Concordia University Wisconsin is pleased to announce this year’s Faculty Laureate, Christo Et Ecclesiae, Distinguished Alumnus, and Honorary Doctor of Letters commencement honorees.
For more details on these awards and their criteria, click HERE.
Ronald L. Berg Faculty Laureate: Cynthia Witte
This award is an honor bestowed by the faculty on one of its own in recognition as the outstanding faculty member of the year.
Dr. Witte is a native of Fredonia, Wisconsin, with a long history with CUW, as both a scholar and an athlete. She received her BS in nursing from CUW in 1990 with Magna Cum Laude and Alpha Chi honors. As a member of the Falcon basketball team, she was first-team All-Conference for four years, an NAIA Academic All-American, and was inducted into the CUW Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
Dr. Witte continued her education here at Concordia as she earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree in 2002. In 2011 she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Leadership and the Business of Health Care through Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. She has presented her doctoral research, numerous times at national and international nursing conferences.
Dr. Witte serves the university, her church, and community in many ways. She is actively involved in her church and serves as a member of St. John XXIII Pastoral Council, is a member of the Human Concerns Commission, and is also a Eucharistic Minister. She has served as an adult leader for two mission trips through Catholic Heart Work Camp to Puerto Rico and St. Croix to assist with hurricane relief efforts. She is happily married to Ken and they have been blessed with two wonderful children, Katelyn and Matthew.
Christo ET Ecclesiae: Rev. Dr. Randall Ferguson
Given to an individual(s) who has demonstrated a high and unusual interest in advancing Christian education, by using in a special way the talents with which the Lord has endowed him/her.
Rev. Dr. Ferguson had a long and distinguished career at CUW. He started in the fall of 1991, as a professor of communication, eventually becoming department Chair of the department. It was during this time he discovered his passion for servant-leadership.
Randy was later elected to serve as Concordia’s faculty chair, and then named to serve as Assistant Vice-President of Academics for Student Success. Not content to be chained to a desk, Randy focused on building relationships and starting new initiatives—such as Concordia Cares, an all-day new-employee orientation program.
Later in his career, he became CUW’s first Director of Christian Service. His many accomplishments in that role include enhancing Concordia’s Week of Service, fostering community partnerships, tallying student service hours, and promoting service-learning among the faculty. In 2015 he was honored to receive the Faculty Laureate Award.
In response to receiving the Christo ET Ecclesiae award, he says: “I am overwhelmed with unworthiness! Any accomplishments attributed to me I throw back to my Creator and Redeemer.”
Distinguished Alumnus: Chez Misko
Given to recognize an alumnus/alumna who has consistently demonstrated faithful stewardship of his/her talents and has rendered notable service to the church and to the University.
Our CUW Distinguished Alumnus for 2024 is Chez Misko, a 1996 sports medicine graduate of CUW. In 1998, he earned his MBA from CUW in Healthcare Administration. Today he is the Chief Operating Officer and partner for the Wisconsin Athletic Club—affectionately known as “The WAC.” [pronounced wack]
At The WAC, Chez is responsible for all day-to-day operations, including facility design, construction, and club management. He is proud of his Concordia roots and connections, currently serving on the Concordia University Foundation Board and the CUW Alumni Association.
Today he resides in Greenfield, Wisconsin, with his wife of more than 25 years, Wendy—whom he met while they were both students at Concordia. They have two adult daughters, Mariah and Madison. In his free time, Chez enjoys working out, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Honorary Doctor of Letters: Martin Schreiber
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated significant contributions in the arts and sciences. These contributions may be in the areas of teaching, research, or publication.
Former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber is an award-winning crusader for Alzheimer’s caregivers and persons with dementia. His speaking tour takes him around the country, while his book, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver, was rated as the No. 11 “Best Alzheimer’s Book of All Time” by bookauthority.org.
Schreiber’s work on behalf of older citizens goes back decades to his 16 years in public service as a state senator, lieutenant governor and governor. He attended Valparaiso University in Indiana and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and earned a doctorate of law from Marquette University in Milwaukee.
Marty and his wife Elaine, who died in 2022, are the parents of four children: Kathryn Lyon, Martin Schreiber, Kristine Haas, and Matt Schreiber. They have thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.