The official ribbon cutting ceremony for Concordia University's new campus in Lincoln will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11. The university's graduate college and adult education programs in Lincoln have been in session for several weeks there already, but this will be the first celebration of the historic move.
Concordia will celebrate the opening with the other tenants of the Town Center facility and the NEBCO Inc. development company in a day full of events. The ribbon cutting will be at 9:30 a.m.
"Concordia has been about the business of higher education for a long time, 115 years," said Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich. "We are thrilled to be in Fallbrook and start a new venture of serving the Lincoln community in its midst and also continuing to reach out to others through long-distance delivery."
Throughout the afternoon Concordia's offices and classrooms will be open with tours and program information available regarding graduate study programs and bachelor's degree completion for working adults.
"Concordia prides itself in its academic relevance combined with solid theory," said Dr. Mark Blanke, associate provost of the university. "High quality instruction and a student-centeredness are at the core of everything that we do. This facility is testimony to that fact."
In the plazas surrounding the building, attendees will be able to enjoy live music from one of Concordia's student praise bands and visit with Boogie, one of Concordia's bulldog mascots.
Boogie will be far from the only dog at the party. NOAH's Assistance Dogs will be sponsoring both competitive and fun runs with pets in the morning. With the help of faculty and students from Concordia, the group will also have a pet parade and dog handling demonstrations. A silent auction and bake sale will also be held to benefit NOAH. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Pre-registration is possible online at www.noahsdogs.org.
NEBCO Inc. is pairing the grand opening with the second Fall Festival for the Fallbrook neighborhood with a tailgate party, a broadcast of the Nebraska Huskers football game, more live music, home tours and an art show.
See also: Window on Concordia, No. 1, Concordia opens Lincoln campus