This month’s alumni spotlight focuses on James Wiegmann, Class of 2021.  Since graduating from JPII in 2021, James has pursued a passion for languages and culture at the University of North Alabama. He majored in German, with minors in Spanish and Global Studies, and stayed busy as a German tutor, an active member of the foreign language department, and president of Catholic Campus Ministries, where he helped plan and lead student events.

James credits his UNA German professor, Dr. Linam, for encouraging him to apply for the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. Through programs like SPARK for German, where he taught children and adults the language.  James built both his teaching skills and confidence in German, preparing him for what’s ahead.

In September of 2025, James began his Fulbright journey in Bremen, Germany, where he will serve as an English teaching assistant through July 2026. Inspired by his JPII German teacher, Herr Gustafson, James hopes to return to the U.S. and pursue a career in teaching, passing along the same enthusiasm for language that shaped his path.

When asked what advice he’d share with current JPII students, James said:
“Trust in the Lord with every step. College was challenging, but I’ve seen God turn every failure into victory and every unsure step into the best adventure of my life. So long as we stand with God, we are in a good place.”

James also encourages students interested in foreign languages to explore the University of North Alabama’s program, where he found a welcoming, supportive environment that reminded him of his JPII community.  We wish James a successful time in Germany and please keep him in your prayers.