NOVEMBER 11, 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Dr Drew Gerdes bio
Dr. Drew Gerdes, 1996 alumnus, spoke at the Mission Possible Benefit Dinner at Martin Luther Jr/Sr High School on Saturday, November 11. He has taught at Lutheran school in Shanghai China and is currently the Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Undergraduate Early Childhood Program, and Director of Student Teaching at Concordia University, Nebraska. He encouraged everyone to continue their support of MLHS and highlighted the impact his Christian education made on his life and the lives of others.
Thank you to the guests who met the $20,000 Exit Basket Challenge.
Dr. Drew Gerdes currently serves as Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Undergraduate Early Childhood Program, and Director of Student Teaching at Concordia University, Nebraska. He also coordinates a partner project between Concordia Nebraska and Lu’An Vocational & Technical College in Lu’An, China. Prior to his current role, Dr. Gerdes served for 7 years as Early Childhood Principal at Concordia International School in Shanghai, China. He has also served as Early Childhood Teacher and Administrator in the LCMS Missouri District.
Dr. Gerdes has served the LCMS-at-large in a variety of ways during his career. He is a previous Board Member for Lutheran Education Association (LEA) and Asia Lutheran Education Association (ALEA). Through engagement with LCMS School Ministry, Dr. Gerdes has been a member of the National Lutheran School Accreditation Executive Committee and District Early Childhood Consultant. He has written many blogs, devotions, and curriculum materials for Concordia Publishing House and Creative Communications for the Parish. Dr. Gerdes is a sought-after speaker around the globe on topics of early childhood education pedagogy, leadership, and Lutheran school ministry.
A product of Lutheran education, Dr. Gerdes gives significant credit to his parents for fostering and providing opportunity to attend Lutheran schools. As an elementary student, he attended St. Paul Lutheran School (Rost Township, rural Lakefield) and Immanuel Lutheran School (Lakefield). He is a 1996 graduate of Martin Luther High School and a 2000 graduate of Concordia University (St. Paul, MN). Additionally, Dr. Gerdes holds his doctorate degree through Concordia University (Chicago, IL).
Drew and his wife, Valerie, have two children. Oliver is in Kindergarten at St. John Lutheran School in Seward, and Charlotte is in Preschool at St. John Lutheran Child Development Center, where Valerie also works as a Lead Teacher. The Gerdes Family returned to the United States in June 2023 and are enjoying small-town life in Seward, Nebraska.
Thank you to the guests who met the $20,000 Exit Basket Challenge.
Dr. Drew Gerdes currently serves as Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Undergraduate Early Childhood Program, and Director of Student Teaching at Concordia University, Nebraska. He also coordinates a partner project between Concordia Nebraska and Lu’An Vocational & Technical College in Lu’An, China. Prior to his current role, Dr. Gerdes served for 7 years as Early Childhood Principal at Concordia International School in Shanghai, China. He has also served as Early Childhood Teacher and Administrator in the LCMS Missouri District.
Dr. Gerdes has served the LCMS-at-large in a variety of ways during his career. He is a previous Board Member for Lutheran Education Association (LEA) and Asia Lutheran Education Association (ALEA). Through engagement with LCMS School Ministry, Dr. Gerdes has been a member of the National Lutheran School Accreditation Executive Committee and District Early Childhood Consultant. He has written many blogs, devotions, and curriculum materials for Concordia Publishing House and Creative Communications for the Parish. Dr. Gerdes is a sought-after speaker around the globe on topics of early childhood education pedagogy, leadership, and Lutheran school ministry.
A product of Lutheran education, Dr. Gerdes gives significant credit to his parents for fostering and providing opportunity to attend Lutheran schools. As an elementary student, he attended St. Paul Lutheran School (Rost Township, rural Lakefield) and Immanuel Lutheran School (Lakefield). He is a 1996 graduate of Martin Luther High School and a 2000 graduate of Concordia University (St. Paul, MN). Additionally, Dr. Gerdes holds his doctorate degree through Concordia University (Chicago, IL).
Drew and his wife, Valerie, have two children. Oliver is in Kindergarten at St. John Lutheran School in Seward, and Charlotte is in Preschool at St. John Lutheran Child Development Center, where Valerie also works as a Lead Teacher. The Gerdes Family returned to the United States in June 2023 and are enjoying small-town life in Seward, Nebraska.
listen to sweet adelines mn valley chorus here!
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Martin Luther Jr/Sr High School, Northrop past and present Board of Directors members were recognized also. Front row: Tyler Garrison, Neal Belgard, Gerald Bergt, Henry Weihe, Joel Oberdieck, Deb Schulz. Second row: Marty Miller, Larry Becker, Phil Hartmann, Scott Halverson, Rev. Timothy Chase, Debra Bertram, Brent Johnson, Jeremy Sailor. Back row: Larry Bremer, Annette Bremer, Barb Reinke, Kerrie Bennett and Rev. John Bennett.