Concordia Nebraska announces new Luke Scholars program participants

Luke Scholars is Concordia University, Nebraska’s honors program and its oldest scholars program. The program is in its eighth year and is defined by its desire to instill in students a recognition of the talents and intellect with which they have been blessed. 

Luke Scholars are disciplined and motivated students who are willing to challenge themselves intellectually to enhance their lives and serve others through their vocations. Luke Scholars receive notable tangible benefits, including complimentary Luke Scholars course materials, access to the Luke Scholars library, tuition waivers for course overloads, funds to support research, supplemental study travel stipends and recognition for being a Luke Scholar on transcripts. 

This year, 16 students were admitted to the program: 

Miriam Anderson, St. Louis, Missouri 

Kiersten Bjordahl, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 

Zachary Bonine, Newburg, North Dakota 

Ana Boyle, Fort Wayne, Indiana 

Hannah Gruber, Lincoln, Nebraska 

Jordan Hagemann, Hamel, Minnesota 

James Ikenberry, Runnells, Iowa 

Katherine Johnsen, Grand Island, Nebraska 

Elise McKinnon, Grand Island, Nebraska 

Caleb Nicholls, Glendive, Montana 

Amelia North, Yutan, Nebraska 

Kasey Olmstead, Edmond, Oklahoma 

Elise Rothert, Kansas City, Missouri 

Kaelyn Rothert, Kansas City, Missouri 

Sophia Squire, Saint Ansgar, Iowa 

Cara Winningham, Perryville, Missouri 

“I have seen a lot of group bonding and real friendships forming among the freshmen. I am excited about this as fellowship is such an important part of a Christian intellectual community like the Luke Scholars.”

Dr. John Hink, program director, noted the sibling ties present in this cohort. Two students in the new cohort have older siblings who are current Luke Scholars in other cohorts. In addition, Elise and Kaelyn Rothert are twins in this year’s freshman group, and their older sister graduated from Concordia Nebraska and the Luke Scholars program in May. 

“I have seen a lot of group bonding and real friendships forming among the freshmen,” said Hink. “I am excited about this as fellowship is such an important part of a Christian intellectual community like the Luke Scholars.” 

All students who have been admitted to Concordia are invited to apply to be a part of Luke Scholars. An application, two letters of recommendation from teachers and, if selected, an interview are part of the application process. Once students have been admitted to Concordia, they may submit an application via email to LukeScholars@cune.edu.