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Gohde, who grew up in Chetek, plans to pass those learned experiences along to UW-Eau Claire – Barron County classmates during a commencement address on May 15.

“My message to my fellow graduates at commencement is sometimes a simple ‘yes’ can lead to a world of opportunities,” Gohde says.

Gohde has taken advantage of those opportunities since deciding to attend the Rice Lake campus after graduating from Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School. Gohde was unsure about a major field of study at a four-year university, so they chose UW-Eau Claire – Barron County where a friend suggested engaging with the many activities for students on campus.

“I became a member of the Student Government Association alongside that friend,” Gohde says. “I found a place of belonging and people I wanted to do right by. One thing led to another and for my final year I became the president.”

Gohde came out as queer as a high school junior, and they found the LGBTQA+ Alliance organization in Barron County to be a supportive community. Gohde helped establish Monday Night Game Night among alliance members that has continued for two years on campus.

Gohde, who plans to pursue a graphic arts bachelor’s degree after graduating from UW-Eau Claire – Barron County, also is an active leader in the campus art club and has some of their artwork displayed downtown as part of the Rice Lake Main Street Association’s Artscape program. They also are the campus representative on the association’s board of directors.

“Lillie is often the glue that holds events together and the comic relief that makes events fun,” says Sara Potter, UW-Eau Claire – Barron County retention coordinator. “I have never met a more driven young person than Lillie Gohde. Lillie is someone I can count on to help, even if it’s not their job and does so with a smile. They are going places and have the dedication and drive to take them wherever they’d like to be.”

Dr. Justin Motto, assistant professor of communication and journalism, called Gohde an extraordinary person who is caring and passionate.

“Lillie has shown a commitment and dedication to the people they hold dear,” Motto says. “They would do anything to support the people they care about. Their passion drives them to protect others and drives them to understand different groups of people. In class, Lillie would work hard to understand different perspectives, and outside of class, they would recognize challenges others experienced and would advocate for those people.”

Gohde is graduating with an associate degree without any debt. They have worked as a dietary cook at a Chetek nursing and rehabilitation facility throughout college, including overtime during summer, to prepare meals for more than 80 residents and staff members.

Dr. Abbey Fischer, campus director at UW-Eau Claire – Barron County, calls Gohde an incredible role model for students and staff.

“Lillie has taken me up on every opportunity to get involved with our community,” Fischer says. “Lillie is graduating with a keen sense of the mutual benefits of being an engaged community member, and I anticipate that they will continue to be involved wherever they live.”