Home / Shepherds College Week

Celebrating Students. Honoring Purpose. Inviting Community.

What is Shepherds College Week?

Shepherds College Week is a village-wide celebration in Union Grove, Wisconsin, recognizing the students, graduates, and mission of Shepherds College—a post-secondary school for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Proclaimed by Steve Wicklund, President of the Village of Union Grove, this special week leads up to our graduation day and honors the growth that defines our students’ journey.

How the Community is Celebrating

Throughout the week, local businesses, organizations, and community members are showing their support in fun and meaningful ways:

• Shepherds College Specials at local cafes and shops
• Window Posters across town proudly proclaiming support
• Social Media Spotlights highlighting student stories, alumni journeys, and partner testimonials

Supporters In Action!

We’re proud to be part of a community that believes in empowering young adults with IDD. Our local supporters for Shepherds College Week include:

• All Cut Up Salon - In honor of the Class of '25, All Cut Up is offering a $25 Wash & Style with Elizabeth, $25 Shellac manicure with Elizabeth ($5 off if you select blue or orange!), and 25% off float sessions during Shepherds College Week.
• Baking Bird – Featuring a limited-edition “Sherman Bar”: a tangy orange bar topped with blueberry compote and a luscious orange swirl. You'll never guess it's gluten and dairy free!  
• Bon Voyage World Travel Experts - Watch their storefront for a special message to our students!
• Community State Bank/Shepherds Community Cafe - Three signature drinks and fun buttons for customers!  
• Country Rose Bakery Cafe - Offering the SOAR Cookie = Shepherds College Oreo And Reese's Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie. Available during Shepherds College Week or while supplies last.
• Graham Public Library - Featuring a display of books about disabilities
• Grove Insurance Agency, Inc - Blue & Orange decorated storefront; blue & orange candy available inside!
• Just Brew It - Offering "Blue Skies" - mango boba made with blue lemonade
• Mulberry's Pancakes & Cafe - Stop in for daily specials in honor of Shepherds College Week! Pete and Kim also donated a gift certificate for the Soaring Eagle Social Media Challenge (see below).
• Old Settler's Inn - Bowling lanes lit up in blue & orange!
• Pine Acres General Store - 
  Orange & Blue Ice Cream treats:
  Blue Moon or Orange Sherbet is available in a dish or cone
  OR
  Turn them into a Blue Moon or an Orange Dreamsicle milkshake.
  The Eagle’s Nest:
  A gift basket full of tasty orange and blue treats for your graduate. Limited quantities available.
• Salt Light Therapeutics - Kim is donating a gift certificate for a 40-minute Infrared & Halotherapy session to a winner in the Soaring Eagle Social Media Challenge (see below).
• Seven Seas Creative Space - Offering blue & orange wrapped graduation bouquets for $25 (Please pre-order by June 1st by calling 262-864-2017), and ceramic eagles to paint as gifts for the staff ($11.98 + studio fee). Finished eagles will be delivered directly to Shepherds College.
• The Grove Church - Offering prayers for our students 
• Top Paws Grooming & Pet Supplies - Providing special blue and orange bows for your pups with every purchase from June 1st- 7th! 
• Two Creek Farms - Offering a Soaring Eagle Snack Pack Special for $45: 
  - 2 Packages Snack Sticks (7 sticks per pack / Any Flavor) 
  - 1 1-lb package summer sausage (any flavor) 
  - 2 Packages of Cheese (String, Whips, Curds) 
• Union Grove Congregational UCC - Offering prayers for our students, school, and mission

Please check each website for days and hours of operation.

Are you a local business or supporter who would like to participate in the village-wide celebration? Please contact Susan at sgriffis@shepherdscollege.edu.

Why It Matters

Every Shepherds College student has a unique story—one filled with challenges, growth, community, and hope. Shepherds College Week is an opportunity to honor their accomplishments and inspire others to believe in what’s possible with the right support.

Your encouragement this week doesn’t just celebrate our students—it helps shape their future.

How You Can Participate

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please share our posts!
• Join the Soaring Eagle Social Media Challenge. See below for details.
• Visit our campus for a tour. Contact admissions@shepherdscollege.edu to schedule your visit.
• Shop local with participating businesses.
• Wear navy & orange to show your support.
• Donate to the Shepherds College Scholarship Fund.

Join the Soaring Eagle Social Media Challenge!

Let’s spread the spirit of Shepherds College Week far beyond Union Grove! We’re inviting our entire Soaring Eagle community—students, families, alumni, staff, supporters, and friends—to celebrate with us on social media.

Here’s how to join the fun and show your support:

The Challenge:
Post on Facebook and/or Instagram between June 1–7, 2025 using one (or more!) of the following ideas:

• Post a photo of yourself wearing or using Shepherds College gear.
• Post a photo of yourself, your car, home, or office decorated in Shepherds College colors (navy and orange).
• Post a photo taken at a participating Union Grove business supporting Shepherds College Week.

Be sure to:

• Use the hashtags #ShepherdsCollegeWeek or #SCWeekUG so we can find you!

• Tag the supporting Union Grove business in your post, if applicable.

• All photos must be taken between June 1–7, 2025.

• You can enter up to five times per person—each post counts as one entry!

The Prizes:

• The drawing will be held on June 10, 2025, with three Amazon gift cards awarded:
   $25 | $50 | $100

• Gift cards to Union Grove businesses will also be awarded in the drawing.

• Gift cards have been generously donated by Soaring Eagle supporters.

         $25 Baking Bird | $25 Country Rose | $25 Just Brew It 

         $25 Mulberry's Pancakes & Cafe | $25 Pine Acres General Store

         $40 for a 40-minute Halotherapy session at Salt Light Therapeutics

Who Can Enter?
Everyone is welcome—students, staff, alumni, and the entire community!

Whether you’re in Union Grove or cheering from across the country, join us in celebrating the amazing students of Shepherds College.

Let’s make Shepherds College Week a celebration to remember!

Join The Conversation!

Tag your photos and messages with #SCWeekUG or #ShepherdsCollegeWeek.

Thank you, Union Grove, for soaring with us.
Together, we’re creating a world where students with IDD live and work with dignity, purpose, and independence.