SEWARD, NE (05/11/2015)(readMedia)-- Concordia University, Nebraska awarded degrees to 316 graduates in May 2015. Graduates receiving a degree in December 2014, May 2015 or August 2015 were invited to participate in the university's 108th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2015.
Honored students included:
Naomi Laurel Iltis, LeClaire, Iowa, B.S.
"How are you going to take this wonderful opportunity that you've worked so hard for and give back to your community, to your church, to your school? How are you going to be a part of making this a better place?" asked Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts during his commencement address.
Ricketts also challenged the graduates to be leaders in their communities. "Being a leader doesn't mean you have to be in charge, but it does mean you have to be engaged. You have to be a part of the solution. So as you leave here today ... find your passion. Find your mission--it may be a series of missions--to be involved. To be a part of helping out your neighbor. By being a part of that community, you help us create this great, strong state we live in and this great country. So go out, take risks, try to accomplish things. If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. But when you fail, remain in hope. Be that leader. Be that person who's part of something bigger. ... Consider the wonderful gifts God has given you, discern your mission and enjoy the journey."
Ricketts also received the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Concordia Nebraska.
In addition to Ricketts, five other individuals received honorary degrees or awards during commencement. Those receiving the honors are Rev. David Bueltmann of Buffalo, Illinois, the Doctor of Letters degree; Esther Pfabe of Seward, Nebraska, the Crest of Christ Award; Susan Steege of Amherst, New York, the Master Educator Award; Dr. Dudley Wiest of Orange, California, the Doctor of Laws degree; and Phil Zielke of Glendale Heights, Illinois, the Distinguished Service Award.
Appearance of a name in this news release is not official acknowledgement of completion of the degree, certificate or diploma indicated.
About Concordia University, Nebraska
Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Nebraska, that currently serves more than 2,300 students. Concordia offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.
