This superb staff of super-helpful servants is on-hand this weekend (and beyond!) to help new students navigate those challenging (and amazing!) first few days and weeks of life at CUW!
Emily Brown
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Hometown: Waupun, Wis.
Fun Fact: I am a part-time plumber back home.
Advice: Don’t be afraid to talk to new people. I bet they are just as nervous as you are.
Gilead Adams
Position: Concordia Crew Leader Intern
Major: Music Therapy
Year: Junior
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
Fun Fact: Both of my parents are from Africa!
Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask for help! There are so many people willing to help you 🙂
Amelia Clovis
Position: Concordia Crew Leader Intern
Major: Public Health
Year: Junior
Hometown: Albuquerque, N.M.
Fun Fact: I love hazelnut lattes.
Advice: The best way to make friends on campus is to get involved in clubs and activities
Allie Renzelmann
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Public Health
Year: Senior
Hometown: Merrill, Wis.
Fun Fact: I’m a lifeguard and teach swim lessons.
Advice: At the Co-Curricular Fair, sign up for everything! You don’t have to go, but at least you have the info.
Leah Drachenberg
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Sonography
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Arena, Wis.
Fun Fact: I grew up on a farm!
Advice: Be yourself, don’t be afraid to try new things!!
Ellen Egger
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Philosophy/Graphic Design
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Fun Fact: I love to paint!
Advice: Don’t be afraid to start conversations with strangers!
Maddie Eggers
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Healthcare Administration
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Hamburg, Minn.
Fun Fact: My birthday is on St. Patrick’s Day.
Advice: Involve time for studying, handing out with friends, taking time for yourself, and any other commitments that you may have
Grace Farrell
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Rehabilitation Science, Pre-OT
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Frankfort, Ill.
Fun Fact: I like to go for runs outside!
Advice: My best advice is to go to everything possible, being outgoing and putting yourself out there is the best way to meet new people and make friends.
Nora Finnegan
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Elementary Ed Cross Categorical Special Ed
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Mchenry, Ill.
Fun Fact: I love pickleball!
Advice: Don’t stress about making friends because the right ones will come to you.
Alyssa Gaeth
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Graphic Design
Year: Senior
Hometown: Jackson, Wis.
Fun Fact: I flip old historic buildings with my mom and turn them into coffeehouses.
Advice: Get out of your comfort zone! You’ll meet so many great people along the way!
Noelle Geidel
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Rehabilitation Sciences, Pre-OT
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Seward, N.E.
Fun Fact: I like to read.
Advice: Get involved and participate in as many activities as you can!
Donovan Hang
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
Fun Fact: I have a broken kneecap that is still broken till this day.
Advice: Try everything that you get offered! Don’t be shy to get outside of your comfort zone and if you need that extra push become friends with me and I’ll be the one pushing you.
Shea McMullen
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Illustration
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Adell, Wis.
Fun Fact: I’ve played the piano for 15 years and it’s something I like to do in my free time.
Advice: My best advice for incoming students is to get involved. Get involved, don’t be afraid to try new things, and meet new people outside of sports team and roommates because you see them enough already.
Kate Pittman
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Social Work
Year: Junior
Hometown: Sussex, Wis.
Fun Fact: I was captain of my high school’s fencing team.
Advice: Go to events! They might seem out of your comfort zone, but you will find people at the events who are in the same boat as you.
Evangelina Ornelas
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Secondary Education (Social Studies)
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Pewaukee, Wis.
Fun Fact: I have 7 siblings!
Advice: This is a new experience for everyone, so you’re not the only one who feels nervous 🙂
Abbey Proctor
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Biology
Year: Junior
Hometown: Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
Fun Fact: On the weekends, I work as a farrier trimming horse hooves!
Advice: I know that starting college can be stressful, but don’t forget to enjoy this transition time! You’re going to grow and learn so much about yourself in the process. Embrace the change; be open to meeting new people and exploring new opportunities as they find you!
Melena Weber
Position: Concordia Crew Intern
Major: Mass Communications
Year: Junior
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Fun Fact: In 2022, I read over 115 books!
Advice: Get involved and meet more people! Going out of your comfort zone is so worth it!
Hannah Saari
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: History
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Stoughton, Wis.
Fun Fact: I coached a youth dance team in high school!
Advice: Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things!
Olivia Race
Position: Concordia Crew Intern
Major: Psychology and Social Work
Year: Junior
Hometown: Neenah, Wis.
Fun Fact: I’m allergic to shrimp.
Advice: Put yourself out there! College is a great time to try new things. I have experienced so much more in my first year than I ever thought possible because I was willing to meet new people and join so many activities.
Nicole Scheunemann
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Finance and Marketing
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: West Bend, Wis.
Fun Fact: I love to travel.
Advice: Use the library and use your time wisely.
Leah Soderling
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Undeclared, but looking at Hospitality & Business Management
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.
Fun Fact: I have two birthdays.
Advice: You are not alone, others are in the same boat as you. Just be yourself!
Leah Flolo
Position: Coordinator of Student Activities and Orientation
Hometown: Elgin, Ill.
Fun Fact: I’ve been in a mascot suit!
Advice: You will find your people here. It may not happen immediately, but God has so many good plans for you, you just have to walk through the door! Don’t be afraid of the awkward moments, because they happen for everyone!
Kara Janowski
Position: Director of Student Engagement
Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
Fun Fact: I grew up in New Zealand and had a “kiwi” accent as a kid (called my Mom “Mum!”).
Advice: It is okay to not have it all figured out! Take it “one step at a time, with a general plan in mind”– but be willing to adjust that plan if you need or want to! You might discover a passion or opportunity that leads you in a new direction!
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 life at CUW, click the link below.