This week marks National Lutheran Schools Week, an annual celebration that provides the network of more than 2,000 LCMS preschools, elementary schools, high schools, and universities throughout the nation with the opportunity to publicaly proclaim and celebrate the good work happening with our schools.
Lutheran schools have a reputation for offering high-quality education and are amazing incubators of faithful witnesses of God’s love. At all levels, Lutheran education teaches and lives out the Gospel message of God’s salvation through Christ. Here at CUW, this Gospel focus is woven into the fabric of all that we do. We recognize the fruits of this mission in our feeder schools as well through the amazing students they bring to our campus.
In honor of National Lutheran Schools Week this year, Concordia took some time to round up a few of the CUW students who are proud products of area Lutheran high schools.
Here are just a few reasons Kelsey Kleba loves Concordia and why she encourages her Lake Country Lutheran classmates to consider us for their college education.
Interested in Concordia? Visit the campus Feb. 6 during our Lutheran High School Visit Day. Learn more here.
Kelsey Kleba
High School: Lake Country Lutheran (’16)
CUW Major: Lutheran Secondary Education Mathematics and Theology (’20)
Q: Why did you choose Concordia University Wisconsin?
There is such a positive feeling when you walk around Concordia’s campus. I felt like I was being welcomed into a family and I was warmly greeted by professors, volleyball coaches, and students. I instantly knew it was a place where I would be encouraged in my faith and my relationship with God.
Q: Why should someone else from Lake Country Lutheran consider CUW?
When I went off to college, I was fearful that my professors would not care about me and that I was just going to be a number. Lake Country Lutheran is filled with amazing teachers who care about all of their students, and I did not want to lose that. Thankfully, Concordia had exactly what I had prayed for. All the professors want to know who you are and care about what is going on in your life. For example, many of my professors have attended my volleyball matches, they always ask how my season is going, and they go out of their way to make sure I stay caught up on class material. I will always be thankful for all of my kind and caring professors.
Q: Name one thing fellow Lutheran high school alums have to try when they become a CUW Falcon.
One thing new students need to do is try going on a spring break mission trip! CUW offers three different trips: Appalachia, New Orleans, and Guatemala. Every trip always comes back with amazing stories and great new friendships. I went on the Appalachia trip last spring and it changed my perspective on life. We had the opportunity to help fix a roof, a well, a floor, and build a giant shelf. The thing that stuck out the most though was that the people of Appalachia treasured relationships and loved getting to know everyone on the trip. They showed us what it truly means to love your neighbor, and I cannot wait to go back this year!
Q: What is a CUW “myth” you’d like to debunk?
The myth that I want to debunk is “there is nothing to do on the weekends.” I absolutely love being on campus and around the Mequon area over the weekend. There is a sporting event on campus almost every weekend, and CUW offers fun activities like trips to Devil’s Lake and Mall of America. There is also a traditional church service in the chapel at 10 am and a more contemporary gathering (Haven) at 7 pm every Sunday. In addition, Mequon, Cedarburg, Grafton, and Milwaukee also have many fun things to do! My favorite thing to do on the weekends is find a cute coffee shop in the area, or go enjoy some amazing crepes at Cream and Crepe. I also love going to the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and cheer on Giannis and the Bucks, or go canvas painting in the Third Ward. Concordia is surrounded by such a nice and friendly community, and it is so fun to go out with friends and see what it has to offer!
— Madelyne Arrigoni is a senior studying English, Mass Communications, and Photography. She plans to graduate in 2022.
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.