Concordia University announces Answering The Call campaign

Concordia University, Nebraska today announced Answering The Call, the university’s latest fundraising campaign, at a kick-off event on campus.

The $65 million campaign, the largest in university history, will provide support for Concordia students through four key initiatives: Science and Business, Agriculture, For the Churchand Our Promises of a Lutheran Education.

“The Answering The Call campaign, with God’s blessings, and the generous investment of thousands of friends and alumni will allow Concordia University, Nebraska to advance the future of Lutheran Christian higher education, as it seeks to equip students to learn, serve and lead in the church and God’s world.” said Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Concordia president.

Funds raised through the campaign will provide resources for capital projects, university operations and the university’s endowment, allowing Concordia to continue offering financial aid to 100% of undergraduate students at an average of $23,930 per student.

At the event, Kurth Brashear, Concordia vice president for institutional advancement, hosted a panel discussion about how each of the key initiatives will impact students. Panel participants were: Dr. Doug '83 and Denise Tewes, campaign co-chairs; Dr. Rob Hermann '83, physics professor and chair of the natural and computer science department; Krista Barnhouse CO '95 GR '01, principal of Faith Lutheran School in Lincoln; Sam Moore, senior education major; and Madi Baker, sophomore agribusiness major. 

Science and Business: Science and business have been two of the fastest growing fields of study at Concordia in the last 10 years. The number of students majoring in the natural sciences has doubled, while nearly 200 undergraduates are studying business. Innovative and centralized facilities, experiential learning, enhanced research opportunities and strategic investments are key elements in this initiative. 

Agriculture: Concordia is uniquely positioned to equip students to serve throughout the agriculture industry. By offering attractive scholarship packages for our students in the agricultural science program — where they will learn animal science, plant science, food science and agribusiness — Concordia will prepare students to serve and make an impact in the industry, through their work on the family farm or as part of a regional or national organization.

For the Church: Throughout its history, Concordia has had a mission emphasis on equipping students to serve God and His church. Through this initiative, Concordia will continue to provide an affordable education for students pursuing church work, as well as opportunities for students to serve on mission trips, both internationally and domestically.

Our Promises of a Lutheran Education: Concordia promises every student will receive a Lutheran, Christ-centered higher education where they will be equipped not only with a set of skills and a degree, but also a sense of Christian vocation and purpose for the future.

For more information about Answering The Call, visit the campaign's website.