MEET JIM PAUTZ '86

Degree: Associate of Arts

Current Role: Retired Public School Teacher

Why did you choose WLC?

When I was a senior at Manitowoc Lutheran, some friends of mine had an interest in visiting Wisconsin Lutheran College. For me, WLC wasn't even on the radar, but I went along to get a day off of school. Well, after touring the campus, I really liked what I saw and decided to attend. Ironically, I was the only one from our group who visited that day to go to WLC, and I don't regret that decision at all! Clearly, God had a plan for me.

Tell us about your favorite WLC experience.

I had many, but I'll highlight a few. First, my favorite experience while at the college was finding my beautiful, smart, and loving wife, Jolene. Again, God has a plan because we've been married 35 years! And, our four children graduated from WLC, as did all of their spouses. Second, I'd have to say the TCW (Travel Canvass Witness) experiences I had were very impactful. Knocking on people's doors, inviting them to a local WELS church, and briefly sharing God's Word with them was an experience I'll always remember and cherish. Finally, an on-campus experience that I'll never forget was participating in the pool plunge in November. That water was COLD and kind of gross, but I did it!

Who is your favorite WLC professor or staff member?

I really enjoyed Mary Heins' classes and her teaching. She was always interesting and fair. Also, I eventually found my way into teaching and taught public speaking classes for years, so her teaching definitely impacted my own. I also enjoyed having chats with Dr. James Kiecker. He was always insightful and quite knowledgeable when it came to Biblical questions.

What have you accomplished on your bucket list since graduation?

I don't really have a bucket list, but if I did, traveling would have to be at the top of it. Jolene and I have been fortunate enough to take road trips across the country, along with trips to Spain and England. We also camp a lot in the state. So, God willing, I hope to travel more and see more of God's beautiful earth in the future.

What is next on your bucket list to complete?

Well, I recently retired from public school teaching after 29 years. I now want to find a flexible part-time job to keep me busy. I also want to spend more time with my grandkids (all nine of them!) and attend more of their events and activities. When it comes to travel, I hope to one day go on an Alaska land-and-sea tour with my lovely wife. And, I hope the two of us can afford to attend the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.