Commencement weekend is right around the corner: Friday-Saturday, May 1-2. Here are a few things to know as you prepare for the big event.
CUW Commencement Ceremonies
Graduate Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 1 | R. John Buuck Field House
- School of Arts & Sciences and School of Education at 11 a.m.
- School of Health Professions, School of Nursing and School of Pharmacy at 3 p.m.
- Batterman School of Business at 7 p.m.
Baccalaureate Service
Saturday, May 2 | 10 a.m. | Chapel of Christ Triumphant
- Duration is approximately 1 hour.
- Tickets are not required.
Attendance for graduates is encouraged, and all are welcome! Students and faculty should assemble in the Chapel Undercroft with their regalia 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 2 | 1:30 p.m. | R. John Buuck Field House
Tickets and other Details
Both the graduate and undergraduate CUW spring commencement ceremonies are ticketed events. For more information about tickets and other important details information about the commencement ceremonies—especially if you are a graduating student!—please click the link below:
For those unable to attend in person, all three ceremonies will be livestreamed, beginning five minutes before the start of the ceremony:
Other Events
Athletic Commencement Celebration
Friday, May 1 | 8 – 8:30 a.m. | R. John Buuck Field House
Graduation Celebration Drop-in
The president invites all graduating students to stop by and celebrate their special day with their guests and members of CUW faculty, staff and administration. Light refreshments will be served.
Friday, May 1 | In the back of the Field House following each graduate ceremony.
Saturday, May 2 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Albrecht Terrace (AL-114).
See more information about other graduation related activities here.
Speakers
School of Arts & Sciences and School of Education graduate commencement speaker: Vanessa Pender
Vanessa Pender’s journey reflects a deep commitment to education and a clear sense of calling. Originally from Michigan, she has served in a variety of roles—from paraprofessional to academic advisor—each shaping her dedication to student success. Today, she continues that calling as a special education teacher in the Horicon School District, where she serves students with intellectual disabilities with compassion, patience and purpose.
At Concordia, vocation is understood as using God-given gifts in service to others. Vanessa lives out that calling each day, ensuring every student in her classroom is seen, valued, and included. Alongside her professional and academic work, she has balanced the joys and responsibilities of family life with her husband and three daughters.
Vanessa graduates with a Master of Science in Education through the CAPTL program, specializing in Cross Categorical Special Education, reflecting Concordia’s mission to develop leaders in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
School of Health Professions, School of Nursing and School of Pharmacy graduate commencement speaker: Amanda Reavey
Amanda Reavey demonstrates a deep commitment to serving individuals with complex needs, particularly those navigating substance use disorders and serious and persistent mental illness. With specialized training in forensic social work, she dedicates her work to supporting individuals who are often overlooked, including members of the Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deaf-blind communities, helping them access care with dignity and hope.
Her calling is marked by both professional excellence and a profound understanding of the human experience. Amanda brings together clinical skill, advocacy, and compassion as she guides individuals through complex systems toward meaningful support and restoration.
Beyond her professional work, Amanda is an accomplished artist and leader, serving organizations that support the Deaf community and the arts, and sharing her musical gifts as a cellist.
Amanda graduates with her Master of Social Work, reflecting Concordia’s mission to prepare servant leaders who bring Christ-centered care into the world.
Batterman School of Business graduate commencement speaker: Isabelle Kobes
Isabelle Kobes’ journey is marked by perseverance, growth and a renewed sense of purpose. Early in her academic path, continuing her education felt uncertain. With the encouragement of her husband and the support of the Concordia community, she chose to press forward.
While serving as a human resources business partner, Isabelle balanced the demands of professional life with the rigor of doctoral study, developing both discipline and a deeper understanding of leadership and organizational impact.
Her research focuses on employee engagement and the lived experiences of frontline manufacturing employees, reflecting a commitment to elevating the voices and well-being of those essential to organizational success.
Through her work, Isabelle has grown as a scholar, professional and individual. She graduates embodying Concordia’s mission to prepare servant leaders who use their gifts to influence organizations and communities for good.
Undergraduate commencement speaker: Brianna Lusk
Brianna Lusk’s time at CUW has been shaped by resilience, confidence and a deep commitment to community. As a cancer survivor, her experiences have strengthened her faith, guided her personal growth and shaped her leadership.
Within Concordia’s Christ-centered community, Brianna has pursued excellence in her studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication with a minor in entrepreneurship. She has also lived out her calling through service in the Compassion Care Program, gaining a deeper understanding of trauma, empathy and Christ-centered care.
Beyond the classroom, Brianna has invested in the well-being of others through her involvement with the Comfort Dog Club and other organizations that foster leadership and community.
Her perseverance, creativity, and servant-hearted approach reflect Concordia’s mission to develop leaders in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Special CUW Commencement Awards
Faculty Laureate: Dr. Linda Hensel
Dr. Linda Hensel is a dedicated educator and leader who has faithfully served CUW for 20 years as a professor of education and chair of the Special Education department. Throughout her tenure, she has prepared generations of educators with not only strong knowledge and skills, but also compassion, patience and a deep commitment to serving all learners.
Known for her attentive mentorship, Dr. Hensel is recognized by her students for the care she shows in helping them grow, challenging them to reach their potential while walking alongside them as they discern their vocation. She upholds high expectations with grace, guiding future teachers to become who God has called them to be.
Her impact extends beyond the classroom through her scholarship and service, equipping schools, churches, and communities with thoughtful, faithful approaches rooted in both excellence and empathy.
In all she does, Dr. Hensel reflects Concordia’s mission of developing leaders in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. She is the recipient of the Faculty Laureate Award, recognizing her exemplary dedication to teaching, scholarship and service.
Distinguished Alumnus: Paul Wangerin
Paul Wangerin is a distinguished alumnus and longtime servant of Concordia University Wisconsin, whose life and vocation reflect the heart of the university’s mission to develop students for service to Christ in the Church and the world. The son of Rev. Dr. Norman Wangerin, who served the university for four decades, he began his own Concordia journey on the Milwaukee campus, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1976. He later earned degrees in experimental psychology and educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Wangerin joined Concordia in 1993, serving in computer science and information technology before becoming a senior research analyst. In these roles, he helped strengthen the systems and insights that guide the university’s work. After retiring in 2025, he continues to serve through special projects and by supporting faculty research, assisting with more than 20 doctoral dissertations.
A generous donor, Wangerin has supported projects that enhance the student experience, including improvements to the commuter lounge, the Wangerin Seminar Room, and the Rincker Library. He has also established four endowments. His legacy is marked by faithful service, humility in leadership and a lasting commitment to Concordia’s mission.
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. To learn more about what makes Concordia University Wisconsin such a special place, click the link below!