Adam Pagel is one of those students who takes advantage of everything college has to offer. College goes beyond the classroom. He values every academic and co-curricular experience as an opportunity to grow as a leader.
“I feel like I have truly become a part of the WLC Warriors family,” said Adam. “Being at a smaller, private college has allowed me to be and do everything.”
When Adam says everything, he means everything. He is a thrower on Wisconsin Lutheran College’s track and field team. As a sophomore, he joined the Warrior Events Board and became the president his junior year prior to becoming president-elect of WLC’s Student Senate. He also works in the Office of Admissions and the college’s Ambassador Club. His involvement goes beyond giving tours, meeting prospective students, and sharing the benefits of earning a degree from WLC. He is a part of the club’s leadership team and a valued office assistant to the Admissions Visit Coordinator.
“Adam has the ability to form relationships quickly, be a flexible team player, and show his love for WLC in how he serves others. He is an integral part of the team,” said Ann Poetter, admissions visit coordinator.
“I learned that I love being around people, helping them through life, and helping them make decisions,” said Adam. He is taking his love of nurturing others to the classroom, where he plans to be a high school math teacher and a coach for soccer and track and field teams. “The training and preparation I have received through WLC’s Teacher Education program are unbeatable, and I know I will be ready when I graduate next year.”
Adam first visited WLC while attending Shoreland Lutheran High School in Kenosha. He knew WLC’s reputation for being a place where he could thrive academically and participate in sports and activities.
Yet, there’s no question the cost of college is a challenge for many students, including Adam. “The Wisconsin Grant has allowed me to make the most of my college experience without worrying about finances and having to choose between work and studying,” said Adam.
In addition to pursuing a double major in secondary education and mathematics, athletics, and his job, Adam is always eager to volunteer for campus and community outreach events. One of his favorite memories is winning the 2016 KAPCO Charitable Challenge, where his team developed and implemented a community service project to provide bicycles to those in need.
“I’ve learned what it means to live like a leader,” said Adam. “Before coming to WLC, I didn’t realize how powerful just being yourself can be. A college like WLC teaches you how to discover and use your God-given talents. My experience has been amazing. I have grown so much, and I am thankful every day for the opportunities that I have been given.”