MEET CRAIG SWIONTEK '95

Director of Graduate and Transfer Admission
Serving WLC since June 1997

What do you enjoy most about your role at WLC?

I enjoy working with prospective students and the many outstanding Wisconsin Lutheran College faculty and staff team members to advise students and assist them with course planning.

Who has had the greatest influence on you during your time at WLC?

The late, great Joel Mischke. He cared deeply about WLC students and could always make them smile - even in difficult times. His ability to understand people and to apply the right mix of law and gospel to council and motivate were his superpowers.

How can alumni and the college’s supporters impact what you do for WLC?

Be proud of your alma mater and spread the word! If you haven’t been to campus in a while, come back for a game, a concert, or a play. You’ll be reminded of what an amazing place this is!

What is one thing you’d tell a freshman they need to experience during their time as a student at WLC?

Climb the bell tower (from the inside, if possible). It’s a rite of passage.

Name one area where WLC has seen the most growth since you were a student.

The list of academic offerings has grown tremendously and continues to do so. Students have more career opportunities than ever! Also, the commuter parking structure is a major bonus. You don’t have to arrive early to campus anymore to find a place to park.

What hasn’t changed at WLC since you were a student?

So many of the student last names are the same - just the next generation! We have Collyards, Ignatowskis, Hennens, Leffels, Billitzes, Borchardts, Valerios, Fausts, Bauers, Kreneks, and more. Pretty amazing to see how many alumni kids are choosing WLC!

Share one fun fact about yourself that others may not know.

My wife, Mandy, and I met at WLC. All three of our sons and their significant others graduated from or currently attend WLC. Guess you could call that a family tradition.

Tell us your favorite WLC story.

My “how to” speech in Prof. Uecker’s class: With Paul Kremer serving as the ring announcer, I wrestled a four-foot tall stuffed Gumby. I accidentally tore his arm open and the beans that filled him started to spill all over the classroom. I followed through with my finish move: jumping off a desk onto Gumby to pin him, but I landed on the dorm keys in my front pocket. At the end, my pants were ripped, my leg was bleeding, and there was Gumby stuffing all over the classroom. I did not get an A.