The Class of 2020

The Biersack siblings - Korben (B.A. ’15; M.A. ’20) and Kaylan '20 - celebrated their accomplishments together.

The conclusion of their college careers at Wisconsin Lutheran College was nothing like they’d expected, but thanks to the adaptability of the Class of 2020, as well as the support of faculty and staff, WLC’s seniors finished their coursework and graduated in May.

Dr. Rhoda Wolle, dean of student success, offered an excellent summary of the situation: “Absurd times call for absurd amounts of grace, flexibility, and patience. That has been my motto over the past few months. As we moved an entire college operation from face-to-face delivery to remote learning within two weeks, we needed grace, flexibility, and patience from all involved.”

She added: “Our faculty and staff did an excellent job of transitioning learning and services to an online environment while still offering the high-touch, relational experience WLC is known for. Students were flexible and knew that they would need to finish their semester of coursework away from friends and activities.”

The May commencement service was postponed until August, but students were given the option of having their caps and gowns mailed to them so they could celebrate with their families.

"I could not have imagined a better way to celebrate my graduation during a pandemic,” said Lacey Pfalz, a doublemajor in history and English from Hartford, Wisconsin. “My drive-by grad party was such a surprise and made me feel so loved and so special. It was a great way to end my college experience and help me get excited about the next chapter.”

She concluded: “WLC has been such a gift from God in so many ways. I trust that God will continue to lead me where He wants me to be, and will bless me with amazing friends, wonderful family members, and caring neighbors no matter where I am.” To help recognize its graduates, WLC gathered personalized messages and greetings from faculty and staff. Campus pastors Wayne Shevey and Greg Lyon recorded a graduation day devotion. Staff members compiled a senior slideshow, and President Johnson offered his support to seniors via videos and emails.

Spotlight on 2020 Graduates

FAITH AND SERVICE

When looking for a college that met all of his needs, Jonathan Kelly, a biochemistry major from Saint Peter, Minnesota, looked no further than WLC.

“I chose WLC because it is one of the only places in the world where I could study the sciences and uphold my Confessional Lutheran beliefs,” said Jonathan. “I never needed to worry about criticism for expressing my faith to my professors, advisors, or any of the staff.”

While pursuing his degree, Jonathan was proud to carry on in his grandfather’s military footsteps through the Air Force ROTC program. Last semester, Jonathan was chosen to be wing commander for the detachment to which he and all ROTC students in the Milwaukee area belong. “It was an honor and a big responsibility to be in charge of all the cadets and serve as the liaison between the command staff and the cadets,” said Jonathan.

Pictured are former wing commander Jonathan Kelly, Dr. Ned Farley, associate professor of anthropology, and current Wing Commander (and Kelly’s classmate) Heather Campbell ’20.

After graduation, Jonathan took on a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force and was accepted into an Air Force Institute of Technology program to continue his education. He will attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to pursue a master’s degree in biological sciences this fall.

WORKING WITH KIDS

Taylor Beadles of Plover, Wisconsin, double-majored in human social services and psychology. One of her favorite practicum placements was working with children with autism as a line therapist, utilizing applied behavior analysis. She hopes to continue to work with kids in a school or clinic. Her words of advice for incoming freshmen: “Give yourself time to make friends and get involved. Don’t expect that everything will be decided or fall in place within your first week. Keep your eyes and heart open for everything and anything.”

THE BLESSING OF MUSIC

Harrison Krause, a psychology major from Neenah, Wisconsin, also graduated with a theology minor. He plans to pursue a career in law enforcement. But music was also an important part of his time at WLC. A member of the WLC Concert Band and Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir, he offers these words of wisdom for new students: “Find a way to explore music in your college career, even if it’s not your major. The blessing of music is one that everyone should get to experience, and college is a wonderful time to do just that.”

BE FLEXIBLE

Nursing major Abigail Ruchti of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, said: “Even as an 8-year-old bandaging my siblings’ skinned knees, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Now, 14 years later, I am excited to see what the future holds as I begin my first RN job at Elmbrook Hospital.” She says she will miss being surrounded by her amazing classmates and professors at WLC. Abbi added, “We could not have predicted our final semester would end this way, but the flexibility we learned on our nursing trip to Zambia is being put to good use!”

THE RIGHT TIME

Matthew Kufahl of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, completed his capstone presentation and project to earn his bachelor’s degree in business management and leadership. As a student in WLC’s adult accelerated degree completion program, Matthew stated, “I would say, 'better late than never,' however, it would be more appropriate to say that this was exactly the right time to complete my degree.” He is grateful to his employer and family for their support. Matthew noted: “There are countless others I leaned on over the last few years, and I thank you all. We’ll celebrate as soon as we can see each other again. I can’t wait!”

Senior Class

Surprises Faculty & Staff

Spectrum News 1 reporter Megan Carpenter interviewed nursing major Megan Herkstroeter about the Class of 2020 video.

On April 28, each Wisconsin Lutheran College faculty and staff member received an email from senior Joshua Murphy, in which he shared a five-minute “thank you” video created by students in this year’s graduating class. “I was just trying to figure out some way to fill my time and make an impact on people, and one night I just came up with the idea,” Joshua told Spectrum News 1 in an interview. “Why not thank all of our teachers at WLC?”

The video, which has about 1,800 views, surprised faculty and staff. Dr. Rhoda Wolle, dean of student success, got emotional talking about seeing the video for the first time. “I opened up my email and there were tears,” Wolle told Spectrum News 1. “It was incredible to think these students were that thoughtful and that kind.”

Visit wlc.edu/2020-05- graduation for a link to the video.

IMPACT AWARDS

WLC students who make a difference on campus were honored virtually in May. Senior Hailey Charlson, an art and psychology major from Rogers, Minnesota, was the 28th recipient of the college’s Impact Award. The four other Impact Award finalists, seniors Collin Brinkmann, Anna Buchmeyer, Melissa Ericson, and Adam Pagel were recognized in a video as well.