Every fall we welcome new and transfer students during Concordia University Wisconsin's New Student Orientation, led by current students who serve as Concordia Crew Leaders. These campus leaders welcome new students in an engaging and positive way. Each new and transfer student is assigned a Crew Leader who guides them through all aspects of the New Student Orientation experience. Students can expect to hear from their Crew Leader during the summer if they have questions about orientation or transitioning onto campus.
Kara Janowski
Position: Director of Student Engagement
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Fun Fact: I grew up in New Zealand and had a “kiwi” accent as a kid (called my Mom “Mum!”).
Advice: It is okay to not have it all figured out! Take it “one step at a time, with a general plan in mind,” – but be willing to adjust that plan if you need or want to! You might discover a passion or opportunity that leads you in a new direction!
Leah Flolo
Position: Coordinator of Student Activities and Orientation
Hometown: Elgin, IL
Fun Fact: I’ve been in a mascot suit!
Advice: You will find your people here. It may not happen immediately, but God has so many good plans for you, you just have to walk through the door! Don’t be afraid of the awkward moments, because they happen for everyone!
Olivia Race
Position: Concordia Crew Intern
Major: Psychology and Social Work
Year: Junior
Hometown: Neenah, WI
Fun Fact: I have been playing trumpet for 10 years.
Advice: Go out for anything that sparks your interest! Is there a different major or career path that you desire? You can switch! Is there a club you're not sure about joining? Just try it! College is your time to figure out who you are and where you belong - take advantage of it!
Melena Weber
Position: Concordia Crew Intern
Major: Mass Communications
Year: Junior
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Fun Fact: I have read over 115 books in a single year!
Advice: Everyone is in the same shoes, do not be afraid to try new things! Get outside your comfort zone and it can lead you to great opportunities and new friends!
Gilead Adams
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Music Therapy
Year: Junior
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Fun Fact: Both of my parents are from Africa!
Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask for help! There are so many people willing to help you :)
Emily Brown
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Healthcare Administration
Year: Senior
Hometown: Waupun, WI
Fun Fact: I am a part time plumber back home.
Advice: Don't be afraid to talk to new people. I bet they are just as nervous as you are.
Amelia Clovis
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Public Health
Year: Junior
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Fun Fact: I love hazelnut lattes.
Advice: The best way to make friends on campus is to get involved in clubs and activities!
Leah Drachenberg
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Sonography
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Arena, WI
Fun Fact: I grew up on a farm!
Advice: Be yourself, don’t be afraid to try new things!!
Ellen Egger
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Philosophy/Graphic Design
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: St Louis, MO
Fun Fact: I love to paint!
Advice: Don’t be afraid to start conversations with strangers!
Maddie Eggers
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Healthcare Administration
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Hamburg, MN
Fun Fact: My birthday is on St. Patrick’s Day.
Advice: Involve time for studying, handing out with friends, taking time for yourself, and any other commitments that you may have.
Grace Farrell
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Rehabilitation Science, Pre-OT
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Frankfort, IL
Fun Fact: I like to go for runs outside!
Advice: My best advice is to go to everything possible, being outgoing and putting yourself out there is the best way to meet new people and make friends.
Nora Finnegan
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Elementary Ed Cross Categorical Special Ed
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Mchenry, IL
Fun Fact: I love pickleball!
Advice: Don’t stress about making friends because the right ones will come to you.
Alyssa Gaeth
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Graphic Design
Year: Senior
Hometown: Jackson, WI
Fun Fact: I flip old historic buildings with my mom and turn them into coffeehouses.
Advice: Get out of your comfort zone! You’ll meet so many great people along the way!
Noelle Geidel
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Rehabilitation Sciences, Pre-OT
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Seward, NE
Fun Fact: I like to read.
Advice: Get involved and participate in as many activities as you can!
Donovan Hang
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Fun Fact: I have a broken kneecap that is still broken till this day.
Advice: Try everything that you get offered! Don’t be shy to get outside of your comfort zone and if you need that extra push become friends with me and I’ll be the one pushing you.
Shea McMullen
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Illustration
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Adell, WI
Fun Fact: I’ve played the piano for 15 years and it’s something I like to do in my free time.
Advice: My best advice for incoming students is to get involved. Get involved, don't be afraid to try new things, and meet new people outside of sports team and roommates because you see them enough already.
Evangelina Ornelas
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Secondary Education (Social Studies)
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Pewaukee, WI
Fun Fact: I have 7 siblings!
Advice: This is a new experience for everyone, so you're not the only one who feels nervous :)
Kate Pittman
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Social Work
Year: Junior
Hometown: Sussex, WI
Fun Fact: I did fencing in high school!
Advice: Go to events! You might feel silly or awkward, but you’ll meet people and feel more comfortable on campus.
Abbey Proctor
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Biology
Year: Junior
Hometown: Pleasant Prairie, WI
Fun Fact: On the weekends, I work as a farrier trimming horse hooves!
Advice: I know that starting college can be stressful, but don't forget to enjoy this transition time! You're going to grow and learn so much about yourself in the process. Embrace the change; be open to meeting new people and exploring new opportunities as they find you!
Allie Renzelmann
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Public Health
Year: Senior
Hometown: Merrill, WIMerrill, WI
Fun Fact: I’m a lifeguard
Advice: Sign up for anything that sounds interesting! You may just find your thing and your people!
Adam Rodriguez
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Physical Education
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Sheboygan, WI
Fun Fact: Favorite music artist is Bruno Mars and I share a birthday with him!
Advice: Just be you and most importantly, have fun!!!
Hannah Saari
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: History
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Stoughton, WI
Fun Fact: I coached a youth dance team in high school!
Advice: Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things!
Nicole Scheunemann
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Finance and Marketing
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: West Bend, WI
Fun Fact: I love to travel
Advice: Use the library and use your time wisely.
Adriana Skelding
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Social Work
Year: Junior
Hometown: New Berlin, WI
Fun Fact: I have a little puppy named Kirby!
Advice: Get involved on campus! College isn't just about going to class. Look into joining clubs, student organizations, or intramural sports. Getting involved can enrich your experience, help you meet new people, and even improve your resume down the line.
Leah Soderling
Position: Concordia Crew Leader
Major: Undeclared, but looking at Hospitality & Business Management
Year: Senior
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Fun Fact: I have two birthdays.
Advice: You are not alone, others are in the same boat as you. Just be yourself!
Questions?
If you have any questions about New Student Orientation, please don’t hesitate to contact New Student Programs at newstudent.programs@cuw.edu.