Freshman Elizabeth Salo to serve at Higher Things conference, dreams of writing historical fiction

Freshman Elizabeth Salo of West Ely, Missouri, is majoring in history and English at Concordia University, Nebraska with minors in classical liberal arts and writing. This summer, she is serving as a College Conference Volunteer (CCV) at the Higher Things youth conference, which will take place on the university campus in July 

“CCVs help with registration and housing, help with speakers, help with chapel and help supervise and direct attendees at the conference, as well as some other duties associated with running the conference,” she explained. “I have never attended a Higher Things conference before, but I have wanted to for some time, and volunteering as a CCV is a great opportunity to attend and learn while also helping those younger than me learn more about their faith. I think it's important to engage youth in learning about their faith and to do it in ways where they can meet others who share that faith.” 

Salo is in the university’s Luke Scholars program, plays French Horn in the university wind symphony, rings handbells with Concordia Ringers and is a member of Bulldogs 4 Life, the campus Lutherans for Life group. 

“I chose to study at Concordia because of the university’s Christ-centered mission and amazing academic community, especially in the Luke Scholars program and music department,” she said. “Concordia is a really special place. The Lutheran faith is integrated into every part of the curriculum, from the chemistry lab to the history and English classrooms. The professors are so knowledgeable and excited about their subject areas, and they really want to pass that knowledge on to their students. They really want their students to succeed.” 

She said the professors at the university are both knowledgeable and caring. 

“This semester, I had Dr. Phillips for World Civilizations I and Dr. Thurber for Shakespeare. Dr. Phillips knows so much about ancient and medieval history, and he makes it really interesting and easy to remember because he explains it like a story,” she said. “He really helps you realize how history is the story of humanity and how God has always worked through sinful people. As for English, Dr. Thurber really knows his Shakespeare. He always points out things I would never have noticed, like connections between the different plays. He also likes to show us how Shakespeare connects to our lives and how Shakespeare, advertently or not, shows us what people are like without God and the problems that ensue.” 

She said she chose Concordia Nebraska for a variety of reasons including the fact that the university is fairly close to her hometown and is in a small town. 

“After visiting for an Honor Band Day, meeting some of the music faculty and students, and seeing the campus, I knew Concordia Nebraska was where I wanted to be,” she said. “Being accepted into the Luke Scholars program and working with the head of the program, Dr. John Hink, also really helped me solidify my decision. I have had so many great experiences since coming here.” 

“I have grown so much in my faith since coming to Concordia. The theology professors and Pastor Matthias are always so interesting during their chapel sermons. I like how they often explore the deeper meaning of the readings in their original languages.”

She said one of her highlight moments since coming to the university was the March for Life and Y4Life conference in Washington, D.C., in January. 

“It was an amazing experience. Participating in the March to stand up for the truth with so many other people was awe-inspiring, and the conference was really interesting and informative,” she said. “I also experienced my first Wind Symphony Tour over spring break. We performed in four states at nine different churches and got to meet so many different people. We also got to see the mountains and the ocean, neither of which I had done before. We also got to see lots of different church architecture and art, which was really neat. I have also enjoyed my Luke Scholars courses and have learned so much as a part of the program.” 

Salo’s path of study has changed a little bit since she came to campus, but she said her professors have supported her every step of the way. 

“When I first got to Concordia, I was majoring in biochemistry, but an article we read in my ‘Becoming a Luke Scholar’ class helped change my mind. It was about how the humanities show us how to be better people and offer many post-college opportunities. This was made me realize that I wanted to major in history and English. After taking some history and English courses, I am happy I made that choice.” 

Salo’s father serves as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in West Ely, Missouri, and Our Savior Lutheran in Monroe City, Missouri. Her mother is a fourth-grade teacher at St. James Lutheran School in Quincy, Illinois. She has three younger siblings: Anna, Matthew, and Joseph. When she’s not in class or studying, you’ll find her reading, writing, shooting archery, being outside or working with horses at her neighbors' farm. 

Salo dreams of writing historical fiction books in the future and is also considering grad school with the possible goal of being a history professor. 

“I think my classes at Concordia will definitely prepare me for this,” she said. “I have grown so much in my faith since coming to Concordia. I really enjoy going to chapel every day and going to Evening Prayer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The theology professors and Pastor Matthias are always so interesting during their chapel sermons. I like how they often explore the deeper meaning of the readings in their original languages.” 

Higher Things “All Things New” will take place at Concordia University, Nebraska July 8-11, 2025. The mission of Higher Things is to make the Gifts of Christ Jesus known to youth and young adults. Higher Things offers a variety of resources such as conferences, retreats, camps, mission events, videos, devotions, podcasts and books. Higher Things is a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Throughout the last 25 years, Higher Things has supported the congregations, universities and seminaries of the LCMS by helping to create a distinctly Lutheran identity in our youth and young adults.