Graduating seniors recognized for academic achievements at 2026 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 2026 Commencement Honors Dinner on May 8.  

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: Ava Bartels of Lincoln, Nebraska 

• English, Communication and Theatre Arts: Nora Betts of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Alison Galchutt of O’Fallon, Missouri 

• History, Geography, Intercultural Studies and Modern Languages: Simon Blankenship of Wutheville, Virginia, and Adah Pflughoeft of Lusk, Wyoming 

• Music: Joshua Jurchen of Seward, Nebraska, and Dylan Parker of Falls Church, Virginia 

• Natural Science: Autumn Deterding of Cambridge, Nebraska, Hayley Miles of North Platte, Nebraska, and Mayson Ostermeyer of Crofton, Nebraska 

• Theology, Philosophy and Biblical Languages: David Claridge of Leander, Texas, and Alison Galchutt of O’Fallon, Missouri 

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

• Computer Science and Mathematics: Aaron Cumming of Allen, Texas, and Hugo Fuentes Gomez of Denia, Spain 

• Paul H. and Mary Ann Koehler Department of Business: Emma Kettelhake of Seward, Nebraska, Taylor Larsen of Hazard, Nebraska, and Paige Melohn of Manson, Iowa 

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

• Early Childhood Education: Kylyn Robbins of Houston, Texas 

• Elementary Education: Kiera Moes of Osmond, Nebraska 

• Middle Level Education: Emily Amisano of Lincoln, Nebraska 

• Secondary Education: Meredith Boster of Fulshear, Texas 

• Special Education: Emma Borgschatz of Plainview, Minnesota 

• Health and Human Performance: Zackery Day of Simi Valley, California, Brittani Gutz of Osmond, Nebraska, and Gabrielle Wagner of Sioux City, Iowa. 

• Human and Social Sciences: Delaney Baker of Lincoln, Nebraska, Autumn Consier of Churdan, Iowa, and Molly Frenzen of Columbus, Nebraska 

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.