Concordia Nebraska recognizes faculty and staff for service

On Monday, January 27, Concordia University, Nebraska recognized milestones of faithful service for faculty and staff, as well as commissioned and ordained ministers of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) at a special anniversary service.  

Those being honored were also recognized during the daily chapel service in the Weller Chapel Auditorium on Concordia’s campus. Faculty and staff members are recognized for calendar-year service in multiples of five-year increments.  

“Concordia’s mission is brought to life each day by God at work through His people, and we are truly honored to have an inspiring group of people who embrace the mission and have devoted years, even decades, of faithful service,” said President Bernard Bull.  

“As much as we are incredibly grateful to the generous donors and others who have invested in our beautiful campus and buildings,” Bull said, “we know that it is who these buildings house that make the biggest difference, and that includes the many faculty and staff who heed God’s call to serve and lead at Concordia. What a blessing they are to the students and to the entire Concordia community!”  

Among the faculty recognized were two featured members of Concordia’s faculty: Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Drew Gerdes and Senior Director of Development and Engagement Scott Seevers, both of whom celebrated 25 years of service to the LCMS as commissioned ministers this year.  

Concordia’s mission is brought to life each day by God at work through His people, and we are truly honored to have an inspiring group of people who embrace this mission and have devoted years, even decades, of faithful service.

Bull said, “Concordia is also honored to have a very large number of commissioned and ordained ministers of religion in our community, many of whom bring years of experience in Lutheran churches and schools to their calling at Concordia.”  

The list of employees includes (in descending years of service, then alphabetically by last name):  

Dr. Kent Einspahr, Department of Computer Science & Mathematics, 45 years 

Dr. Vicki Boye, Department of Health & Human Performance, 35 years 

Kay Rohren, Departments of Art & Natural Sciences, 35 years 

Dr. Rob Hermann, Department of Natural Sciences, 25 years 

Rev. Dr. Paul Holtorf, Department of Theology, Philosophy & Biblical Languages, 25 years 

Dr. Kathy Miller, Department of Human & Social Sciences, 25 years 

Dr. Brian Albright, Department of Computer Science & Mathematics, 20 years 

Gene Brooks, Department of Student Affairs, 20 years 

Dr. Matt Phillips, Department of History, Geography, Intercultural Studies & Modern Foreign Language, 20 years 

Dr. Nolan Harms, Department of Health & Human Performance, 15 years 

Todd Kallenbach, Chartwells, 15 years 

Prof. Don Robson, Department of Art, 15 years 

Prof. Amy Royuk, Department of History, Geography, Intercultural Studies & Modern Foreign Language, 15 years 

Ryan Dupic, Athletics, 10 years 

Ken Franks, Aramark, 10 years 

Gerald Henthorn, Aramark, 10 years 

Dr. Jamie Hink, Department of History, Geography, Intercultural Studies & Modern Foreign Language, 10 years 

Bethany Landrey, Registrar’s Office, 10 years 

Peter Landrey, Classroom Innovation & Online Education, 10 years 

Susan Mehl, Registrar’s Office, 10 years 

Matt Myers, Academic Resource Center, 10 years 

Matthew Schranz, IT Services, 10 years 

Emilie Ashenbach, Athletics, 5 years 

Tim Bergoldt, Chartwells, 5 years 

Lucas Brettmann, Campus Security, 5 years 

Rebekah Freed, Department of Student Affairs, 5 years 

Dr. Ed Hoffman, Department of Human & Social Sciences, 5 years 

Tracy Howell, Graduate Admissions, 5 years 

Carrie Kober, Alumni Council & Regional Ambassadors, 5 years 

Kelly Shaver, Alumni Council & Regional Ambassadors, 5 years 

Becke Smith, Alumni Council & Regional Ambassadors, 5 years 

Cory Smith, Alumni Council & Regional Ambassadors, 5 years 

Kathleen von Kampen, Graduate Studies, 5 years 

The list of ordained and commissioned ministers celebrating anniversaries of service to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod includes:  

David Held, 65 years 

John Suhr, 65 years 

William Wolfram, 65 years 

Ron Bork, 55 years 

Stanley Obermuller, 55 years 

Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, 45 years 

Terence Groth, 40 years 

Paul Gnan, 35 years 

Rev. Dr. Hans Trinklein, 30 years 

Dr. Drew Gerdes, 25 years 

Scott Seevers, 25 years 

Dr. John Jurchen, 20 years 

Rev. Dr. Kristopher Morris, 20 years 

Dr. Anna Boriack, 15 years 

Dr. John Genter, 15 years 

Carrie Kober, 15 years 

Concordia University, Nebraska promises students a Lutheran, Christian higher education that equips them not only with skills and a degree, but also a sense of vocation and purpose for the future. It emphasizes the importance of the Gospel and is a Christ-centered community of believers and academics. Learn more about applying to Concordia here.