Concordia University administration officials, university supporters, community leaders, architects and members of the Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center planning committee break ground for the first stage of the wellness center in Seward on July 23.

Paul Fischer

    Dirt, shovels, hard hats, and a desire to begin a project long dreamed of were on the scene July 23 as Concordia University administration officials, Heath and Human Performance department faculty and key leaders in the Seward community convened near the Concordia practice fields in Seward to break ground on the first phase of the Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center.
     The first phase involves the arena facility, which will include five classrooms/labs, offices, lounges, locker rooms, training rooms and an arena with seating for more than 2,500 spectators. It is expected to be completed by fall 2009 when the athletic and human performance departments will move in. The plan also includes a field house containing a 200-meter track and a multipurpose infield. Fundraising continues for this portion of the center.
     Concordia Foundation, Inc. On a Mission Campaign Co-chair Dennis Meyer began the event by welcoming those attending to the ceremony.
     "While we are just breaking ground, today is far from the beginning of this project," Meyer said. "In fact this early step has been many years in the making."
     Meyer noted that construction still needed to be done and more funds still needed to be raised in order for them to achieve their goal.
     "I look forward to standing here with you upon the successful completion of this project and cutting the ribbon together with you in 2009," he said.
     Meyer was followed by Vice President of Institutional Advancement Pete Kenow, who introduced the various representatives and contributors to the project who would participate in the groundbreaking.
     On a Mission Campaign Co-chair Fred Ohlde took the podium next for the first message. Ohlde said the groundbreaking is the result of five years of patience and persistence.
     "Breaking ground for the first phase of the Health and Human Performance Athletic Center is an achievement that can only be punctuated with 'Praise be to God!'" he said. "It is a dream come true and what a blessing it will be for Concordia." Ohlde added that the building will benefit athletes, health education students and any students who value physical activity and wellness.
     "For Concordia to compete [with other universities], a facility such as this is a must," he said.
     Ohlde said he thinks the HHPAC as well as the entire On a Mission Campaign will make Concordia University one of the premier liberal arts universities in the Midwest.
     Ohlde was followed by Eunice Goldgrabe, Chair of the Health and Human Performance Department. Goldgrave emphasized the benefits the HHPAC will have on health majors and professors.
     "Now we can say to our majors, 'No more living rooms [to take classes in],'' she said. "To our faculty we can say, 'No more bedroom offices. No more storage closet offices.'"
     Goldgrabe said the new center will be a major blessing to the expanding Health and Human Performance Department.
     Goldgrabe was followed by Athletic Director Grant Schmidt, who explained how, in 1959, Concordia was lacking in athletic programs, especially for women. There was little in the way of a health and human performance department, but Concordia has since changed. By 1964, just five years after being opened, Concordia's athletic facility was deemed inadequate by many students and faculty. But now, he said, the perseverance and sacrifices of many people now have their reward.
     "It is my hope today that we may always use [the new facility] to God's glory, and that today will be the beginning of many tomorrows filled with personal growth, true sportsmanship, courage, honor and unity to all who use it," he said.
     Next was out-going Student Body President Laura Bogenhagen. Bogenhagen said the new facilities would be very beneficial to students for exercise and intramural sports.
     "I would like to say that on behalf of the student body, we're really excited about how the project is coming along and we look forward to using it in the future," she said.
     Mark Kolterman followed Bogenhagen and stressed the past tradition and future goals of Concordia.
     "The goal of this insitution from the very beginning was to educate servant leaders for the church and world," he said. "That focus was started 113 years ago and it continues on today. It's never been lost, but it has been expanded."
     Kolterman echoed Ohlde's thoughts on how top-notch facilities are needed if Concordia is to remain a quality higher education institution.
     "Concordia, the Seward community is behind you in your efforts just like it was in 1894. With God's help, let's keep pushing forward."
     Concordia President Brian Friedrich then offered the final message. Friedrich thanked all the previous speakers for their passionate words for the new facility. He then expressed optimism and gratitude for the project finally taking off after decades of hoping and drew up the Biblical account of Abraham and Sarah, who doubted God's promise to them but eventually saw it fulfilled.
     "We've been about this project for 40 years. We've dreamed about it, talked about it, promised others we would build it," he said. "Is anything too hard for the Lord? As people of God we boldly and confidently shout, "No! With God all things are possible."
     Friedrich then led the groundbreaking in the name of the Holy Trinity. The groundbreaking was followed by fireworks and a prayer from Nebraska District LCMS President Russell Sommerfeld.
     Ceremonial groundbreakers were: University President and CEO Brian Friedrich, Nebraska District LCMS and Board of Regents Chair Russell Sommerfeld, Vice President of Finance, Operations and Planning & CFO and HHPAC Project Director Dave Kumm, Provost David Dolak, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing Jean Jones, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and President of Concordia Foundation, Inc. Pete Kenow, out-going student body President Laura Bogenhagen, Alumni Council President Linda Birkes-Lance, Seward Mayor Roger Glawatz, Co-Owner of Wild Chiropractic and President of the Seward Area Chamber of Commerce Jill Wild, former voice of the bulldogs Martin Stork, Athletic Director Grant Schmidt, Computer Services Data Analyst and and HHPAC Design Coordinator Lon Jungemann, Assistant Professor and HHPAC Design Coordinator Jen Janousek, Health and Human Performance Department Chair Eunice Goldgrabe, and architects John Sinclair and Dan Grasso of Sinclair Hille Architects.