Grounded in Christ, Amanda Fogo (’26) pursued her calling through a double major in elementary and special education.
“Rooted in Christ, Ready for the World: Not Perfect, but Purposeful” served as the theme of this year’s commencement address, delivered by graduate Amanda Fogo. Drawing from Colossians 2:6–7, Fogo reflected on what it means to live with intention and faith beyond this day.
With a bachelor’s of elementary education and special education in hand, she shared that her path to teaching began early. As a child, Fogo felt a clear calling to the classroom—one that continued to take shape as she pursued her education, preparing her to serve future students with Christ at the center.
A faithful choice
After high school, Fogo expected her path to lead to a large university. But when Concordia reached out, she encountered what she described as a “God moment.” As she put it, “It was the blessing I didn’t know I needed.”
After her first week at CUAA, she remembered falling in love with University Lutheran Chapel, where she was baptized her freshman year and later held a two-year internship. There, she worked alongside pastors and full-time staff in children’s ministry outreach, further deepening her passion for working with children as an educator.
Lead Pastor Gabe Kasper said Fogo was very involved at church throughout her college career, serving as an intern and leading campus ministry. “Amanda helped teach our kids God’s Word, welcomed new college students into our ministry, and led our meals ministry to the homeless in southwest Detroit. She is a kind and gracious presence, and our congregation has been so blessed by her servant heart and leadership.”
A spark for special education
Growing up surrounded by children, Fogo’s mother worked as a nanny, so during her adolescent years, she began babysitting for one of the families her mother served. Their youngest son, who was on the autism spectrum, gave her not only early hands-on experience but also a deeper understanding of what it means to build a meaningful relationship with someone who has special needs.
To this day, she said, he still gets very excited when he sees her in public. “I loved babysitting him because he’s unique and so fun to be around,” she said. “I want to have that same connection and make an impression on all my students.”
In addition, she coached children’s gymnastics, further reinforcing her passion for working with young learners. “I’ve just always been surrounded by younger kids, and I’ve always wanted to make an impact on them,” she said.
Now that commencement has passed, she is seeking a position at a small Christian or Lutheran elementary school, where she can build strong relationships, make lasting impressions, and help younger generations find purpose.
That same sense of purpose is reflected in the relationships she built along the way.
A lasting impression
“When love for God comes first, relationships are strengthened through loyalty and by loving others as oneself, sharpening one another as iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Fogo still remembers her first visit day on campus. She was one of two female prospective students in her group.
“Her first name is Alison, and we were too shy to talk to each other,” Fogo said. “Our moms started talking, which then forced us to start talking.”
Alison Doerr and Fogo have been inseparable since.
Doerr said she has loved watching her friend’s faith grow over the years. “I can see God working through her, and I know she will be an incredible teacher who shares God’s love with her students,” she said. “Amanda and I have both gone through similar highs and lows during college, and I believe God placed us in each other’s lives so we could support one another through it all. I can’t imagine doing life without her.”
She added, “Amanda is the kind of friend you know will always be there—reliable, caring, funny, and truly a lifelong friend.” This authenticity and empathy have carried her through her college career and will continue to guide her in each endeavor.
A page forward
That same foundation of faith and community shaped the message she would later share from the commencement stage.
On May 2, standing before her colleagues, professors, friends and family, Fogo delivered a heartfelt speech. Capturing her theme succinctly, she said, “This moment is not about being flawless or having a perfectly mapped plan. It is about stepping forward in trust, knowing that you are not perfect, but purposeful—created and called to live out your faith in a world that deeply needs it.”
In her address, Fogo spoke to the unspoken challenges graduates face—from embracing imperfection to remaining strong in faith and seeking support through community.
She continued, “The community here at CUAA reflected Christ’s love in tangible ways, helping our faith take deeper root through relationships, encouragement and shared purpose. Because of those roots, we leave this place ready for the world. Not ready because life ahead will be easy or predictable, but because this community has already shaped how we meet both joy and challenge.”
A faith tested
During her junior year at Concordia, Fogo’s life changed dramatically. After the sudden death of her mother over Christmas break, she faced a new and overwhelming set of challenges beyond those of college life. Before she even returned to campus, she was met with an outpouring of love and support from the CUAA community.
“I knew I had everyone in my corner during that challenging time,” Fogo said. Even in her darkest days, she had a community to return to, one that, along with her father’s support, helped carry her through.
Near the end of her speech, Fogo said, “You do not leave here to prove your worth or perfect your faith. You go rooted in Christ, sustained by grace that will meet you in moments of both confidence and doubt. You go ready for the world, not because the path ahead is clear, but because God walks it with you. And you go not perfect, but purposeful, called to love boldly, serve faithfully and trust that God will keep working through you, exactly as you are.”
Today, Fogo steps boldly into a new chapter, trusting her calling will lead her where she is needed most, serving children with purpose.
At a glance
- Who has made the biggest impact on your college journey? Kristin Belmas (a mentor teacher)
- What does graduation mean to you in one word or phrase? “The beginning”
- If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “The Goodness of God” (Rhett Walker and Essential Worship)
- What’s your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up? Brownies
- If you could teleport anywhere for a weekend getaway, where would you go? Walt Disney World
- What’s something small that never fails to make you laugh or smile? The unexpected things kids say. Their honesty and creativity can turn an ordinary moment into something really funny.
Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories highlighting a few of Concordia’s uncommon graduates. Faculty and staff submit candidates for consideration. Stories are posted in the days leading up to or after commencement. View more uncommon graduates here.
Want in?
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Click here to view a full list of the programs.