On a sunny May weekend, two names rang out across the Concordia University Wisconsin commencement stage over the course of two days—Shaun Luehring and son Casey Luehring. One, a seasoned educator and president of a school network. The other, a new nurse preparing to begin his first job in a hospital emergency department.
Two days. Two ceremonies. One proud family.
“It was like, oh, me and you are next,” Casey recalled of the moment he and his dad realized they would both be graduating together. “That was great.”
A Shared Path to Concordia
Shaun’s journey to Concordia began in 2014 when he earned his master’s degree while working as a principal and teacher in California. Having grown up in the Appleton area, Concordia was a natural choice for him when he looked for a program to support his professional development.
“I grew up in the Appleton area, so knew about Concordia and decided that Concordia was the place that I would do it online,” Shaun said. He subsequently decided to pursue a doctorate in Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement, which aligned with his passion for improving education, especially for underserved communities.
Casey’s connection to Concordia didn’t begin until a few years later. After attending Kettle Moraine Lutheran in Jackson, Casey knew that Concordia was the place to pursue his nursing degree.
“I liked that Concordia was really close to home, and Concordia had one of the best nursing programs,” he said. “And also, their faith-based approach.”
Different Paths, Same Purpose
Shaun’s professional career has been rooted in education, particularly in low-income, underserved areas. He began his career as a principal and teacher in Michigan before moving to California, where he started his master’s program. Later, Shaun moved back to Wisconsin in 2019 eventually taking on the role of president and CEO at LUMIN Schools. It was during this period that he began his doctoral studies.
“I wanted to make sure that our underserved children in the city have every opportunity that God has planned for them,” he said. His work influenced his Ph.D. research on how children who are behind in their studies can thrive later in life.
Meanwhile, Casey’s passion for healthcare blossomed in high school. Initially considering a career in sports medicine, Casey soon realized that nursing, with its direct impact on patients, was where he wanted to focus.
“Nursing, you’re bedside with the patient all the time, so you get to help them one on one. I feel like you have a lot of impact with nursing that you don’t get with other professions,” he said.
Support Through the Struggles
Although their academic paths were different, Shaun and Casey found support and encouragement in each other. Shaun reflected on how the shared experience of being in higher education—despite being in different programs—was a source of motivation.
“We both pretty much put our head down and got the stuff done,” Shaun said, adding that their dinner conversations often turned to academics. “There’s a lot of fun in learning together. Even though we weren’t learning the same stuff, sometimes there was overlap.”
Casey echoed the sentiment, noting how his father’s journey motivated him to stay focused.
“It was encouraging, just knowing that I’m not the only one in school,” he said. “It helped me prioritize school above other things.”
The Christian Foundation
One area of overlap was Concordia’s Christian foundation as a key element in their education. Shaun, despite studying online, found the connection with his professors invaluable.
“Even though it was online, you still have contact with really, really great people,” Shaun said. “Without that human connection, I don’t think it would have been the same.” He pointed to his final doctoral course, “Christian Leadership Journey,” as an experience that deepened his understanding of Christian principles within education and leadership.
For Casey, the faith-based environment at Concordia enriched his nursing education. The Christian element provided a foundation that helped him grow personally and professionally, especially as he prepares to enter the healthcare field.
Looking Ahead
Starting in June, Casey will begin working in the emergency department at Aurora Medical Center – Grafton and plans to further his education with certifications and possibly pursuing an advanced degree.
Shaun, meanwhile, intends to continue his work at LUMIN Schools, focusing on helping underserved children succeed and fostering the development of future leaders.
“I just want to be a vehicle that God uses to help people flourish,” he said.
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.