One piece of advice stuck with 2026 Concordia graduate Noah Roitman throughout his four years of school, and it came from his mom: “You are more than just an athlete.”
Roitman, who hails from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., graduated magna cum laude and earned a bachelor’s degree in Investments & Corporate Finance. Known for excellence in the classroom, he has also distinguished himself on the ice.
“The moment Noah became a Falcon, he wanted to help build the hockey program and to get himself in a position to pursue professional hockey,” said Nate Eminger, associate head coach of Concordia’s men’s hockey team.
Built through discipline
Throughout his life, Roitman has logged a lot of play and practice time as a hockey player. Prior to college, Roitman spent three seasons splitting time between the NAHL and NA3HL, most notably with the Rochester Grizzlies, where he was named NA3HL Defenseman of the Year and won a league championship in 2021–22.
Then his path led him to play NCAA hockey at the university that helped shape him into a leader.
“After finishing my junior hockey career, I was looking for a place where I could grow in my faith, get a strong business education, and live in a great city that would give me real opportunities after college. I also wanted to keep playing hockey at a high NCAA level,” Roitman said. “Concordia checked all of those boxes and felt like the right fit for me.”
Over the course of his Concordia career, Roitman appeared in 106 games and totaled 35 points with seven goals and 28 assists.
But Roitman’s career on the ice doesn’t end with Concordia. He recently signed with the Macon Mayhem, Georgia’s professional hockey team and part of the SPHL. “When the conclusion of my senior season on the men’s NCAA hockey team (at CUW) ended, I had the opportunity to play professionally, which was an incredible experience and something that I had worked toward for a long time,” Roitman said.
Preparing for purpose
Despite his obvious successes in hockey, Roitman said he was “never someone people expected to go far in hockey or in other areas.”
“So, I developed a strong work ethic early on because I knew I was the only one who could truly influence my path,” he explained. “That mindset carried through my hockey career after high school, in the classroom, and even financially. Because of that, I have learned to push myself in my studies the same way I do in hockey, staying disciplined and trusting that the hard work will pay off. I always remind myself that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, which keeps me motivated to keep going.”
And did he keep going.
In addition to playing hockey at Concordia, being an assistant captain on the team and graduating magna cum laude, he served as vice president of the Student Government Association, which taught him “how to serve others and understand different perspectives to make the best decisions.”
He added: “I learned that good leadership is not just about having a voice, but about listening and putting others first. (My) experiences have taught me that success is not just about personal achievements, but about making a positive impact.”
Ready for more
All of his pursuits—on campus and off—have prepared Roitman for graduation, a career and, as his mother says, a life of being more than just an athlete.
“I have seen Noah grow from a young adult to the very mature person he is today. He has a passion to lead, and he has led by example on the ice, in the classroom, and in the business world,” Eminger said. “Noah has a bright future and I am glad we are able to help guide him here at CUW.”
At a glance
1. Who has made the biggest impact on your college journey? My mom and dad, Wade Pruitt, Dr. Tom Scholz, Aaron Siekmann, and Beth Kern have had the biggest impact on my college journey.
2. If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “This Bar” by Morgan Wallen
3. What’s your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up? Steak dinner or Chipotle
4. If you could teleport anywhere for a weekend getaway, where would you go? My friend’s lake cabin in Minnesota
5. What’s something small that never fails to make you laugh or smile? My family and friends
Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories highlighting a few Concordia’s uncommon graduates. Faculty and staff submit candidates for consideration. Stories are posted in the days leading up to or after commencement. View more uncommon graduates 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.