In arguably the most uncommon manner in university history, Concordia University Wisconsin again fulfilled its mission by ushering in the latest cohort of graduates who are poised to go out and impact the world.
On Saturday, CUW wrapped up a week of virtual commemorations for its spring 2020 graduates with a live Virtual Degree Conferral ceremony featuring remarks from University President Rev. Patrick T. Ferry, Ph.D., Provost Dr. Bill Cario, Senior Vice President Dr. Gretchen Jameson, Campus Pastor Rev. Steve Smith, and 2020 graduate Skylar Petrik.
“Your Concordia experience has been one marked by top drawer academic experiences,” President Ferry shared in his address. “You’ve learned a lot from great faculty and you’ve been engaged by staff who care about you and challenge you, but more than anything else, your Concordia experience has been framed by the recognition that the Lord Jesus Christ is the savior of the world and loves you with an everlasting love.”
The ceremony was broadcast via Zoom and live-streamed to the university’s Facebook page. Participants aired their well-wishes and thanks via Facebook and social media using #CUWgrad20.
“Thank you to everyone who made this event happen via Zoom. Feeling so blessed for technology and the people behind it, to be able to see this special day,” one participant commented. “Congrats and blessings to Taylor Oestreich and all the graduates on this special day and always, as you all move into a new chapter. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you! God’s Blessings, The Pfund Family!”
Altogether:
- Nearly 830 people attended the live webinar
- 90 viewers tuned in live via Facebook
- Some 9,240 accounts were reached via the Facebook live stream (as of Monday morning)
- 841 candidates for graduation were recognized
Graduate Tributes
Beginning on Sunday, May 10, Concordia began its roll-out of what has became an annual tradition—a daily feature of that year’s compelling graduate stories.
In case you missed them, the spring 2020 graduate tributes are below.
The uncommon mother who’s finishing what she started
The uncommon survivor living each day with purpose
The uncommon financier keeping family ties strong
The uncommon educator following in her sister’s footsteps
The uncommon optimist soaring through transition
The uncommon leader motivating the marginalized to achieve their college dreams
The uncommon speech-language pathologist expressing her heritage
The uncommon pharmacist representing Concordia every step of the way
— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.
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