As part of our ongoing commitment to recognizing excellence, we regularly celebrate the achievements of the Concordia community.
Twice each year, we gather stories that reflect the many ways members of the Concordia community are living out their callings in service to the Church, their professions and the world. Whether through professional advancement, academic achievement, creative pursuits or service to others, these milestones showcase the gifts and dedication of Concordians across generations.
We are grateful for the many ways they strengthen our university and serve their communities with purpose and care.
FACULTY/STAFF
Article published in Christian journal
- Resident Director, Andrew (AJ) Theiz, recently had an article published in the Christian Journal for Global Health titled “Exploring Moral Distress Determinants in the Healthcare Missionary Career.” He collaborated with others, including one CUW staff member, Michael Toppe.
HOSA Educational Excellence Award
- Nancy Stoehr, who works in admissions for the School of Pharmacy, recently won the Wisconsin HOSA Educational Excellence Award, which honors individuals, educators or educational agencies that demonstrate extraordinary leadership, vision and support within the educational community.
STUDENTS
Student award winners
- Graduate Mikayla Dolan exemplifies what it means to lead through service. A double major in psychology and social work, she has been a driving force across campus—serving as president of the Psychology Club, executive director of the Social Work Student Organization, and faith associate. This past spring, Dolan spearheaded the Feed My Starving Children initiative, leading a campus-wide effort that raised over $30,000 to combat global hunger. Her research, “Academic Self-Efficacy and Social Media Usage Among College Students,” reflects her commitment to student well-being, while her practicum at Lakeshore Regional Children’s Advocacy Center highlights her passion for advocacy and care. A recipient of the E. R. Brann Citizenship Award, Dolan will attend Marquette University Law School, where she will continue to serve as a powerful advocate for others.
- Autumn Snow’s work reflects both intellectual curiosity and a clear sense of purpose. Her research, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques and Female Athlete Performance Anxiety,” demonstrates a thoughtful and applied approach to supporting student well-being. Through her practicum at Affiliated Clinical Services, she gained hands-on experience in therapy and psychological assessment. Snow will pursue a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
- Micah Yurk distinguished himself through exceptional academic performance and thoughtful engagement throughout his time in the program. He approached his work with strong analytical thinking, creativity and a deep commitment to learning. Yurk’s research, “The Relationship Between Religious Participation and Coping Strategies,” reflects his ability to meaningfully integrate psychology and faith. Through his practicum at Lutheran Child and Family Services, he supported children and families in adoption and foster care settings, bringing compassion and purpose to his work. Yurk will attend Concordia Seminary in St. Louis as his prepares for ministry in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
- Sophia Simonson, a cross-registration student with MIAD, recently took first-place in the Pallas Textiles Competition. The contest challenges emerging designers to create original textile patterns.
Welcoming new Psi Chi members
- CUW is proud to recognize six students who earned induction into Psi Chi—the International Honor Society in Psychology—this year. Membership is highly selective and recognizes excellence in scholarship, Christian character and commitment to the field of psychology. Inductees include juniors Alexis Anderson, Sarah Poynter, Lilly Stephan, Heidi Weber and Katherine Yinko, and senior Kadan LaFond.
Chinooks full-time announcer
- Kyle Steiner recently earned a full-time announcer position with the Lakeshore Chinooks after interning with the team last year. He’ll be performing a mix of play-by-play, public address, and color commentary duties as a staff member.
ALUMNI
Doctorate completed
- Dr. Celeste Cuffie, (’07, ’12) recently completed her coursework and research for her doctorate degree in strategic leadership from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va.
Books published
- Kristen Nelson-McKenzie (’78), wife of Rev. Patrick McKenzie (’78, ’80), recently published “When Your Genes Don’t Fit: Nutrigenomics for Transforming Your Metabolism, Immunity, and Health.” Her studies at Concordia and Valparaiso led her to pursue a career in science education and school administration. She also studied emergency medicine, working in advance cardiac life support training as a paramedic. Her new career in functional medicine has inspired her to write more about the relationship between genetics and health. Nelson-McKenzie and McKenzie collaborated recently on another series called “21st Century Christian Parenting: A Modeling Approach,” in which parents, small groups, and pastors counseling new parents can better understand the impact of modeling the faith in the lives of their children.
- Erica Gumieny (’18) recently published a book called “Journey from the Ashes: A Devotional,” a transformative 365 day devotional for women on a quest for healing, transformation, and spiritual growth through God’s unchanging love.
Exemplifying the power of practitioner-scholar leadership
- Co-authored with LICI Assistant Director Dr. Angela Walmsley, Dr. Kristen McLoughlin Panzarella (’23) published “Assessing Our Assessments: Paper vs. Computer” in the professional magazine, Phi Delta Kappan, sparking timely dialogue on assessment practices.
30 under 30
- Sophie Hengst (’20) earned a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list as a Creator to Watch in the retail and e-commerce category. The recognition highlights her influence in interior design, product development and digital entrepreneurship. She has built a combined social media following of 1.47 million through smart consumer products and a clean, accessible design aesthetic.
Stepping into influential leadership roles
- Dr. Eric Seely (’24) was promoted to athletic director for the Half Hollow Hills School District in Long Island, NY.
- Dr. Tom Wrege (’24) was appointed executive director of the Lutheran Education Association.
- Zach Rohde (’17) was promoted to senior systems engineer at Acuity Insurance.
- Trey K. Mitchell (’17) was promoted to manager of Information Systems at Acuity Insurance.
- Mariah O’Connell, (’23) an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine, recently joined the Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Celebrating outstanding service and recognition
- Dr. La Tasha Fields (’25) was elected to the board of the International Literacy Association.
- Alumna Jackie Q. Carter (‘14) was recently named to Alverno College’s Board of Trustees. Carter is the director of the City of Milwaukee Department of Employee Relations.
New instructor of music and Wind Symphony director
- Johanna Anderson (’13) recently joined Concordia University Chicago as instructor of music and director of the Wind Symphony. Anderson served as associate director of instrumental music at CUW and currently conducts the Lakeshore Symphonic Band—a community ensemble based in Cedarburg, Wis.
Alumni leaders in softball
- Jasmine Freeze (’25), a first-year fifth-grade special education teacher at John Long Middle School, serves as head coach of the Grafton High School softball program. While at CUW, she scored 24 homeruns over her last three years with the Falcons.
- Former college softball player and youth coach Julie Schueller (’98, ’00, ’07) is restarting Ozaukee High School’s softball program. Schueller played shortstop at first base at CUW in Mequon.
Have an accomplishment to share?
We want to celebrate the accomplishments of our Concordia community. If you know a faculty member, staff member, student or alumnus who has received an award, recognition or other notable honor, please let us know.
Submit a news request or email the details directly to Susan Suleski at susan.suleski@cuw.edu.