Concordia University, Nebraska will hold its 108th commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, in the Walz Human Performance Complex arena.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts will present the commencement address and will receive the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Concordia. The Doctor of Laws degree is conferred upon individuals who have distinguished themselves through prolonged superior service and dedication to a field of study. Ricketts has dedicated time and resources to supporting Nebraska entrepreneurs and startup companies for years, and he has used his passion for serving others to fulfill leadership roles in his community and government.
In addition to Ricketts, five other individuals will receive honorary degrees or awards during commencement. Those receiving the honors are Rev. David Bueltmann of Buffalo, Illinois, the Doctor of Letters degree; Esther Pfabe of Seward, Nebraska, the Crest of Christ Award; Susan Steege of Amherst, New York, the Master Educator Award; Dr. Dudley Wiest of Orange, California, the Doctor of Laws degree; and Phil Zielke of Glendale Heights, Illinois, the Distinguished Service Award.
Concordia alumni from the class of 1965 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 8, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Rev. Ryan Matthias, campus pastor at Concordia University, Nebraska, will serve as preacher for the service. Rev. Dr. Charles Blanco, Concordia’s associate professor of theology, 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 give a short concert.
