Teams from across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa competed Friday, April 19, in the first annual Grace University high school quiz bowl tournament.

The Bellevue East team of Erik Ingram, Nate Crawford, Matt Cummins, Helen Timmins, and Chayce Kenny won first place in the advanced division. Each member of the winning team received a $1,500 scholarship to Grace. Team members from Lincoln Southwest earned second place and a $1,000 scholarship.  Waverly’s “B” team won third place and each member of the team received a $750 scholarship.

In the novice division, first place was earned by the Bellevue East team of Noah Madrigal, Sydney Hansen, Mary LaPorte, George Timmins, and Jameson Poth. Second place went to Lincoln Northeast, and Bellevue East’s “B” team took third. Scholarships to Grace University were also awarded in the novice division, at the same intervals as in the advanced division – $1,500 for first place team members, $1,000 for second, and $750 for third.

In all, 18 teams competed in Grace University’ first quiz bowl tournament.  No one left empty handed, as all participants earned a $250 scholarship to Grace.  In all, approximately $46,000 in scholarships to Grace were awarded.

Participating teams represented Bellevue East, Ralston, Omaha Christian Academy, Waverly, Lincoln Northeast, Benson, Lincoln Southwest, Norris and Seward high schools in Nebraska, and West Monona, Woodbine, Logan and Shenandoah high schools in Iowa.

Grace University, located in Omaha, Neb., is a regionally accredited, private Christian university with more than 40 diverse undergraduate, graduate and adult degree completion programs including education, business, psychology, music, nursing and Christian ministries. The university’s mission is to develop servant leaders for the home, the church and the world through excellence in biblically integrated education.

“We are excited to offer our community more options for Christian higher education at the graduate level,” said Dr. David M. Barnes, president of Grace University. “We want our students prepared for ministries in key career fields, and these graduate programs are an important outreach opportunity.”

Two new offerings in the College of Graduate Studies are opening new doors for those wanting to begin or enhance their teaching careers.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for those seeking initial Nebraska State Teaching Certification. It is an accelerated 16-month program for students with a bachelor’s degree, who have never held a teaching certificate, and who want Nebraska Department of Education Certification. The accelerated program enables individuals already possessing a non-educational bachelor’s degree to begin an elementary or secondary education career focused on serving students in business, English, history, mathematics, music or social studies. The MAT integrates classroom management techniques and technology skills with a strong Biblical worldview. Students are prepared to serve locally and internationally in a Christ-honoring manner in public, private, or parochial school environments.

The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) exists to develop servant leaders within the education profession through excellence in biblically integrated instruction and student-focused service learning.  The MSEd degree is an accelerated 16-month program for professionals who have already earned a teaching certificate. It is designed for professionals who want to further develop their teaching skills, study the latest research in curriculum and instruction, and earn a Nebraska ESL (English as a Second Language) Endorsement.

Mental health practitioners are in high demand, and the Graduate College has expanded its Counseling Department to include a School Counseling track. The State of Nebraska only allows certified teachers to become school counselors, and this track enables experienced teachers to enhance their career skills. As school counselors, Grace graduates have the opportunity to impact public and private school students in a new way. Graduates of the School Counseling Track receive a 52-Credit Master of Arts degree in Counseling from a biblically integrative perspective with courses in counseling and biblical studies.

The Counseling Department has committed to seeking accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The CACREP only grants accreditation to counseling programs that meet the highest educational standards. Faculty are engaging in a self-study process with hopes to complete the process in spring 2015. The faculty are excited and committed to this effort; we ask you pray for success in planning and conducting such a tremendous effort.

Grace University is committed to equipping students in the counseling program to help hurting people from a Christ-centered perspective. The Counseling Department has an excellent reputation within the Omaha community for preparing students for practice in a variety of settings. Currently, graduates work in clinical settings including private practice, group settings, and at institutional facilities.

For information on how you can begin this program, contact Emily Jantzen, Adult Admissions Counselor at ejantzen1413@graceu.edu or 402.449.2832.

Grace University, located in Omaha, Neb., is a regionally accredited, private Christian university with more than 40 diverse undergraduate, graduate and adult degree completion programs including education, business, psychology, music, nursing and Christian ministries. The University’s mission is to develop servant leaders for the home, the church and the world through excellence in biblically integrated education.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

There is no better time than right now for Grace University’s unique mission to develop Christ-centered servant leaders for the home, the church and the world.  More than ever, our culture and our world need educated professionals who live and walk in the path of Christ.

The generosity of the Woodhouse Auto Family reflects their desire to give in the service of God.  Currently, they are doubling gifts to Grace University up to $100,000 through the Woodhouse Match campaign.  The campaign runs through June 30.

The Woodhouse Match campaign continues a tradition of excellence at Grace University. Money raised during the drive funds scholarships. Woodhouse Auto Family has been partnering with Grace University since 2008.

For more information on how to donate, click here.

The voices of Grace University’s Chorale are returning home from a seven-city, spring break concert tour through the western U.S.

All are welcome as the Grace University Chorale lifts their voices in praise through an uplifting performance April 7 at First Covenant Church at 4 p.m.  First Covenant Church is located at 201 N 90^th in Omaha. The concert is free and no tickets are required.

Selections are based on the theme “Christ: the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Song titles include: “The Creation,” “Sanctus” and “Agnus Dei” from the Faure “Requiem,” “Heavenly Light,” “The Virgin Mary had a BABY Boy,” “Vamuvamba,” “O Sifuni Mungu,” “Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal,” “Crucifixus,” “Gaelic Blessing,” “Musick’s Empire,” and “Pilgrim’s Hymn.”

The 38 member Chorale performed March 24 through 29 in Keizer, Ore.; Corvallis, Ore.; Dallas, Ore.; Spokane, Wash.; Nampa, Idaho; Basin, Wyo.; and Chadron, Neb.

Grace University, located in Omaha, Neb., is a regionally accredited, private Christian university with more than 40 diverse undergraduate, graduate and adult degree completion programs including education, business, psychology, music, nursing and Christian ministries. The university’s mission is to develop servant leaders for the home, the church and the world through excellence in biblically-integrated education.

Grace University has announced the addition of women’s soccer to its lineup of varsity athletic programs as part of an overall undergraduate and graduate program expansion and development of a top-ranked athletic program.

World Cup soccer player and former Husker Tanya Franck Benning has been selected as the first head coach of the women’s soccer team. Coach Benning has a strong collegiate and professional background and a solid reputation in the metro soccer community. Her strengths include her solid tactical skills and her talent for developing the character of her players. These traits make her a compelling recruiter both locally and nationally.

Grace University is in the first year of a three-year plan to expand the school’s athletic offerings. The plans include the addition of women’s soccer, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s track and field, and the addition of junior varsity teams, as well as the development of a soccer, baseball, and softball complex. Research is beginning to assess the feasibility of other sports including wrestling, lacrosse, and shooting sports. The Grace University Royals expansion also is being done in preparation to join NAIA and to move to the NCCAA Division I level, which increases the level of competition and scholarship opportunities for student-athletes.

“The historic, purposeful mission of Grace University is behind every expansion decision that is prayerfully considered by our faculty, staff and board of trustees,” said Dr. David Barnes, president of Grace University. “By giving Christian students and athletes greater opportunities to study in relevant academic programs, we are helping them reach God’s call on their life in today’s mission fields. The founders of this University recognized the need for biblically-centered Christian higher education, and our resolve is as strong today.”

Benning, a native Canadian, had a successful career as a Husker midfielder. She was co-captain for the Huskers for three seasons and earned numerous honors for her defensive play from 1994–1997. As a biochemistry major and communication minor, she earned spots on the Big 8 and Big 12 Academic Honor Rolls. Following graduation, she played four years for the Canadian national team, playing in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She then played two years for the United Soccer League’s Toronto Infernos.

After returning to Nebraska, Benning served as an assistant coach at UNO in 1999–2000 and volunteered as an assistant coach at Creighton University in 2002–2003. She joined Arsenal Club as the head coach from 2003–2005. Following the merger into the Omaha Football Club (OFC), Benning served as the head coach for the top two girls’ teams for the Academy Division and currently is the assistant coach for OFC’s Youth Development League.

Off the field, Benning has worked for Calvary Chapel West Omaha as a ministry assistant where she has been responsible for mentoring and counseling women and youth, as well as planning community outreaches.

Grace University, located in Omaha, Neb., is a regionally accredited, private Christian university with more than 40 diverse undergraduate, graduate and adult degree completion programs including education, business, psychology, music, nursing and Christian ministries. The university’s mission is to develop servant leaders for the home, the church and the world through excellence in biblically-integrated education.

Some song titles include: The Creation, Sanctus and Agnus Dei from the Faure “Requiem”, Heavenly Light, The Virgin Mary had a BABY Boy, Vamuvamba, O Sifuni Mungu, Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal, Crucifixus, Gaelic Blessing, Musick’s Empire, Pilgrim’s Hymn.

Plan now to attend the event in your area.  Click Chorale Tour Schedule to see complete details.

Grace University will hold its annual Career Fair on March 20, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Burkholder Center Classen Gymnasium, 810 Pine Street.

A number of outstanding Omaha businesses, schools, and statewide ministries will be present to meet you and answer your questions. This event is open to the public so please join us.  Bring an updated resume and dress for success!

We have found that building relationships has impact.  With the emergence of China as a world power, we want to represent the United States well to enhance future relations. Although Taiyuan is a city of 3.5 million, it does not attract many tourists or business travelers.  For many, we will be some of the few Americans they may ever encounter. In 2010 we performed for nearly 15,000 people.

PLEASE PRAY FOR US:  Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING:  Your financial support is needed and appreciated.

The team needs to raise 100% of the costs (approx. $2800 for each person) by March, 2013. If you are able to support us financially, please give at www.GraceU.edu and click on the “Give to Grace” box, and then select the China Tour to apply your donation.  Gifts are  tax-deductible.

Phil Payne is a kingdom entrepreneur. He loves Jesus, his wife Elizabeth (of 26 years) and his family (of 4 grown children), preaching and teaching, new ideas, innovation, young people, international living, and travel. Phil is especially passionate about exposing young people to the Global Kingdom of God and challenging them to get involved around the world with their lives.

   MARK WEBER:  PovertyCure

Mark Weber is an award-winning independent filmmaker whose work has been featured on NBC, FOX, ESPN, and numerous On Demand TV platforms. He is an active learner, writer, and speaker, and has presented to audiences worldwide on the topics of international poverty, public policy, leadership, and sports. Mark currently is serving as a jack-of-all-trades producer, writer, researcher and designer for PovertyCure. PovertyCure is a disruptive research and educational media venture aimed at propelling the aid-dominated development discussion toward partnership-based entrepreneurial solutions that value the creative capacity of our friends in developing countries.

Click to view detailed Conference Schedule.