Dr. Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music, was honored with Concordia University, Nebraska’s Outstanding Teaching Award during commencement ceremonies on campus Saturday, May 5. “This is unbelievable. I am humbled to be here,” von Kampen said during his comments following the announcement. He went on to thank the choirs he directs, his fellow faculty, his wife and the administration in their support of the arts at Concordia. Kept a secret until the second ceremony, the annual award goes to a full-time member of Concordia’s faculty who is nominated by students and selected by a committee of students and faculty members who have previously received the award.“This is such a surprise, and I am most honored because this award comes from the students,” he remarked afterwards.
“Teaching here is a team effort, though. My family, my fellow music professors and the administration make it possible.”
Von Kampen has been conducting choirs at Concordia since the fall of 1998 and is the fourth conductor of the University A Cappella Choir. He leads the choirs on both national and international tours as well as in supporting worship on campus and in area churches.
Von Kampen earned his bachelor’s from Concordia, a master of music from Oakland University, Rochester, Mich., and his doctorate from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Watch the commencement ceremonies here: Webcast and DVD orders of commencement ceremonies
View the commencement photo galleries here: Photo gallery pages for commencement