Alumni and former university employees Dr. David ‘60 and Nancy ’61 Held share great love for Concordia Nebraska

Many in the Seward area know Dr. David ‘60 and Nancy ’61 Held because of the couple’s long service to the Concordia University, Nebraska. David served the university as a music professor from 1979 to 2000. Nancy served in various positions around campus, most notably in the Student Life Office. Today, the couple remain prominent fixtures on campus despite their retirements: they’re frequently found cheering for the Bulldogs at various sporting events and attending music performances, and you’ll often find them worshipping across the street at St. John Lutheran Church. 

“This place is so special,” said David. “It’s different than other universities and has a different mindset than what you see in general society.” 

David has a bachelor of science in music from Concordia Nebraska, a master of arts in music from University of Northern Iowa and a doctorate in church music from the University of Southern California. Nancy grew up in Hastings, Nebraska, and earned a bachelor of science degree in education and Lutheran Teacher Diploma from Concordia Nebraska. 

“I visited the campus when I was in elementary school for the Gathering of the Talents,” explained Nancy. “It just kind of always stuck with me. They were such nice people, and I knew I wanted to become a Lutheran school teacher.” 

David attended Concordia High School from 1952 to 1956, then continued his college education at the university.  

We would really enjoy seeing more and more people support what’s being done at Concordia Nebraska. Set aside money to give to the university. Pray for Concordia. Encourage students to study here. And consider different ways that you can support the university.

“I came to the high school because I was very interested in music. A fairly recent Seward graduate was teaching seventh grade at my school when I was growing up. He told me that I could study organ if I came to the high school, so I came to Concordia High School. But going to college here wasn’t an automatic thing. I was considering Valparaiso, but Concordia’s president told me that if I attended there, I wouldn’t be eligible for a teacher call and would be out of the system. I didn’t understand all of that at the time, but I’m very glad I decided to stay here!”  

The couple met at the university. 

“We knew each other for several years because were both in the A Cappella Choir. Nancy was originally dating a really good friend of mine…he and I played football together,” he laughed. “Our first date was on Valentine’s Day my senior year.” 

David graduated the year before Nancy. His first teaching call took him to Iowa while Nancy finished her senior year, during which they were engaged. Nancy graduated and left on a six-week European tour with A Cappella the same day, and they were married following her return. The couple lived in Waterloo, Iowa for six years, during which time David got his master’s degree. Then they moved to California. 

“You know, one of those things I said I would never do: live in California,” laughed David. “But God had other plans, and we just followed the Lord’s leading.” 

They lived in Orange, California for 13 years and enjoyed a supportive congregation and a fantastic music program where David served. During that time, he earned his doctoral degree. 

They moved to Seward in 1979 and enjoyed more than two decades of service to the university. Today, they take great delight in remaining an active part of campus life and the greater Seward community.  

“You know, you get a lifetime campus activities pass when you’re an emeritus professor,” laughed David. “Have to take advantage of that!” 

Both are quick to sing the praises of the university, citing its outstanding academics and Christ-focused atmosphere. 

“You look at what’s going on at secular universities, and the education here is just so different. After sitting in four classes in the last three years at Concordia Nebraska as an observer, I can tell you that the quality of instruction here is just outstanding,” said David. “Both the professors and students are high quality.” 

“The classes are small, too,” added Nancy. “And the students are just so positive and ask great questions.” 

David said his service to the university in the music department brought him great joy. 

“One of the main reasons I was called here was to direct the Concordia Singers, which was an auditioned choir of about 30 voices. We focused on sacred choral music and were organized to function within the context of worship services. And Nancy was a part of that adventure, too. She went on all the choir tours except two.”  

“We also hosted the choir at our house three to four times a year,” said Nancy. “We really enjoyed that. We have many happy memories.” 

David also directed the university’s handbell choirs from 1979 to 2000. Handbells were not originally a select group at the university, but over time interest grew and handbells expanded to two auditioned choirs. 

“We would really enjoy seeing more and more people support what’s being done at Concordia Nebraska,” said David. “Set aside money to give to the university. Pray for Concordia. Encourage students to study here. And consider different ways that you can support the university through your estate planning and unique tools like gift annuities and other financial vehicles to support the university. There are so many ways to support what’s being done here. 

This March, we invite you to join us for Seeds of Generosity, a month-long celebration of giving and impact at Concordia University, Nebraska. Together, we’re sowing seeds of faith, learning and service that will grow for generations to come. Every gift—whether large or small—helps sustain our mission to provide Christ-centered education, support our students and prepare servant leaders for the church and the world.