From inspiring individuals and exciting accomplishments to building announcements and new hires, the year 2017 saw its fair share of compelling headlines for CUW.


As the campus community wraps up the semester and embarks on Christmas break, the news team took a moment to gather up the seven most-read headlines of 2017.

Over the course of the year, our team wrote 136 stories, covering the achievements and most significant moments of our current students, our alumni, and our faculty and staff. Of those, these seven stories rose to the top.

#7. Concordia Moves to Provost Model

Not too long ago, we helped the university announce four new job titles and responsibilities for 2018, with four familiar faces stepping into the newly created roles. At the helm of the change-up is Dr. Bill Cario. Dr. Cario says he is excited about the shift and the good it will bring for all Concordians, from prospective to alumni. Read the article.

#6. New Associate Campus Pastor Installed

Doug Bender, a 2010 graduate of CUW, aspired to become the next Pastor Smith, but wasn’t sure if the Lord would open that door for him. While he’s still not campus pastor, it’s close enough in Pastor Doug’s opinion. He says he couldn’t be more excited to return to his alma mater and help shape Concordians’ faith, just as his faith was shaped while he was in their shoes. Read the article.

#5. Comedian and “Full House” star Dave Coulier to perform at CUW

We will not cut it out, because our readers couldn’t get enough of the news that Uncle Joey would be gracing the CUW campus with his comedic presence. The Todd Wehr Auditorium, with its 461-seat capacity, was filled to the brim with “Full House” enthusiasts during Dave’s Oct. 3 visit. Read the article.

#4. Concordia University Wisconsin Names Free Enterprise Center

In 2017, we helped the university announce its plans for a new academic building. While a groundbreaking date has not yet been set (stay tuned for that news coming soon), the university has already decided what to call this new structure: the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center. Read the article.

#3. SEB Student Named Miss Wisconsin United States

Who knew Concordia had so many Miss Wisconsin United States fans? Or maybe people just really like CUW Sport and Entertainment Business student Danika Tramburg. Either way, we’re proud to call the winner of the 2017 crown one of our own. Read the article.

#2. Burned, Not Broken

Claiming the number 2 spot among our Top Seven stories of 2017 was May graduate John Hinson. We featured John as part of our annual series of graduation stories, posted in the week leading up to commencement. John had an inspiring story to tell, and we were honored to help share it. Read the article.

#1. Called to His Heavenly Home

Clearly Rev. Dr. John Saleska impacted a tremendous number of people during his time on earth. The story posted about his unexpected passing on Sept. 12 was so prolifically read and widely shared on social media that it notched a news record for our department that we think may never be touched again. We shouldn’t be surprised that a man who devoted his living days to sharing “Christ in every Word” would continue to have such a profound Gospel impact after death. To God be the glory! Read the article.

— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.

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