MEET LANCE MEYER '94

Major: History
Career: Artist at Green Room Art Studio and Founder of GRAS Ministries

Why did you choose WLC?

I chose Wisconsin Lutheran College in 1990 after attending Tarkio College in Missouri for my freshman year of college. I had never heard of WLC in Bellevue, Nebraska, where I played in the Omaha City Conference. Dave Reinemann ’93 and my Aunt Joan introduced me to WLC. After playing at and visiting a number of colleges in the Midwest, I was impressed by the people and atmosphere at WLC. Despite WLC not having a gym, I enrolled for the fall of 1990 and the rest is history.

Tell us about your favorite WLC experience.

My favorite experience at WLC was just the whole experience and friendships formed. I would consider many, many alumni close friends to this day and still keep in contact. I am especially appreciative of the faculty members and coaches who still have impacted me to this day.

Who is your favorite WLC professor or staff member?

Coach Paul Knueppel is still a mentor and friend who influences many of the major decisions I make at GRAS Ministries and at all the schools and ministries I have served. He truly has inspired, encouraged, supported, and always given me great counsel. And yes, we won a few games together too!

What have you accomplished on your bucket list since graduation?

I am now a fulltime artist at the Green Room Art Studio and am the founder of GRAS Ministries. After suffering Hashimoto's Encephalopathy in January of 2020 and experiencing a number of comas, my life has changed significantly. I am no longer on the front lines of ministry as a principal, athletic director, coach, mentor, or teacher.

I have transitioned from being a baller to a golfer. In fact, I have been a golfer longer than a basketball player, which is very hard to believe. I have had two hole-in-ones and have been close to shooting even par a few times (but that still eludes me).

I am hoping to one day have my art in multiple cities, states, and countries, but more importantly that GRAS Ministries impacts thousands of kids, especially minority students throughout the country by using art to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am working hard each day to connect dots in our city and country to better serve our students and families, as well as raise up minority leaders to serve in our churches, schools, and in our community. GRAS Ministries has partnered with the Milwaukee Brewers, A City for God, and St. Marcus to help raise financial support for urban ministry. Over the past few years, I have coached golf at Kingdom Prep and also worked with a number of coaches, assisting with basketball.

In a short period of time, I have gone from not being able to talk, walk, or even respond, to having art shows throughout the country and an online ministry that impacts more than 20 schools through CfUT and A City of God in Milwaukee.