Andrew Rathe CO ’10 GR ’15 named as Concordia Nebraska Young Alumnus of the Year

During Homecoming weekend, the Concordia Alumni Association honors alumni and friends for their outstanding service and accomplishments. The Young Alumnus of the Year award is presented to an alumnus who graduated within the last 15 years and has made a significant contribution as a servant leader in the community, church and world and is a recognition for outstanding performance in his/her vocation. 

Andrew Rathe CO ’10 GR ’15 currently serves as executive director of Central Nebraska Lutheran School (CLNS) and as principal at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Grand Island, Nebraska. He has a bachelor of science in education from Concordia University, Nebraska, as well as a master of educational administration from the university. He previously served as a teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Fremont, Nebraska, and as a teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Bakersfield, California. He is a member of the Lutheran Education Association and serves on the Grace Cancer Foundation board of directors. 

“CNLS is a pre-K to12 school system which comprises Trinity Lutheran School and Grand Island Lutheran High (formerly Heartland Lutheran High School),” he explained. “The newly-formed CNLS will be entering its first year of operation during the 25-26 school year. CNLS was formed out of a consolidation of historic Trinity Lutheran School (143 years) and Heartland Lutheran High School (25 years). In its first year of operation CNLS will be serving 300 students and their families from the greater Grand Island area. As the executive director, my main function is to provide strategic planning and direction for the school.” 

“As a building principal, one aspect of the job which is guaranteed is that no two days are the same. From cleaning up spills, shoveling snow, fixing a toilet, filling in for teachers or working with students, the variety of experiences and surprises never seems to amaze me,” he said. “When I’m wearing the executive director hat, a lot of time is spent meeting with supporters, community members and local churches discussing ways in which we can partner together to support our students.”  

Rathe said the most fulfilling part of his vocation is watching students learn about a God who loves them and calls them by name.  

“I consider it a privilege to walk alongside our local pastors as we raise up children in the fear and instruction of the Lord. A close second for me is the relationships with students, families and those I work with. A great joy of being a principal is spending time with students, supporting families and working alongside amazing faculty and staff,” he said. “All of these people are tremendous blessings to me as their school leader. They often offer great advice, encouragement and forgiveness when challenges arise.” 

“Ascribing to a servant leadership philosophy allows me and others to serve the needs of our neighbor. This mindset, cemented at Concordia, has allowed me to joyfully serve in many contexts with a focus on loving thy neighbor as thyself. While the content and knowledge gained at Concordia was tremendous, the transformation of the heart, to me, was the most transformative.” 

Rathe and his wife Katheryn (Leonhardt) Rathe ’10 have two children. Katie has a degree in academic history from Concordia Nebraska. She currently teaches third grade in Grand Island Public Schools at Shoemaker Elementary. Lincoln and Maverick attend Trinity Lutheran School in Grand Island. Rathe said most of the family’s time is spent at sporting events as both boys are involved in various activities,. When he’s not working, you’ll often find Rathe on the golf course, watching sports or working toward completion of his doctoral degree.  

“My four years at Concordia were some of the most memorable years of my life. The entire experience from living in the dorms, forging friendships and being instructed by incredible professors were all experiences that I will always cherish,” he said. “I truly felt like part of a large family who helped mold me into the person I am today. All the professors I was instructed by continually challenged and supported my development in becoming the young man God had created me to be. Through their gentle yet demanding instruction, they were preparing me to go forward in faith and vocation. Their personal approach to teaching and leading provided me a great model to work from as I was entering professional church work as a teacher.” 

Rathe added that while it's impossible to prepare for every circumstance one may encounter in life, a common theme throughout his experience at Concordia Nebraska was the emphasis on servant leadership.  

“Ascribing to a servant leadership philosophy allows me and others to serve the needs of our neighbor,” he said. “This mindset, cemented at Concordia, has allowed me to joyfully serve in many contexts with a focus on loving thy neighbor as thyself. While the content and knowledge gained at Concordia was tremendous, the transformation of the heart, to me, was the most transformative.” 

He added that his time at the university was filled with many faith development opportunities that occurred through friendships, instructors and especially theology classes.  

“Taking theology courses brought aspects of the Bible alive and provided deeper understanding not only of the contexts in which the texts were written, but also the contexts for our lives today,” he said. “Daily chapels and various groups offered on campus also helped develop my faith through worship and peer support. [I’d encourage current students to] surround yourself with great people. Listen, observe and learn from those who have gone before you. Step up and serve when opportunities arise. Trust God in His plan for your life.” 

During Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend, Concordia University, Nebraska joyfully celebrates alumni and friends whose faith-filled service, leadership and achievements inspire the Concordia community and beyond.