Two University of Wisconsin Oshkosh classmates—Rev. Luke Strand ’03, of Dousman, and Rev. William VanDynhoven ’04, of Little Chute—both followed their hearts and completed the spiritual journey to become Roman Catholic priests.
VanDynhoven, left, at ordination.Strand was ordained a priest on May, 23, 2009, after spending six years at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, and VanDynhoven was ordained on June 2, 2012. Today, Strand serves as vocation director for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and VanDynhoven is parochial vicar (associate pastor) at St. Pius X Parish in Appleton.
Strand said at the beginning of his junior year of college he began to take his faith seriously by becoming involved in campus ministry.
“Through a series of events, I realized my need for God and the beauty of the Catholic Church,” he said. “I began to spend time in prayer each day at the UW Oshkosh Newman Center.”
VanDynhoven, like Strand, began to pursue priesthood at the Newman Center, where the mission is to engage members of the UW Oshkosh campus community to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the power and working of the Holy Spirit as lifelong disciples in his Church.”
The Newman Center provides sacraments and pastoral care for students, faculty and staff, according to Catholic campus ministry director, Rev. Jason Blahnik.
VanDynhoven said the support he received from his parents and ministers influenced him to become a priest. “Being at the Newman Center provided the openness and encouraged me to think and pray about the priesthood,” he said.
He said Strand was one of his role models during his time at UW Oshkosh and someone he could ask questions about the priesthood.
Strand“I first met Father Luke at the Newman Center in 2002,” VanDynhoven explained. “We both participated in Holy Mass and on our alternative spring break experience to Tarboro, N.C.”
Strand said VanDynhoven was one person out of a group of individuals who desired to grow spiritually at the Newman Center.
“We stayed in touch and supported one another throughout college,” Strand said. “…I am constantly amazed how God placed just the right people in my life at just the right time to lead me to seminary.”
When asked if he had any advice to share with current UWO students, VanDynhoven said college requires growth and responsibility.
“College is a time that begins a new chapter in life,” he said. “…It’s easy to put God at the bottom of our own checklist instead of the most important.”
Strand encourages students to remain consistent in their academic pursuit and their life of faith. “The wisdom and knowledge they gain through their studies will enable them to use their gifts and talents in the public square,” he said.
Learn more: