Concordia Nebraska alumni group enjoys Bulldogs on the Road Mediterranean cruise

Concordia University, Nebraska staff, alumni and friends recently gathered to enjoy a nine-day cruise and two-day land tour to Italy, France and Spain. The university’s alumni relations department organizes Bulldogs on the Road group adventures annually to destinations around the globe. 

“The alumni and friends trip to the Mediterranean epitomized what the Concordia Nebraska community is all about,” said Concordia Nebraska Elementary Education Department Director Dr. Shanna Opfer. “We came together from various life stages and experiences to uplift and support one another as we explored God’s beautiful creation. It was a joy to share this trip with other Christ followers eager to be in fellowship with one another.”  

The trip took place June 3-13 and included stops in Rome; Civitavecchia, Italy; Naples, Italy; Florence and Pisa, Italy, Santa Margherita, Italy; Cannes, France; Provence (Marseille), France; and Barcelona, Spain. 

It was a joy to share this trip with other Christ followers eager to be in fellowship with one another.

“A favorite memory was one of our days exploring Rome. After navigating the historical marvel of the Colosseum and Roman Forum we took a fairly arduous walk through the city on our way to lunch,” said Opfer. “This walk gave us glimpses of quaint alleys with bistros and small shops followed by jaw-dropping surprises as we rounded corners to find new historical masterpieces right before our eyes. It was a joy to share conversation, perspective and support to one another on this adventurous day in Rome.” 

The travel group included more than 120 members of the Concordia Nebraska community. 

“Whether we had known them for years or were just meeting for the first time there was a strong sense of connection,” explained Concordia Nebraska Provost Tim Preuss. “And the shared experiences that we got to have with different members of our group as we went on excursions or just explored on our own together served to deepen and broaden those connections. We have done a fair amount of traveling before, but it was surreal and surprising to continually see history we had studied and read about, especially in Rome and Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance--and experience those places firsthand with friends that share a common faith and Concordia connection.” 

University Senior Director of Outreach, Relations and Engagement Jennifer Furr said there were many special moments on the trip, but when the group sang the Doxology in four-part harmony in at the Evangelical Lutheran Community of Rome, many in the group had tears in their eyes. 

“It was an absolutely unforgettable moment,” she said. “One of those special moments that you remember forever.” 

The trip included Concordia Nebraska Provost Dr. Tim Preuss and wife Debbie, university CFO David Kumm and wife Lynne, Opfer CO '00 GR '05 and husband Jamie Opfer CO '98 GR '05, Concordia Nebraska Chaplain and Theology Instructor, Rev. Ryan Matthias and wife Dr. Sarah Matthias, Furr CO '97 GR '03 and husband Quinton Furr '01 and many other faculty, staff, alumni and friends. 

The trip continued with a visit to the Vatican City where the group visited St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Saint Peter’s Square. They also visited the Colosseum, Pantheon and the Forum. From there the cruise experience covered the coastline of Italy, France and finally ended in Barcelona, Spain.  

“From a historical experience to a foodie’s dream tour, the experience was blessed by the relationships built and memories made,” said Furr. 

The next Bulldogs on the Road adventure will take place June 1-8, 2025 and will feature a seven-night cruise to the Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman and Jamaica.  

Concordia Nebraska's alumni family includes more than 23,000 throughout the country and across the globe. These servant leaders have touched the lives of thousands in their classrooms, offices, businesses, congregations and communities. Through their support in prayer, financial gifts and referrals of prospective students they keep Concordia a viable ministry for generations to come.