Concordia University

Meet our Honors Students

Delta
	My name is David Edwards, I was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I moved to McKinney, Texas when I was six and that is where my home is now. I have three sisters, two older and one younger. I am 18 years old and a freshman. I am planning on majoring in History and then heading to seminary to become a pastor. I'm looking forward to being a part of the honors program for a few reasons. I think it will help me to work harder and maintain a reasonable work ethic by being surrounded by students who have a passion for learning. I also look forward to the class discussions. I think that is one of the best ways to learn, as well as how the program is set up integrating everything. Instead of doing math and then science and then English, we will be able to learn about them all together and see how they are all connected.
	My name is Daniel Paul Raymond Ondov. I lived in Minneapolis, MN until I was 5 and I now live in Lakeville, MN. I was home schooled for my entire life until now. I am 17 and I will turn 18 in November. My major is Pre-seminary. I count it a privilege to be part of the Honors Program. I believe I will be challenged more, and that it will be an all around better experience because of the close knit group of students and because of the way the Honors Program brings in hands on learning and serving the community. Also, because there are a limited number of students in the Honors Program, I think more life-long friendships will be made and I will learn more.
	Hey! My name is Anna Shaw and I am a freshman here at Concordia St. Paul. My family currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri, but we have also lived in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Taiwan. I'm planning to major in education with a K-12 certification in math (essentially a double major). My eventual goal is to teach in an international school overseas and do mission work on the side. I am extremely excited to be involved in the Honors Program, both for the challenge and the experience. I love to learn and serve my Savior so I think it will be a great fit!
	My name is Kyle Sorkness and, as of this writing, I am an 18-year-old freshman at Concordia University, St. Paul. I was born and raised in Fergus Falls, MN, a small, rural community (and home of the world's largest otter). I am currently feeling drawn toward Christian Outreach, and I look forward to the next few years of exploring different vocational paths. I am excited to begin in the Honors Program and I feel that the program will offer exactly what I'm looking for: a fusion of faith and learning, study and service, God's Kingdom and the secular world. I am also looking forward to the challenges, the in-depth discussions, and the closeness of everyone in the Honors "family."
	Hello, my name is Caralyn Tignanelli, and I am a freshman in the honors program at Concordia St. Paul. I grew up in Rochester, Michigan, which is about twelve to fourteen hours from CSP. You might wonder why I chose to come all the way out to St. Paul when there is a Concordia in Michigan. Well to be honest one of the biggest draws for me was the Honors Program. I was really drawn to Dr. Schuler's philosophy of connecting faith and learning, not only to each other, but also to our daily lives. That is something that we Deltas and Gammas will get to experience later this year through our service project, where we will learn how to use the gifts and talents God has given us to benefit his people. The honors program has also helped me get ahead in my other areas of study. I will be majoring in secondary history education and because I will be completing my general education credits through the Honors Program, I have already begun taking the classes that are required for my major rather than waiting until my junior and senior years to start these classes. This has allowed me to pick up two minors and diversify my education while still being on track to graduate in a reasonable amount of time. Overall I am very excited to go forward with my fellow honors students as we move together through the worlds of faith and learning and begin to build bridges between the two.
	Hi, my name is Jarett Weiler, but most of my friends just call me Jay. I grew up in the (very) small town of Auburndale, WI on an elk farm. I am currently undecided about my major, but I am excited to join the Honors Program.
	Hi everyone, my name is Jackie Wiebold and I'm from Vancouver, WA. After spending the last few months trying to decide between pursuing a career of engineering or church work, I've decided to come to Concordia to become a Director of Christian Education and I can't wait to see where it leads me. I'm especially excited for the honors program because I know it will help give me one of the most meaningful and significant college experiences I can find.
Gamma
	My name is Anna Fink. I grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin right next to Lake Michigan. I am 19 and a sophomore. I am a theatre design major, and hopefully will go on to do costume design. Honors is a great way to open my mind and get me thinking beyond the traditional program. The Honors Program incorporates many different areas of learning and shows you how they fit together. I am very excited for the internship this year. I think it is an excellent way to get involved in the community and find how my field of study can help those who are poor and marginalized.
	Hello my name is Brian Weyers. I will be a sophomore at Concordia this year. I grew up in the not so small anymore town of Hudson. Just a hop skip and a jump from the cities. I love to listen and play music. I play the saxophone, a little piano, fife, and recorder. I love pretty much all types of music except for hard core rap and country. I run a pretty busy life outside of school. I am a purple belt in karate going for my brown in September. Civil War reenacting is another one of my huge passions. I am a Lieutenant in the 6th Wisconsin Company B here in Hudson and based out of Prescott. The number one thing in my life is my faith and that comes first from family and friends very close after. I am currently a DCE major (Director of Christian Education) at Concordia and loving every minute of it.
	My name is Danielle Hahnemann and I am a 19-year-old sophomore who hails from Appleton, WI. Go Packers! I am currently attending Concordia so that I can work towards earning my certification as a Director of Christian Education in the LC-MS. I work at a summer camp in northern Wisconsin, and my involvement in PRISMS (the youth ministry organization on campus) has helped me realize my passion for working with kids, especially middle and high school youth. When I leave Concordia, I hope to be called as a youth director. The Honors Program has already opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and relating to people, and I'm sure that my second year is going to bring even more insight and learning. SO EXCITED!
	My name is Erin Rudolph, and I'll be a sophomore here at CSP this upcoming school year. My official major is 5-12 Communication Arts and Literature Teaching, with a double minor in Lutheran Confessionalism and Music. (It's a bit long winded, I know, I apologize.) I am looking forward to continuing the Honors adventure this year and continuing to broaden my horizons in order to better understand and help the other people in this world. As always, God remains a central part in my life and my main motivation for all that I do.
	My name is Felicia Sechser, I'm 19 from Blaine, MN. I'm a sophomore majoring in Finance with a minor in dance. It's a weird combination, but someday I hope to open my own dance studio. I think the Honors Program will help me learn how to comprehend things at a faster pace while covering many topics at the same time. The honors program will contribute to my major by allowing me to look at things from a different perspective and help bring facts behind my arguments.
	My name is Heather Huckstadt. I am 19 years old and a sophomore in the Honors Program (class Gamma). I am majoring in sociology (probably), aiming for an eventual Masters in Social Work and hoping to double major in Spanish if the program grows enough. I would like to eventually work in a community center or some sort of agency that helps Hispanics having trouble in the US due to the language barrier. I think the Honors Program will help me strengthen my faith, but I chose it because of the opportunity for service learning.
	Hi! My name is Jessie Patterson. I'm a sophomore here at Concordia and I'm from Prior Lake, MN so I'm not too far from home. As of now, I'm a Pre-Med major and would like to become a pediatrician one day. My favorite parts about the Honors Program are all of the discussions we have and anything that isn't homework. :) It's probably my favorite class because I know that it's going to stick with me the longest. I haven't been in it too long yet, but I can already tell that it's going to make me think and challenge me to make myself a better person. I love it!
	I am Josie Gronbach, from Humboldt, Iowa. I am 20 years old and in class Gamma of Honors. I am currently not sure what my major is, but being in the Honors Program could not be a better choice for that reason. I am planning on doing my internship somewhere where I may pursue my interests and find what career and major work best for the gifts God has given to me. With incorporating faith and learning in the classroom, my time in the Honors Program has already proved to challenge and expand my way of thinking, as well as create amazing relationships. God Bless!
	My name is Sarah Koscielniak. I'm 19 years old and a sophomore at CSP. My hometown is Grand Haven, Michigan (about an inch below your pinky knuckle on your hand). I am hoping to create my own major, with the mixture of Christian Outreach, Intercultural Communications and Business. With this major I hope to work at a non-profit organization for a little while, working with refugees, and then own my own fair trade coffee shop, using that as a ministry to people while still helping the social injustices in the world. I think Honors is a great program for my major because it causes me to think not only of the math and business involved in my future, but also the faith and religious outlook. It's hands on and it's opened my eyes for different ways of learning. My favorite part about Honors so far is the closeness of the group and how everyone supports one another while we all learn together.
	Hi, my name is Philip Jahnke. I am an 19 year old sophomore from West Fargo, ND. I am currently undecided as to exactly what my major will be, but I know that my major will be in a math and science related field. With my major, I would like to get a job in an engineering firm or I would like to work for the NSA or a government agency like that. I think that the Honors Program will be beneficial to me and my intended major because the Honors Program involves both faith and learning so with that experience I hope to be able to be a better witness in my work environment. The Honors Program, with its rigorous schedule, will help me to develop my abilities to work under pressure and to be knowledgeable about many different areas of academics. My favorite part of the Honors Program is the small class size and the interaction between the freshman and the sophomore classes.
Beta
	My name is Ana Jenny, I'm 20 and I'm a junior at Concordia. I currently live in Woodbury, MN and I'm a double major in Psychology and Sociology. I would like to eventually become a counselor or criminal profiler. The Honors Program made it possible for me to complete a double major in four years and it helped me make connections between all my different classes. My favorite part of the Honors Program is the community that we build among our group of students because we work with each other over a two year period.
	My name is Andrea Jones. I'm from Fargo, ND. I have two dogs and a cat. I chose to be in the Honors Program because I thought it would help me apply the lessons learned in general education courses to everyday life. This is helpful to me because it allows me to see outside the scope of a regular college student and be aware of the people who need help and how I can help them. It is a great experience and a great way to meet people too. My major is primary education, Lutheran Classroom Teacher.
	I'm Christine Mennicke from St. Paul, MN. I'm 20, a junior, and a math/biology major with a chemistry minor. Actually, I don't know what I want to do with my majors, but I'm exploring several options. I know I want to do something active (going to Hippos taught me that)! For me, the Honors Program has been incredibly helpful because it unified my general education credits. In particular, the things we learn always help us determine what the role of Christians is in the world, no matter what we choose to study or do in life. That has been really inspiring for me. Also, it may sound like a stretch, but I was honestly never bored in our 3-hour class sessions!
	My name is Emma Dahl, I am 20 years old and I am from Albert Lea, MN. This summer I am working as an intern with "Blue Zones" who, along with AARP and the United Health Foundation are funding a Vitality Project for my hometown. (It is a very fun and exciting project to be a part of!) I am now a junior at Concordia and am working towards majoring in Marketing and Communications. This year I will also be involved with StAC (Student Alumni Committee). I am now done with my two years in the honors program and I can honestly say I will miss it. Maybe not the late nights writing a 14 page paper...but definitely my fellow Betas and the Gammas as well as the Schulers. After spending all that time together, you can't help but form a community among yourselves. :)
	Gabby DeMarre, I'm 21 years old. I am a junior from Cottage Grove, MN. I am going for an English major with, hopefully, a minor in political science, and another possible minor in classical guitar. The Honors Program allows me to focus more closely on my major and it ties into my major with the writing involved in the program, etc. I feel that I am learning useful knowledge and thought that is more closely related to both my major and minor than regular general education courses would be. I enjoy the interesting learning environment with great people.
	My name is Meri Pearson. I am from St. Paul, MN! I am a junior and 21 years old. Right now I don't know what I am majoring in, but I want to be a wedding planner when I grow up. This past summer, I enjoyed my days working at Bible Camp Wapo in Amery, WI. It was the best experience ever, and I hope that I will be able to go back. Some stuff that I am involved with at school is being a Residential Assistant (RA) and am on Concordia Activities Board (CAB). So I watch over the freshmen and make sure they are safe. Being on CAB, I plan events for Concordia students. I am having a blast this year at Concordia and enjoying the Honors Program!
	My full name is Nikolai Gibbons, but most people just refer to me as Niko. A little background about myself: I was born and raised in Fort Collins, CO. After I graduated high school in 2006, I applied to Concordia, but instead went to Colorado State University for the Computer Engineering program. A month later I realized that was not what I wanted to do, dropped out, and came to Concordia the next year. I'm in the Pre-Seminary program with a theology major. I have no clue exactly how I will use my major, but I know it will be in some sort of church work. The Honors Program has given me a more informed look at the world in which I'm called to serve and a more global perspective to serve all human kind.
	Hello. My name is Ryan Marshall and I come to Minnesota from the small town of Laurel, MT. I am a 21 year old junior majoring in Psychology. I am unsure as to what I will do with a psychology major, and the options I am considering range from marketing, to law enforcement, even to possible missionary work. The neat aspect of the Honors Program that is helpful now, and will be long after my college career, is the integration of faith and learning. Psychology can be a challenge to a Christian in terms of faith and practice. The integration of faith and learning has helped me to apply my faith as I learn. I am able to deal with ideas that test my principles as they arise. Honors has been a guide to keeping my faith at the forefront of my college education.
	My name is Kristina Jones. I?m from Jim Falls, WI. I?m a sophomore this year and am 19 years old. I plan to major in finance and would eventually like to work in a bank or become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). (Transferred to another school.)
Alpha
	My name is Alexander Bednar. I am a senior from St. Paul Minnesota. I am a international relations/political science major with minors in economics and Middle Eastern studies. I hope to graduate in the spring of 2011.
	Hello. My name is Amanda Snyder and I plan to be a senior this year at Concordia, majoring in Theatre and History. This past summer I worked as a counselor and lifeguard at Camp Carol Joy Holling in Ashland, NE and I must say that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life doing God's work. As I approach graduation, I have several ambitions for my life including working in professional theatre as an actress and set constructor or perhaps working with historical archives, but the Honors Program has shown me that I can utilize my gifts in other ways as well, including volunteering with a non profit children's theatre organization (Young Artists Initiative, St. Paul) and I might even join the Peace Corps or Habitat for Humanity someday. If someone asked me about the Honors Program, I won't sugar coat it. It's a good deal of work, late nights, and sometimes...even insanity!! :D I feel like this is something a new person should know going in. I can tell you through that it is an amazing gift for someone who is looking for a unique college introduction and experience, the students and faculty you work with are amazing, and you will get advantages and opportunities that not every freshman gets at Concordia. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this program and I promise any potential students out there that you will experience laughter and deep intellectual growth-whether you want to or not! :D
	My name is Bethany Wilcke and I'm from Battle Creek, Iowa. I?m a Senior at Concordia, majoring Family Life Ministry with music, Lutheran Confessionalism, and theatre minors. I plan on graduating next December in 2010. I?m involved in choir, theatre, small group Bible study, and have two jobs here on campus?one for the admissions office and the other working for Dr. Schuler as an assistant with Honors recruiting. I?m sure I?ll get the chance to correspond either directly or indirectly with many if not all of you and I look forward to meeting you all.
	Hi, my name is Carl Wendorff. I am a senior at Concordia University and I am in the Director of Christian Outreach Program. I will be on internship this next year and I plan on graduating during the 2010-2011 academic year.
	Hey there! My name is Elizabeth Ehlenz. I am a senior this year and will graduate in 2010. I'm from Buffalo, MN (it's about an hour west of here). After two years of the Honors program, I have narrowed my focus to work with non-profit organizations that deal specifically with poverty and marginalization, so I have created my own major as an extension of the Honors Program--Christian Non-Profit for Social Change. I have really enjoyed the Honors Program and found it incredibly helpful and educational; I strongly encourage you to check it out!
	Hello! My name is Joanna Gimbel, but you can call me Jo. I'm a senior this year at Concordia. I will eventually graduate with a theatre major, but I'm not sure when I will be graduating yet.
	My name is Katie Benke and I am a senior at Concordia. It's hard to say exactly where I'm from, but the general Midwest seems to be a fitting description. I am majoring in history with a communication minor. I plan to graduate this spring in 2010 and next year I plan to study overseas to see the world while finishing up my last few credits and then I will return home for graduate school. I love sports, music, Jesus, family, and friends and I hope to incorporate all of those into a future career.
	My name is Lisa Galvin. I am a senior this year and will graduate in 2010 with a major in Psychology. I was born in Saint Paul, though I have lived in St. Catherine's, Ontario; Regina, Saskatchewan and Gardnerville, Nevada.
	My name is Matt Hewitt. I graduated in spring of 2009 with a major in Theology. I am going to seminary after Concordia and will work in the pastoral office at some point doing outreach.
	My name is Mark Resner. I?m a theology major and am going to seminary now after I graduated. I was born in Kansas City, MO and have lived in Independence, KS and Jefferson City, MO.
	Hi, My Name is Rachel Winter and I am majoring in Elementary Education with a specialty in Early Childhood (Pre-K to 6th grade). I am also minoring in confessional Lutheranism so that I can teach in a Lutheran School. I am a senior this year and will graduate in the spring of 2010. My home town is Hamburg, MN.
	My name is Roxanne Konkel, a senior this year completing course work in Family Life Education, Confessional Lutheranism, and Psychology. I will be graduating this spring and am planning on attending graduate school working towards a doctorate in Counseling Psychology or a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am also working towards being placed on the Roster of Church Workers for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as a Family Life Minister.
	My name is Shane Acers. I am in my fourth year at Concordia. I plan to graduate in the spring of 2011 as a Director of Christian Outreach. I am in State College, PA doing my DCO internship. I am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church working with Youth, Worship, and doing Campus Ministry at Penn. St.
	My name is Greta Schulz. I am a pastor's kid, so I have lived all over the United States. Most currently my family lives in Tallahassee, FL. I am a second year student in the Alpha Honors class. I have felt God's calling on my life to reach out to those in need, so I am majoring in Director of Christian Outreach with minors in Theatre and Music. I hope that maybe someday I'll do international drama ministry or missionary work. (Transferred to another school.)