Academy for Excellence

Concordia University will host 44 academically-gifted junior high students and their parents at its day-long Academy for Excellence program and celebration banquet. The event will both recognize the students for their achievements and challenge them with a collegiate learning experience. The students, nominated by their school principals and teachers, are from Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.

“These young people represent the best in academics, character and leadership skills,” said Jan Koopman, director of alumni and university relations for Concordia and academy team member.

The academy’s theme this year is “CSI: Concordia University,” inspired by the popular CBS television series. Throughout the day, teams of students will apply logic skills to solve a fictitious environmental crime. Concordia professors have combined efforts to create a multi-disciplinary approach to the crime investigation premise of the day. “It has been great fun to work collaboratively with other faculty on this project and I am impressed over and over again with the gifts our faculty at large bring to the table,” said Dr. Renea Gernant, professor of communication and academy team member.

While the students are solving the mysteries of the day, their parents will be offered workshops in financial planning for college, round-table discussions with current Concordia parents and a tour of campus and Seward. “Parents play such a significant role in preparing their child for a successful college experience, so we want to give the parents the opportunity to learn more now and ask questions,” said Curt Sherman, director of enrollment management.

The day will conclude with a celebration banquet and the presentation of Academy for Excellence medallions to the students. “The response of faculty, student participants and parents has been tremendous,” said Dr. David Dolak, provost. “We are looking forward to an outstanding day with these gifted students and their parents.”