Courtney and Connie Meyer scholarship endowment receives $75,000 matching gift opportunity

Last November, Courtney Meyer concluded his 54-year high school and collegiate football coaching career at the end of the Bulldogs’ successful 2024 season. Those five-plus decades included 19 years as the head coach of Concordia Nebraska’s program 1990-2008) where Meyer oversaw more Bulldog football victories than any head coach in Concordia history. The number of wins during that span, however, pales beside the many hundreds of young men he inspired, shaped and mentored on and off the gridiron with his natural enthusiasm and vibrant Christian faith.  

In 2020, Meyer and his wife Connie ’78 created a scholarship endowment at the university to provide financial support for Bulldog football players who are also dedicated to serving in church work vocations. 

“Generous donors recently contacted us, and they wish to provide gifts to help grow the Meyers’ scholarship endowment and honor Courtney and Connie,” said Concordia University, Nebraska Senior Director of Development and Engagement Scott Seevers. 

While they wish to remain anonymous, the donors have offered an incredible matching gift opportunity. Any gift given to the Meyers’ scholarship endowment will be matched up to $75,000.  

“Courtney coached football for decades in a variety of roles, but always with the same passion and energy. He was still coaching special teams for Concordia last fall, but he decided to retire his coaching whistle entirely at the end of last season,” said Seevers. “And now, this amazing challenge gift has arrived. What a perfect tribute to the impact he made as a coach.”  

The Meyers endowment has reached the level where it will begin distributing scholarships in fall 2026. The match will strengthen the endowment even more, providing financial support for many who desire to serve the church in various vocations. 

“Courtney has always been in the public light, but they both have always had hearts for ministry. Connie has been a wonderful supporter and quiet encourager behind the scenes,” said Seevers. “The two of them have influenced and impacted countless student-athletes and others, and they share a passion for ministry and faith formation.”  

Channels exist for donors to contribute gifts of any size that make a meaningful impact at Concordia Nebraska. One-time gifts, recurring contributions or unique options like legacy gifts via a will offer a variety of vehicles for donor generosity. All help to sustain Concordia’s mission of preparing future leaders for the church and the world.  

“As Courtney’s faith formation legacy on the gridiron concludes, this means of church work support is really taking off, and this is an opportunity for other people to join in that legacy. So many people love Courtney and Connie. They are wonderful folks, and I hope many are inspired to support this challenge match.” 

“Courtney coached football for decades in a variety of roles, but always with the same passion and energy. He was still coaching special teams for Concordia last fall, but he decided to retire his coaching whistle entirely at the end of last season. And now, this amazing challenge gift has arrived. What a perfect tribute to the impact he made as a coach.”

The university recently announced that Meyer will receive the Concordia University, Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Lifetime Service Award during this year’s homecoming festivities. The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes former athletes, coaches, teams and others who have made exceptional contributions to the athletic programs at Concordia and who exemplify the Christian principles to which Concordia Nebraska adheres. 

Many are quick to point out the influence that the Meyers have had on Bulldog athletics and the university as a whole. 

“Courtney and Connie Meyer have made a lasting impact on my family and on thousands of football players over the course of Courtney’s career in coaching,” said Concordia Nebraska Head Football Coach Patrick Daberkow. “Courtney is a prayer warrior, a man of high integrity, grace and gratitude. He is relentlessly positive and genuinely cares for Concordia University, the Bulldog football program and all of the individuals that make this place what it is. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made and the ministry that they continue.” 

The Meyers said they chose to give through an endowment for scholarships for future educators because they want their gifts to continue to grow and to enable other alumni and friends to add to these funds through memorials and giving.  

“Classrooms need more Lutheran teachers! Congregations need more pastors! We also highly encourage people to consider Concordia in their estate planning,” said Courtney. “It is a dream of ours to enable Lutheran educators to be able to graduate with lower college debt. Larger scholarship funds are necessary to draw more young men and women into our Lutheran schools and pulpits.” 

Gifts of any size help ensure that the Concordia Nebraska experience – a Christ-centered, vibrant community that provides an academically excellent education with invested faculty – continues to be accessible to future generations of students. Your gifts are gratefully welcomed at cune.edu/giving. For those who do not wish to give online, checks may be sent to Concordia University, Nebraska, Office of Institutional Advancement, 800 North Columbia Avenue, Seward, Nebraska 68434 Questions may be directed to the Concordia Nebraska Office of Institutional Advancement at 800-535-5494 ext. 7221 or email giftprocessing@cune.edu.