On Saturday, May 10, Wisconsin Lutheran College held its spring commencement exercises in the Recreation Complex - Time of Grace Center. WLC awarded diplomas to more than 200 graduates this semester. WLC's 2025 grads are from 16 states, and they represent 41 undergraduate majors and three master's programs.

WATCH THE CEREMONY

SEE THE LIST OF GRADUATES

VIEW OR ORDER PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

COMMENCEMENT PHOTOS

Professional photos from the ceremony are available from the photographer's website.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS

Keynote speaker and Pro Gloria Dei Award recipient Dr. John D. Kolander has served in Lutheran education for 44 years in classroom and administrative roles at the grade school, high school, and collegiate levels. He is a graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota (1981), holds an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (1989), and earned his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2002). Since 2008, Dr. Kolander has served as Provost at Wisconsin Lutheran College; he will retire in June 2025. Prior, he held the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs at the college from 2004 to 2008. 

During John's years in higher education, he has been a frequent presenter at national conferences and regional workshops for the Council for Independent Colleges (CIC). In 2018 he was named the CIC Chief Academic Officer of the Year.

Since 2006, John has served as President of the Edgar and Meta Hoenecke Vulnerable Children’s Foundation. The organization, in partnership with the Lutheran Church of Central Africa, provides sole financial support for two schools in Lusaka, Zambia, serving more than 600 students in grades 1-7

Graduating senior James Biedenbender was nominated by faculty and chosen by his classmates to be the student speaker at commencement. James served as team captain of the WLC men's volleyball team for three years and was Student Body President for two years. He graduated with a B.A. in marketing and finance and a minor in digital marketing. As a sophomore, James was awarded the Gary and Sandra Greenfield Scholarship, which allowed him to partner with Christ St. Peter Lutheran School, providing classrooms with school supplies and organizing WLC student-led art lessons. He grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and is the son of Jon and Heather Biedenbender. 

Emily (Henrich) Brauer welcomed graduates to the ranks of WLC alumni. She is a 2007 WLC grad with a degree in business and communication.

Wisconsin Lutheran College prepares its graduates to be Christian servant leaders in the workplace and in the community.