Meet our September and October honorees and learn about a longstanding Concordia tradition of recognizing academic achievement, service and growth.
What does it mean to be an outstanding student? At Concordia University Wisconsin, it begins with academic achievement and extends to how students participate, serve and use their gifts.
CUW’s Student of the Month award has recognized and encouraged exceptional students since at least 1986. Each month, the entire Concordia faculty select one undergraduate and one graduate student for the honor.
The recognition celebrates the “whole scholar”—a student striving for excellence in mind, body and spirit and modeling the vocation of student at a Christian liberal arts university. While academic achievement is the primary consideration, service and co-curricular involvement also help inform the selection.
The award also recognizes the everyday habits that support learning. Ideal candidates earn at least a B average, have no unexcused absences, come prepared and participate in class discussions.
Our September and October honorees demonstrate those commitments in different ways, from leading campus ministry and strengthening student belonging to preparing for patient care and pursuing doctoral research.
Join us in congratulating Ally Moreno, Megan Dogra, Natalie Raymond and Marissa Wells.
September Students of the Month
Undergraduate Student of the Month
Ally Moreno is a senior in the Director of Church Ministries program and serves as president of the Campus Ministry Leadership Team.
Moreno demonstrated leadership in proposing the 2026–27 campus theme, “Rest in Christ,” and helped organize training for new leaders this school year. She supports the many branches of Campus Ministry, has shared her musical gifts through the university’s ensembles, and spent two years mentoring fellow students as a faith associate.
Through these roles, she is already putting her future vocational goals into practice. Her dedication reflects a Christ-centered approach to leadership rooted in truth, integrity, service and a commitment to excellence.
Nominated by Rev. Jonathon Bakker, campus pastor
Graduate Student of the Month
Megan Dogra is a pharmacy student whose professionalism, thoughtful communication and responsiveness to feedback demonstrate maturity and a commitment to growth.
Dogra has found her vocation in specialty pharmacy. As she prepares to complete her professional degree this spring, she draws on her previously earned master’s degree to consider how she can best serve patients and contribute to the healthcare profession.
Her pursuit of excellence extends beyond the classroom to the purpose and character she brings to her chosen field. Dogra’s approach reflects the whole-person development celebrated through the Student of the Month recognition.
Nominated by Megan Fleischman, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacy
October Students of the Month
Undergraduate Student of the Month
Natalie Raymond is a senior psychology major with a minor in educational studies. An active participant in classroom discussions, she uses her critical thinking skills to ask thoughtful questions and contribute insights that enrich learning for her peers.
Through her involvement with the Falcon Outreach Group, Raymond helps develop activities that strengthen students’ sense of belonging across campus. She recently helped coordinate Mental Health Awareness Week, which drew hundreds of students, staff, faculty and community partners.
As vice president of the Psychology Club, she also helps organize events and service-learning initiatives for psychology students. She is part of a student-led research team examining adverse childhood experiences and mental health among First Nations people.
Raymond’s academic engagement, leadership and service reflect CUW’s mission of developing students in mind, body and spirit.
Nominated by Sthephany Escandell, PhD, assistant professor of psychology
Graduate Student of the Month
Marissa J. Wells is a doctoral student in CUW’s Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement program. Her research and ability to make complex ideas accessible have distinguished her work. Her nominator, Dr. Angela Walmsley, described Well’s proposal presentation as one of the best she has seen in 25 years as a dissertation chair.
Grounded in her lifelong faith in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Wells views education as both a privilege and a responsibility. She seeks to cultivate that same love of learning and foundation of faith in her children, demonstrating how intellectual achievement and spiritual growth can strengthen one another.
Wells approaches her doctoral journey with intention and purpose. Through her example, she hopes to encourage others, especially young mothers, to see academic ambition, professional achievement and family life as complementary pursuits that contribute to a purposeful life.
Nominated by Angela Walmsley, PhD, professor of education
Congratulations to Ally, Megan, Natalie and Marissa! Thank you for sharing your gifts with Concordia and the communities you serve.
Meet more of CUW’s Students of the Month.
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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.