MILWAUKEE - Wisconsin Lutheran College students were honored at the 2025 Impact Award Luncheon, an annual student leadership recognition event, on Thursday, May 1 in the Recreation Complex's Siebert Center.

Wisconsin Lutheran College senior James Biedenbender (center), a marketing and finance major from La Crosse, Wisconsin, is the 33rd recipient of the college's Impact Award. As a four-year student-athlete competing in volleyball, James served as team captain for three seasons. He also was Student Body President during his junior and senior years and worked as a student employee team lead in the Office of Athletics Communication. As part of the Christian Leadership Certificate Program, James helped organize a business-professional clothing drive for The Bottomless Closet, a branch of the Milwaukee Women's Center. 

The other finalists for the Impact Award honored at the luncheon were Gabriella Miller (left) and Lydia Drake (right). They have all made a tremendous impact on the WLC community during their years on campus.

The event featured a keynote speech from Skip Noon, who is retiring from his role as Director of Athletics after serving at Wisconsin Lutheran College for 33 years.

Also recognized at the event were members of the Warrior Events Board and Student Senate, senior Conduct Board members and Resident Assistants, as well as students who volunteer to take class notes for those who need assistance.

We appreciate all the students who demonstrate leadership on our campus and in the community!