commencement
Graduating Christian leaders
W
isconsin Lutheran College’s Class of 2012 graduated May 19 during a commencement ceremony held in the Recreation Complex. The 148 new graduates – the largest class in WLC history – spent
their time on campus exploring a wide range of academic areas, gaining hands-on experience through research and internships, and growing in their faith. They are prepared to make an impact in the world as Christian leaders.
President Daniel W. Johnson presented the Pro Gloria Dei Award to Dr. Gary Stimac at commencement. The award recognizes an individual for his life of distinguished service to God and his people. Stimac, a WLC board member, co-founder and former executive of Compaq Computer Corporation, and founder and former CEO of RLX Techologies, also gave the commencement address. He spoke about life’s priorities: God first, followed by family, and then career. He encouraged graduates to work for and with people who are ethical, trustworthy, and honest.
Jonas Gertsch, a chemistry and physics major (left) from Sparta, Wisconsin, plans to pursue a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Colorado-Boulder. At the 2012 Honors Convocation, he was given the Von Neumann Award, presented to a graduating senior for exceptional performance as a minor in mathematics. Shannon Turner (right), a history major from West Bend, Wisconsin, will continue her studies in history at Ohio State University. 4 | wlc.edu
Selected by her class to speak at commencement was Christina Bender, an English and philosophy double major from Darby, Montana. Bender received the Renaissance Award, presented to a multidimensional scholar-citizen and English major whose contribution to English courses and the larger community was outstanding. She served WLC as a resident assistant, philosophy tutor, editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The SWORD, and as a member of the flute choir.
Biology major Alexis Rwatambuga came to WLC from Kigali, Rwanda. In 2011, he co-authored a poster with Dr. Angela Ebeling, assistant professor of biology, titled “Phosphorus Concentration and Availability in Septage Samples in Wisconsin” for the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America International Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Twelve students from four foreign countries (China, Japan, Mexico, and Rwanda) graduated in May.