But now they couldn’t carries on today. Unsurprisingly, their sometimes prevented Rich and Olinda calling him and thought Drew would be that first team because I screwed up so reminisced. He began to break down. One even communicate verbally with her. brotherhood was defined, at least in from seeing Jarrod and Drew play. Says perfect for his team. Looking back on it, many times. I wish I could go back and thing had been missing from that March Life rifled plenty of challenges at part, by their love of basketball. The two Jarrod, “It’s weird because Mom and Dad Concordia was the perfect fit for Drew be better for them.” madness. Rich continues, “Olinda is a family that took everything in stride. boys played constantly at nearby Millard just didn’t come to my games that much. before he even knew it. The school itself It didn’t take long for Olson to show so responsible for how they conduct They constantly worked to redefine South High School, never missing a When you grow up in a basketball family, has had such a big influence on him.” he was the right coach for the job. His themselves and how successful they are. normal in the midst of a decidedly chance to hit up the open gym. They often everybody’s got a game. It was just Drew blew past 1,000 points over second team won 26 games and reached The lessons she taught them made their abnormal set of circumstances. Says played every day from 9 a.m. to noon different. I kind of enjoyed it actually.” his three seasons and was the engine the national quarterfinals. success possible. I’m grateful for what Rich, “It wasn’t normal. When you take and then again from 6 until 9 at night. Adds Drew, “There were a lot of things they’ve accomplished, and we miss her out a lot of the little things in life and try Though a big-time winner as a that made us more mature earlier. I not being a physical part of it.” to focus on the really big things, it makes high school basketball coach, Rich think that was one of them.” Faith Through Trial Adds Drew, “She would definitely be things seem more normal. I don’t really never wanted to get pushy with his sons. Circumstances allowed Rich and proud of us, but she was proud regardless know how to put it other than that. It’s Around Jarrod and Drew, Rich took off Olinda to see more of their sons’ games Olinda Olson, mother of Concordia Women’s of us being in national championships.” hard to say what’s normal and what isn’t.” his coaching hat. He was simply dad. in college. Jarrod chose to play at Doane Basketball Coach Drew Olson, shared wisdom It has been more than a year since Other than watching her lose the “We just played. From the time that they College, where he would go on to total and hope in a video played at her funeral after Olinda’s passing, her memory still vivid. ability to speak, Jarrod says that seeing were little, we always had a basketball more than 2,000 career points. Just a she died on Aug. 25, 2014. As said by Drew, she’s “enjoying heaven” his mother move into an assisted living hoop in the basement. We would just few years later, after ultimately ending Her faith and strength inspire others to while her husband, Drew and Jarrod are facility proved to be the biggest shock to go play. That was fun. It wasn’t a matter up at Concordia for his final three live with courage and confidence in God’s love each in the midst of another basketball the system. Drew had recently finished of coaching or teaching them anything. seasons, Drew starred for two national in the midst of challenges in life. season. They play and coach on because college (2003, Concordia Nebraska) This was fun. That was the whole deal. tournament teams under then head Watch Olinda's video by it’s what they do. It’s what Olinda would n when Olinda had to be transferred to a That was our time together.” coach Grant Schmidt. searching for "Olinda want them to do. new home that could provide 24-hour As a father, Rich learned his les- Rich, Olinda and Jarrod were Testimony" on YouTube. care. Says Drew, “That was rough.” son. Once when Drew was playing as a all there the night a blizzard swirled

30 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 31 MEET Four Concordia soccer stars share more than the bonds of CONCORDIA'S hard work and success on the field—they share a family name.

FIRST story photos Jacob Knabel Payton DeVencenty '18 Jacob Knabel FAMILYOF SOCCER

The Soenksen clan knows how to have fun both on and off the field. They celebrated Halloween as a family by watching Gideon and Esther.

If ever there were a first family of most vehicles sitting around. Whenever Concordia University, Nebraska soccer, we’re stopped at a rest stop or have a little the Soenksens would be it. As Linda time, pretty soon a soccer ball is out, and Soenksen, mother of nine children, says they’re passing it around to each other jokingly, “If you don’t like soccer, we’re and juggling.” going to have to kick you out of the herd.” In some form or another, Phil has The herd tended by Linda and her coached each of his nine children. Phil husband Phil won’t argue with Mom. possessed a limited soccer background In following a family tradition, every when he began coaching his oldest son Thanksgiving the Soenksens head Jesse in a youth league in a small town over to the grassy field at nearby St. just north of Iowa City, Iowa. Jesse Peter’s Catholic School in Lincoln, quickly developed a passion for the sport, Nebraska, to squeeze in a game while and the dominoes began to fall. the feast cooks. At times Linda will The soccer bug bit the Soenksen excuse herself to run home and check family, and it bit hard. on the turkey. She’ll hustle back, and the “My mom actually did track and Soenksens will resume. cross country. My dad Just don’t mistake this for your played baseball,” says family backyard kickball game in which Gideon Soenksen, the third “If you don’t like Grandma swings and misses and face Soenksen brother to make plants. Of the seven Soenksen siblings his way to Concordia. “I’m soccer, we’re going that are college age or older, six have really not sure how it got played or are still playing collegiate soc- started. I think my oldest to have to kick you cer, and the other one could have. Plus, brother just thought it would the two youngest Soenksens appear to be cool to try. Then he played out of the herd.” be on their way to earning scholarships and my dad liked the sport, of their own. so we all just kind of followed in his The Soenksens and soccer balls are footsteps.” Playing soccer has been a inseparable. Before welcoming Esther (the Soenksen family pastime since “Whenever we go somewhere, it’s seventh of nine siblings and a current before Esther and Gideon, the two Soenksen siblings currently like, ‘Do we have a soccer ball along?’” Concordia women’s soccer player) to the attending Concordia, were born. says Phil. “So we’ve got soccer balls in family, the Soenksens moved from Iowa

#GoHigher Broadcaster 33 to Lincoln, a location that fostered Phil and Linda, wore costumes to the says. “Every Soenksen we’ve ever had more soccer opportunities. By that Concordia home soccer doubleheader has been really professional in the way FALL SPORTS SUMMARIES point, Esther and younger siblings that night. Then from Nov. 3-13, most they train and the way they approach Uriah and Grace had virtually no of the Soenksen family spent the improvement. They’re really passionate choice. They had been born into an whirlwind period crisscrossing the about the game. I’ve never had to tell any established soccer family. GPAC footprint as both Bulldog soccer of the Soenksens, ‘Why don’t you work Esther’s explanation for the family’s teams made runs to GPAC tournament harder?’ Or ‘Why don’t you care more?’ love affair with the sport closely championship games. It was a six-game- They just love the game, and they give resembles the remarks made by her in-11-day bonanza. everything they have all the time.” brother Gideon. Says Esther, “Everyone Such is life for the Soenksen parents, It makes sense that they would give else was playing, so I just started who really couldn’t even estimate the all they have to a game that’s rewarded playing. Jesse started. He was the oldest, number of their children’s games they the family so richly. “It’s pretty amazing,” and everyone else just kind of followed have attended. Says Linda, “I have no idea Phil Soenksen says. “It’s been a blessing. suit. It was just something we all did.” [how many]. A lot.” Replies Phil, “Easily It’s helped them covering expenses. We’re The family’s migration to Lincoln in the hundreds. I don’t know if it gets thankful that they have the ability to do significantly increased the odds that into the thousands.” that. It’s been pretty neat to have kids that one or more Soenksens may end Eat. Sleep. Breathe. Soccer. One are capable of playing soccer at a college up at Concordia. As a family that thing Concordia men’s soccer head level. We feel very blessed by that.” n greatly values its Lutheran faith, Phil coach Jason Weides has never had to and Linda, an alumna of Concordia worry about: having a Soenksen tire of a University Irvine, then called “Christ game each of the siblings started playing College,” saw the close proximity of seemingly as soon as physically capable. Concordia as an added bonus to living “You can be guaranteed you’re going in Lincoln. to get an incredible work rate,” Weides Tim, the second oldest brother, began the pipeline to Seward when he transferred to Concordia for the fall of 2010 after beginning his career at Iowa Western Community College. Kevin came to Seward right out of Lincoln 2015 GPAC CHAMPIONS Lutheran High School a year later. Then another year later Gideon chose to be a Bulldog. Two years after that Esther became the fourth member of the MEN’S SOCCER family to arrive at Concordia. Every year since 2010, at least one On Nov. 12 head coach Jason Weides’ thought we had the capability of being in conference tournament games and Soenksen sibling has called Concordia squad celebrated after slaying confer- the conference final game. We just took emerged as the hero in the penalty kick home. Tim and Kevin played together ence regular-season champion Hastings, a little different path.” shootout triumph at second-seeded for one year at Concordia. So did 1-0, for the first GPAC tournament title A 3-0 loss at second-ranked Okla- Midland. Horsburgh and company went Kevin and Gideon. The opportunity to in the history of Concordia men’s soccer. homa Wesleyan University in the opening nearly 300 minutes before surrendering compete alongside his brother proved The thrilling run through the league tour- round of the national championships its first goal of the postseason. a perfect selling point for Gideon, nament saw the Bulldogs knock out each brought the Bulldogs’ season to a close Following the regular season, five who earned first team all-conference of the GPAC’s top three seeds—all on the with a final overall record of 11-7-3. It Concordia players garnered all-confer- accolades in 2014. road. After an up-and-down regular sea- marked the fifth-straight season that ence recognition, including second “My brother was here. I wanted to son, Weides led Concordia to its first-ever Concordia has won at least 10 games. team choices in seniors Julian Amaya play with him,” Gideon says. “I think national tournament appearance. The Bulldogs outscored their oppo- and Justin Lawrie and sophomore that’s ultimately what decided it because “I think we believed the whole nents by a combined total of 44-26 Lewis Rathbone. Junior Mark Campbell I love playing with my brothers.” time,” Weides said following the win at during their historic 2015 campaign. and senior Gideon Soenksen were tabbed The Soenksen siblings, who all Hastings. “It was a bit of a rocky road for While taking out the conference’s honorable mention. live within 80 miles of each other, us, especially mid-season. Opening up top seeds, Concordia did not allow a continue to share a close bond built conference play, we didn’t get the results single goal during GPAC postseason ac- around—soccer, obviously. This past Concordia senior Gideon Soenksen, a key member we expected. The reality is this is where tion. Junior goalkeeper Mark Horsburgh Halloween each of the Soenksens, even of the 2015 GPAC champion men's soccer team we expected to be, and this where we made a combined 26 saves over three

34 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 35 2015 GPAC RUNNER UP 2015 GPAC RUNNER UP

WOMEN’S SOCCER VOLLEYBALL After hitting a rough patch in the middle winning a penalty kick shootout. With a over the past two seasons. The 2015 While sitting on the national tournament happened before, and knowing you’re home defeat at the hands of Olivet of October, Concordia recovered in second national tournament bid in a row Concordia squad was the stingiest in bubble, a room of Bulldog volleyball part of that is awesome.” Nazarene University in the opening impressive fashion while making a on the line at Morningside, Concordia program history, having allowed only 16 players and staff celebrated a historic The season’s biggest highlights round of the national championship. second-straight run to the GPAC title surrendered a goal with just 38 seconds goals all season while ranking first among moment for the program on Nov. 16. included road wins over No. 2 Midland The Bulldogs made their run to the game. The Bulldogs won their final left and fell, 2-1, in the GPAC title game. GPAC teams in fewest goals allowed per On that date the NAIA announced that (previously undefeated) and No. 11 national tournament behind a powerful four regular-season contests and then Despite the championship game loss, game in 2015. Concordia had received its first-ever Northwestern. The Bulldogs then attack and a defensive effort led by knocked conference regular-season Concordia finished with a mark of 13-6- A group of five Bulldogs earned national tournament berth. GPAC knocked off a ranked Red Raider squad budding sophomore Jocelyn Garcia. Five champion Hastings out of GPAC 2—just two wins away from the program second team all-conference recognition: tri-coach of the year Scott Mattera’s again in the GPAC quarterfinals in a different Concordia hitters piled up 240 postseason play for the second-straight single-season record victory total set junior Chrissy Lind and freshmen Maria squad earned its way there by winning contest critical to both teams’ national or more kills for a balanced team. Three season. Third-year head coach Greg by the 2014 team. Under Henson, the Deeter and Ashley Martin. Honorable 26 matches, going 6-4 versus ranked tournament hopes. Concordia toppled Bulldogs earned first team all-conference Henson’s squad celebrated on the Bulldogs have enjoyed unprecedented mention accolades went to sophomores opponents and by advancing all the way College of Saint Mary in the GPAC honors: sophomores Annie Friesen and Broncos’ home field once again after success by posting a record of 28-9-6 Jeannelle Condame and Jessica Skerston. to the GPAC championship tilt. Said semifinals before falling at Midland in Garcia and junior Alayna Kavanaugh. junior Tiegen Skains, “It’s cool to have the championship. The season ultimately Junior Paige Getz and senior Claire one of those things where it’s never came to a conclusion with a straight-sets White were named to the second team.

CROSS COUNTRY GOLF The 24th season of Concordia cross championships on the way to earning Head coach Brett Muller’s golf programs Junior Amy Ahlers continued her country under head coach Kregg his third career berth to the national broke program records for lowest-single stellar collegiate career by carding a Einspahr produced three individual na- championships. round totals during the fall season. program 18-hole record with a one- tional qualifiers, four all-conference per- On the women’s side, Wood and The Concordia women shot a school under-par 71 while also breaking the formers and a pair of top-five GPAC team sophomores Emily Sievert (11th) and record 335 at the College of Saint Mary course record at Two River Golf Course finishes (men: fourth, women: fifth). Jordyn Sturms (14th) nabbed all-con- Invitational on Sept. 9. The next day the on Sept. 18. At sixth place in the confer- Led by two-time all-conference hon- ference honors with top-15 GPAC fin- men broke a program record of their own, ence, Ahlers (84-82–166) is Concordia’s oree Kim Wood (10th-place GPAC finish ishes. Wood and Sievert garnered their carding a 298 at the Siouxland Invite. As highest ranking individual. Junior Kayla in 2015), the women climbed as high as first career national championships a team, the women sit in fifth place (354- Krueger (83-87–170) is in ninth place, No. 20 in the national rankings and then appearances. 348–702) in the GPAC standings after and sophomore Emma Jacoby (93- received votes in the postseason coaches’ A total of eight Bulldog runners two of four conference qualifier rounds 86–179) 19th. On the men’s side, sopho- poll released by the NAIA. were named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar- complete. Meanwhile, the men will enter more Tyler Ehresman (73-80–153) and Individually, senior Jordan Potrzeba Athletes following the season. REID WIEBE the spring season with a ninth-place con- Russell Otten (76-77–153) are tied for KIM WOOD paced the men at each meet this sea- ference standing (312-316–628). 19th among GPAC golfers. son. He placed sixth at the GPAC

36 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 37 FOOTBALL Concordia got off to a 5-1 start and rose to team All-America season that made AlumNotes a No. 23 national ranking before finishing for one of the best defensive units in the 2015 campaign at 6-4 overall and 5-4 program history. Coordinator Patrick in conference play (tied for fourth). All Daberkow’s defense ranked third nation- 1960s Care & Preschool in Bloomington, Minnesota. Gretchen (Staude) Jameson ’97 has been elected four losses came at the hands of teams ally in pass defense (144.0) and fourth The preschool recently received national to a three-year term on the board of directors ranked inside the top 20. Three of the among all NAIA teams in total defense Dr. Stan Obermueller ’68 received the Nebraska certification as a nature explore classroom. of the International Lutheran Laymen’s four losses were decided by margins (279.6). Barnes was one of five members Society of Certified Public Accountants 2015 Natalie and her husband Dan currently reside League/Lutheran Hour Ministries. She was of seven points or less during the pro- of the Concordia defense to be named ei- Outstanding Educator Award on Oct. 26, in Bloomington. installed at the board of directors meeting in gram’s second winning season in three ther first or second team all-conference. 2015. Stan and his wife Liz HS ’63 CO ’67 live in St. Louis in July. Gretchen and her husband, years. In the process, head coach Vance Offensively, the Bulldogs managed Seward, Nebraska. 1990s Rev. Leon Jameson CO ’99 GR ’05 currently reside Winter’s squad blew away Hastings (28- 29.4 points per game despite employing in Muskego, Wisconsin. 3), Nebraska Wesleyan (47-14) and Briar four different quarterbacks. First team 1970s John Gierke ’91 was elected district secretary Cliff (48-0) and put together a memora- all-league running back Bryce Collins at the LCMS Mid-South District Convention, 2000s ble come-from-behind overtime win at piled up 946 yards and nine touchdowns Douglas Tieman ’77 published “Flying Over which was held June 26-28 in Memphis, Midland (41-38) after trailing 35-14 in on the ground. Big-play receiver Jared the Pigpen – Leadership Lessons Learned Tennessee. John and his family currently the third quarter. Garcia caught 41 passes for 713 yards and on the Farm," available at Barnes and Noble reside in Conway, Arkansas. Junior defensive lineman Trey eight touchdowns. and on Amazon. Doug is president and CEO of TREY BARNES Barnes (10 sacks) blossomed in a second Caron Foundation. He and wife Frances live in Dave Everson ’93 received a promotion to Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. mortgage originator supervisor at Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed). He has been David Waltz ’78 was named Principal of the Year with PenFed for seven years. He and his wife for 2014-15 at the Higgins Lake Conference of 19 years, Andrene, currently reside in for the LCMS Michigan District. Waltz Springfield, Oregon. Jennifer (Borkenhagen) Carlson ’00 and husband served for two years as chair of the Principal Richard Carlson welcomed Simeon Russell Planning Committee for the District and into the world on April 17, 2015. The family currently serves on the District Accreditation lives in Maplewood, Minnesota. Commission. He and his wife Carol reside in Clinton Township, Michigan. Rev. Dr. Christopher S. Ahlman ’02, strategic mission developer for the LCMS, was recently featured as a recitalist in the “1000 Minuten Bach” celebration held at the historic Thomaskirche in Leipzig on June 3, Cindy (Schroeder) Stoppel ’95 and Timothy 2015. Ahlman performed several free organ Stoppel welcomed Stratton Lloyd Stoppel works of J. S. Bach as well as selected works into the world on July 7, 2015. He joins siblings from his Orgelbüchlein, in honor of the 300th Tyson, 8, Clayton, 6, Weston, 2, and Logan, 2. anniversary of its publication. The family lives in Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Jay West ’79 recently published “Well, Well, Well,” a compilation of medical and miraculous healing stories with endorsements from ministry leaders and medical doctors. Jay’s four books are available on Amazon, Kindle, Audible and iTunes. Jay has been contracted by Destiny Publishing for his next book, to be published in 2016. Jay and his wife Diane ’82 and family live in Bellevue, Nebraska. Ashley (Schmidtke) Hanson ’03 and husband Krisha Uden ’95 and husband Leland Uden Matt Hanson welcomed baby Sophia Hanson 1980s welcomed baby Rebekah Kierra Uden into into the world on Aug. 10, 2015. The family the world on Jan. 13, 2015. She joins siblings lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Natalie Marose ’87 is owner/early childhood Abigail, 6, Darius, 4, and Josiah, 2. The family educator for My Friends Christian Child lives in Wood River, Nebraska.

38 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 39 IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Erich von Fange HS ’40 CO ’43 Lisa (Kirsch) Burger ’04 and husband Ryan Burger Korey Danley ’07 and Tiffany (Rodden) Danley ’07 Travis Joseph Prochaska ’09 received a degree Andrew Raphelt ’09 and wife Donna (McCray) Kelly (Thiessen) Shaver ’12 married Jordan Donald Kamtz CO ’41 ’04 welcomed Lexie Ruth Burger on April 27, welcomed Sybianna Maxine Danley into the from the University of Nebraska Aug. 15, 2015, Raphelt ’11 welcomed daughter Elise Christine Shaver on July 7, 2015. They live in Rockford, Louis Eberhard HS ’43 CO ’46 2015. She joins sibling Kylie, age 2. The family world on July 3, 2015. Sybi is pictured with her in Lincoln. Prochaska earned a Ph.D. in Raphelt on Oct. 5, 2015. She joins brother Luke, Illinois, where Kelly is in secondary education lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. big sister, Tenley (age 2). The family lives in entomology. He lives in Seward, Nebraska. 2. Andrew has a new position as technical and Jordan serves in elementary education. Helen (Wolfert) Bentz CO ’46 Greenwood, Missouri. services problem solver for Epic in Madison, Ronald Freudenburg HS ’46 CO ’51 Ladd Wendelin ’04 is an instructor at Decatur Wisconsin. Donna is a stay-at-home mom. Ethel (Kiehn) Naber CO ’46 Community High School in Oberlin, Kansas. David Voorman ’07 joined the law firm O’Neill, The family lives in Madison. He teaches seventh, ninth and tenth grade Heinrich, Damkroger, Bergmeyer & Schultz Doris (Ohlmann) Bode HS ’51 English and serves as head speech coach. In PC, LLO in Lincoln, Nebraska, working in the 2010s Ruth Hellwege-Hess HS ’54 April 2015, he became mayor of Oberlin. firm’s litigation area. David resides in Lincoln. Dorris (Steinbrueck) Marxhausen CO ’54 Helmuth Harms CO ’55 Jon Ross ’09 accepted a position with Zillow Dylan Teut CO ’12 GR ’15 was named on the Eunice (Sanley) Ruth CO ’56 Group in December 2014. He is now serving as International Literacy Association's “30 corporate systems administrator in the Under 30” list . Dylan is director of Concordia's C. Frederick Kroger HS ’60 CO ’64 Nebraska office. Jon lives in Lincoln with his Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival. Leland Schroeder CO ’60 wife Kelli '08 and sons Mikah and Malakai. Rev. Theodore Richter CO ’63 Heather (Blomenberg) Warren ’11 and husband Harlan Anson CO ’05 GR ’09 was named Emily (Norman) Phoenix ’08 wrote “Journey Adam Warren welcomed Hadley Eliana Karen Firnhaber-Glawatz CO ’64 Outstanding Lutheran Educator at the On... Never Alone,” published through CTA for Warren into the world on July 27, 2015. The Gary Heinicke HS ’64 Nebraska District Lutheran Educators’ graduates seeking guidance as they transition family lives in Norfolk, Nebraska. Robert Ahrens CO ’65 Conference on Oct. 22, 2015. Harlan serves as into a new stage of their spiritual journey. principal/teacher at Our Redeemer Lutheran Emily Phoenix currently serves as Director Arlen Lahrs CO ’67 School, Staplehurst, Nebraska. He and his of Discipleship at Galilee Lutheran Church in Dennis Engelbart CO ’68 GR ’76 family, wife Crissy and children Olivia and Pasadena, Maryland. Owen, live in Staplehurst. Andrea Gaide ’13 was promoted to director Linda Gillan CO ’69 Chris Whirrett ’08, president and CEO of Concordia family members held triple of education for the Larabee School of Real Gerald Rus CO ’70 DiscStore.com, has led the company to grow baptism on Aug. 16, 2015, in Madison, Neb. Estate by HomeServices of Nebraska. Andie Pearl (Asmus) Kurth CO ’72 by 305% since 2012, earning it the rank of Melissa (King) Pfeifer ’09 and Craig Pfeifer will also continue her previous role as director #1,363 fastest-growing private company on welcomed Bryce, born June 6, 2015. Christine of the Home Owners Plus program. Richard Webb CO ’75 Inc. Magazine’s Top 5000 list. (Pfeifer) Knapp ’11 welcomed Aubree, born July Kris (Easler) Miller ’12 illustrated her first novel Dave Callies CO ’77 13, 2015. Also baptized was Emmie Mae Bonk, for Bloomsbury Children’s Books, “The Day Sharon (Barnes) Coe CO ’77 Peter Nord ’09 recently accepted a new job born May 23, 2015. Emmie is the daughter of the Mustache Took Over,” written by Alan with the LifeScape Foundation in Sioux Falls, Cody and Michelle (Pfeifer) Bonk. Michelle Katz and published on Sept. 1, 2015. The Jill (Sobotka) Hillmer CO ’92 South Dakota, as a Development Associate. worked in the Admission Office at Concordia. second book in the series is in production. Idongesit Mbong CO ’12 Angela (Gee) Davis ’05 married Ben Davis on LifeScape employs 1200 and serves people Her work may be found at kriseasler.com. Kris July 18, 2015, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Angela who have disabilities. Peter will coordinate currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. and Ben live in Lincoln where they both the major events, the Ambassador program, Arranged by year; current teach special education and coach high school employee giving, and third party fund-raisers. as of Oct. 31, 2015. athletics for Lincoln Public Schools. He lives in Sioux Falls. Amy McDaniel ’15 married Travis Ferguson ’13 on HS: High School, CO: College, June 6, 2015. Travis is vicar at Trinity Lutheran GR: Graduate Church, and Amy is an adult case worker at Community Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center. They live in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

40 Broadcaster cune.edu #GoHigher Broadcaster 41 Nebraska’s Nationally Recognized Christian University

“We want to support a school that has Christianity at the heart of its focus. … A life insurance

policy provides an avenue to leverage our gift.”

Nicole Hemmann '16, an elementary education major, is just one of hundreds of students who benefit —Marjorie (Luhman) Kertz ’70, from financial support like the insurance policy gifted by Marjorie and David Kertz. with her husband, David

An Uncommon Gift EXCELLENT ACADEMICS CHRIST-CENTERED COMMUNITY AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

Life insurance. An investment now to witnessed firsthand the positive impact A top 50 (#44) university in the The only Christian College of The 23rd most affordable private make a big impact later. of Lutheran, Christ-centered education. 1 2 3 Most people invest in life insurance “Each student is like a mustard seed, Midwest region Distinction in Nebraska university in the country to provide financial security for their ready to grow in faith,” says Marjorie. “A family. Gifting their life insurance pol- significant portion of education in school Highest ranked school in the One of only five institutions Recognized in the top 150 (#145) icy to Concordia, Marjorie (Luhman) settings today excludes Christianity. Concordia University System1 in Nebraska to be named a of “Best Nationwide Colleges for Kertz ’70 and her husband David are now We want to support a school that has College of Distinction2 Your Money”4 providing financial security for future Christianity at the heart of its focus.” Concordia students. Marjorie’s passion for supporting Recognized as an “A+ School for “My husband and I chose Concordia Concordia’s mission reflects her expe- B Students” and one of the “Best with our gift to support the continued riences as a student and as an alumnae Colleges for Veterans”1 ministry of spreading the Gospel of our serving and leading in the church and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” says world since graduating. Marjorie. “A life insurance policy pro- “Concordia was a major influence in vides an avenue to leverage our gift. We better preparing me for life in our world do not know what the future holds as to today—in my career, my marriage and my Call 402-643-7221 today to our prosperity, so we wanted to ensure day-to-day walk [with Jesus],” she says. discuss how you can take that we were able to maximize our gift “We encourage others who have a heart and ensure that our gift would be made.” for Concordia and its mission to pursue out a life insurance policy Marjorie, a Lutheran and public dedicating financial help through the use elementary school teacher for 38 years, of a life insurance policy or another vehi- now to benefit Concordia and David, a lifelong businessman, have cle of their choosing.” students for years to come.

cune.edu 42 Broadcaster cune.edu 1U.S. News & World Report (2016), 2Colleges of Distinction (2015), 3MONEY magazine (2015), 4CollegeFactual.com (2015) Please check cune.edu/events for a full Calendar of Events list of available events and details.

January April May

11 Start of Spring Semester 2 Gathering of the Talents 30 IMPROVables Performance 16-17 Sleet and Snow Swing: Sleet 3 Chamber Choir Concert 1 Handbell Concert Invitational for Forensics 3-15 Bachelor of Fine Arts Thesis 5 Golden Reunion: Class of 1966 18 Visit Day Exhibition 5 End of Spring Semester 23 CUNE High School Speech Classic 7-9 One-Act Play Festival 6 Graduate and Golden Reunion 23 Visiting Artist: Andrew White, voice 8 International Visit Day Luncheon 29-30 Concordia Invitational Tournament 14 Honor Recital 7 Commencement 17 Opening of Annual Student Art 9 Summer Semester Begins Exhibition 19-21 Heartland DCE Conference February 17 Broadway at the Boulders concert 18 53rd Guild Annual Meeting 5 Career and Graduate Fair 19 Symphonic Band Concert June 5 IMPROVables Performance 21 Chamber Orchestra and Chamber 14 Themed Recital: "Music of Love" Choir Concert 15 Early Childhood Conference 15 Visit Day 22 Visit Day 18-21 Symphonic Band Tour 22-24 Spring Weekend 26-28 “Murder by the Book” theatre 24 Male Chorus and Women’s performance Chorale Concert 29 Spring JazzFest March

3-14 A Cappella Tour 5-13 Spring Break 14-17 Osten Observatory Open House 18 Visit Day 18-19 24-Hour IMPROVathon 19 Annual Thank You Celebration 20 A Cappella Concert 25-28 Easter Break