Concordia awards more than 400 graduate and undergraduate degrees

Concordia University, Nebraska, awarded 451 degrees to graduates during its 2013 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11. 

Commencement speaker Dr. Douglas Tewes used Concordia’s theme Bible verse for 2012-13 -- “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household.” – to explain a Christian’s obligation to serve.

“I think that as citizens of God’s kingdom, we have responsibility in our citizenship here in America,” Tewes said. In addition to delivering the commencement address, Tewes also received the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Concordia.

Six other individuals received honorary degrees and awards during commencement. Those receiving honors were Rev. James P. Brown, Sr., the Doctor of Letters degree, William Hartmann and Grace Mueller Hughey, the Crest of Christ award, Wilbert Rusch, the Master Educator award, and Thom and Joani Schultz, the Distinguished Service award.

Undergraduates earning degrees from Concordia were eligible for distinction or high distinction honors. Up to 10 percent of those who earned, at minimum, a 3.75 GPA graduated with high distinction. An additional 15 percent of those earning degrees with a minimum 3.5 GPA graduated with distinction.