Life at Shepherds College:
Where You Grow, Belong, and Thrive
Choosing the right post-secondary school is about more than academics — it’s about finding a place that feels like home, challenges you to grow, and supports you every step of the way. At Shepherds College, we combine hands-on learning, faith, and community life to prepare you for a future filled with purpose.
Campus Map | Campus Life | Daily Life & Activities | Being A Student | Student Talk | Our City | Preview & First Flight | Path to Shepherds College | Activity Calendar | Student Resources | Transcript Requests | Emergency Policy |
Campus Map
The Shepherds College campus is located in Union Grove, Wisconsin, on 88 acres of land.
Our adress is: 1805 15th Ave, Union Grove, WI 53182
CAMPUS LIFE
A Campus Designed for Growth and Community
Life at Shepherds College blends independence with support. Our accessible campus in Union Grove, Wisconsin, offers students safe housing, specialized learning spaces, and places to connect with friends.
What You’ll Find Here On Campus
Comfortable student apartments with shared living spaces
Dining facilities with healthy, delicious meals
Classrooms and labs designed for hands-on learning
Recreation areas and green spaces to enjoy year-round
Snapshots of Campus Life
Daily Life & Activities
Every Day is an Opportunity
From your first morning on campus to evening activities, each day is structured to help you grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Our students enjoy:
Being a Student
Learning with Purpose
Your time at Shepherds College is about more than coursework — it’s about preparing for life. Our programs integrate academic learning, career training, and life skills development, so you graduate ready for the workforce and confident in daily living.
Student Talk
What Our Students Say
A Few Of Our Students’ Stories
Alumni Students’ Stories
When Joi first visited Shepherds College, she barely spoke and when she did, she would bow her head and face the ground. Today, Joi is a different person.
In 2016, Joi walked onto the campus of Shepherds College as a first-year student. At the end of her first semester, she chose technology as her major. She completed her studies and is now a proud graduate of Shepherds College.
During her last year of college, Joi had the opportunity to complete her field experience at a local technology company. Joi did an amazing job at the company, fit in perfectly with the other employees, and was even offered a job after graduation.
During her last year, Joi was invited to speak with our board of directors about her time at Shepherds College. With professionalism and clarity, Joi relayed what she had learned and shared her plans for the future.
What a huge difference time and opportunity at Shepherds College can make in the lives of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities! Prior to Shepherds, this young girl was shy and found it difficult to look people in the eye. Today, she is a confident, well-spoken young woman standing before businessmen, doctors, and community leaders sharing about her life.
Written by Hannah Ahrens, Rachel’s sister
I never thought Rachel would go to college. It seemed that a collegiate future for my sister was one my family could only dream about. Because of the way she was created (fearfully and wonderfully by God, yes, but with developmental limitations), in my mind, I resigned her to a life at home with my parents. This is not at all to say I do not believe in her or love her deeply; I just could not foresee a viable future, especially academically, for her.
Shepherds College was, in my opinion, a miracle to my family. Rachel found out she was going there and actually moved in with less than a month’s notice. She, in typical “Rachel” fashion, tackled the transition with exuberance and hope for her own future; she is my hero in so many ways.
Now, being a Shepherds College graduate, Rachel lives in Union Grove with another sweet woman as part of an independent living program. She works in the Piggly Wiggly bakery, a connection she made during her time as a student at Shepherds. This job is a dream to her! She gets to bake, decorate, and interact with customers. Nothing could be more in her wheelhouse! She also volunteers at Shepherds Community Café. She continues to practice her Appropriate Independence in many ways: cleaning her home, living well with other people, being mindful of her budget, grocery shopping, cooking… the list could go on.
Rachel has a connection to God like no one I’ve known; it seems as though she was hardwired with a keen sense of the Holy Spirit’s movement. Her faith was nurtured deeply at Shepherds, largely through the hands-on Bible classes and the experiences the instructors create for the students to engage with the text.
My sister’s life before Shepherds and, now, after Shepherds, looks drastically different… in the absolute best way possible. She is able to grow into who, I believe, God has created her to be in a whole new way. Her horizons have broadened; her opportunities have multiplied; her faith has grown deep roots. I am proud to be Rachel’s sister, and I know I speak on behalf of my whole family when I say that we cannot adequately express our gratitude to the incredible institution of Shepherds College. They paved a future for my sister – and my family – that we never could have dreamed of before.
Written by Chuck VanderHart, Jordan’s father
When Jordan came to Shepherds College, we anticipated he would learn independent living skills and a trade. Looking back, we see that God had a bigger plan. Jordan already had a heart for the Lord, but we did not anticipate the impact Shepherds College would have on his abilities to serve the body of Christ.
Pastor Kim Dopler writes of Jordan’s gifts to his church after graduation:
“When Jordan returned to Sycamore Reformed Baptist Church, he wanted to do anything he could to serve the Lord. He has been delighted to hand out bulletins and greet everyone as they enter the sanctuary and, quite frankly, it is a delight to be greeted by him! He has learned how to help with the sound system and has given praise for that opportunity. He also gave a report on a missions trip he took. It was wonderful to see his confidence in front of the congregation, the organization of his thoughts, and the joy he felt being involved in the work.”
Mitch Axsom, the coordinator of Building Tomorrow’s Missions, writes about Jordan’s mission experience: “From the very beginning, I found Jordan to be desirous of both ministry and service. On one of the first days, he and I went door to door inviting residents to send their children to Vacation Bible School. He served with me on the team which taught the oldest children at VBS as well as assisted those leading in crafts. He also suggested we sing the doxology before our evening meal at the time of prayer. How thankful I was that Jordan chose to come this year!”
Jordan’s heart for serving has gone further than his church. Greg Clearman, a deacon at Jordan’s church, writes about his outreach:
“Upon Jordan’s graduation, he returned home to the Quad Cities, as well as spent time with his siblings out of state. This young man left us reserved, quiet, and somewhat insecure about his status in life. What I have seen the Lord do in Jordan is amazing. He returned more confident, more assertive, and his zeal for the Lord has grown immensely. He worked at a local nursery and volunteered at food pantries. He recently raised over $1,000.00 for a local Pregnancy Resource pro-life walk. He grew and sold fresh produce and donated the money he earned to Shepherds College in gratitude for their role in his life.”
Jordan’s major in horticulture has served him well. He did an internship at Green Thumbers in Davenport, IA, and worked there again after graduation. His supervisor, Mary Feldman writes,
“Jordan started out watering the plants and has now branched out with some additional duties; unloading trucks, displaying the plant material, assisting customers in the nursery, and loading items into their cars. Jordan always has a smile on his face and will do whatever is asked of him. He has created a soft spot in all of our hearts for him.”
Recently, Jordan began a new chapter in his life. He moved to Chattanooga, TN where his brother and sister-in-law have a small apartment attached to their house so Jordan can practice his independent living skills.
As Jordan goes forward in faith, I think Greg Clearman summarizes him best:
“He is an amazing young man and, everywhere he goes, people are endeared to him because of the love he shares with them. It is a privilege and honor to call him a brother in the Lord.”
Written by Gregg Moran, David’s father
David epitomizes God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”
When David was growing up, his mother and I wondered about this promise as we dealt with a school suspension due to his inappropriate choice when dealing with a bully. Again, we questioned God’s promise while sitting across from teachers who said, “David doesn’t need a diploma. He will never go to college. Let him accept a Certificate of Completion.”
The final doubt in God’s promise occurred during a post-job training meeting while the “experts” looked us in the eye and declared “David is unemployable.”
While at my computer, I cried out to the Lord about my nineteen-year-old son sitting at home with no plans to prosper, no plans for a hope and a future, only the prospect of harm and decay. The Shepherds College web page popped up on the screen. I read with tears in my eyes about young adults with mental and physical challenges thriving in a faith-based community. Later, one of my high school students invited us to a fundraising presentation at her church where we met a representative for Shepherds College. My wife, son, and I hurried home and sent an email to Shepherds College asking for more information.
David barely contained his excitement during a Shepherds College Preview Day. He asked permission to attend a summer camp called College for a Week where he told us in a phone call, “God told me I was going here.”
My wife and I responded, “Well, He better tell us.” Sadly, we had already decided that we could not pay for David’s schooling based only on my teacher’s salary, and applying for aid was out of the question since David didn’t have a diploma.
God found a way to prosper David and not to harm him. He also created a way to give David hope and a future. David attended Shepherds College and graduated with a certificate in Culinary Arts. Today, David works in a senior care center where he practices the interpersonal skills he learned at Shepherds College. A new facility manager decided she was uncomfortable working with an intellectually disabled individual. She now calls David to fill in shifts because he showed her God’s love and a strong work attitude instilled by the staff at Shepherds.
David is protected from harm because he lives in a secure apartment complex filled with retirees and other individuals like him. The joy he demonstrates in keeping his apartment the way he likes it is much different than the countenance exhibited living in our basement. David also increased his mobility by learning to drive a car after graduating from Shepherds.
David’s future is bright because he attended Shepherds College, learned to drive a car, live independently, and rejoice with the help of a short Scripture verse found in Jeremiah 29:11.
Written by Beth Spieker, Amy’s mother
Success is measured in different ways. To some, it means achieving great wealth or notoriety. To those in the special needs community, it often means being able to live independently, work, and love those God has placed in our lives. Amy Spieker, in my opinion, is a success. This is her story.
Amy graduated from Shepherds College in June of 2017. Her future looked bright. She was well-prepared for work in her chosen field of Culinary Arts. Motivated to find a job, she began searching. She accepted a part-time job at an assisted living facility as a server that August. Wishing to be employed full-time, Amy accepted another part-time job at a different assisted living facility. As one can imagine, managing two schedules became difficult so she proactively asked her boss at her favored job if she could get more hours, allowing her to work at one place of employment. In October, Amy’s request was granted, and she went full-time as a server at Brookdale Senior Living.
At Shepherds College, Amy met a wonderful young man named David Moran. They started dating in the first week of their first year at school. For three years following their graduation Amy and David continued their relationship from a distance. As often as their job schedules would allow, they would make the trip from Ohio to Michigan or vice versa to spend special time together. Their love for each other and for the Lord grew, making their separation more difficult. In December of 2019, David proposed to Amy, who immediately accepted! They picked their wedding date, and the planning began. One big question loomed: where should they live – Michigan where David worked or Ohio where Amy worked?
Amy announced her engagement at Brookdale as soon as she arrived home from Michigan. After continuing to work for several months, Amy’s boss asked her where she’d be living after they married. Amy replied that she didn’t know because it depended on where she and David could both get jobs. Jerry, Amy’s boss, said, “I can’t afford to lose you, so I will give David a job here.” That was a definite answer to many prayers!
On September 5, 2020, Amy became Mrs. David Moran. They have their own apartment, a car, and the ability to care for themselves. In the eyes of all who know and love them, they are successful.
Read More Student Stories in SOAR Magazine
Our Surrounding City
Welcome to Union Grove, Wisconsin
Union Grove offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere with nearby shopping, restaurants, parks, and cultural attractions. It’s the perfect backdrop for students to explore independence in a safe and supportive environment.
Preview Experience & First Flight
Experience Shepherds College for Yourself
The best way to know if Shepherds College is right for you is to visit.
Preview Experience: Spend the day on campus, meet current students, attend classes, and see what life here is like.
First Flight: This summer program gives incoming students a head start on their Shepherds College journey — learning routines, building friendships, and feeling at home before classes begin.
Your Path to Shepherds College
We’ve made it simple to explore Shepherds College and see how we can help your student thrive.
Every big journey begins with a first step — and we’re here to guide you through it. Whether you’re a parent or student, we’ll walk alongside you to make the process clear, supportive, and exciting. Here’s how to get started:
Ready to see if Shepherds College is the right fit? Book your Preview Day today and take the first step toward your student’s brighter future.
Student Resources
Having (and using!) the right resources will help you be successful at Shepherds College.
Here are some resources you’ll need for the 2025/26 academic year:
The Operation & Maintenance Plan and the Health & Safety Plan are available in the Education Office or by emailing Carrie Ziebell at cziebell@shepherdscollege.edu.
Alumni Student Transcript Requests
Student transcripts are kept secure, backed up electronically, and in the secure student file located in the academic office. All transcripts are kept on file permanently and an official copy of the transcript may be requested by students by using the transcript request process.
Students or authorized guardians may request official or unofficial transcripts. Transcripts may be requested by emailing transcripts@shepherdscollege.edu. Unofficial transcripts will be emailed as a digital copy. Official transcripts will be mailed to the requested address embossed with the Shepherds College seal. Transcript requests will be processed within five business days.