The Concordia Connection - September 2023

The Ecology and Environmental Science class has been learning about the importance of bees. Mr. Mike Ellis is one of 12 teachers in four states who received funds through a USDA grant to implement this piece of STEM curriculum at Concordia.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

A Foundation for Faith

For Beth (Rasmussen) Toenjes '13, her time at Concordia gave her tons of wonderful memories, life-long friendships, and most importantly, she went from knowing a lot about Jesus to having a deep relationship with Him.


Beth credits Mrs. Karen Reynolds, her former teacher at Concordia, for exemplifying how to live out one's faith. "She made a huge impact on my life and was a wonderful mentor. I saw in her an unashamed, bold, and passionate faith walk," said Beth.


After graduation, Beth attended Concordia University Nebraska and graduated with majors in Spanish and World & Intercultural Studies, and a Business minor. Post-graduation she worked as a Ministry Coordinator in North Miami, Florida, and then spent two years as a missionary in Asia with Mission of Christ Network. Beth and her husband Nathan relocated to Lincoln, where she worked for the nonprofit organization Food Fort until March of 2023. As a busy mother to two-year-old Meilia and soon-to-be newborn baby boy, Beth has made the decision to transition to being a full-time stay-at-home parent.


During high school, Beth participated in sports year-round and also took part in the spring musical. The Music Man performance in her junior year remains her favorite. Alongside all of the activities, events, and friendships the most crucial element of her time at Concordia was the rich faith-building education that she received. "The most important thing was the amazing foundation for my faith that I will never take for granted," said Beth.


Beth and Nathan are dedicated to following God's call. They serve at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lincoln by leading worship. Additionally, they work with international students, mentor young people, and offer an open home to those who need guidance and support.


UPCOMING EVENTS

CHECK OUT ALL CONCORDIA SR. HIGH ACTIVITIES HERE!

Register for Trivia Night

Christmas Concerts Schedule

12/14/23 - Jr. High Christmas Concert @ 7:00 PM


12/15/23 - Sr. High Christmas Concert @ 7:00 PM


12/14 & 12/15 - Concordia Art Show @ 6:30 PM

QUESTION OF THE MONTH!!

Suggestions for a potential new name for Concordia Alumni Connection have been gathered, and we want your vote to help decide on a new name.

The list has been narrowed down to the following options:

  • CHS Alumni Insider
  • CHS Alumni Update
  • Concordia Alumni Connection (keep it as-is!)
  • Concordia Review
  • Hoofbeats
  • Mustang Memories
  • Mustang Minutes
  • Mustang Tribune
  • Roots

Please vote for your favorite!!

ALUMNI SIGHTINGS!

Ben & Brookyln (Paskevic) Todd '19

Matt & Kate (Hannemann) Mueller '09

Ben Kane 2023

Reagan Neufind 2023

Zach Han 2020

Matthew Jipp 2022

Caden Korell and Andrew Kaspar 2023

Charista Baye 2006

Mallory Riffel 2023

Abbey Kudrna 2023

Triana Pytel 2021

Caroline Todd 2020 & Jacob Todd 2021

Morgan Riffel 2023 & Emily Pratt 2022

Collin Clary 2023

Grace Farrington & Delana Dotson 2023 graduates!

On the field, alumni were able to enjoy a meal while catching up. Pictured L to R- Ian and Kendra Gensler, Karly Ridder, Sarah (Holmes) Hemphill, Clay Hemphill, Brandon Newhouse and DeVon Sterling.

Natalie (Kesar) Rehbein '09 attended the night with her husband Matt '08.

Six members of the class of 2013 attended a social hour before the game to recognize their 10 year reunion! L to R- DeVon Sterling, Brandon Newhouse, Ian Gensler, Sarah (Vehle) Jensen, Becky (Mueller) Meggers and Logan Deckard.

Several alumni parents stopped in and checked out all of the changes in the building. Here Mr. Dan Vehle chats with teacher Mr. Marty Senechal.

Two members from the class of 2008 were on hand to recognize their 15 year class reunion, Matt Rehbein and David Hill.

Several former teachers were welcomed back for the reunion celebration, pictured above are Mrs. Amanda Lee and Mrs. Becky (Gudmundson) Jeseritz!

Ian Gensler and his wife came the furthest for the celebrations, all the way from Nashville, TN! Pictured above they are visiting with former front office secretary (and parent) Mrs. Anna Cole and alumni parent Mrs. Lisa Vehle!

We Want to Know!

Update us on your special news and events!

Alumni Update Form

Friends of Concordia, parents, and grandparents,

make sure we have your contact info!

Contact Information Form

STAFF SPOTLIGHT!

OUR FOUNDATION IS SOLID!


Jacob Fink has been a Theology instructor at Concordia since 2019, continuing his family's tradition of pursuing a career in teaching. He explains, "Lutheran education is deeply ingrained in my family's history. I have 10 family members who are teachers, and 9 of them teach at Lutheran schools."


Mr. Fink graduated from Concordia University Nebraska in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Secondary Education with an emphasis in History and Theology. He is currently working towards a Master's in Organizational Leadership from the Townsend Institute, which he will finish in May. Before coming to Concordia, Mr. Fink taught in Green Bay, WI for one year.


During his time in college, Mr. Fink met his wife, Mallory, originally from Auburn, NE. Mrs. Fink is also a teacher and currently teaches first grade in Bennington. The couple has an 18-month-old daughter named Joelle, to whom Mr. Fink enjoys teaching new things.


Classroom teaching and daily interactions with students is a source of satisfaction for Mr. Fink. "In my opinion, teenagers deal with much more than they should have to. If my classroom can be a part of their day to take a breath, interact with others, and learn about Jesus, then I call that a successful day!" Mr. Fink has also been pleased to witness the growth that Concordia is experiencing. He knows change can be difficult, but if a person or a place doesn't change, they become stagnant, so the pain of change is worth it. "As class sizes grow and buildings get facelifts, we know our foundation never changes, and that's what keeps me coming back every day," said Mr. Fink.

ALUMNI UPDATES

Michael Sisson '11 was recently on campus with his two children. He lives in Iowa and works for the Urbandale Police Department.

Alexa Hord '15 has been very busy! She graduated from Creighton University with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, then married Bryce Darner on July 15th!

Abby Sharp '18 recently received her white coat as a medical student with UNMC. She hopes to work in family medicine in an urban under-served area.

Blessings to David Cook '19 as he begins his MBA at the University of Nebraska Omaha!

Joel Erickson '19 is starting a new role with Universal Studios in Florida! He is working as an intern in operational alignment and documentation. Joel is assisting with the operations department for Epic Universe, a new theme park that will open in 2025!

Chloe Gille '19 recently graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. She is currently working at Bergen Mercy in the operating room and loving it!

Kara Jennings '19 graduated from Midland University in 2022 with a major in Digital Marketing and a minor in Graphic Design. She is now pursuing another dream by working for kwELITE! as a realtor!

Congratulations to Kennedy Goetz '21 as she takes on the role of Campaign Manager for Felix Ungerman who is running for Nebraska State Legislature!

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Omaha, NE 68116

office: 402-445-4000

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