June 2013 – Oct 2013 Class Notes
The following are UW-Green Bay Alumni class notes submitted June 2013 through October 2013. Submit your class note via the Alumni update form.
1970s
Susan McAllister ’72 communication, is an ad hoc lecturer with the Lawrence University music conservatory, in Appleton. A past president of the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association, she enjoyed a lengthy and successful career as a music teacher in the Green Bay Area Public School District.
David Muench ’72 and ’79 regional analysis and master’s in environmental arts and sciences, remains active in environmental advocacy. The former UW-Extension community development specialist (and Alumni Association president) recently converted a 1992 VW Cabriolet to run totally electric. His 108-volt electric car gets 50 to 60 miles per charge riding around Appleton and the Fox Cities.
Clinical psychologist Christian Akiwowo ’74 managerial systems, is founder and executive director of Ibukun Comprehensive Community Services. The nonprofit social services agency focuses on evaluation, treatment and group home placement of troubled children.
Kirk Harlow ’74 analysis synthesis and ’78 master’s in environmental arts and sciences, is an associate professor of health and public administration at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Jim Wochinske ’74 business administration, is president of Pomp’s Tire Service, which once again is rated by a leading trade publication in the top five of U.S. commercial tire dealers.
Juliet Cole ’75 social change and development and ’80 master’s in cross-cultural counseling, was presented with the “Recognition Award of Outstanding Daughter of the Soil” educational honor on a visit this year to her native Nigeria. Cole is associate director of the Institute for Learning Partnership at UW-Green Bay.
Production pros Dean Thomas ’75 communication, and Alex Zacarias ’05 communication, collaborated on the film “Sturgeon Moon” documenting the success of the world-renowned Lake Winnebago sturgeon fishery and Native American interest in the fish as a cultural symbol. Zacarias owns 3N Productions of Green Bay and Thomas is an award-winning producer and director of educational TV programming.
Practicing optometrist Janson Mancheski ’76 human adaptability, is the owner of Mancheski Vision Clinic in Green Bay, former eye doctor for the Green Bay Packers and Phoenix Athletics, and a mystery/action novelist. He recently released Mask of Bone, the final installment in his “The Chemist” trilogy.
Robert Stevens ’76 growth and development, is a graduate academic adviser for Nova Southeastern University in North Miami Beach, Fla. He published two books last year: the Civil War volume Sound and Fury: Dahlgren at Fredericksburg and H.W. Meyer: Our German-American Family, which centers on the Volksfreund, a German-language newspaper published in Appleton from 1871 to 1932.
Mark Thimke ’76 modernization processes, is a partner at Foley & Lardner, LLP in Milwaukee. A business-oriented ratings service recently listed him as one of Wisconsin’s leading lawyers in environmental regulation, mediation and natural resources.
James Allen ’77 urban analysis, has joined the Sauk County Development Corporation as executive director. He lives in Baraboo.
David Brinker ’77 science and environmental change, is a regional ecologist with the Maryland DNR’s Natural Heritage Program, based in Catonsville.
Mary Ann Zjala ’77 humanism and cultural change, was celebrated in her hometown of Sturgeon Bay upon her June retirement as dental coordinator for Ministry Door County Medical Center. Starting in the late 1990s she rallied support for helping children with little or no dental insurance receive adequate care.
Bruce Bachhuber ’78 social change and development, is a partner with Hanaway Ross Law Firm, Green Bay. A specialist in business, accident and personal injury law, he was recently recognized again as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer and holds the highest rating awarded by the Martindale Hubbell peer-review publication.
Leslie Van Hulle ’78 population dynamics, continues to practice her trade as an animal behaviorist, now specializing in breeding Chihuahuas for family and therapy work. In the 1980s she was widely known as one of the area’s first pet-training experts, and she made regular appearances on Green Bay television and radio.
Judith (Cesar) Allen ’79 human development, is a nurse and educator with Vanguard Omni Care in Gulf Breeze, Fla.
Maria Hinton ’79 communication and the arts, passed away July 28. UW-Green Bay’s oldest living graduate was 103. A recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Mrs. Hinton was known nationally for helping preserve Oneida language and culture. She helped found the tribe’s Turtle Elementary School and taught there well into her 90s.
1980s
Sherrole Benton ’85 communication and the arts, is the media arts coordinator for the Oneida Nation Arts Program. She is a recipient of the “Tribal Excellence Certificate” from the Wisconsin DOT for her work on the landscaping design of two highway roundabouts near Oneida. The art depicts a turtle, central to the tribe’s creation story.
Mark Brunette ’85 business administration, is an account representative for Green Bay Title Company, Inc., which provides real estate title, closing and related services for residential and commercial properties.
Brian Kiraly ’85 urban studies, is a land use and transportation planner for Sprinkle Consulting in Lutz, Fla.
Julie (Londo) Davenport ’86 information and computing science, is a senior systems engineer for Central Texas College, Killeen.
Karen (Bauer) Iken ’86 and ’04 communication and the arts and master’s in applied leadership for teaching and learning, is director of bands, music department chair and Fine Arts Institute adviser at Green Bay East High School.
Daoud Abboud ’87 information and computing science, is chief executive officer for Business One Consultants in Oakville, Ontario.
Jeanne Stangel ’87 business administration, is interim assistant chancellor for university advancement, overseeing UW-Green Bay’s fundraising, marketing, communication and alumni relations efforts.
Todd Robertson ’88 biology, is the director of business development for Leading2Lean in Sobieski.
Former Des Moines Register president and publisher Laura Hollingsworth ’89 communication processes, earlier this year was named president and publisher of The Tennessean in Nashville.
Joel Sass ’89 theatre, garnered excellent reviews this summer for his direction of the U.S. premiere of the David Farr play “The Heart of Robin Hood.” The play was one of the non-Bard entries at the highly respected Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
1990s
Denise (Hauck) Grancorvitz ’90 business administration, is the global director of the global analytics team for Kimberly-Clark, Neenah.
Robert Alverson ’92 environmental policy and planning, is a regulations specialist for Labelmaster, Kenosha.
Tony Bennett ’92 humanistic studies, will bring the Virginia Cavaliers to the Resch Center to play his alma mater on Dec. 7. Bennett spent the summer helping coach the USA Basketball U19 team to a gold medal in the FIBA world championships in Prague. He and VCU coach Shaka Smart assisted Florida’s Billy Donovan.
Alisa (Cook) Eichhorn ’94 French, is an administrative assistant for the Grafton (Wis.) School District.
Rich Leick ’94 mathematics and computer science, is a lead systems analyst with the Foth Companies, Green Bay. He and his wife, Jaime, won 2013 volunteer of the year honors from the Brown County Human Services Department. Active in the Pals program, the Leicks became foster parents — and eventually guardians — of a young boy whose mother was unable to care for him.
Kiar Olson ’94 communication and the arts, is owner and self-described “big nerd” of Kiar Media, a Wisconsin-based firm specializing in creative interactive, advertising, social media and public relations.
Jill Neuendorf ’95 German, is a visiting assistant professor of Russian at Georgetown University in Washington. D.C. She earned her doctorate in second-language acquisition and Russian studies at Bryn Mawr College and is seeking an additional master’s, in English-as-a-second language, from Georgetown.
UW-Green Bay alumni calling themselves the Royal Order of the (Painted) Buffalo collaborated for a summer exhibit of landscapes, abstract pieces, acrylic, ink and illustration at the Art Garage gallery in Green Bay. The artists are Joel Nimocks ’95, Steve Wysocki ’96, Matt Bellisle ’97, Chris Garrity ’97 and Ryan Priebe ’97.
Lee Riekki ’95 human development and psychology, is a self-employed academic and career adviser in Iowa City, Iowa. He completed his master’s in academic advising at Kansas State University in August.
Holly (Terrien) Rottier ’95 music and secondary education, the assistant superintendent for the Kimberly Area School District, completed her Ph.D. at Cardinal Stritch University.
Patrick Vander Sanden ’96 master’s in administrative science, assumed new duties in May as city administrator for the City of Columbus (Wis.).
Graphic designer Molly Schreiber ’96 communication and the arts, is a staff member with the Department of Educational Policy and Community Studies at UW-Milwaukee.
Keith Walters ’96 Spanish, is an administrative support staffer with Western International University in Phoenix. In September 2012, he published the book So You Want to Learn Spanish? with tips, tricks and advice for those just starting out.
Neil Derkowski ’97 environmental sciences, is a network engineer for Time Warner Cable in Milwaukee.
Nathan Erickson ’98 computer science, is a senior compliance officer with Baird Wealth Management in suburban Milwaukee.
Michael Loser ’98 individual major, is a senior systems analyst with Associated Bank in Green Bay.
Erik Losby ’99 communication and the arts, is the senior brand manager for Milwaukee Electric Tool. Losby and his wife, Sherri, own and operate The Pet Outpost, a natural pet food store in Shorewood.
Ma Manee Moua ’99 philosophy, is the founder and owner of Moua Law Office, with offices in Roseville, Minn., a Twin Cities suburb, and Appleton. She delivered the May commencement address at her alma mater and challenged graduates to “never doubt yourself… but don’t forget to do your homework.”
Lynn Brandt ’00 interdisciplinary studies, is a career counseling and internship coordinator for the Adult Degree Program at UW-Green Bay.
Kari Moody ’00 communication, is the new president of the Rotary Club of Green Bay. Alumni relations director for UW-Green Bay, she was also recently named one of YOU Magazine’s “20 Women to Know” for 2013. Other alumni recognized were Nicole Hoffmann ’99 communication, director of development for Aspiro, and Heather Trevarthen ’00 computer science, owner of Ellipse Fitness Center.
2000s
Christine Stunyo ’00 business administration, is the senior director of human resources for Capital One in McLean, Va.
Susan (Caprez) Bressler ’01 master’s in administrative science, is the development and outreach director for C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (promoting fishing and outdoor activities for disabled and disadvantaged children), in Renton, Wash.
Erin (Mueller) Kramer ’01 human development and psychology, is a staffing specialist for the paper converting company Curt G. Joa, Inc., in Kohler.
Aimee (Schlais) Schmidt ’01 political science, is the owner of Aimee’s Collectible Dream in Waukesha.
Timothy Wester ’01 history, is an assistant principal in the Two Rivers Public School District.
Stacy (Blavat) Golden ’02 communication processes, is the director of corporate recruiting for Gold’s Gym in Plano, Texas.
Lisa Reed ’02 communication processes, is a reporter for The Daily News in Iron Mountain.
Sarah (Schram) Schnettler ’02 communication and the arts, is project manager of state and policy affairs for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies in Anderson, Ind.
Daniel Stringer ’02 human biology, is a postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Md.
Joshua Rees ’03 history, is an associate attorney with Rosette, LLP in Mattawan, Mich.
Jessica (Peterson) Graper ’04 human development and psychology, is a frontline supervisor for Humana Inc., De Pere.
Eric Ryer ’04 and ’06 environmental policy and planning and public administration and master’s in environmental science and policy, is assistant administrator for the town of Cedarburg.
Derek Scheidt ’04 business administration, is the field sales manager for International Paper, in Madison.
Jocelyn Berkhahn ’05 communication processes and political science, is a communications specialist at Georgia-Pacific in Green Bay.
Tracy Heaser ’05 communication, has been named interim director of development for UW-Green Bay.
Laura (Kautzer) Nighbor ’05 English, is a special services manager for Bishops Bay Country Club in Middleton.
Molly (McHugh) Witt ’05 German, is the assistant director of international admissions for the University of Vermont.
Natalie Yudt ’05 business administration, is a talent acquisition manager for Sg2, a health-care analytics and consulting firm in Chicago.
Molly Bendzick ’06 humanistic studies, is the administrative coordinator for the Writing-Enriched Curriculum Project at the University of Minnesota.
Tanya (Resch) Gehrig ’06 elementary education, is a 4K teacher at Wausau Child Care, Inc., in Weston.
Brian Jicinsky ’06 human development, is a senior assistant director for transfer initiatives at Miami University in Hamilton, Ohio.
Jessica (Halvorson) Jones ’06 humanistic studies, is the student success center coordinator for Arizona State University.
Kerry Kuplic ’06 music, is an assistant professor of vocal music at Dodge City (Kans.) Community College.
Andrew Mertig ’06 communication, is an academic adviser with UW-Oshkosh.
Mary (Kulenkamp) Simonsen ’06 communication processes, is an academic adviser at UW-Green Bay. She completed her master’s in counseling through Lakeland College.
Gina (Shebesta) Wotruba ’06 communications, is the business director for Marco Services, Inc., a substance-abuse treatment agency in Manitowoc.
Aubrey (Sutter) Brennan ’07 music, is the new marketing director for the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Center in Green Bay. She was formerly in marketing and communication with the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
Jonathan Grosskopf ’07 accounting and business administration, is a lead accountant for Defense Finance and Accounting Services in Indianapolis.
George Gauamis ’07 nursing, is a certified registered nurse anesthetist for ProMedica Anesthesia Consultants in Toledo, Ohio.
Heather (Wochinski) Hagen ’07 social work, is a supervisor for the Continuum of Colorado social services agency in Englewood with programs in support of needy families and those acquiring work experience.
Nathan Karpinsky ’07 human biology, is the co-owner and chiropractic physician at Elite Health Solutions LLC in Mount Pleasant, S.C. He graduated summa cum laude and won the outstanding graduate award in 2012 at National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, Ill.
Megan (Karas) Kautzer ’07 psychology, is a school counselor for St. Mary’s Springs Academy near Fond du Lac. She received Manitowoc Future 15 recognition in 2012 for promising young professionals.
John Mrovka ’07 theatre, is the lighting designer and master electrician for Vilar Performing Arts Center in Denver.
Thomas Cooper ’08 political science, is a senior sales associate for West Corp., Appleton.
Amber DeLasky ’08 communication, is a digital sales specialist for WAOW TV-9, Wausau.
Kelsey Hausken ’08 history and social change and development, is an officer in the U.S. Navy. She serves on the USNS Mercy (the Navy’s west coast hospital ship) as director of operations.
Daniel Kmiecik ’08 business administration, is a senior financial analyst for Shopko corporate headquarters in Green Bay.
Benjamin Kotenberg ’08 communications, is an instructional designer for the National Association of Tax Professionals in Oshkosh.
Jessica (Seibel) McCardell ’08 human biology, is a behavioral health therapist at Aurora Health Care in Eden, Wis. She earned her master’s of social work earlier this year.
Katie (Grafelman) Meyer ’08 urban and regional studies, is the program associate for the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, Madison.
Michael Rasmussen ’08 human biology, is the director of marketing and sales for the Door County Visitor Bureau in Sturgeon Bay.
Amanda Reitz ’08 elementary education, runs Happily Ever Animal Sanctuary. The no-kill shelter, based in Marion with a center in Ashwaubenon, is busier than ever thanks to a new partnership with Packerland Veterinary Center, which holds the city of Green Bay contract for stray animal services.
Kyle Scidmore ’08 social change and development, is an assets-protection team leader for Target in Janesville.
Marc Seidl ’08 and ’12 social work and master’s in social work, is a child-protection initial assessment social worker for the Brown County Human Services Department, Green Bay.
Heidi (Process) Baez ’09 English and humanistic studies, is an English/ESL teacher with Green Bay Southwest High School.
Callie Bartel ’09 human biology, is a first-year assistant athletics trainer for Phoenix Athletics and also serves as an athletic trainer for the U.S. Paralympic Team.
Alice Billing ’09 biology, teaches English at an international school in China’s Henan province.
Ashley Borman ’09 human development and history, is a library assistant for the Clintonville Public Library. She received her master’s in library and information science from UW-Milwaukee this May.
Amy (Maruszczak) De Villers ’09 elementary education, is a first-grade teacher with the Green Bay Area Public Schools.
Samantha Douglas ’09 business administration, is a client relations analyst for UMB Fund Services, Muskego.
Bari Gordon ’09 arts management and music, is a development coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Wisconsin Chapter in West Bend.
Rebecca Hoffman ’09 interdisciplinary studies, is an office program coordinator and an instructor for the College of Menominee Nation in Keshena.
Sarah (Benzshawel) Laurent ’09 business administration, is a payroll associate at Bay Valley Foods in Green Bay.
Susan Manzke ’09 interdisciplinary studies, is the owner of Sunnybrook Farm near Green Bay. She writes a weekly column for the Wisconsin State Farmer and the Advertiser Community News. She also has written many books including a children’s novel recently submitted for publication.
Wade Moder ’09 environmental policy and planning, is a GIS coordinator for the city of Verona Public Works Department.
Amanda (Zinda) Paskey ’09 accounting and business administration, is an accountant at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP in Madison. She earned her CPA designation this April.
Jesse Boelter ’10 human biology, is an associate doctor at Olympia Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in Elmhurst, Ill.
Bradley Clark ’10 communications, is a transportation and technology representative for C.H. Robinson in Green Bay.
Diana Delbechhi ’10 human development and psychology, received a Green Bay area volunteerism award for her work in launching the FLITE college-readiness program serving high school students. She is a student employment and scholarship coordinator at UW-Green Bay.
Meghan (Oswald) Geffers ’10 elementary education, is a bilingual teacher for the Green Bay Area Public School District.
Hannah Kappus ’10 psychology, is a program guide in Hilo, Hawaii, for Pacific Quest, an innovative outdoor/wilderness therapeutic program for young adults. She also has worked summers for the Bold Earth Adventures travel company based in Golden, Colo.
Tom Lind ’10 business administration and public administration, is a product trainer for Zywave software company of Milwaukee.
Sarah (Jacob) Olson ’10 accounting and business administration, is a senior auditor for the state of Wisconsin Department of Health Services in Shiocton. She is a member of the executive committee and secretary of the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association.
Eric Plaushines ’10 psychology, is a corporate areas facilitator for BMO Financial Group in Brookfield.
Max Scheuer ’10 business administration, was promoted to business banking officer by Bank First, Manitowoc. He was named Manitowoc County’s 2012 young professional of the year.
Cassidy (Wilmet) Skaleski ’10 accounting, is a business analyst in Green Bay with United Health Group.
Heavan Scarff ’10 human development and psychology, is a school-age childcare coordinator for the Greater Green Bay YMCA.
Amanda Dolfin ’11 psychology, is an intern with the Career Development Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she is pursuing her master’s.
Carrie Dorski ’11 art, is an administrator with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Artisan and Business Center in Green Bay.
Meredith Duchaine ’11 human biology, is the new dietician for the Sheboygan Area School District and is helping lead the transition to healthier menus with more vegetable options.
Samantha Fenlon ’11 political science and public administration, is the volunteer and outreach coordinator for Aspire of Illinois, in Westchester.
Jennifer (Parsley) Karczewski ’11 business administration, is the general manager for Ulta Beauty in Rock Hill, S.C.
Suzanne La Plante ’11 accounting, is an accountant in the finance department at Florida Federal Land Bank and Farm Credit of Florida, in Royal Palm Beach.
Rob McClain ’11 interdisciplinary studies, has overcome health issues — a kidney transplant, needing to lose 300 pounds — to go back to work with the Division of Motor Vehicles and as an EMT and firefighter in Mountain, Wis. He taped a testimonial for the Social Security Administration’s “Ticket to Work” program, which helps SSDI recipients transition back to the workforce.
Sally (Hall) Van Rens ’11 interdisciplinary studies, is the director for Kidz in Motion recreation and education center in Green Bay.
Tesia Van Rite ’11 English, is a front-end store manager with Festival Foods, Green Bay.
Sara Bruesewitz ’12 political science, is a public support coordinator for the American Red Cross in Milwaukee. She made two national deployments with American Red Cross Disaster Relief teams in New Jersey and Oklahoma City.
Nathan Carlton ’12 information sciences, is an IT professional with UW-Green Bay’s Office of Business and Finance.
Alfonso Flores ’12 communication, is an assistant editor for Cygnus Business Media in Fort Atkinson.
Sarah Lenhard ’12 accounting, works for PMI Entertainment Group in Green Bay as an accounting assistant.
Kelly (Schofield) Lutze ’12 communications, is a customer care specialist for Humana Health Insurance, De Pere.
Kathleen McFadzen ’12 design arts, is owner/ photographer, KLEM Studios in Ashwaubenon.
Jennifer Schlei ’12 interdisciplinary studies and psychology, is a consultant for Locate Staffing in Green Bay.
Amanda Yahnke ’12 accounting, is a corporate accountant for Schneider National, Inc. in Green Bay.
Erinn (Stewart) Aubry ’13 business administration, is a financial aid officer for Rasmussen College in Green Bay.
Briana Carlton ’13 human development and psychology, is a staff member with St. Coletta of Sussex (Wis.), a non-profit providing services to those with disabilities.
Amanda Cheney ’13 human biology, of Niagara, Wis., is a medicare and retirement customer-care professional with United Healthcare.
Among those receiving master’s degrees at May commencement was former Green Bay Packers standout Rob Davis ’13 master’s of applied leadership for teaching and learning. He currently serves in the Packers front office as director of player development.
Three graduating Phoenix basketball stars have signed pro contracts to play overseas. Sarah Eichler ’13 education, is headed for Stevsngade, Denmark. Stephanie Sension ’13 education, will play for Portugal’s GDESSA. Adrian Ritchie ’13 business administration, signed with England’s Nottingham Wildcats.
Natalie Faas ’13 elementary education, is a first-grade teacher at Nicolet Elementary School, Green Bay.
Areanna Lakowske’13 psychology, was named recipient of the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association’s Outstanding Student Award from among approximately 900 graduating seniors at May commencement.
Kelsi Long ’13 art, is an art teacher at Luxemburg-Casco Middle School.
Kevin Maulson ’13 business administration, is a sales associate for Freedom RV in Slinger.
Morgan Miller ’13 accounting and business administration, is the assistant controller for Allied Cooperative in Union Center, Wis.
Kelly Mischler ’13 accounting and business administration, is a staff accountant for Schenck SC in Green Bay.
Christopher Newbury ’13 philosophy, is a customer service coordinator at WG&R Furniture in Green Bay.
Jenna Nicksic ’13 human biology, is an associate microbiologist for Schwabe North America, Green Bay.
Janine Philipsen ’13 business administration, is a human resources administrator for Taurus Engineering and Manufacturing, North Branch, Minn.
Codie Richards ’13 English, is a legal assistant with Froelich Law Offices, Green Bay.
Jennifer Shaffer ’13 human development and psychology, is an adult instructor for Cerebral Palsy Inc. in Manitowoc.
Joshua Shope ’13 mathematics, is an underwriting specialist for LoanSifter in Appleton.
Jennifer (Jones) Steffens ’13 social work, is a shelter coordinator for Golden House in Green Bay.
Blair Swiekatowski ’13 elementary education, is a teacher for the Green Bay Area Public Schools.
Andrew Thyes ’13 interdisciplinary studies, is a transportation planning specialist with Georgia-Pacific in Green Bay.
Kristie Walker ’13 human development and psychology, is a domestic violence program coordinator for Time-Out Family Abuse Shelter, Inc. in Ladysmith.
