From the stage to something more

Concordia’s Got Talent returns as a night designed for the CUW community to come together.

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There’s something about stepping onto a stage that changes a person.

For some students, it begins with nerves. For others, it’s a step into something new. As the first Concordia’s Got Talent took shape last year, participants stepped onto the stage not fully knowing what to expect—but many left with an experience that stayed with them.

Now in its second year, CGT will take place Thursday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m., in the Todd Wehr Auditorium. The event aims to build on its original foundation, returning with new energy and expanded opportunities for both performers and audience members.

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Keep it simple

Concordia’s Got Talent made its debut last year as a new way to connect the CUW community.

“CGT started from a simple idea I had—creating something that would bring the entire campus together and highlight what makes Concordia truly special and uncommon: the people,” said alumnus Dalton Hribar, ’25.

Hribar, who graduated last May with his bachelor’s degree in accounting and his MBA, developed the concept during his time as SGA chief financial officer. Inspired by shows like America’s Got Talent, he set out to create something similar at Concordia while keeping the focus on community.

“I wanted to create something similar on campus, but in a way that intentionally included every part of Concordia—students, faculty and staff,” he said.

Bringing that vision to life required more than planning an event. It meant coordinating across departments, building a team and shaping something entirely new.

“Planning and executing CGT was a behemoth of a task that required a tremendous amount of work, but it was incredibly fulfilling,” Hribar said.

Throughout the process, he worked closely with students, faculty and staff from across campus. Those relationships carried into the night itself.

“Being able to connect with so many people throughout the entire process—from the initial idea to the final execution—was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience,” he said. “You can truly feel the light of Christ within the CUW community, and it became even more evident through every interaction.”

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Bringing it all together

When the event finally arrived, Hribar not only helped lead it behind the scenes but also hosted it.

“Feeling the energy of the room, seeing over 500 people in the audience and recognizing familiar faces from all aspects of CUW was incredibly special,” he said.

As the night came to a close, the significance of it became clear. “I stood on the stage while everything was being cleaned up, and I had a deep sense of gratitude,” Hribar said. “Seeing it all come together and be such a success—far beyond what I expected—was a blessing and made every hour of work worth it.”

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Making moments that matter

For last year’s winners, the impact of the event extended far beyond one night.

“CGT was such a wonderful and unexpected opportunity in our lives,” said Rachel Pope, a junior studying Lutheran music education. “It can be vulnerable to put yourself out there like that, and I applaud all of the participants for sharing their talent with hundreds of people.”

Pope and her performance partner, Tirzah Schmickle, took first place with an original song—an experience that led to something more.

“The support and positive feedback we received influenced us to start a band and share our music,” Pope said.

Now performing as Letters to the King,, the duo has released original music and continues to pursue new opportunities.

“CGT gave us the confidence to pursue this dream of ours, and we will always be grateful for that,” Pope said.

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More than a performance

Hosted by the Student Government Association, CGT will continue on as an annual event.

From music and dance to comedy and unique acts, the show gives students space to share parts of themselves not always seen in the classroom.

“It provides a platform for students to express their creativity and unique talents, which is often missing in traditional academic settings,” said Austin Kerbs, co-chair of the SGA PR and Social Programming Committee.

For Norah Hau, co-chair of the same committee, the event is an invitation to the broader campus community. “It’s a campus-wide event celebrating the incredible talents of students across all disciplines,” she said.

The evening will feature student performers competing for top honors. The winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship, with additional awards for runner-up and fan favorite.

For those in the audience, the experience goes beyond the stage. Expect food, raffles with high-value prizes and interactive elements throughout the night.

“It’s a fun, high-energy campus event and an opportunity to support friends and peers,” Kerbs said.

Before the show, students can attend a new addition to the day. The “Show Off Your Talent” Career Fair and Networking Event will run from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Robert Plaster Building.

“This is a great opportunity to connect with professionals, explore career opportunities and build your network before enjoying the show,” Hau said.

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Why it matters

At its core, Concordia’s Got Talent is about connection.

“It strengthens campus culture and school spirit,” Kerbs said. Hribar added that the event gives students the opportunity “to be seen, known and celebrated in ways that go beyond the classroom.”

For some students, it may be their first time on stage. For others, it may mark the beginning of something they carry forward long after graduation.

“My hope was always that CGT would become something bigger than just one event—something that lasts and continues to bring people together,” Hribar said. “Seeing it continue into a second year is incredibly meaningful.”

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Know before you go

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Before the show

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Want in?

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.

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