Commencement exercises May 7 at Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska will hold its 109th commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the Walz Human Performance Complex arena.

Colonel Eric Teegerstrom of Firth, Nebraska, will present the commencement address and will receive the Distinguished Service Award from Concordia during the ceremony. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated the use of God’s gifts in outstanding public service. Teegerstrom, a well-respected leader in the United States Army, has given 24 years of service to our country, executing extensive, commendable military service with dignity, integrity and dedication.

Five additional individuals are being recognized with honorary degrees or awards. Those receiving honors are Roland Temme of Lincoln, Nebraska, the Doctor of Laws degree; Dr. Frederick Schamber of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, the Doctor of Letters degree; John Bobzin of Concordia, Missouri, the Master Educator Award; and Virginia Von Seggern of Orchard, Nebraska, the Crest of Christ Award. Dr. David Hahn of Saratoga Springs, New York, is also honored this year. He is unable to attend the commencement ceremony; therefore, he received the Doctor of Laws degree at the 2016 Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools Conference in March 2016.

Concordia alumni from the class of 1966 who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation also will be honored.

Music for the commencement ceremony will be provided by the University Chamber Choir, conducted by Professor of Music Dr. Kurt von Kampen, and the University Symphonic Band, conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Andrew Schultz.

The ceremony will be webcast live at cune.edu/commencement.

A baccalaureate service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Rev. Dr. Dirk Reek, associate professor of theology, will serve as preacher for the service. Rev. Ryan Matthias, campus pastor, will serve as the liturgist.

Baccalaureate service music will be provided by Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music and university organist; the University A Cappella Choir, conducted by Professor of Music Dr. Kurt von Kampen; and the Concordia Brass Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Wendy Schultz, adjunct professor of music.

A reception will follow the baccalaureate service, hosted by the Concordia Tower Guild, and the A Cappella Choir and select musicians will perform a short concert.