Editor's Note: This is a series of stories highlighting a few of Concordia University Ann Arbor's 2020 graduates.
There are 164 Concordia University Ann Arbor students earning undergraduate and graduate degrees this May. Though we can’t all be together to celebrate physically until a later date, we want to lift up these students for their achievements with virtual pomp and circumstance.
The graduation candidates are students who have spent their years at CUAA developing in mind, body, and spirit for uncommon lives of service and impact.
Tammy Delane (’20)
Nursing
The uncommon nurse taking a circuitous route to reach her dreams
Liz Larsen (’20)
Social Work
The uncommon social worker dedicating her career to bringing people together
Manny Dominguez (’20)
Psychology
The uncommon champion inspiring others along the way
Lexi Weber (’20)
Radiologic Technology
The uncommon radiologic technologist who embraces CUAA’s tight-knit community
Prince Alex AyoOla (’20)
Sport and Entertainment Business
The uncommon go-getter embodying courage and determination
Esther Schulze and Emmi (Schulze) Forbes (’20)
Marketing, Art
Secondary English Education
The uncommon sisters moving forward in faith
Learn more about how CUAA is celebrating graduation here or by using #CUAAgrad20 on social media.
Throughout their time at Concordia, you’ve seen these 2020 graduates on our news page and in CUAA’s Arbor Light magazine. We’re thankful for these gifted students who have shared their stories with us and left their mark on CUAA. Revisit their stories!
Eric Bugg
Exercise Science
We like to introduce our Residence Life Team each year. Eric was a member of that team during his time at CUAA and an awesome part of the CUAA community. Get to know him here!
Bobby Desantis
Marketing
We like to introduce our Residence Life Team each year. Bobby was a member of that team during his time at CUAA and an awesome part of the CUAA community. Get to know him here!
Sierra Detwiler
Psychology
Sierra (right) and her brother, Jonathan (’19) were featured in one of our Arbor Light stories on siblings. Read more about their sibling dynamics!
Jacob Campbell
Marketing
We like to introduce our Residence Life Team each year. Jake was a member of that team during his time at CUAA and an awesome part of the CUAA community. Get to know him here!
Emmanuel Dominguez
Psychology
Manny was a member of Concordia’s student ambassador team at the 2019 National Youth Gathering. Read about it here! You also may recognize his name from a story about winning the CIT championship in 2018. Go Cardinals!
Emmi (Schulze) Forbes
Secondary English Education, LTD
Emmi (right) and her sister, Esther (’20), were featured in one of our Arbor Light stories on siblings. Read more about their sibling dynamics!
Whitney Irmeger
Sport and Entertainment Management
Whitney was a member of CUAA’s first-ever team national champions and was also recently featured as one of CUAA’s students of the mont for March 2020. Get to know Whitney.
Alyssa Jabara
Exercise Science
During the 2019-20 academic year, Taylor served as the Student Government Association Vice President. Get to know Alyssa.
Taylor Kahlstorf
Individualized Major
During the 2019-20 academic year, Taylor served as the Student Government Association President. Get to know Taylor.
Angela Knickelbein
Parish Music
Ang was a member of the Residence Life Team for multiple years during her time at Concordia. She also shared a peek into her sibling dynamic with her brother, Jonathan (’21). Read about it here.
Timothy Koehler
Athletic Training
A member of the first graduating co-hort from CUAA’s new Master of Science in Athletic Training program, Tim shares about his experience in the program. Watch his video here.
Rebecca (Sarver) McCracken
Elementary Special Education
Becky recently shared her story of faith formation during her time as a CUAA student. We shared the story in our Spring 2020 Arbor Light magazine. Read this inspiring story here.
Sean McNeil
Pre-Seminary
A unique pre-seminary program offering at CUAA—called STEPS—blends practical experience in ministry, connects students to pastoral mentors, and provides financial support for their education. Read about Sean’s experience in the STEPS program.
Sami Miller
Computer Science
An active member of CUAA’s SGA, Sami also organized a huge service project (three years in a row!) tying blankets for children at the local hospital. Read about it here.
Matthew Osbourne
Family Life Education
Matt was a member of Concordia’s student ambassador team at the 2019 National Youth Gathering. Read about it here!
Julia Palushaj
Athletic Training
A member of the first graduating co-hort from CUAA’s new Master of Science in Athletic Training program, Tim shares about his experience in the program. Read about it here.
Jessica Russ
Parish Music
Jess often used her God-given talents to lead worship during her time at Concordia. She’s the background to this Christmas video greeting, and this COVID-19 message of encouragement. She also spent time as a member of the Residence Life Team. Get to know Jess here.
Dayna Schroeder
Athletic Training
Dayna is a member of the first graduating co-hort from the Master of Science in Athletic training and also was a member of the Residence Life team. Dayna participated in multiple mission trips, including the 2019 spring break trip to Guatemala. Read about it here.
Esther Schulze
Marketing, Art
Esther shared many stories with us during her time at CUAA. Most recently, she shared a peek into her winterim study abroad trip to Italy. Read about it here.
Preston Sherman
Business
Preston (left) and his brother, Jordan (’22), were featured in one of our Arbor Light stories on siblings. Read more about their sibling dynamics!
Charlotte Unwin
Art
Charlotte Unwin (right) and fellow classmate, Allie Milot (’21), designed and painted a mural of CUAA’s mission statement in the Student Union. Read the story here.
Celia Walkowicz
Family Life Education
Celia, honored for being student of the month during her time at Concordia, was a member of the Concordia student ambassador team that spent time at NYG 2019. Read about it here.
Paul Zysk
Psychology, Justice and Public Policy
We like to introduce our Residence Life Team each year. Paul was a member of that team during his time at CUAA and an awesome part of the CUAA community. Get to know him here!
Follow along with Concordia University’s 2020 commencement celebrations with #CUAAgrad2020 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
— 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.
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.