Retired educators Ellen (Kottwitz) Henschen '74 and Ron Henschen ’72 look forward to this summer’s Golden Reunion at Concordia Nebraska.

Ellen (Kottwitz) Henschen '74 and Ron Henschen ’72 both had numerous relatives and friends who attended Concordia University, Nebraska prior to their time at the university. Ellen had always wanted to be a teacher and cousins Marilyn (Altevogt) Helmer ‘64, Lester Altevogt ’68 and Orville Altevogt ’71 shared their positive experience with then-named Concordia Teachers College with Ellen. Despite the suggestion from many that he attend Concordia Nebraska, Ron began his college career at St. Cloud State in Minnesota, but in his first semester, he realized that what he really wanted was a Lutheran education and training for a Lutheran vocation. 

Ellen has a bachelor of science in education and music education from Concordia Nebraska. Ron has a bachelor of science in education and also has a master’s degree in counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

The professors encouraged excellence in all that we did. Concordia also offered many opportunities to worship in services, through music, discussions and classes. My involvement in Concordia Singers nurtured my love of church music.

When asked to share their favorite memories of their time at the university, Ron and Ellen agree that meeting each other there tops the list but also cite the wonderful life-long friendships that were begun during their time on campus and their positive interactions with professors. Ellen is also quick to point out many great musical experiences. 

“The professors encouraged excellence in all that we did,” she said. “Concordia also offered many opportunities to worship in services, through music, discussions and classes. My involvement in Concordia Singers nurtured my love of church music.” 

Ron said he appreciated being able to discuss faith issues with both classmates and professors, and that those interactions prepared him for dealing with student issues and the challenges he faced as a high school counselor for many years. 

Following graduation, Ellen taught second grade at Christ Lutheran in Norfolk, Nebraska, then grades 4, 5, and 6 at Mount Calvary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then grades one and two at Emmanuel Lutheran in Hamburg, Minnesota, and finally preschool, Kindergarten and first grade for more than 25 years at Trinity Lutheran in Edwardsville, Illinois. 

“I have retired after several decades of teaching and felt privileged to share Jesus with so many children,” she said. “I have also sung in my church choirs in every location I have lived at as well as with other community groups. I started and have directed a women's choir at Trinity for 28 years. I have sung with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus for over 40 years, singing in Carnegie Hall many times.” 

Ron began his career as teacher and youth group leader at Concordia Lutheran in Maplewood, Missouri, then served at St. John in Battle Creek, Nebraska, at Bethany in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Mayer Lutheran High School as teacher, counselor and coach and since 1980 has served at MetroEast Lutheran High in Edwardsville, Illinois as teacher of several subjects including religion while also serving as a counselor and coach. 

“I’m retired but still subbing!” he laughed. “I loved almost every day of teaching and now love retirement! Retirement offers flexibility of schedule and travel opportunities, and I still have the opportunity to connect with former students and associates. There have been many changes in the classroom over the years with technology and the opportunities and challenges that students and teachers are faced with.” 

The Henschens have two children: Joshua and Amanda ’04. Though retired, Ron and Ellen stay active. You’ll find Ellen walking, exercising, gardening, reading, traveling and always singing. Ron enjoys home chores, traveling, reading and watching TV.   

“Challenges and rewards are a daily occurrence in this world and God gives us the tools to handle it,” said Ellen. 

The couple plans to attend this summer’s Golden Reunion at Concordia Nebraska. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing friends and all the blessings so evident at Concordia,” said Ron. 

Concordia University, Nebraska will welcome the Classes 1974 and 1975 to campus for a Golden Reunion event June 10-12, 2025. The event celebrates the university’s past, present and future and features time for alumni to reconnect with friends, attend class-led chapel, experience optional dorm stays and more.