As part of our ongoing commitment to recognizing excellence, we regularly celebrate the achievements of our faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Twice each year, we gather many of these stories to reflect on how our community lives out its calling in service to Concordia and beyond. From professional promotions and published scholarship, to creative works and notable service, these milestones reflect the dedication, expertise, and faith they bring to Concordia. We are grateful for the many ways they serve our university, and wider community.
FACULTY/STAFF
Roster of fellows recognition
- Michael Borst, faculty member in the occupational therapy program at Concordia University Wisconsin, was named to the Roster of Fellows by the American Occupational Therapy Association. He was recognized as a “faith-driven leader, educator serving through clinical excellence,” with the honor to be formally conferred at the AOTA ceremony in April.
Book dedication recognition
- Lamont Colucci, professor of political science at Concordia University Wisconsin, was honored with a dedication in Reawakening (The Side Step Trilogy) by author Orson Scott Card, recognizing his influence and scholarly contribution.
Grant award for international service experience
- Jill Krell, associate professor in the School of Nursing, was awarded a two-year grant totaling $119,800 to support the Mexico Mission Trip, advancing experiential learning and service-based education.
Professional appointment in quantum computing research
- Dr. Michael Litman, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science at Concordia University Wisconsin and co-founder of the AI and Quantum Innovation Lab, was appointed chair of the Quantum Computing Advisory Board at OS Applied Research.
STUDENTS
Early acceptance to medical school
- Blake Jakobi was officially accepted into the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Early Acceptance Program. Through this program, he has secured a reserved seat in medical school upon graduation, contingent on maintaining academic requirements, without the need to take the MCAT or reapply.
Best poster of the year
- Ramya Tejaswini Sayana, Priti Kaikolar, and Pavankalyan Bunaboyena, graduate students at CUW, were awarded Best Poster of the Year by the Society of Research Administrators International for their presentation on proposed federal F&A rate changes and their impact on small grants offices.
ALUMNI
Statewide leadership recognition
- Dr. Bashir Easter, ’12, who earned his MBA at CUW, was named one of Wisconsin’s 32 Most Influential Black Leaders for 2025 by Madison 365. He is the founder of Melanin Minded, an organization dedicated to empowering Black and Latino communities through culturally appropriate resources and support for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Completion of Lutheran teacher colloquy program
- Kaylin Hempe, ’15, Andrea Dykman, ’16 CUAA, and Jennifer Ferguson, ’25, successfully completed the Lutheran Teacher Colloquy Program for commissioned ministry and were declared qualified for a first call, as affirmed by Dr. James D. Juergensen, director of LCMS Teacher Placement.
Have an accomplishment to share?
We want to celebrate the accomplishments of our Concordia community. If you or someone you know — faculty, staff, student, or alumnus/alumna — has received an award, recognition, or other newsworthy accolade, please let us know.
Submit a news request or email the details directly to Susan Suleski at susan.suleski@cuw.edu.