Lillich gift supports Lutheran education today and in the future

When asked recently about his $2 million gift to Lincoln Lutheran Middle and High School and Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward, Wayne Lillich's answer was simple: “It is just so important.”

Wayne and his wife Wanda firmly believe in the importance of all that Lutheran education has to offer. “Children need continued education, after confirmation, as they get older, that is founded in God. These schools do a tremendous job of providing a wonderful education.”

Concordia University , Nebraska , with roughly 1,340 students and more than 50 academic programs, has been educating students for 115 years. Lincoln Lutheran has been serving the community of Lincoln for nearly 50 years, beginning as a junior high.  The high school is now in its 14th year, and the campus serves 390 students in grades 6 - 12.

 “We are so thankful to the Lillichs for their continuous and consistent support over the years and their dedication to our future,” said Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia. “When the Lord calls Wayne and Wanda home, this foundation trust will ensure that the faith and commitment they placed in Lutheran education will continue to impact future generations of students.”

Scott Ernstmeyer, executive director of the Lincoln Lutheran School Association, echoed Friedrich's thanks and added, “Our desire is to steward this gift to reflect Wayne and Wanda's desire to impact students and make programs and services available that might not have otherwise been possible,” he said.

Both schools have benefited previously from the generosity of the Lillichs. For Concordia, the Lillichs’ support has touched everything from distance learning technology and a graphic design studio to endowed scholarships and construction of Concordia’s new Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center.     

Support from the Lillichs was instrumental in the establishment of Lincoln Lutheran High School in the ’90s. The family has continued to provide for the school, most recently by funding an initiative to expand the school’s development department by partnering with a matching grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.  

“ Lincoln needed a Lutheran high school,” said Wayne about a need the family had felt firsthand. Wayne and Wanda Lillich's daughter Jeanné attended the Lutheran middle school, but instruction was only provided through the ninth grade.

Ernstmeyer’s hope is that the recent gift will have an impact that reaches far into the future, inspiring others and assuring the benefits of Christian education for future generations of young people.

The Lillichs’ gift of $2 million to benefit both Concordia and Lincoln Lutheran also promises to strengthen the link between the two schools and support for each other. Half of Lincoln Lutheran's teachers are graduates of Concordia and many Lincoln Lutheran graduates enroll at Concordia.

“Concordia and Lincoln Lutheran are both striving to provide Christ-centered education,” said Pete Kenow, Concordia's vice president for institutional advancement. “Our shared prayer is to honor the Lillich’s marvelous gift and example.”