Each year, the Lutheran Education Association honors teachers and administrators whose work reflects a strong commitment to Christian education and students. This year, two Concordia alumni have been selected to receive awards.
Beverly Brueggemann, Class of 1969
Brueggemann, of Grafton, Wis., was selected to receive the Lutheran Education Association’s Distinguished Retired Lutheran Educator EncourAGING Award. A 50-year veteran of Lutheran and public education, she officially retired from St. Paul Lutheran School in Grafton in 2010. Since retiring, Brueggemann has continued to serve through mentoring new teachers in the LCMS South Wisconsin District, training as a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) worker, and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Family Sharing, and Lutheran Counseling and Family Services.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, received her colloquy from Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois, attended Concordia University Ann Arbor, and served her entire career in the greater Milwaukee area.
She shaped generations of students through Christ-centered instruction, loving care, and a commitment to integrating faith into learning. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom, as she was known for nurturing both academic growth and spiritual maturity. What distinguishes her for the EncourAGING Award is her continued dedication to Lutheran education after retirement, especially through mentoring and supporting new teachers as they begin their vocations.
A former colleague further highlighted Brueggemann’s leadership in developing a yearlong, systematic mentoring program for new teachers in partnership with Concordia University Wisconsin and the LCMS South Wisconsin District. Through weekly and monthly guidance, classroom support, shared resources, prayers, and encouragement, she has invested deeply in the next generation of educators. This program has been adopted by principals across the district and reflects her ongoing love for Lutheran education and her faithful commitment to encouraging others in their calling.
Lori Schneider, Class of 2004
Schneider has been selected to receive the Lutheran Education Association’s 2026 Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Administrator Award. She serves as childcare director at Seeds of Grace Christian Child Development Center, a ministry of Grace Lutheran Church in Northbrook, Ill. Schneider has broad leadership experience as a child development associate trainer, advisor, and professional development specialist for the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. Her work has also included serving as an early childhood teacher ambassador and supporting a preschool program in Italy.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in child psychology and motor development from Baldwin Wallace University, received her colloquy from Concordia University Ann Arbor, and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University Portland.
Reflecting on her ministry, Schneider shared that her greatest joys come from the curiosity and affection of young children and from walking alongside families with encouragement and prayer. She also values the lasting professional relationships she has formed with colleagues and finds joy in seeing teachers grow in their faith and confidence in sharing it throughout the school day.
Supporting her nomination, Schneider’s nominator praised her tireless commitment to outreach and faith formation, noting her dedication to developing programs that help children know God’s Word and grow in Christ. Schneider’s personal mission is to be a blessing to the communities she serves by providing children with a loving, Christ-centered environment that blends quality care and education. Through developmentally appropriate learning experiences grounded in God’s love, she seeks to nurture curiosity, faith, and lifelong learning in every child.
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