On Sunday, May 14, 2017, Concordia University Ann Arbor will celebrate its 53rd graduating class with baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies. Diplomas will be awarded to 159 students; 112 undergraduate and 47 graduate students.
During commencement, together with faculty, staff, students, families and friends, Concordia celebrates the growth and accomplishments of each graduating student—a living, breathing demonstration of the university’s mission to develop students in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and world.
“At Concordia, our mission is not fulfilled just in the classroom or on the field,” said Campus Pastor Ryan Peterson. “It is fulfilled when our students are out serving in the Church and the world, living out their callings and vocations.”
Schooled for Success
Amy Bennett, of Reese, Michigan, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with an emphasis in integrated science and her Lutheran Teaching Diploma from CUAA’s School of Education.
Bennett will soon move across the country for teaching position at Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, instructing biology and chemistry.
“Going to chapel every day for the last four years has been transformative for me. Setting aside time each day, in the midst of the stress of classes, to reflect on God’s Word has prepared me, along with my education, for my vocation as a Lutheran high school teacher,” said Bennett.
A Mind for Business
From the Haab School of Business, Ashton Hundley will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in marketing. Hundley’s professional career will begin shortly after Sunday’s commencement celebrations as he will begin a 13-week training program for his newly accepted position with TEKsystems in Southfield, Michigan.
“I’m blessed by the opportunity to work for such a reputable company and have really worked hard for it. I’m excited to see where this job will take me as a business professional,” said Hundley. “I had so many opportunities at Concordia that I may not have had if I had gone to college somewhere else.”
Hundley, born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, served as a student ambassador in the Haab School of Business, working closely with advisors and the school dean on projects and events. He also was a four-year member of the football team, contributing to many significant milestones and records within the program.
In High Demand
Ge Zhu, from San Diego, California, is one of CUAA’s first computer science program graduates after the university’s launch of the Bachelor of Science offering in 2014. The computer science program is a part of CUAA’s School of Arts and Sciences, graduating students with degrees ranging from biology, family life education or theological languages to music, English or exercise science.
Upon receiving multiple job offers to become a computer engineer at various companies throughout southeast Michigan, Zhu decided to accept a position with Promess Incorporated in Brighton, Michigan.
“I’ve appreciated my Concordia experience so much,” said Zhu. “Things like connecting with faculty in my major that have such impressive, technical knowledge in the computer science field or learning more about the Bible and applying what I learn as I lead my small group at my church have truly prepared me for life after graduation. I’m just thankful.”
— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.
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