Concordia presents special awards to alumni and friends at 2016 Homecoming

The Concordia Alumni Association at Concordia University, Nebraska, honored two individuals and three couples as part of its 2016 Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend celebration, Oct. 7-9. The awards are given each year to recognize the service and accomplishments of Concordia’s alumni and friends.

This year’s awards and honorees include:

• Alumnus of the Year: Tim Moll ’89, Seward, Neb.
• Young Alumni of the Year: Dr. Brandon and Vanessa Seifert ’01 and ’02, Lincoln, Neb.
• Church Leadership Award: Dan Seim ’65, Cornelius, Ore.
• Partners in Mission & Ministry Award: Larry and Bonnie Noack ’65 and ’66, Lincoln, Neb.
• Honorary Alumni Award: Rev. Dr. Harvey and Carol Lange, Brookfield, Wisc.

Alumnus of the Year: Tim Moll ’89

Tim Moll, a successful Nebraska business lawyer and nine-year member of the Concordia University Board of Regents, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in business administration from Concordia College in 1989. He went on to earn the Juris Doctor, with highest distinction, from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1994.

Moll serves as a partner with the law firm of Rembolt Ludtke LLP, and works out of the firm’s offices in Seward and Lincoln. He practices in the areas of taxation, municipal finance, entity planning, estate planning and probate administration. He serves as an adjunct tax professor at The University of Nebraska College of Law. He is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, a fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and a Board Member and past President of the Great Plains Federal Tax Institute.

Young Alumni of the Year: Dr. Brandon ’01 and Dr. Vanessa Seifert CO ’03 GR ‘06

Dr. Vanessa Seifert, a professional in leadership development and Christian education, has used her God-given talents in ways that portray Concordia’s mission in action through service and leadership in the church and world.

Vanessa transferred to Concordia University, Nebraska, in 1999 and graduated in 2003, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in theology. While obtaining her undergraduate degree, she also served as a key component of the women’s basketball team. She went on to receive a Master of Science degree in human development and family life from Concordia, and a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

She is responsible for coaching emerging leaders and facilitating leadership development processes and workshops for growing companies at Leadership Resources in Lincoln. She also serves Calvary Lutheran Church as a DCE-Discipleship Catalyst where she provides resources and practical opportunities that encourage and create a discipleship culture.

Vanessa serves as the chair of the National Association of Directors of Christian Education and was recently the conference keynote speaker for the Northwest District DCE Conference.

Dr. Brandon Seifert graduated Summa Cum Laude from Concordia University, Nebraska, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry. While a student, he was a standout collegiate athlete, as a three-time NAIA All-American in cross country and an eight-time NAIA All-American in indoor and outdoor track and field, and a national champion in the mile. He broke six course records in cross country and nine school records in track and field.

Brandon later earned the Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 2006 and completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He excelled in his sports medicine fellowship with Dr. James Andrews at the World Renowned American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, where he spent time serving on the medical staffs for the Washington Redskins, University of Alabama, Auburn University, and University of West Alabama. He currently serves as team physician for Lincoln Stars Hockey, Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball, Doane University, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Concordia University.

Church Leadership Award: Dan Seim ‘65

Dan Seim has been a consistent and faithful force in Christian education and administration for decades. Living in eight different states has allowed Seim to spread the love of Jesus throughout the country through his school and church work. He has been an instrumental part in the formation of three Lutheran schools, has served as principal at three different schools and served on numerous National Lutheran School Accreditation Teams.

A 1965 graduate of Concordia Teachers College, Dan first received a call to serve as principal at Ebenezer Lutheran School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. From there, he moved to Denver, Colorado, to serve as principal of Christ-University Hills Lutheran School, which had two campuses, pressing him to serve as principal for two schools at the same time. He was also the founding principal of Lutheran High School in Dallas, Texas and started a Lutheran elementary school in Eugene, Oregon.

In 1993, Dan lost his wife, Sandi, to cancer and immersed himself in work, during which time he opened Forest Hills Lutheran School in Cornelius, Oregon. Dan and his current wife Sandra, reside in Cornelius, Oregon, where Dan serves as the property manager of a school he started.

Partners in Mission & Ministry Award: Larry and Bonnie Noack (Larry CHS ’61 and CTC ’65, Bonnie CTC ’66)

Both alumni of Concordia Teachers College, Larry and Bonnie met during the spring of 1965 while on the A Cappella Choir tour to California. They were married in June 1966 after which Bonnie taught at Holy Cross Lutheran School in Emma, Missouri, while Larry was the 7th grade teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School in Concordia, Missouri. He also coached basketball and softball, and served as the athletic director and choir director. From 1975 to 1983, Larry taught at Lincoln Lutheran Jr. High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, while Bonnie served as music director at Calvary Lutheran Church.

In 1983, they began their missionary work with Wycliffe Bible Translators where they worked tirelessly so that God’s word may be known around the world. They helped organize and conduct international conferences on missionary children in the Philippines, Quito, Ecuador, Nairobi, Kenya and Germany. Their service with Wycliffe is an example of how their education and preparation at Concordia can prepare alumni for incredible leadership and service to God’s people.

The Noacks are currently active members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they enjoy being a part of the hand bells and brass ensemble in the choir. Additionally, Bonnie is the substitute organist and accompanist for the adult and children’s choir.

Honorary Alumni Award: Rev. Dr. Harvey and Carol Lange

Rev. Dr. Harvey and Carol Lange are faithful servants of Jesus Christ, contributors to the community and loyal supporters of Concordia University, Nebraska. While Harvey was a staff member at Concordia Teachers College, the Lord brought two very creative families together on campus: The Marxhausens and the Langes. Their friendship changed Concordia in amazing ways and together they created what we know today as The Center for Liturgical Art.

The Lange’s vision for a ministry that would spread the Gospel visually became a reality 14 years ago. They stepped out in faith by committing their financial gifts to blessing Concordia with The Center for Liturgical Art. Their passion to reach people with Christ-centered encouragement and hope is rooted in visual arts which allows people to “see Jesus.”

The Langes continue to share their big ideas, suggestions and financial contributions to maintain the needs of the Center.