By There are two traits that differentiate men from boys: sacrifice and responsibility.
“I have to be ready every day at 5:30 a.m. for physio,” said David. “It’s just one of those things you have to get used to.”
David Luhmann is a graduating senior from Carroll College, majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Chemistry and Leadership. Luhmann has been a part of Chi Alpha, peer ministry, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and just this last year was elected as an ASCC senator for his senior class.
“He’s a genuine, well rounded guy, who’s very devout as a friend and to the people he loves,” said Guillermo Perez-Ochoa, who graduated from Carroll in December 2023 with a degree in political science. “I’ve known David since August of 2020. We got to know each other by living on the same floor.”
Since he was young, Luhmann always knew he wanted to be in the military.
“My dad was a chaplain in the military. He started when I was 2. When I was young and impressionable I wanted to be like my dad, so from there it’s been something I’ve dreamed of.”
Early in high school he looked at military academies as well as schools that offered financial aid for joining. At Carroll College, tuition, room, and board are all covered for those who join ROTC, so between the Christian identity of the school and the disciplined ROTC program his decision was settled.
“One of the most rewarding parts of ROTC has been taking in everything I have learned from the program and teaching all the freshmen, sophomores, and even juniors what was passed to me from previous seniors,” said Luhmann.
When he’s not devoting early mornings or weekends to ROTC, Luhmann practices his faith by attending church services, leading small groups, or attending retreats hosted by Carroll College’s campus ministry.
“There’s a good mix of being able to have fun and enjoy the retreat,” said Luhmann. “And the questions they had to prompt discussions were always really good.”
One thing that separates Luhmann from the rest of the pack is his zeal in striving for excellence. He doesn’t settle if he knows there is more good work to be done.
“Even though I was already doing ROTC and helping with Chi Alpha, I felt a calling to serve more. I applied to be a peer minister because I wanted to reach a wider audience,” said Luhmann.
Peer Ministers live amongst freshmen and sophomore students acting as a role model and hosting small groups each week. Alongside Chi Alpha, this was also a cornerstone of Luhmann’s formation.
“Part of the job was knocking on all the doors on my floor to invite the boys to a small group,” said Luhmann. “A lot of the time they say no, or they just don’t answer.”
Luhmann built relationships with guys he would not have gotten to know otherwise, especially men who maybe would not go to church regularly or have a prayer life.
Between balancing school, faith, and ROTC, Luhmann also prioritizes the relationships with those closest to him.
“I always sang karaoke at midnight-breakfast with him. The first song we sang was ‘Proud Mary,’” said Perez. “But one of my favorite moments is when he told me that he was going to propose to Kylie and showed me the ring.”
With dreams of being a physical therapist and being a hobbyist farmer, Luhmann is looking forward to sharing the life ahead of him with his fiancé.
“When I first met Kylie, her drive and passion for school and everything she pursued was evident. It instantly drew me to her,” said Luhmann. “We met during our freshman year at an evening at Canyon Ferry with some friends.”
Luhmann drove one of the cars, and a girl named Kylie Kuga sat in the front seat with him.
“We talked the whole way, learned about each other’s lives,” said Luhmann. “We haven’t stopped talking since.”
They are set to get married this summer on June 29.
“David makes me a better person,” says Kylie, a senior biochemistry major from Kent, Washington. “He always leads me back to God.”
Kylie says Luhmann’s faith deepens their relationship;
“David is a natural leader in our relationship. He is really good about laying out the facts and seeing what will be most beneficial to us,” she said.
She describes him as being “logical, rational, and methodical” in making decisions.
Luhmann is a leader in all areas of his life, setting an example to younger students and other men. With a wedding date approaching, Luhmann will move away from college life to serve as a husband, a mentor, and ultimately a role model for other men who are striving for greatness.
“I just want to serve others. I want to serve our country, I want to serve my friends, and I want to serve Kylie,” said Luhmann. “I believe that in that service I will find happiness.”
