Weightlifting champ and pre-physical therapy student Evan Fukuhara: “Concordia is more of a community than a college”

Junior Evan Fukuhara loves weightlifting. The Sacramento, California, native was recently named the collegiate national champion following five years of dedication to the sport. He found his way to the Concordia University, Nebraska following a glowing recommendation from his high school track coach Casey Blackketter, who knows Freddie Myles, the current head coach for the lifting team at the university. 

Fukuhara is majoring in exercise science, minoring in psychology and biology and hopes to become a physical therapist. He would also like to coach weightlifting on the side following college. 

“I chose to study [health and human performance] at Concordia Nebraska because I am able to continue weightlifting while studying to become a future physical therapist,” he said. “It was the best of both worlds. Concordia feels like more of a community than a college, since it’s a smaller college with a small campus. You really get to know your professors and know your peers.” 

Although he’s not studying music, he said the university’s music department has really impressed him. He has several friends in the program. 

“When it comes to the music studies, I feel like the professors are definitely nice and the music building itself is very unique,” he added. 

He said his time on campus has strengthened his faith. He also points out that the staff and environment at the university make him feel supported, encouraged and cared for. 

“Concordia is helping me develop my faith. I go to evening prayers and Praise all the time which has definitely helped. I really enjoy Concordia’s Praise,” he said. “I also just really like the campus. It’s a very pretty campus, especially after snowfall and in the spring. The professors help a lot because you can tell they care about you and want what’s best for you.” 

Fukuhara said that he feels he is being well prepared for his future career and life as a whole. 

“The Concordia experience really helps me get out of my comfort zone and start introducing myself to new people and just be a better communicator, too,” he said. 

Health and human performance classes at Concordia University, Nebraska offer students the opportunity to advance their knowledge, skills and abilities while staying current with innovative research by utilizing state-of-the-art human performance laboratory equipment. At Concordia Nebraska, students learn how to apply the gifts God has given them to enhance the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social well-being of others. Concordia Nebraska helps students prepare for careers in exercise and health settings and offers graduate programs in these fields.