SEWARD, NE (05/09/2016)-- Concordia University, Nebraska held its 109th commencement on Saturday, May 7, 2016. The university awarded undergraduate or graduate degrees to 353 graduates in May 2016. Graduates receiving a degree in December 2015, May 2016 or August 2016 were invited to participate in the ceremony. Colonel Eric J. Teegerstrom of Firth, Nebraska, presented the commencement address, and Concordia presented additional honorary awards and degrees.
Concordia Nebraska graduates recognized at the 2016 commencement ceremony as earning a degree include:
Emma Wall, Eldridge, Iowa, Bachelor of Science in Education
Casey Brown, Urbandale, Iowa, Master of Public Health
Appearance of a name in this news release is not official acknowledgement of completion of the degree, certificate or diploma indicated.
In his commencement address, Teegerstrom compared life to a battle and shared four things that he says carried him through some of the toughest, most demanding times he has had: faith, family, education and tenacity.
"Faith is a plan," said Teegerstrom. "Faith is a tangible thing you can hold onto. Faith in your God. Faith in yourselves. Faith in your comrades. You can see that, feel that each day, and it can inspire you to greatness."
Teegerstrom then acknowledged family members, his Concordia family and his Army family and the support they have provided to him over the years. "When times are low, they can pick you up. When you stray off the path, they can steer you back on it. Hold onto that family. Love that family. Inspire that family, and be inspired by them."
Teegerstrom then explained that the education he received at Concordia and throughout the rest of his life has carried him through challenging times in his life. He encouraged students to continue their education, not just today but throughout the rest of their careers. "Whether it's in the classroom, the boardroom, the courtroom, wherever it might be, take that education and run."
Teegerstrom's final recommendation was to have tenacity. "At the end of the day, you're not always going to be the smartest, you're not always going to be the best looking. You're not always going to be the most well-spoken, but you can make the choice to be the most tenacious," he said. "You can make the choice to the toughest. You can make the choice to be the most determined of anyone you're with, and when you know something's right, you grip onto that and you carry through to the bitter end."
To close his message, Teegerstrom declared: "Faith, family, education, tenacity are the sword, the shield, the armor and the helmet that I wear into battle every day. Life is a battle. Go fight it."
In addition to presenting the commencement address, Teegerstrom received the Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated the use of God's gifts in outstanding public service. Teegerstrom, a well-respected leader in the United States Army, has given 24 years of service to our country, executing extensive, commendable military service with dignity, integrity and dedication.
Five additional individuals received honorary degrees or awards during commencement. Those receiving honors include Roland A. Temme of Lincoln, Nebraska, the Doctor of Laws degree; Dr. David M. Hahn of Saratoga Springs, New York, the Doctor of Laws degree; Dr. Frederick H. Schamber of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, the Doctor of Letters degree; John C. Bobzin of Concordia, Missouri, the Master Educator Award; and Virginia Von Seggern of Orchard, Nebraska, the Crest of Christ Award.
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 2,600 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.
