Peering out at a sea of caps and gowns, you can truly recognize that this is an unsurpassed day of celebration. It’s not only one of the biggest days for the graduates, it’s an extremely important day for family, friends, faculty, staff, and peers to be able to come and show respect for those who have worked so hard to get here.
Concordia University Wisconsin celebrated approximately 1,130 graduates over the course of two days. On Friday, May 2, the campus ran wild with joyful graduate students, and on Saturday, May 3, it was CUW’s proud undergraduate class that took precedence. Both commencement events took place in the R. John Buuck Field House. The Baccalaureate service took place on Saturday morning in the Chapel of Christ Triumphant to celebrate the calling of God in each graduate’s life as they enter into a specific Christian vocation.
Commencement: The ceremony begins…
The crowd stood in anticipation as the procession of graduates formed a line outside the side doors of the field house. As the music began, the students excitedly filed in, waving back at family and friends as they made there way to their seats. After the intermittent cheering and shouting out of the names of graduates from the crowd subsided, everyone took their seats to prepare for the ceremony to commence.
Rev. Jonathon Bakker, campus pastor, led the service with prayer, followed by CUW President Erik P. Ankerberg’s welcome address. Setting the tone, he began by saying, “From our humble beginnings in 1881 in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee … to our historic campus on Lake Michigan in Mequon, our university has a remarkable history and a bright future.” The Mequon campus, which opened in 1983, has become an institutional milestone in the lives of thousands.
Ankerberg continued, “We educate students in the arts, humanities, and professional studies—Mind, body, and spirit—as they learn to live out their vocations in service to Christ, the church, and the world.”
The most vibrant atmosphere occurred as elated students nervously crossed the stage to accept their degrees. Rooting for their favorite graduates, family, friends, and peers shouted phrases like, “That’s my mom … daughter … girlfriend … sister … or baby!” to name just a few. There was no shortage of proud supporters in each crowd.
Another notable part of both ceremonies was the student speaker. Mirabel Fobate, who graduated with a Master of Science in Accountancy, spoke of the “promise, potential, and power to make a difference” as students plunge into their new journeys. Fobate said, “As we step into the future, let us carry forward the values and lessons we have learned. Let us be professionals who not only excel in our fields but also contribute positively to society. Remember that our education is not just a means to an end but a lifelong journey of growth and service.”
On Saturday, Kaylee McCarty, an undergraduate receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, encouraged her peers to imagine themselves as the children they once were, asking them to contemplate their childhood dreams of their “grown up” careers. She asked, “Are you pursuing that role now or have you gone on a completely different path? Feel free to open your eyes now and take in all that you have achieved to get to this moment. What do you want to be when you grow up?”
The crowd listened as McCarty explained her trials and tribulations. She disclosed that after going through a life-changing injury her path became unclear and school seemed impossible. However, through her uncertainty, God was there. Her presence on Saturday was surely proof of that.
“God chose for me to go on this journey, so I would be better equipped to serve others in the future,” she noted. Her experience at CUW was instrumental in her arriving at that conclusion.
She continued, “So when times get tough, remember your why. Why did you choose the profession you are in? Always remember where you came from and how hard you worked to get to where you are … Remember the love God gave you and share that with those that you interact with daily.”
As the ceremonies concluded, graduates sought out their family and friends to embrace and take photographs with. A favorite photo spot was outside on the bluff by Lake Michigan. There was definitely something spiritual about the groups of new grads all standing near the water, engrossed by the love of those individuals who have helped guide them along God’s path.
CUW students are highly encouraged to develop in mind, body, and spirit during their time at Concordia. But what does that mean for their future? Essentially, it means that each student after graduation takes a leap of faith—with arms wide open—they enter a world in which they must decipher how to best serve others through their individual calling. Just remember, He is beside you.
Congratulations and good luck 2025 graduates! The time is now.
CUW award winners
Graduate Academic Awards belong to:
- Harley Anderson (Doctor of Pharmacy)
- Lisa Hengst (Master of Science in Educational Administration)
- Tyler Philipps (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Undergraduate Academic Awards belong to:
- Ernst Vonfrankenberg (Management)
- Thea Jurss (Graphic Design)
- Jordan Wright (Interior Architecture & Design)
- Benjamin Groll (Social Studies)
- Grace Ohlemeyer* (English)
- James Buhler* (Theological Languages)
- James Pape (Applied Theology)
- Rebekah Milbrath* (Theology)
- Brooke Braga (Nursing)
- Abigail Hafemann (Nursing)
- Katharine Andrada (Music Education)
- Temish Christiansen (Philosophy)
- Aidan Schneider (Computer Software Engineering)
- Hector Dominguez (Individualized)
- Paige Armijo (Science)
- Andrew Harrill (Applied Theology)
- Rachel Lingsch (Theology)
Student Success Awards belong to:
- Rebekah Milbrath (Theology)
- Pierre Summers III (Management)
- Miranda Briones (Mathematics)
- Leah Flolo (Graphic Design)
- Alicia Schroeder (Elementary Education)
- Kaylee McCarty (Psychology)
- Dalton Hribar (Accounting)
- Zion Nelson (Individualized)
Special Awards were presented to Tom Saleska (Faculty Laurate), Richard Twietmeyer (Alumnus), and Dwayne & Cheryl Lueck (Christus In Mundo)
*Student received more than one award.
On that note …
Moreland recalled his experiences at Concordia as amazing. Being truly grateful to have access to so many people that could help him if needed, Moreland said, “I have built so many relationships with my teachers, dean, and even other students. My time here at Concordia has been amazing from start to finish. And I am certain I will be back for my Doctoral degree!”
Commencement fun facts:
- 1,130 total graduates
- 389 undergraduates
- 623 Master Degrees
- 3 Associate Degrees
- 2 Hesed (non-degree/certificates)
- 113 Doctoral grads
- 30 graduates to pursue churchwork
- 30 graduates that are veterans
- 321 grads/undergrads are international students
- Different states of residency: 31 (Wisconsin—806, Illinois—142, Michigan—23, Minnesota—22, Missouri—11, Indiana—9, Iowa—9, California—8, Florida—7, New York—6, Ohio—4, Arizona—4, Colorado—3, Washington—3, Texas—3, Georgia—3, Tennessee—2, Oregon—2, Virginia—2, Maryland—2, Pennsylvania—2, Oklahoma—1, Idaho—1, West Virginia—1, Louisiana—1, Connecticut—1, Nebraska—1, Kansas—1, South Carolina—1, Massachusetts—1, and New Jersey—1)
- Different countries of residency: 7 (Botswana—1, Ghana—1, Canada—3, China—1, India—313, Liberia—1, and Nigeria—1)
Updated on May 6, 2025 to reflect CUW’s international student numbers and complete list of different states/countries of residency.
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.