Dr. Eunice Goldgrabe ‘66 treasured time at university as both student and employee, encourages others to financially support her alma mater

Dr. Eunice Irene Goldgrabe ‘66 first discovered Concordia University, Nebraska because her brother and others from her hometown in rural Kansas attended then-named Concordia Teachers College. She grew up at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, and said the congregation had a strong history of encouraging its members to pursue church work, and many from the church attended Concordia Nebraska. 

“There were seven people from my home congregation attending Concordia while I was a student here,” she said. “There was and still is a strong tradition of preparing church workers. Concordia is a Christ-centered, rural university with friendly faculty and students that impacts the church, community and world.” 

Goldgrabe has a bachelor of science degree in secondary education with an emphasis in history and physical education from the university. She also has a master of arts in physical education from the University of Northern Colorado and doctor of arts in physical education and higher education from Middle Tennessee State University. 

She said that she has fond memories of chapel, dorm devotions, basketball, intramurals, band, brass choir and orchestra from her time on campus, but that the thing that stands out the most is the people. She recalls the strong support of a female physical education faculty member who was an excellent teacher and role model and said that through varied experiences in and out of the classroom, through solid academic course work and good teachers, she received a solid education with good support. 

I support the university to enable faculty and staff to have the opportunities and privileges I had (and better ones!) as a student and faculty member at Concordia Nebraska and to give students the opportunity to attend a school with the characteristics of Concordia Nebraska.

Following graduation, Goldgrabe taught for one year at Luther High School South in Chicago then returned to Seward to teach at Concordia High School and Concordia Teachers College. When Concordia High School closed in 1972, she then served exclusively at the university.  

“I’m retired now, but when I was working the students provided fulfillment,” she said. “ I enjoyed research; going to conferences to renew professional acquaintances and my fellow faculty members, especially the first-year seminar faculty.” 

Goldgrabe taught the university’s first-year seminar class for many years. The class is required for all students at the university and is designed to help students enjoy a successful transition to college life. The course covers a variety of topics that focus on students’ intellectual, academic, social and spiritual growth. 

During her tenure on campus, she also coached basketball, field hockey, tennis, track and field, softball and volleyball and had a tremendous impact in the advancement of women’s athletics at the university. 

The university currently offers the Eunice Goldgrabe Health and Human Performance (HHP) Scholarship to honor the legacy and service of the professor emeritus. The scholarship has been awarded at the university since 2012.  

“Eunice continues to be a wonderful blessing to the Concordia Nebraska community, and more specifically to the Health and Human Performance Department,” said Concordia University, Nebraska Health and Human Performance Department Chair and Associate Professor Dr. Nolan Harms. “Her deep care, passion and love for this place is inspiring!” 

Goldgrabe has partnered with the university to create the Goldgrabe Health and Human Performance Scholarship endowment, which will be funded through planned giving following her death and will allow the scholarship to continue to be given annually to juniors and seniors who lead a lifestyle deemed exemplary in the HHP Department.  

“My parents set an example of Christian giving in supporting both their children into church work as well as by their example. My mother was a Lutheran teacher. They offered their financial support,” said Goldgrabe. “I support the university to enable faculty and staff to have the opportunities and privileges I had (and better ones!) as a student and faculty member at Concordia Nebraska and to give students the opportunity to attend a school with the characteristics of Concordia Nebraska.” 

“There are multiple ways for donors to benefit Concordia Nebraska,” she added. “You don’t have to give now. There are ways to give in the future through your estate, too. There are plenty of chances to give!” 

This March, we invite you to join us for Seeds of Generosity, a month-long celebration of giving and impact at Concordia University, Nebraska. Together, we’re sowing seeds of faith, learning and service that will grow for generations to come. Every gift—whether large or small—helps sustain our mission to provide Christ-centered education, support our students and prepare servant leaders for the church and the world.