Concordia holds 104th commencement

Published by Concordia University, Nebraska 14 years ago on Wed, Apr 27, 2011 12:33 PM

Concordia University, Nebraska held its 104th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 7, in the newly renamed Walz Human Performance Complex.

The speaker for the ceremony was Rev. Dr. Orville Walz, president emeritus. A 1961 graduate of Concordia College in Seward, Walz returned to his alma mater as a professor in 1969 where he also worked as registrar and, later, as director of the graduate program. Walz became Concordia College in Seward’s ninth president in 1990, a position he held for 14 years. In honor of his contributions to Concordia, the building formerly known as the Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center was renamed the Walz Human Performance Complex on Thursday, May 5.

A collection of honorary degrees and awards was bestowed during commencement. Those receiving honors included David Sommermeyer, Fort Wayne, Ind., Doctor of Laws; Dr. Sandra Hodges, Omaha, Neb., Doctor of Letters; Allen Loesel, St. Charles, Mo., Master Educator; A. William “Bill” and Leona Kernen, Omaha, Neb., Crest of Christ Award; Richard Buethe, Lincoln, Neb., Crest of Christ Award; and Roger Glawatz, Seward, Neb., Distinguished Service Award. Concordia alumni celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation year were also be recognized.

On Friday, May 6, a baccalaureate service was held at St. John Lutheran Church. Rev. Ryan Matthias, campus pastor, served as preacher. The liturgist was Rev. Terrence Groth, assistant professor of theology. Music for the ceremony was provided by Concordia Professor of Music Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, the University A Cappella Choir as conducted by Professor of Music Dr. Kurt von Kampen, and the Concordia Brass Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Wendy Schultz, adjunct music faculty.

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