WLC students are preparing to serve where God has called them.
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On a clear autumn evening, WLC student Richard Hill and his friends huddled around a telescope in the campus quad to take in the dazzling night sky. Their hope was to catch a glimpse of Saturn. While gazing into an endless tapestry of twinkling stars and distant planets, Richard remembers thinking, “There is no way God didn’t create all of this.”
Richard’s curiosity for the cosmos was first piqued after noticing a telescope with a broken mount in WLC professor Dr. Kerry Kuehn’s physics lab. It became his personal mission to get the device in working order. Before long, Richard had successfully repaired the telescope, and in so doing, discovered a passion for astrophotography (taking pictures of objects in space). One of Richard’s gifts is the ability to look at things and quickly understand how they work. In searching for a college, he looked for a place that would help him develop this gift while exploring different academic interests. More importantly, Richard wanted a college that would encourage him to grow in his faith. Wisconsin Lutheran College proved to be just the perfect match.
“WLC exudes a motto of ‘we live by our faith.’ It’s overflowing with a Christian atmosphere and has extremely strong academic integrity and performance standards.”
At WLC, Richard quickly found his niche in the physics program. In addition to growing in his knowledge of theory, he enjoys exploring creative ways to build, dismantle, and test machines.
“I love tinkering, teaching, and sharing the things I know.”
Richard’s heart for service and leadership is evidenced by the numerous ways he gives back to others. In addition to serving as vice president of the STEM Club, he is often found helping his peers with 3D printer projects in WLC’s makerspace lab. Richard also helps Dr. Kuehn as a teacher’s assistant for a college-level physics course at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Once per week, Richard leads the class where he and students work together on conceptual physics problems. The arrangement is part of an independent study program that provides leadership experience and opportunities for practical application.
In the words of Richard, “We need more Christian leaders in higher academic positions who understand that there isn’t a disconnect between science and faith.” WLC equips Christian men and women to serve God’s people. Caring professors help students develop their unique gifts while instilling Biblical values and a servant leader mindset. You can help prepare Christian leaders like Richard to go forth and serve where God is calling them by making a gift this fall. Our mission is strong, and our vision is clear. However, our students depend on your support for scholarships to make attending WLC a reality.
Upon graduating in May 2027, Richard plans to pursue a master’s degree in physics. Leadership and research experiences at WLC have positioned him for a successful transition to graduate school. In fact, Richard received the college’s prestigious Kepler Award last spring in recognition of his outstanding intellect, character, and performance in the physics program. In addition to financial support, the award gave Richard a sense of encouragement: “Knowing I had your backing as a donor was a big motivation for me to push harder and keep doing research.”
Consider being a “star” for students like Richard. Your support for scholarships empowers WLC servant leaders to explore their gifts while making the world brighter through their acts of Christian service. Thank you for your consideration.
Double your impact: A generous family foundation believes in helping students like Richard too, and has committed to matching your gift to annual scholarships dollar-for-dollar. You can double your impact by taking advantage of this exceptional opportunity by Friday, November 28, 2025 (or until the match is met). Learn more about this opportunity.
Photo Captions - Top: Richard presented on astrophotography at the WLC Undergraduate Research Symposium in April 2025. | Bottom: In April 2024, Richard traveled to Ohio with a group of WLC students and faculty to photograph the solar eclipse in the path of totality.
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