Graduates fill the auditorium during Concordia University Wisconsin’s 2026 commencement ceremony, celebrating the culmination of their academic journey. For the Class of 2026, the message was clear: the path ahead may not unfold exactly as expected, but purpose, perseverance, and faith will continue to guide the way forward.
Concordia University Wisconsin celebrated its spring 2026 graduates over the course of two days, with ceremonies held May 1–2 in the R. John Buuck Field House. Graduate commencement exercises took place across three ceremonies on Friday, followed by undergraduate commencement on Saturday. A Baccalaureate service was held Saturday morning in the Chapel of Christ Triumphant, reflecting on the calling of God in each graduate’s life.
Student speakers reflect on the journey
Across the university’s ceremonies, student speakers returned to a shared idea: that the path forward is rarely linear—and that growth is often shaped in the moments when plans change.
At the 11 a.m. graduate ceremony for the School of Arts & Sciences and School of Education, Vanessa Pender, who earned her Master of Science in Education, encouraged her classmates to release the pressure of perfection and embrace adaptability.
“As you walk across this stage today and into whatever comes next, I hope you remember that your life will not be defined by how perfectly you follow a plan, but rather by how courageously you pivot when that plan changes,” she said.
Her message set the tone for the day, framing graduation not as the end of a carefully mapped journey, but as the beginning of something far less predictable, and far more meaningful.
That theme continued at the 3 p.m. graduate ceremony for the School of Nursing, School of Health Professions, and School of Pharmacy, where Amanda Reavey, Master of Social Work, shifted the focus from plans to purpose, urging graduates to think more deeply about the why behind their work.
“Vocation is more than a job title or professional path; it is the unique way each of us is called to serve others using our gifts, passions, and experiences,” she said. “As we move forward, may we continue to discern where we are needed most, trusting that our skills and our faith will guide us toward work that is successful and deeply purposeful.”
At the 7 p.m. Batterman School of Business ceremony, Isabelle Kobes, who completed her Doctor of Business Administration, reflected on the reality that growth often comes through challenge, emphasizing that leadership is not formed in ease, but through perseverance and lived experience.
“The path to success is rarely a straight line, but with support, perseverance, and purpose, it can lead places we never thought possible,” she said. “As we leave Concordia, we carry more than the knowledge gained through our studies. We carry the responsibility to apply what we have learned in ways that serve others and strengthen our communities.”
That perspective carried into Saturday’s undergraduate ceremony, where Brianna Lusk, Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication, reflected on the shared experiences that defined the college journey.
“The real lesson? College isn’t just about specializing; it’s about embracing chaos, bonding over misery, and discovering that sometimes the most important skill isn’t in your major.”
Taken together, the voices of the Class of 2026 reflected a consistent message: that while each journey is different, purpose, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt will continue to guide the way forward.
Special commencement awards
The ceremonies also provided an opportunity to recognize faculty, alumni, and students whose contributions exemplify Concordia’s mission and commitment to excellence.
Dr. Linda Hensel — Faculty Laureate
Paul Wangerin — Distinguished Alumnus
Ryan Zierath — Marsha Konz Graduate Educator Award
Kayla Mulder — American Bicentennial Award
Mikayla Dolan — E. R. Brann Citizenship Award
Kaitlyn Kotula — CUW Visual Arts Award
Eden Kruse — Tess and Jack Kenney Art Award
Shayla Fackler — Marsha Konz Student Educator Award
Ellie Lankey — Moeller Award in English
Matthew Diercks — Moeller Award in Greek; Søren Kierkegaard Philosophy Award; Zondervan Publishing House Award (Biblical Hebrew)
Samuel McCullough — Moeller Award in Hebrew; Zondervan Publishing House Award (Biblical Greek)
Maddie Loehr — Moeller Award in Spanish
Constansa Herrmann — Nightingale Nursing Award
Clara Wiegert — Nightingale Nursing Award
Lakyn Carter — Northrup-Bartelt Music Award
Paige Mielke — Religion Award
Abigail Barnhardt — Wilheim Schickard Award in Computer Science
Emma Ahrens — Science Award (Life Sciences)
Owen Drummond — Science Award (Mathematics)
Jeffrey Koepke — Science Award (Physical Sciences)
Micah Hoehner — Walter W. Stuenkel Award
David Koester — Zondervan Publishing House Award (Biblical Studies)
Alexander Loest — Zondervan Publishing House Award (Theology)
Wyatt Michaels — Theatre Leader of the Year
Ephraim Young — Campus Ministry Leader of the Year
Emily Brown — Student Engagement Leader of the Year
Mikayla L. Sells — Student Government Leader of the Year
Josh Michel — Music Leader of the Year
Commencement Fun Facts: The Class of 2026
32 states represented
881 total graduates
347 undergraduate students
534 graduate students
344 bachelor’s degrees
432 master’s degrees
100 doctoral degrees
2 associate degrees
3 Hesed certificates
31 churchwork students
25 military veterans
203 international students
To see a list of all of the graduates for the most recent year, click here.
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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.