Worship service opens 2012 school year at Concordia
The 119th academic year of Concordia University, Nebraska officially began at an evening worship service on Sunday, Aug. 26, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward.
The service emphasized the university’s theme Bible verse for the year from the book of Ephesians: “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
Rev. Scott Bruick preached during the service. Bruick is the pastoral leader at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Rev. Ryan Matthias, campus pastor, was the liturgist, and Laurie Zum Hofe, professor of English, and Thomas Krenzke, reference and instruction librarian, were the readers.
Music for the service was provided by Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, university organist, and by the University A Cappella Choir under the direction of Dr. Kurt von Kampen. Special music entitled “Courageous” written by senior Kyle Soflin (Seward, Neb.) was performed by Soflin and sophomore Ciara Philben (Ainsworth, Neb.).
The service also recognized new faculty and staff and professors advancing in academic rank.
New faculty and staff:
Vicki Anderson, Ph.D., assistant professor of education, ELL program coordinator
Curtis Beck, Ph.D., associate professor of business administration
Keegan Bloomfield, B.A., admission counselor
Stacy Dahlkoetter, M.A., assistant athletic trainer
Alice Epstein, Ph.D., director of graduate special education program
Molly Fitzke, Ph.D., director of RN to BSN program
Mark Geary, B.A., admission counselor
Adam Hengeveld, B.S. Ed., community manager
John Hink, Ph.D., assistant professor of history
Jessica Kite, M.M., adjunct instructor of music
Jacob Knabel, B.A., sports information director
Leigh Lewis, B.S. Ed., development prospect researcher
Danielle Luebbe, M.A., web writer & project manager
Scott Mattera, B.B.A., head volleyball coach
Aaron Nix, M.F.A., video producer and multimedia developer
Monique Nunes, M.A., assistant director of student life
Shanna Opfer, M.S. Ed., interim program director for elementary education
Corby Osten, M. Ed., junior varsity head football coach
Beth Pester, M. Ed., assistant professor of education & director of assessment
Lisa Smith, M.F.A., assistant professor of English
Donna Stehlik, B.A., director of student financial services and financial aid compliance
Alexandra Vogt, B.A., College of Graduate Studies enrollment coordinator
Dana Vote, B.A., head wrestling coach
Thaddeus Warren, Ph.D., dean of College of Graduate Studies and adult education
Kathleen Wheeler, Ph.D., interim program director for masters of education emphasis in literacy
Curran White, M.S., assistant head football coach/offensive coordinator
Faculty advancing in academic rank
Ron Bork, Ph.D. to professor
Bernard Tonjes, Ph.D. to associate professor
Kristy Jurchen, Ph.D. to associate professor