Concordia Nebraska hosts annual Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association conference

On Saturday, March 28, Concordia University, Nebraska hosted the annual Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association (NPCMA) conference. This is the fourth time in nine years that Concordia Nebraska has hosted the event. This year, the conference featured a variety of panel discussions, a keynote speaker and an awards ceremony. 

Bethel College, Black Hills State University, Chadron State College, Concordia University, Nebraska, Doane University, Peru State College, the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) and Wayne State College are members of the NPCMA. Bethel, Chadron, Concordia Nebraska, UNK and Wayne State were represented at Saturday’s conference, but every school had students entered in the competition. 

Each university sent representatives from its on-campus student-run newspaper. The Concordia Sower was represented by both editors and reporters. The Sower is a student-run paper that functions under faculty supervision. The paper publishes a print edition once a month during the academic year, as well as regularly addingstories to their website. 

The first panel discussion, “What Makes a Great Podcast?”, was led by Concordia Nebraska junior Kai Olbrich of Bennington, Nebraska, Sower Sports Editor and co-host of the Talkin’ Dawgs sports podcast, with podcasters from other NPCMA schools. Their discussion revolved around podcast best practices, challenges and what not to do. 

The second session, “Managing Editors Tell All”, was led by Concordia Nebraska senior and Sower Managing Editor Nora Betts of Scranton, Pennsylvania and involved a discussion between the NPCMA managing editors about their approach to running their newsrooms, challenges, inspirations, successes and failures.  

The third session was led by Tobin Beck, chair of Concordia’s English, communication and theatre arts department, and his wife Ellen Beck, faculty advisor for the Sower. “Discussion and Tips for Covering Major News and Beats” was a presentation given by the Becks teaching attendees about how best to cover major local, national and international news stories, as well as how to successfully develop a niche in the career.  

“Even though there have been some changes over the years, the basic premise remains the same: we want students to be celebrated for their outstanding work and to share that work with their peers.”

The Becks, in cooperation with Betts, Olbrich and other members of the Sower decided on the format for the conference. Their goal was to focus on and involve the students. 

All sessions were held in Thom Auditorium in the Thom Leadership and Education Center. Afterwards, attendees moved to Cattle Conference Room in Janzow Campus Center for a luncheon and a keynote speaker.  

The 2026 keynote speaker was Madison Pitsch ’19. Pitsch works as the evening news anchor for KOLN-TV in Lincoln, Nebraska. She used her personal career as a way toillustrate the importance of journalism and the benefits of studying journalism at a small college.  

“I enjoy sharing my experience with others,” she said. “I recognize that I would not be in the role I have without other journalists sharing their time and expertise, including Tobin and Ellen Beck. I view my job as a public service – to give a voice to the voiceless, hold power to account, etc. - and part of that public service is ensuring that future journalists are prepared when they enter the field. I’m deeply appreciative to be trusted with that task, whether in the field, at the desk or speaking at conferences.” 

After the presentation, the conference concluded with the NPCMA Awards Ceremony. Nora Betts, Kai Olbrich and Concordia Nebraska sophomore and Sower reporter Natalie Guske  of Katy, Texas won awards.  

The awards were presented by Pat Janssen, the executive director of NPCMA as well as an assistant professor of mass communications at Wayne State College. He believes that the awards are an important way to celebrate the achievements of the students. 

“I got a chance to be a part of Golden Leaf awards when I was a student almost a quarter century ago. It’s an event that matters a lot to me. Even though there have been some changes over the years, the basic premise remains the same: we want students to be celebrated for their outstanding work and to share that work with their peers,” said Janssen. 

Tobin Beck said that he thought the conference was a good networking opportunity for journalism students across different schools.  

“I think the conference went very well. It was a great opportunity for students who are learning journalism to share ideas and experiences and just have fun together. It also was an opportunity for them to compare notes on what stories they’ve been covering, and how they’ve been covering them. It was also an opportunity for students to bond with each other as colleagues and friends while also validating and encouraging their growth into capable and confident professionals.” 

Awards: 

Best General News Story – 3rd Place: Natalie Guske, “Fall 2025 Assassins game keeps students with their eyes up and spoons in hand” 

Best General News Story – 1st Place: Nora Betts, “Annual Naked Man Run takes place even as windchills reach the negatives” 

Best Sports Game Story – 1st Place: Kai Olbrich, “Bulldog basketball dominates at Cattle Classic tournament” 

Best Podcast – 3rd Place: Kai Olbrich and Cohen Carpenter, “Talkin Dawgs” 

Best Podcast – 2nd Place: Kai Olbrich and Aaron Spivey, “Talkin Dawgs” 

Best Overall Design – 2nd Place: Sower Staff 

Students who attended the conference include:  

Nathan Sievert, Norfolk, Nebraska 

Natalie Guske, Katy, Texas 

Michaela Gibbs, Belleville, Illinois 

Nora Betts, Scranton, Pennsylvania 

Aaron Spivey, Smithfield, Virginia 

Kai Olbrich, Bennington, Nebraska 

Dylan Buechler, Rapid City, South Dakota 

Elizabeth Salo, West Ely, Missouri 

Alison Galchutt, O’Fallon, Missouri 

Claire VanTol, Unionville, Michigan 

Mi-Ree Zwick, Minden, Nebraska 

The journalism and public relations program at Concordia University, Nebraska prepares students to be lights of Christ in the world, by putting into practice Luther’s view of vocation: we serve God by serving other people. People need news and information that they can trust as being honest, accurate and credible. Concordia’s program teaches students to be responsible journalists and public relations professionals who follow ethical principles in providing information that others can rely on. Learn more about the journalism program at Concordia here.