‘Service’ is not a word that 2026 pharmacy graduate Gracie Wilson takes lightly.
She lives it out every day, whether serving her community as a pharmacist, or serving her country as a staff sergeant in the Air National Guard.
The Deerfield, Wis., native graduated earlier this month and has accepted a residency to work at the Milwaukee VA.
“Matching to a residency at the Milwaukee VA is incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and professionally,” Wilson said. “Through my military service, I have developed a deep respect for those who have served, making the VA’s mission especially significant to me… More than anything, it will allow me to continue serving others in a way that aligns with both my values and long-term goals as a pharmacist.”
Wilson added that being part of the military community has given her a “greater appreciation for the sacrifices service members make, and has created a strong desire to continue supporting veterans through different stages of life, whether they are navigating some of their most difficult health challenges or working to improve their quality of life.”
During her residency, she said, she hopes to “make an impact by contributing to patient care in a meaningful and consistent way while continuing to strengthen my clinical decision-making skills.”
A calling rooted in service
Dr. Michael Brown, associate dean for Academic Affairs and professor in the School of Pharmacy, calls Wilson a “remarkable person,” citing her service in the Concordia community as well as to her patients.
“In addition to service in our Concordia community and service to her patients as a student and now graduate, Dr. Gracie Wilson serves in the United States military, protecting our freedoms,” Brown said. “Her selflessness and courage are inspiring.”
Wilson, who graduated with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2022, said Concordia University Wisconsin enabled her to retain a “close-knit environment” where she could get to know classmates and build meaningful connections with professors.
“When I visited CUW, it immediately felt like a good fit in that sense. The class sizes were smaller, the faculty seemed very approachable, and it felt like a place where I would feel supported throughout the program.”
Building confidence through community
Throughout her training at Concordia, Wilson grew to appreciate the pharmacy staff, clinical preceptors and their support. She is grateful for their guidance, mentorship and dedication to teaching, which have played a key role in her growth as a student and future pharmacist.
“I am especially appreciative of the time they took to share their knowledge, encourage learning and provide meaningful feedback, all of which have helped shape my clinical skills and confidence,” Wilson said.
Her experiences in the Air National Guard have also helped her grow as a leader and pharmacist. In fact, she says, some of the most important skills she has learned—discipline and time management—have been instrumental in her education and career.
“Balancing military responsibilities with pharmacy school has required me to be intentional with my time, stay organized and learn how to prioritize responsibilities effectively,” Wilson said. “My experience has also reinforced the importance of clear communication and teamwork. Working in a military setting requires effective collaboration, and I’ve found those same skills to be essential in interprofessional healthcare environments.”
A servant leader in pharmacy
Brown said what stands out most about Wilson’s impact on her peers, faculty and patients is that she always puts others first in everything she does.
“She has spent her time at Concordia developing into a highly gifted and talented pharmacy professional, and has the knowledge, skills and attitude to make a difference in the lives of her patients.
“She is going to be an amazing pharmacist!”
At a glance
- Who has made the biggest impact on your college journey? It’s incredibly hard to choose just one person, but my husband, Sid, has had the greatest impact on my college journey. He’s been there through all the daily struggles and stress, and has supported me in every way throughout pharmacy school. Whether it’s helping me think through career paths, offering encouragement on difficult days, or simply being a steady source of support, he has truly helped me stay grounded and motivated the entire time.
- If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? Right now, it would be “Good Time” by Niko Moon because it has such an upbeat and positive vibe. Lately, I have been trying to focus on enjoying the moment and appreciating the simple things with friends and family, even during busy seasons.
- What’s your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up? Any type of pasta. It’s always simple, comforting and just a perfect meal to make a long day a little better.
- If you could teleport anywhere for a weekend getaway, where would you go? Italy. It’s always been a dream vacation for me as I’m really drawn to the culture, history and, of course, the food. I love the idea of spending time exploring different cities and enjoying authentic Italian.
- What’s something small that never fails to make you laugh or smile? I would have to say my two cats, Emmy and Scottie, at home. Whether they are running around chasing each other or just curling up to cuddle, they never fail to make me smile or brighten my day.
Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories highlighting a few Concordia’s uncommon graduates. Faculty and staff submit candidates for consideration. Stories are posted in the days leading up to or after commencement. View more uncommon graduates here.
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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.