Alumni Focus - Grant Gawrisch ('20)

Our alumni speaker for the 2026 Annual Gala, Grant Gawrisch (‘20), is currently a full-time student preparing for ministry at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. In this feature, he reflects on his time at SCLA—sharing how caring teachers and coaches, a unique cross-cultural environment, daily chapel, and the opportunity to lead chapel as a senior helped shape his path. He reminds and encourages us all: “Ministry is right now, where you are at.” 

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at St. Croix?

There are many moments that I enjoyed at St. Croix, from soccer matches and music performances to interesting classes and track meets. It's true that I remember these moments and events fondly, but the memories that stick with me the most come from chapel. Gathering together on a daily basis to worship our Savior is an amazing blessing. When I had the opportunity to lead chapel as a senior, it helped solidify my path towards ministry. Chapel is certainly a special part of my St. Croix experience.

Were there any teachers or staff who had a big impact on you?

There are many names that come to mind. Teachers, coaches, directors, and staff… they are all a special part of St Croix. I don't know if I could narrow down the list of impactful people in the school. The whole faculty truly cares for each student. My coaches and directors were invested in my development, not just as an athlete or musician, but as a person serving God in several vocations. The campus pastors took the time to talk with me about ministry, showing me more about what it means to be a pastor. Teachers brought Christ into the classroom while also providing an excellent education that has set me up well for college and seminary. Even now, when I return to St. Croix, I am always excited to reconnect with men and women who helped shape me.

What lessons—academic or personal—did you carry with you after graduation?

You could consider it a personal lesson, though perhaps it's more of a spiritual one. St. Croix taught me the importance of Christian love and personal curiosity. Whether it was witnessing a role model on staff act in Christian love for students or if it was leaving my comfort zone to meet someone new and learn about who they are, St. Croix provided the opportunities and guidance to grow into those skills. Show Christian love to others. Be curious about new people and experiences. Both of these lessons are useful for life and ministry.

How did your experience at St. Croix shape who you are today?

While attending St. Croix, I was exposed to a broad range of cultures, ideas, and experiences, all grounded in the unchanging truth of the gospel. This has given me incredible insights into my preparation for pastoral ministry. Only the Lord knows where I will serve his people someday, but until that day comes, I continue to lean on the experiences at St. Croix that inform the man I am today, trusting God has guided my life so I am best equipped to serve his kingdom.

What path did you take after graduating? What advice would you give a St. Croix student considering your path?

After graduating, I attended Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN for four years. I graduated from MLC in 2024, and for the past year and a half, I continued my training for pastoral ministry at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI.

It is the prayer of many that more young men would consider studying to become pastors. This past semester, a group of St. Croix students visited the Seminary. I had the privilege of showing them around, and I will give you the same advice I gave them. Understand the difference between public ministry and private ministry. The pastors and teachers of St. Croix are an example of public ministry. They get to preach or teach for a job. That is a tremendous blessing. As much as I want a large generation of pastors who came from St. Croix to go to MLC and the Seminary, I understand that only some students who graduate from St. Croix will consider public ministry. So, do not forget your private ministry. In your vocation as a Christian, you get to share Jesus every day with others. Ministry is right now, where you are at. That is part of the mission of St. Croix, preparing young men and women for lives of faith, no matter what vocation they find themselves in.