Concordia Nebraska criminal justice students inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma honor society

Four Concordia Nebraska students – Gracie Flamig, Mackenzie Houser, Megan Eurich and Yaire Ojeda – were recently inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice society. Concordia Nebraska’s chapter of this society is called Pi Epsilon Eta and requires students to hold a minimum 3.2 grade point average overall and in four criminal justice courses.  

Senior Mackenzie Houser of Galena, Kan. is double majoring in psychology and criminal justice and will graduate at the end of the spring semester. She is also looking forward to attending law school in the fall.  

“Receiving this honor is incredibly meaningful to me,” she said. “It recognizes not only my academic achievements but also my dedication to criminal justice. Being inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma is a testament to the hard work and passion I’ve put into my studies. It also serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice and knowledge is something worth striving for.”  

With membership in the national honor society, students have access to myriad benefits, including scholarships, honor regalia for graduation ceremonies, networking opportunities and the ability to attend the annual APS conference.  

Senior Megan Eurich is from Omaha, Neb. She is majoring in criminal justice with minors in psychology and sociology. After graduation, she hopes to become a forensic analyst for the FBI or a juvenile probation officer. She said that being a member of Alpha Phi Sigma will assist her in accomplishing these future plans.  

The professors are invested in my success and take time to help me connect what I’m learning to real-world issues. The small class sizes also foster meaningful discussions and make it easier to form close relationships with both peers and faculty. It feels like more than just a school; it’s a community where I can thrive.

“I believe that receiving this honor, as well as being part of the Honors Society, is something that I have been looking forward to since the start, because I enjoy being involved in clubs around campus,” she said. “Alongside that, I feel that this is a significant honor because it helps in building my resume and trying to find a career path once I graduate.”  

Junior Yaire Odeja of Lexington, Neb. plans to attend law school after graduating. She is a criminal justice major minoring in psychology and appreciates the opportunities for connection that becoming part of Concordia Nebraska’s chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma provides.  

“Being in this society is a tremendous honor for me,” she said. “It demonstrates my efforts of academic achievement, leadership and in criminal justice. The achievement not only validates my hard work, but it also connects me with other individuals and professionals who share my interest in law and justice. It offers excellent opportunities for networking, professional development and community involvement. Being a member of this society inspires me to continue aiming for excellence and having a good influence in my area.”  

Sophomore Gracie Flamig is from Papillion, Neb. As a criminal justice major with minors in sociology and pre-law, she looks to work with juveniles and even a therapy dog after graduation. She says that receiving this honor reflects the dedication she’s put into her studies.  

“It shows that I am dedicated to my work as a student,” she said. “Keeping good grades and staying on top of school alongside other things does not always come easy. This honor shows that I am dedicated to my time.”  

The inductees each cited Concordia Nebraska as a place that enabled them to study at the highest level and allowed them to achieve at the level necessary to gain membership in APS, and one where criminal justice majors can study within a supportive, encouraging and faith-based community.  

“Concordia provided me with the tools and resources I needed to excel in my studies, and the guidance from the professors in the criminal justice department played a big role,” Houser said. “Through internships, hands-on experiences and research opportunities, I was able to gain practical knowledge that reinforced my academic work.” 

“The most unique aspect of studying criminal justice at Concordia is that you receive a Christ-centered education, allowing you to view criminal justice from a Christian perspective,” Ojeda said. “This perspective helps you to see the world in a way that encourages treating others with strong morals and ethics.”  

“My favorite part about Concordia is the sense of community,” said Houser. “It’s not just a place where I’m gaining academic knowledge; it’s a place where I’m supported, challenged and encouraged in every aspect of my life...The professors are invested in my success and take time to help me connect what I’m learning to real-world issues. The small class sizes also foster meaningful discussions and make it easier to form close relationships with both peers and faculty. It feels like more than just a school; it’s a community where I can thrive.” 

“Studying the law is important to help keep our society as one,” said Flamig. “Criminal justice is unique as well because there is so much gray area, but at the same time things have to be followed correctly to abide by the law...My favorite part about Concordia is how willing the professors are to help, and that they take time out of their day to make sure that each student is succeeding.” 

“At Concordia Nebraska, there are a plethora of amazing things that I could talk about for hours on hours,” said Eurich. “However, I would say that my favorite part is how welcoming the community is, along with my classmates and professors.”  

The criminal justice program at Concordia University, Nebraska prepares students to enter graduate school or the workforce by providing them with hands-on and academic experiences that will bolster not only their resumes, but their skills in communication, problem-solving and more. Learn more about the criminal justice program here.