Sophomore Claire Beikmann says Concordia’s emphasis on vocation, servant leadership and Christ’s callings are preparing her for her future

As a third-generation Concordia University, Nebraska student, the university has always been on business communication major Claire Beikmann’s radar. Growing up just over an hour and a half from Seward in Linn, Kansas, she attended Gathering of the Talents and the Plum Creek Literacy Festival as a child and later decided that Concordia was the best place to further her education after high school.  

“When I visited campus, it was evident that Christ was at the heart of academics, athletics and organizations at Concordia,” she said. “I knew I wanted to go somewhere I could not only be well-prepared for my future career, but also experience the fulfillment and growth that comes from attending an institution strong in the Christian faith.” 

Beikmann also competes on Concordia’s cross country and track and field teams. She was recruited by head coach Matt Beisel and says it was a “dream come true” to be invited to continue competing in the sport she loves while being surrounded by a team that gives all the glory to God.  

“I enjoyed participating in a variety of sports in high school and I have been grateful for the opportunity to continue my passion for running in college,” Beikmann said. “I would enjoy a position that allows me to remain involved in athletics once my days of competition are over.”  

When I visited campus, it was evident that Christ was at the heart of academics, athletics and organizations at Concordia. I knew I wanted to go somewhere I could not only be well-prepared for my future career, but also experience the fulfillment and growth that comes from attending an institution strong in the Christian faith.

For this reason, she plans to pursue a job in athletic communications after graduation. She hopes that this position will allow her continued involvement in the athletics industry while also being able to earn money. 

Her eventual goal is to become a small business owner.  

“Several options I’ve considered include [opening] an event center near my hometown or a wholesale flower business,” she said. “I get to study a variety of business concepts as I pursue my degree, so I will be well-prepared to achieve this goal. Thanks to my degree I’ll have the opportunity and knowledge to excel in multiple career paths as I pursue my goal of becoming a small business owner.”  

Beikmann is also part of Concordia’s Luke Scholars program, where she says that she regularly takes “highly rewarding and thought-provoking classes” that contribute to intellectual growth. Overall, she credits Concordia with preparing her for a future where she has a strong faith, successful career and recognizes her calling from Christ.  

“I believe my education at Concordia leaves me better prepared than programs offered at other universities because of the emphasis placed on vocation, servant leadership and Christ’s individual calling to each of us,” she said.  

Beikmann’s education at Concordia is part of a long family legacy. Her parents, David ‘99 and Diane ‘01 Beikmann graduated from Concordia, as did her maternal grandmother Angeline (Warneke) Weise ‘69, her aunts Marsha (Wiese) Domann ‘98 and Renae (Beikmann) Lebo ‘97, uncle Travis Lebo ‘97 and several other members of her extended family. Like Claire, Renae and Travis Lebo both competed on the track and field team. Next year, Claire’s sister Camryn plans to begin her studies in elementary education at Concordia.  

Beikmann’s father is a Lutheran educator and administrator, serving as principal and 7th-8th grade teacher at Linn Lutheran School in Linn, Kansas.  

Overall, Beikmann is enjoying her time at Concordia and is thankful that she has “no shortage of leaders in my life who will gladly aid me in my faith, including Coach Beisel, Pastor Matthias, and my professors.” She also loves opportunities for faith development that Concordia provides her.  

“I get to pray with my team before cross country practice every day...I have so many opportunities to deepen my relationship with God, including chapel, Praise and a variety of Bible studies on campus,” she said. “I have developed habits here at Concordia that I know will benefit my faith in Christ for the rest of my life.”  

The business communication program at Concordia Nebraska instills its students with excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. A degree in business communication will offer graduates a wide variety of employment opportunities. The track and field and cross-country teams at Concordia are perfect for students who want to focus on health, longevity and competition in a Christ-centered, team-focused environment. Learn more about Concordia’s athletics here and business programs here.