On April 11, Concordia University, Nebraska hosted its second annual Paul Scholars Banquet in celebration and appreciation of the Paul Scholars. The event was held in the Cattle Conference Room in Janzow Campus Center and featured keynote speaker Greg Butcher.  

Butcher is the Seward city administrator. He has served in this role since 2027. Prior to this, he served as the Beatrice City Attorney working in criminal prosecution, contract and union negotiation and grant administration. Butcher has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska. He is also a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law.  He currently lives in Seward with his wife and their three children. In his free time, Butcher enjoys coaching youth sports and viewing and participating in local live music with his band “The Killigans.”  

In his speech, he talked about how the influence and leadership of Concordia and those connected to Concordia have shaped how he leads and how students and community members experience the community. Butcher also talked about how Christ and the church are at the center of leadership principles. 

“It was a joy to put this event together with my classmates. It challenged us in many ways that have caused us to grow to become better leaders. We have learned many things so that in the future it can be even better. This opportunity to celebrate our achievements and share our gratitude with everyone that has done so much with us was very gratifying.”

“The purpose of this banquet is to celebrate what all the scholars have achieved in the program thus far and to appreciate our mentors, Concordia Nebraska leadership, donors, family and friends. We do this through sharing a meal and fellowshipping with one another as well as listening to and sharing speeches to encourage others and reflect on what has happened,” said Paul Scholar Isaac Herrington. 

In addition to Butcher’s speech, attendees also heard from Concordia University, Nebraska President, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Director of Academic Ventures Dr. Bernard Bull, Paul Scholars Director Paul Berggren and Nathaniel Sizer, Paul Scholars cohort one representative and Claire Rolfes, Paul Scholars cohort two representative. 

This was the second time that the banquet has been held, but it was the first time that the event was fully planned and coordinated by Paul Scholars.  

“It was a joy to put this event together with my classmates. It challenged us in many ways that have caused us to grow to become better leaders. We have learned many things so that in the future it can be even better. This opportunity to celebrate our achievements and share our gratitude with everyone that has done so much with us was very gratifying,” said Herrington. 

Students involved in Paul Scholars include: 

Cohort 1 

Anna Pennekamp, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Elementary and Middle English Level Education (LTD) 

Brianna Burns, Denham Springs, Louisiana, Theology (Pre-Deaconess) 

Hannah Federwitz, Concordia, Missouri, Behavioral Science 

Heidi Blank, Las Vegas, Nevada, Computer Science and Data Science 

Isaac Herrington, Omaha, Nebraska, Graphic Design 

Kaylee Schoen, Adams, Nebraska, Exercise Science (Pre-Athletic Training) 

Lauren Gilmore, Rockford, Illinois, Secondary Education and Chemistry 

Malia Schleusener, Mansfield, Ohio, Biology 

Nathaniel Sizer, Bellevue, Nebraska, Business Administration 

Rachel Amey, Wichita, Kansas, Criminal Justice and Psychology 

Cohort 2 

Amallia Geuy, Buhler, Kansas, Middle Level Education 

Aspen Hansen, Wahoo, Nebraska, Studio Art 

Cheyenne Vahl, Upland, Nebraska, Biology 

Claire Rolfes, Hartington, Nebraska, Biology (Pre-Veterinary); Minors: Agricultural Science and Chemistry 

Cohen Paden, Newcastle, Nebraska, Psychology 

Elizabeth Wysocki, Rockford, Illinois, Criminal Justice and Behavioral Science 

Jasmine Baker, Anchor Point, Alaska, Business Administration 

Kierra Papik, Exeter, Nebraska, Elementary Education 

Payton Hendricks, Hastings, Nebraska, Psychology and Behavioral Science 

Concordia’s Paul Scholars are servant leaders from day one, driven to make a difference in their careers, mentor others and reflect Christ’s light in any vocation. The program helps students grow their people skills, making their technical abilities even more valuable. Through their work as a Paul Scholar, students cover part of their tuition, with the remaining portion supported by a scholarship awarded through the program.