The path to one’s vocation isn’t always simple, Concordia University Wisconsin alumni proudly share their stories as they pursue their callings in teacher education.
The Marsha Konz Student Educator Award is given to an individual who has exhibited superior achievement in the field of teacher education. CUW has two recipients for the spring of 2025—Benjamin Groll and Grace Anna Ohlemeyer.
Benjamin Groll
Benjamin Groll hails from Oak Park, Ill., and majored in Broad Field Social Studies secondary education with a certificate in political science. Next fall he will be teaching social studies and assisting in starting up a men’s volleyball program at Milwaukee Lutheran High School.
Some of Ben’s most memorable experiences at CUW involved completing his history senior seminar paper, being a student teacher, being a resident assistant, and becoming an assistant resident director. These experiences helped him acquire and enhance managerial, leadership, and planning skills. As the co-founder and president of CUW’s Falcon Bowling Club, Ben also enjoyed meeting new people. The “Luau at the Lanes,” in particular, brought him much joy.
The toughest part of his educational journey was balancing academic priorities with his involvement in co-curriculars. “I spent a lot of nights staying up late after practices, games, and hall events in order to get my assignments in on time,” he says. “While it was extremely draining, I believe it built in me plenty of discipline that will help in the long run.”
Ben is so ready to teach: “I have wanted to teach since I was six years old. However, it wasn’t until my high school and college years that I realized just how rewarding this vocation will end up being. I want to teach because I want to serve the next generation. I love studying history and political science, too, and I really want to be able to present that in such a way so students can enjoy it. As a social studies teacher, there is a chance that my class will be the only time these students may formally learn about the history of this world and our country. I want to teach so I can have that responsibility and instruct them in how to be informed and actively engaged citizens in their democracy. I want students to be able to understand their world, its past, and how to engage with it—I want them to understand our democratic institutions and know how to influence them positively.”
Ben’s favorite Bible passage is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you in my righteous right hand.”
Grace Anna Ohlemeyer
Grace Anna Ohlemeyer hails from St. Louis, Mo., and double majored in Lutheran Secondary Education and English Literature, with a minor in Visual Communications/Graphic Design. Next year she will be teaching freshman English and Yearbook at Lutheran High School South (her high school alma mater) in St. Louis.
Her favorite memories of her time at CUW involved overcoming her fears during the first week of student teaching. “After a few days of successful lessons (albeit with the usual hiccups),” she says, “I was standing in front of my class that was engaged in active discussion when I felt an overwhelming sense of clarity that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. While I’ve never doubted my calling to teaching, it was reaffirming to feel that I was capable of teaching and adapting to its surprises. I felt like a teacher for the first time, and it brought me so much joy.” She truly loves talking to her students about their interests, hobbies, and movie recommendations as well as giving advice about college. “I’m genuinely having so much fun, and I look forward to this being my job!”
She says she “loved” her education classes “and the education lessons that were hands-on where we did activities we could teach to our students. I appreciated moments where professors would pull back the curtain and explain the goals and skills involved in specific techniques. I’ve loved acting out Shakespeare, creating field trips, reading in book clubs, having discussions about theology, and so many more moments of involvement.”
The toughest part of her educational journey were the innumerable English papers. “My English senior seminar was a long process of research, writing, and revising, but I enjoyed the depth of the project. I did (for fun) do the math and realized I read over 400 pages of academic articles for that paper (lol)!”
Grace Anna says she didn’t actually figure out why she wanted to teach until beginning college classes. “While I’ve always loved the content, I found that my college classes taught me to love the student even more. Through interactions with students and the enthusiasm of my professors, I saw what it means for teaching to be a vocation. Their guidance showed me how I can be a teacher who impacts and encourages students experiencing a difficult time of identity growth found during high school. I’ve realized that transparency is one of my core teaching values. I want to be clear and honest with my students about why we do what we do, so that they see the applications beyond the classroom. This means pulling back the curtain on each novel, assignment, or writing project, and explaining the skills students will learn. My goal is to show students how skills of analysis, argument, communication, etc. are revenant and integral in society. I want to give students individual attention so that they know they are seen, that I want them to learn, and that I will help them to succeed.”
Grace Anna’s favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
The Marsha Konz Graduate Educator Award is given to an individual who has exhibited outstanding performance as an educator and as a student in graduate education studies.
Lisa Hengst
This spring’s recipient is Lisa Hengst who will be graduating with her master’s degree in Educational Administration.
Lisa is currently teaching 5th and 6th grade at Grace Lutheran middle school and also serves as the Music Director for both the church and school. In addition to these duties, Lisa is also the church organist and teaches piano lessons after school. Let’s just say she’s got the church work thing down.
Her favorite memories of CUW are the many interactions she had with her professors. “They are dedicated to their vocation and offer the support needed for their students to be successful,” she says. The toughest part of her journey in achieving her master’s degree was balancing her family obligations with her teaching vocation and continuing education.
In the future, she’d love to offer more support to the current principal at her growing Lutheran School as they focus on continuous improvement.
Lisa is an alumna of Martin Luther High School and CUW (2002)—holding a double major in K-12 Music Education, 6-12 Choral, and Elementary Education.
Lisa lives Oak Creek, Wis., with her husband and two children.
Her favorite Bible passage is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
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