UW–Oshkosh senior Kaden Kemp of Kimberly, student Commencement speaker for the afternoon ceremony, graduates with a degree in secondary education and a minor in history. Kemp says college success takes commitment and discipline.
Kaden Kemp knows the power of a well-told story, especially when it’s rooted in history.
A future educator with a passion for the past, Kemp will take the stage at UW–Oshkosh’s 151st Spring Commencement to deliver a speech that draws inspiration from one of his greatest influences: Abraham Lincoln.
Just like Lincoln, Kemp believes in the strength of character forged through hard work, lifelong learning and meaningful human connection.
Kaden Kemp graduates from UWO with plans to continue his education at the University of Exeter in England.
Graduating with a degree in secondary education and a minor in history, Kemp, of Kimberly, has distinguished himself both inside and outside the classroom. He’s led faith-based community groups, coached a championship JV bowling team and even studied in England to deepen his understanding of how British history shaped America.
Graduating with a 3.99 GPA and plans to pursue a master’s degree in history at the University of Exeter in England, Kemp will share a message at commencement that’s grounded in humility, determination and timeless lessons that still resonate today.
In this Q & A, Kemp opens up about the professors who challenged and inspired him, the lessons he’s taking with him from both sides of the classroom and the enduring impact of storytelling in education.
Gabe Loiacono
What made you decide to come to UWO?
I knew I wanted to go to a college close to home, so I looked into a few options in the area. I considered going to UW-Green Bay as well, but ultimately decided on UW–Oshkosh. To start, I chose to spend my first two years at the UW–Oshkosh Fox Cities campus so I could live at home and save on costs. It was a decision that helped me adjust to college life while staying close to my support system. After those two years, I transferred to the main campus in Oshkosh to finish my degree. UWO also has a strong education program, which was a major factor in my decision, as I pursued a degree in secondary education.
Kyle Steele
You’ve said you want to inspire others the way your favorite teachers inspired you. Who at UWO had the biggest impact on your development as a future teacher/professor? What lessons will continue to resonate past graduation?
All of my history professors at UWO have impacted me in meaningful ways, each challenging me to think critically about different aspects of history. Their passion and dedication have shaped how I approach both research and teaching. Getting to know Professor Loiacono during our study abroad experience (History 336 How England Shaped America) was especially impactful. He modeled what it looks like to make history come alive in new environments and pushed me to engage with global perspectives.
Professor Steele also played a key role in my development by encouraging me to pursue deeper research in his class (Foundations of American Education, Education Leadership 408). His support gave me the confidence to take ownership of my academic interests. The expectations and encouragement I received from these professors have left a lasting impression. I hope to bring that same balance of challenge and support to my own classroom someday.
What made you decide on your majors/minors?
I come from a family of teachers, so when I graduated high school, it felt natural to follow in their footsteps. I knew I wanted to work with older students, which made secondary education the best fit for me. In high school, the classes that fascinated me most were history classes. I was always eager to learn more and dive deeper into the subject. So when I chose education as my major, minoring in history was a perfect match. It allowed me to combine my passion for teaching with the subject I’ve always been most drawn to.
Kaden Kemp enjoys time in England during a UWO study abroad history course.
What are you taking away from UWO other than a college degree?
In addition to earning my degree, I’m leaving UWO with a wealth of experiences that have shaped me personally, academically and professionally. I’ve developed skills that go far beyond the classroom, such as critical thinking, communication, time management and leadership. These will serve me well in both my career and everyday life. I’ve also built lasting friendships with classmates, professors and peers who have supported and challenged me throughout my journey. Whether it was late-night study sessions, meaningful conversations or unforgettable moments on campus and during study abroad, the memories I’ve made here are ones I’ll carry with me forever. UWO has helped me grow into the person I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for the community, opportunities and lessons that have come with my time here.
Your speech centers around Abraham Lincoln. What about his early life speaks to you personally as a future educator?
Last summer, I spent time doing my own historical reading and came across the book Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, which explores Lincoln’s life and leadership. I was especially struck by the qualities Lincoln developed in his early years: his relentless work ethic, intellectual curiosity and commitment to self-improvement. Those traits really resonated with me. As someone preparing to become an educator, I’ve taken to heart the importance of being a lifelong learner. Like Lincoln, I strive to learn not because I have to, but because I love to. Learning is one of the best ways I can continue growing and becoming better, both for myself and for the students I’ll one day teach. His life reminded me that humble beginnings and a passion for growth can lead to extraordinary impact.
Kaden Kemp earned his associate degree from UWO–Fox Cities, before transferring to the main campus.
You mention storytelling as one of Lincoln’s great skills. What role do you think storytelling plays in education and in your life?
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools an educator can have. The teachers who inspired me most in high school were all great storytellers. They made the material come alive, helped me connect with the content on a personal level, and made learning memorable. In the classroom, storytelling engages students, builds empathy and makes complex ideas more accessible. As I prepare to enter the education field, I see storytelling not only as a way to teach effectively but also as a way to connect with students and create a more meaningful learning environment. It’s a skill I hope to continue developing and using throughout my career.
What was your experience like student teaching at Neenah High School and how did it prepare you for what’s next?
I completed my clinical experience at Neenah High School and my student teaching at Omro High School, which gave me the opportunity to work in both large and small school settings. Each environment offered unique challenges and learning opportunities that helped me grow as an educator. These experiences allowed me to develop and refine my teaching skills, build strong relationships with students and staff and gain confidence in managing a classroom. As I prepare to move to England to pursue my master’s in history at the University of Exeter, the time I spent in these classrooms has equipped me with a strong foundation. It’s given me the ability to collaborate effectively, adapt to different learning environments and continue growing as both a teacher and a learner.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self about coming to UWO?
The advice I would give my 18-year-old self is this: college is hard work and success takes commitment and discipline. You have to be intentional about studying, managing your time and continuing to grow as a learner. One of the most important things to have going into college is a strong support system. That can include family, friends, classmates, professors, anyone who encourages and uplifts you. For me, that support came from my family, my friends and roommates from CRU and my church community. Their encouragement helped me navigate the challenges of balancing school, work and personal life. I’d remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help, to lean on others and to grow through the ups and downs of the journey.
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Kaden Kemp gave this Commencement speech