A lot can happen in a decade. As alumnus Nate Grasz (B.A., B.S. ’15) returned to Colorado Christian University’s campus for Hugh Hewitt’s Homecoming on March 13, he reflected on how much had changed since his last visit — from the addition of the Anschutz Student Center (2017) and Rockmont Hall (2019) to the newly completed Armstrong Center (2024) — and also what remained the same.
Pausing at Leprino Hall, where he once helped broadcast The Hugh Hewitt Show, Grasz sat down with BEYOND magazine to reflect on life since graduation — including marriage, fatherhood to two children (with one on the way), and his role as executive director of Nebraska Family Alliance (NFA) — the Family Policy Council for the state of Nebraska. At the center of it all is the lasting impact of his time at CCU that continues to guide his work and calling today.
A Foundation for Influence
Grasz arrived at CCU in 2012 as a student-athlete from Omaha, Nebraska, drawn by the opportunity to play basketball. A double major in business administration and political science, he graduated in December 2015, leaving with a drive and motivation that extended into courts of a different nature, along with an understanding that vocation and calling are not separate pursuits.
Now leading the charge for NFA (an independent organization affiliated with Focus on the Family), Grasz is running point on often unpopular or challenging cultural conversations to play a role in shaping them — a foundation he credits to his time at CCU.
“Pretty quickly, the relationships and people I met at CCU, the professors and a multitude of unique opportunities — they all worked together to solidify a desire to be involved in government and public policy,” said Grasz.
“If I look back... it’s just so clear to me that God was preparing me then for what I am doing now.”
That transformation took place inside and outside the classroom, particularly through Grasz’s involvement with the Centennial Institute. There, he encountered experiences and conversations that wove faith, policy, and culture together through a biblical lens — helping him think critically about the world around him.
“Everything was through a Christian worldview,” Grasz explained. “The professors and the speakers that were brought to campus provided me with so many unique opportunities to be shaped and mentored by people who are actively serving in government or influencing the culture with truth.”
One of the most defining experiences came during Grasz’s senior year, when he worked as an associate producer for nationally syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt. Broadcasting from campus, Grasz gained real-time exposure to national conversations and how to approach them with grace and truth.
“It was just Hugh and me, every afternoon,” Grasz recalled. “I would help prepare notes for the show, then every day I would just get to watch him interview the top lawmakers and conservative thinkers from across the country. I really got to learn from him, and I’m so grateful for that experience.”
Those moments — equal parts classroom, mentorship, and real-world application — helped confirm a calling that had been taking shape.
“If I look back at all of the different opportunities and experiences I’ve had, it’s just so clear to me that God was preparing me then for what I’m doing now,” said Grasz.
From Campus to Calling
After graduating, Grasz returned to Nebraska, married his high school sweetheart, Brenna (B.A. ’15), also a CCU alum. Brenna received her law degree from the University of Nebraska, served as the attorney for the Protect Women & Children campaign in 2024, and now practices part-time while staying home with their two children (Briella, 4 and Jesse, 2) and awaiting their third this August.
Nate immediately began working at NFA in January 2016. Starting as policy director, he now serves the organization as executive director, leading its mission to “advance family, freedom, and life.”
“We can either influence culture or be influenced by culture.”
For Grasz, the work extends beyond politics — it is deeply personal and also spiritual.
“We’re not a political organization,” Grasz explained. “We’re a Christian ministry that cares about politics and policy because we care about people.”
In his role, Grasz collaborates with elected officials and helps shape policies affecting families across Nebraska. His work spans religious liberty, education, human trafficking, and the protection of life.
“We’re at the tip of the spear in the battles that are shaping our culture,” said Grasz.
Over the past 10 years, several milestones stand out. He authored legislation creating commemorative birth certificates for families who have experienced miscarriage, providing a meaningful way to honor lives often left unrecognized. He also helped lead the passage of the First Freedom Act, strengthening religious liberty protections in Nebraska, and played a key role in a historic ballot initiative strategy — with language authored by Brenna — that secured constitutional protections for unborn children.
Central to Grasz’s work is a principle he began to understand at Colorado Christian University — that culture is not something to passively absorb, but something to actively mold.
“As believers, we can either influence culture or be influenced by culture,” said Grasz. “And so much of what we see is a continued decline in morality and the breakdown of God’s design for marriage, family, and life.”
For Grasz, addressing cultural challenges requires more than policy solutions; it requires recognizing deeper roots.
“Most of the issues that we face aren’t political,” commented Grasz. “They’re moral issues, and they are spiritual issues.”
Yet Grasz’s approach is not defined by confrontation, but effectiveness — communicating with clarity, empathy, and purpose, prioritizing people over arguments.
“Our hope is that every person we interact with, even if they disagree with us, would never be able to say that we didn’t represent Christ well.”
It’s a posture that reflects a balance of standing firm without losing sight of the people on the other side of the conversation.
A Call for the Next Generation
Looking ahead, Grasz sees reason for hope — not because the challenges are diminishing, but because more individuals are stepping forward to meet them.
“Courage begets courage,” said Grasz. “I think we are seeing across our country more Christians starting to stand up and speak out.”
For current CCU students preparing to enter an increasingly complex cultural landscape, Grasz’s encouragement is both timely and enduring.
“God could have put us here at any time,” said Grasz. “And He chose to put us here in this time and place to be a light for Him.”
It is a reminder that cultural leadership is not reserved for a select few, but it is a calling extended to anyone willing to step into their moment with faith and conviction.
“We’re not promised results,” Grasz added, “but we’re guaranteed to lose every battle we don’t show up for.”