Friedrichs to be honored during July 4 celebrations

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Dr. Laurie Friedrich, longtime educator, and the Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia University, are the Nebraskan’s Friend Awardees for July 4 and have been named July 4 Parade Grand Marshals by the 2019 Seward Fourth of July Celebration Committee.

The Seward Fourth of July Celebration will honor the 125th anniversary of Concordia University in Seward. The slogan for the 2019 celebration is “Education-America’s Foundation.”

“We are happy the Friedrichs both accepted this honor. They are the perfect couple to tie in with our education theme, as they are recognized longtime educators and leaders in both the local and state educational circles,” said Jessica Kolterman, Seward Fourth of July secretary. “It is also most appropriate that we honor Concordia’s milestone birthday, celebrating 125 years of service, as the university system is so very important to Seward, Nebraska and the nation.”

The Friedrichs and their family will be honored at the Governor’s Reception on July 4 and lead the Grand Parade through downtown Seward at 4 p.m. Following the parade, they will be presented their special Nebraskan’s Friend Awards at the Seward Bandshell.

Dr. Laurie (Woglsand) Friedrich is an instructor of literacy methods with a focus on digital literacies in the elementary teacher education program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Along with her colleagues, she has served as principal investigator for Tech EDGE since 2011, planning and presenting over 20 professional conferences on technology integration to university professors, classroom teachers and administrators and preservice teachers.

Her current emphasis for Tech EDGE is Innovation in Teacher Education, preparing educators who are effective and confident facilitating learning in innovative settings. Friedrich and her colleagues received the AACTE 2016 Best Practice Award for the Innovative Use of Technology at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education national convention.

Additionally, she facilitates technology integration for teachers in Lutheran schools through TEC21. Friedrich focuses her research in the areas of new literacies, professional development, innovation in teacher education and technology coaching.

Since 2004 she has also served as First Lady of Concordia University, Nebraska. Prior to this role she served Concordia University, Nebraska as adjunct instructor in the College of Graduate Studies as well as undergraduate Teacher Education, and as director of Alumni and University Relations. She also chairs the University’s Scholarship Parade of Homes Committee. Prior to serving in higher education, Laurie taught in Lutheran elementary schools in St. Louis, Missouri, and New Britain, Connecticut.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, a master’s degree in education with reading specialist endorsement from Concordia University, Nebraska, and doctorate in teaching, curriculum, and learning from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Friedrich is a presenting member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, International Reading Association, Literacy Research Association, American Reading Forum, and Nebraska Educational Technology Association.

Traveling, walking, spending time with family, attending theatre productions and participating in student activities at Concordia Nebraska fill her free time.

The Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich became the 10th president of Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward in July 2004. He held several positions in development and administration at Concordia University, Nebraska since 1991.

Prior to serving at Concordia University, Nebraska, he served as pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Park Falls, Wisconsin, as a religion teacher and dean of chapel at Martin Luther High School in Maspeth, New York, and as assistant pastor at Lutheran Church of St. John in Flushing, New York.

He earned a bachelor’s degree at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, a master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and doctorate in organization and management from the School of Business of Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Friedrich is a vice president of the Concordia University System, member of the Colloquy Committee of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, trustee of Mill Neck Foundation and Lutheran Friends of the Deaf boards, a director of the Council of Independent Colleges of Nebraska, a director of the National Association of the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities, a member of the Seward Rotary Club and St. John Lutheran Church.

He was a director of the Nebraska Independent College Foundation Board, past president of the Seward Rotary Club, past chair of the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America Board of Directors, past member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Council of Presidents, past chair of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Nebraska and past member-at-large of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives Board of Directors. In 2010, he was named ALDE’s Outstanding Executive of the Year.

The Friedrichs are blessed with three adult children, Micah (Alina), Leah (Philip Vogel and grandson, Camden) and Philip.