Graduating seniors recognized for academic achievements at 2025 Commencement Honors Dinner

Concordia University, Nebraska recently honored 27 graduating seniors who maintained high levels of academic excellence during their time at the university at the 2025 Commencement Honors Dinner on May 9.  

Each year, academic departments may confer two or more awards, depending on the department’s size and the number of students in a particular program. Each department may determine the basis for students’ attainment of these awards; however, they must consider the student’s grade point average, service to the department and service to the university.  

The College of Arts and Sciences, represented by Dr. Lisa Ashby, dean of the college, honored the following students:  

• Art: Elizabeth Lee of Fort Collins, Colo.  

• English, Communication and Theatre Arts: Elizabeth Ascher of Sioux Falls, S.D.  

• History, Geography, Intercultural Studies and Modern Foreign Language: Thomas Gorline of St. Peters, Mo. and Ellie Jander of Bridgeton, Mo.  

• Music: Ryan Edinger of Wentzville, Mo., Kirsten Horne of Seward, Neb. and Jackson Munter of Ithaca, Neb.  

• Natural Science: Senna McMullen of Olathe, Kan. and Joshua Puelz of Lincoln, Neb.    

• Theology, Philosophy and Biblical Languages: Brianna Bianco of Loveland, Colo. and Aarin Dean of Seward, Neb.  

The College of Business and Technology, represented by Dr. Lisa Ashby, interim dean of the college, honored the following students:  

• Computer Science and Mathematics: Anne Aschmann of Quito, Ecuador and Anna Chen of Taichung City, Taiwan 

• Paul H. and Mary Ann Koehler Department of Business: Nolan Fuelberth of Lincoln, Neb., Katelyn Smith of Omaha, Neb. and Trinity Tuls of Valley, Neb. 

The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, represented by Dr. Lorinda Sankey, dean of the college, honored the following students.  

• Early Childhood Education: Jessica Zehendner of Pleasanton, Neb.  

• Elementary Education: Gretchen Stottlemyre of Olympia, Wash.  

• Middle Level Education: Carson Richters of Utica, Neb.  

• Secondary Education: Nathan Pennekamp of Fort Wayne, Ind.  

• Special Education: Rhaya Kaschinske of Fort Wayne, Ind.  

• Health and Human Performance: Greta Corneliusen of Colorado Springs, Colo., Riley Hoetfelker of Hooper, Neb. and Ty Nekoliczak of Greeley, Neb.  

• Human and Social Sciences: Tessa Blough of Cody, Wyo., Mackenzie Houser of Galena, Kan. and Hope Nelson of Rochester, Minn.  

Concordia University, Nebraska demonstrates a legacy of excellence through its distinguished students and alumni, many of whom go on to serve the church and world in great capacities. Learn more about applying to Concordia here.