Class Notes 2021
December 2021
2010s
Dr. Victor Amaya (M.S. Educational Leadership '14; Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service '18) has been named president of Data You Can Use, a Milwaukee-based group of local professionals who help people access data and make it useful in improving community conditions.
Tim Dehring (M.S. Management, '12) has been named the chief of police for West Bend (Wis.). He will begin his new role in January 2022.
Jason Fields (B.S. Management, '17) is featured in a December Madison Magazine article. Fields serves as the president and CEO of the Madison (Wis.) Region Economic Partnership (MadREP).
Teren Shuster (B.S. Sport Management, '19) has been named head men's soccer coach at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa. He was an assistant coach for the Stritch men's soccer team from 2019-2021 following a successful playing career with the Wolves.
2000s
Justin McCoy (B.A. Communication, '01) was named to the BizTimes Notable Food and Beverage Executives list. He serves as the vice president of marketing at Cousins Subs, which is based in Menomonee Falls, Wis. He also is the Vice President of the Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation.
Rev. Ryan Pruess (B.A. Religious Studies, '07) is the pastor at Holy Family Catholic Community in Fond du Lac, Wis. The parish presented a living nativity that drew close to 1,000 attendees. Details about the show are in this Catholic Herald article.
Jessica Bartley (B.S. Business Administration, '08) has been promoted to IT Security and Chief Security and Privacy Officer at Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., effective January 2022. The Chicago-based TDS is a Fortune 1000® company that provides wireless; broadband, video and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses, UScellular, TDS Telecom, and OneNeck IT Solutions.
November 2021
2010s
Patrick Whitaker (B.S. Management, '15) has been named the police chief for the Village of Whitefish Bay (Wis.).
2000s
Joaquin Altoro (B.S. Business, ’02; M.S. Management, ’14) has been named Administrator of the Rural Housing Service within Rural Development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Joaquin had most recently served as the executive director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
Raquel Filmanowicz (B.S. Management, '03) was named to the Milwaukee Business Journal's list of Milwaukee executives in banking and finance to know. She is the director of the economic equity advisor group at BMO Harris Bank.
October 2021
Heather Schimmers (B.S. Nursing '96) named chief operating officer and chief nursing officer for Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis.
September 2021
2010s
Eric Biernat (M.S. Business, '10) serves as corporate security manager for West Bend Mutual Insurance. He discussed changes to the company's security solutions and how the upgrades proved beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Security Magazine article.
2000s
Erica Horton (B.S. Accounting, '05) has been named a Rising Star in Finance and Accounting by Milwaukee BizTimes. She is the director of finance at Milwaukee-based Next Door Foundation, where she has served since 2015.
David Garcia (B.S. Management '03) was named the September 2021 Rotary Teacher of the Month. He is a dual language, Spanish, science and social studies teacher for grades 6, 7 and 8 at Fruzen Intermediate School in Beloit, Wis.
1990s
Sheila Casey (B.S. Business, '93) is the human resources director at Ogden & Company, a full-service real estate firm based in Milwaukee, and was named a Milwaukee Business Journal 2021 HR Award winner.
August 2021
2020s
Aja Martinez (B.A. Educational Studies , '21) has been named graduate assistant softball coach at Colorado State at Pueblo. She earned four varsity letters while a member of the Wolves softball team
2010s
Brigadier General John C. Hanley (Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '16) named Provost of the Academies at St. John's Northwestern Academies, Delafield, Wis.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers appointed Jolene Bowman (Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Education, '15) to the Wisconsin Women’s Council Board. The Council promotes initiatives that empower women, serves as a clearinghouse for information on programs and resources, provides research and advocacy, and promotes unique partnerships to address barriers and inequalities affecting Wisconsin women. Jolene, who lives in Bowler, Wis., is a citizen of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community and serves as vice president of the Tribal Council and director of education and career services for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.
Nate Groves (M.A. Teaching, '13) will serve as the interim principal of Chegwin Elementary School in the Fond du Lac (Wis.) school district during the 2021- 22 school year.
2000s
Susan Schramka (M.A. Teaching, '08) has been named associate principal at Silver Spring Intermediate School in the Hamilton (Wis.) School District.
Jackie Zamorano (M.S. Management, '07) has been named to the board of directors of Diversified Plastics, Inc., a custom plastic-injection molder and digital manufacturer of high-precision thermoplastic components, based in Minneapolis. She is the chief people officer at Short Elliot Hendrickson, an employee-owned company of engineering, architecture, environmental and planning consultants that serves public and private sector clients.
July 2021
2010s
Cassie Ziegelbauer (B.A. Communication Arts and Public Relations, '18) has been named arena marketing coordinator for the 2021 World Champion Milwaukee Bucks.
Ashley McGee (M.A. Sport Management, '15) named assistant women's basketball coach at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill.
Julie Lichtenberg (B.S. Business Administration, '14) hosts a podcast, "Coffee Talk," for the AMA Puget Sound Chapter. Episodes are held live on alternating Thursdays and revolve around marketing, with other topics such as business, career development and work-life balance.
Katie Ritchie (M.A. Educational Leadership, '12) named principal at Maple Street School in the Hamilton (Wis.) School District.
Dave Wohlfeil (B.S. Business Management, ’11) has been named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s list of People to Know in Manufacturing. Wohlfeil is the senior manager of integrated talent management at HellermannTyton North America, a global leader in cable management and protection products, identification systems and network connectivity solutions.
Dr. Lisa Gies (Ed.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '10) presented "Exploring Your Journey" at the American Youth Foundation Summer Seminars for Women. Lisa is a professor in Stritch's College of Graduate Studies.
2000s
Eve Hall (Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, ’09) has been appointed board chair of Visit Milwaukee. She replaces Omar Shaikh (B.A. International Business, ’00) in that role
Lindsay Schauer (B.A. Sport Management, '08; M.A. Sport Management, '11) has been named head coach of the Notre Dame Academy (Green Bay, Wis.) girls' varsity volleyball team. She was a three-year starter for the Wolves' volleyball team during her time at Stritch.
Cheryl Strait (B.S. Management, '05) has been named enterprise portfolio & program management national lead at Centric Detroit.
Ryan Schachtner (B.S. Business, '03) has co-authored the book 'Foundation for Financial Excellence' which is available on Amazon. Schachtner is the president and founder of “A Must Win” which works with college athletic departments and teams teaching financial literacy and Carolina Asset Management, an independent financial services firm located in Charlotte, N.C.
Joaquín Altoro (A.S. Business, '02; B.S. Management, '14) was featured by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for being a difference-maker in our community. As chief executive officer for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), he is committed to supporting affordable housing initiatives and business financing for under-resourced individuals and communities.
R. Scott Pierce (Ed.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '01) has been appointed chairperson of the Gateway Technical College District Board. He served as the Westosha (Wis.) Central High School District superintendent for 10 years before retiring in 2018.
Jennifer Barry (A.S. Business, '00; B.S. Management of Information Technology, '02) has been named COO of Christ Hospital Physicians in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Keona S. Jones (M.A. Educational Leadership, '00) has been re-appointed Assistant State Superintendent of the Division for Student and School Success by Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly. She currently is enrolled in Stritch's Doctoral program.
1990s
Katie Cummings (B.F.A, '97) was featured in a WTMJ TV news story about the Pink Umbrella Theater Company, which she founded, that will debut Shine, its first-ever live performance on July 25.
Naryan Leazer (A.S. Business '92; B.S. Business Administration '93; M.S. Management '02( has been appointed to three-year term on Greater Milwaukee Foundation Board.
1980s
JoAnn Sternke (M.A. Educational Leadership, '88; Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '11) has been named interim superintendent of the Shorewood (Wis.) School District.
June 2021
2000s
Debbi Groeler (B.S. Management, '05 ) will receive the Woman of Merit Award from the Watertown, Wis., branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) June 22, 2021.
1990s
John Orner (B.S. Management, '99) named senior vice president and chief investment officer for Highmark Health.
May 2021
2010s
Michael Matteson (M.S. Educational Leadership, '11) named principal at Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson, Wis.
Eugene Manzanet (B.S. Business Administration, '14; M.B.A., '16) named executive director of Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (SWIM), a nonprofit organization aimed at forming strategic partnerships between local service providers addressing generational trauma in Milwaukee.
Kate O'Hara Pogorelec (M.A. Special Education, '15) named principal of Sabish Middle School, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Patrick Whitaker (M.S. Management, '15) named Whitefish Bay (Wis.) chief of police.
2000s
Bob Peterson (Ed. D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '01) elected president of the Milwaukee Public Schools board.
Janette Braverman (M.S. Management, '09) has been selected to receive the inaugural 2021 Imprint Award from Professional Dimensions. She serves as Stritch's executive director of external partnerships, is a member of the Ozaukee County Board of Supervisors, and is the president of the Ozaukee County Branch of the NAACP.
Julietta Henry (B.S. Business Administration, '05) has been named a 2021 Woman of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal. She is director of the Milwaukee County (Wis.) Election Commission.
April 2021
2010s
Justin Stewart (M.S. Educational Leadership, '19) named principal of Barrie Elementary School in the School District of Fort Atkinson (Wis.) for the 2021-2022 school year.
Vanessa Solis (M.A. Urban Education, '14) has been named president of Nativity Jesuit Academy, Milwaukee, effective July 1. She has served as a K4 teacher, director of elementary education and principal at the school.
2000s
Stanley Antoine (B.S. Education, '08) has been named head boys' volleyball coach at his alma mater Evanston Township (Ill.) High School. Stanley played on the Wolves' men's volleyball team while he was a student at Stritch.
Laurie Burgos (M.S. Educational Leadership, '08; ) has been named Evansville (Wis.) Community School District administrator. She will begin her new role July 1.
1990s
Demond Means (M.S. Educational Leadership, '97; Ed. D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '05) named Wauwatosa (Wis.) Public Schools superintendent.
March 2021
2020s
Nicolas Palacio (B.S. Marketing, '20) has been named head boys' tennis coach at Germantown (Wis.) High School. He was a letterwinner on the Wolves' men's tennis team.
2010s
Michael Hostad (B.S. Management, '10) was recognized in the BizTimes Milwaukee Notable Higher Education Alumni feature. He also is a member of the Stritch Board of Trustees.
Robert Antholine (M.S. Educational Leadership, '10) has been named administrator of the Randall (Wis.) Consolidated School District.
Steve Fields (B.S. Management '13) appointed to Lake Mills (Wis.) City Council District 1 position on March 16, 2021. He is an industrial project manager for Miron Construction and also serves as a Lake Mills EMS ambulance driver and first responder.
Joe Patek (M.S. Educational Leadership, '14) named Nicolet High School principal, located in Glendale, Wis., effective July 1, 2021.
2000s
Karen Dotson (M.A. Health Administration, '00) was featured in the Milwaukee Community Journal for her work on All of Us program with Medical College of Wisconsin
Pamela Kaehler (M.B.A, '03) was named West Virginia's Remarkable Woman for 2021. Kaehler is the State of West Virginia's Foster Care Ombudsman after a 26-year career in health care leadership.
Robin Reese (MBA, '05) is featured in OnMilwaukee.com's Black is Beautiful series that interviews with interesting, intelligent and immersed-in-their-passion local African American women.
Casey Renn (B.A. Business, '06) was appointed to the Wisconsin Humane Society Advisory Board.
Art Howell (M.S. Management, '08) retired after 36 years of service in the Racine (Wis.) Police Department, including the last nine as chief.
1990s
Bryan Wright (M.S. Educational Leadership '92) named associate principal at Glen Hills Middle School in the Glendale-River Hills (Wis.) School District.
Clarene Mitchell (B.A. Communication, '93) was featured in a North Dallas Gazette article that details her extensive LinkedIn expertise.
February 2021
2010s
Jill Oelslager (M.S. Educational Leadership, '10; Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '18) named assistant superintendent in Burlington (Wis.) School District.
Jasmine Johnson (M.S. Management, '10) named Vice President of Sales for iHeartMedia Milwaukee.
Chelsea Ballou (MBA '11) has been promoted to Senior Vice President Director of Digital Banking and Deposit Operations at First National Bank and Trust in Beloit, Wis.
2000s
Julie Pipitone (B.S. Management, '02) named director of talent at Savant Wealth Management in Rockford, Ill.
Darren Fisher (M.S. Computer Science Education, '03) is the CEO at Milwaukee-based Spearity and was highlighted in BizTimes Milwaukee's Notable Minority Executives feature.
Kenyatta Sinclair (M.S. Management, '05) is the chief diversity and inclusion officer for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
1990s
Christine Brumfield (B.A. Business Administration, ‘92) has been named Senior Vice President, Private Banker, at Wisconsin Bank & Trust.
Dessie Levy (M.S. Health Administration '99; Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '10) was featured in a FOX 6 News Black History Month story.
January 2021
2010s
Adam Martin (M.S. Elementary Teaching, '18) was featured as the Educator of the Week by the Racine County Eye. He teaches first grade at Jefferson Lighthouse International Baccalaureate Elementary School in Racine.
Hannah Dockendorff (B.A. History, '17) has been promoted to attorney at Hupy and Abraham, S.C., a personal injury law firm. Dockendorff will be based in the firm's Milwaukee office.
Izzy Lugo (B.A. Sport Management, '16) was featured in the Milwaukee Business Journal's Neighborhood Achievers article which detailed his Strange on Purpose podcast that showcases Black and Brown entrepreneurs and professionals. He has partnered with Yellowbrick, an online education platform to produce podcasts directed at students who are pursuing certain careers.
Monica Paz (B.S. Business Administration, '16) was appointed Clerk of Circuit Court for Waukesha County.
Jasmine Johnson (M.S. Management, '10) has been named a 2021 Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. Jasmine is the director of diversity programs at ManpowerGroup in Milwaukee.
2000s
Eve Hall (Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning & Service, '09) will be inducted into the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame. Eve is the CEO of the Milwaukee Urban League and received 40 Under 40 recognition in 1996.
Shelia Stubbs (M.S. Management, '04) received a 2021 Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Humanitarian Award. The annual award is presented by the City of Madison (Wis.) Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award Commission to individuals who have demonstrated incredible leadership and volunteerism in the Madison area and reflects the values, beliefs and actions of Martin Luther King Jr. Shelia represents the 77th District in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Doris Price (B.S. Nursing, '00; M.S. Nursing, '07) has been named the Director of the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Emergency Department. The hospital is located in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
1980s
Raejean Kanter (M.E. Teaching '85) was featured in the January 31, 2021, Positively Milwaukee episode on WTMJ TV-4 for books she authors that introduce children to foreign cultures.
In Memoriam
We remember members of the Stritch family who have died and share prayers and condolences with the families and loved ones of ...
Sister Margaret Ruddy, OSF, died Dec. 29, 2021. Sister Margaret worked in the Stritch Library for three decades before establishing the University Archives in 2009. The Archives were renamed for her in 2019 in recognition of her service to the University.
Sister Clarinda Zech, OSF, (B.A. Education, '49) died on Dec. 21, 2021.
Tonya Mantilla (M.S. Educational Leadership, '10) died Dec. 18, 2021. Tonya served in a number of leadership roles at Stritch from 2006-2019, most recently as Vice President of University Advancement.
Robin Lee Peters (M.A. Reading Language Arts, '92) died on Dec. 14, 2021.
Sister Jacqueline Hirsch, OSF (M.A. Reading Language Arts, '74) died Dec. 9, 2021.
Sister Valerie Sepenski, OSF (B.A. English, '69) died Dec. 5, 2021.
Sister Mary Senglaub, OSF (B.A. Music, '64) who died Nov. 15, 2021.
Patrick Gliniecki (B.S. Management Information Systems, '02 ) who died Nov. 6, 2021.
Joan Palmer (M.S. Management '92) who died Nov. 2, 2021.
Harvin Abrahamson (B.A. Reading/Language Arts, '73) who died Oct. 29, 2021.
Dennis Hardy (M.S. Management, '86) who died Oct. 22, 2021.
Linda Mary Roberts (M.E. Professional Development - Teaching, '02) who died on Sept. 9, 2021.
Suzanne Koetting Morey (B.A. Foreign Language, ’64) died on Sept. 8 at her home in Vancouver, Washington. She had lived a full life for 17 years after her initial diagnosis of breast cancer. She shared that will always be grateful for the wonderful education and Franciscan values given to her at St. Mary’s Academy and Cardinal Stritch University. She died surrounded by the love of her husband, Skip, their four children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends.
Howard Melton (H'19) who died August 25, 2021. His remarks from the 2019 Commencement ceremony can be viewed at this link.
Sister Marie Rose Petrie, OSF, (B.A. Math, '69; M.A. Religious Studies, '00) who died July 16, 2021.
Sister Patricia DeLany, OSF, (B.A. Education, '50) who died June 23, 2021.
Ann Gallagher (B.A. Education, '75) who died June 2, 2021.
Sister Cor Marie (Mary) Cielocha, SSND, (M.A. Reading/Language Arts, '67) who died June 1, 2021.
Sister Raymunda Orth, OSU, (M.A. Special Education, '72) who died May 28, 2021, in Louisville, Ky.
Former instructor Randy Forsman (M.S Management and Psychology, '92) who died May 10, 2021, in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Research and statistics professor Dr. Peter Jonas who died April 22, 2021.
Former development director Bill Durkin who died April 18, 2021, in Milwaukee
Former moral theology professor Dr. Regina Schulte who died March 20, 2021, in Milwaukee.
Tina (Barter) Tyson (B.S. Business, '06; M.S. Management, '08) who died March 25, 2021, in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
Jean Adams (B.A. Art, '71) who died March 7, 2021, in Green Lake, Wis.
Mark Everix (M.E. Teaching, '88) who died March 7, 2021.
Dr. James Langenkamp, who worked with many Stritch intercollegiate athletic teams and student-athletes, died March 6, 2021, in Naples, Fla.
John Nicholson (B.S. Business Administration, '97) who died Feb. 25, 2021, in Greenville, Tenn.
Mohammed Rafiq Baloch (M.S. Computer Science Education, '99; Ph.D. Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, '05).
Donald Horning, who served on the Stritch Board of Trustees from 2001-2010, died Feb. 13, 2021, in Brookfield, Wis.
Eleanor Prom (B.A. Business, '79) who died on Feb. 2, 2021.
Richard Hessler (B.A. Management, '84) who died January 29, 2021.
Former Board of Trustees member Maria Monreal-Cameron (H'07) died January 19, 2021. She served as president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin for 24.
Helen Dalton (B.A. Math, '55) who died January 11, 2021
Diane Schlitz (M.E. Professional Development, '89) who died on January 8, 2021.
Robert Aceto (B.A. Special Education, '69) who died January 1, 2021.
Psychology professor and faculty emerita Dr. Asuncion (Siony) Austria, who died December 18, 2020. Dr. Austria served at Stritch for 38 years and founded the University's master's program in clinical psychology.
Erlinda Arguello (M.S. Nursing, '82) who died December 5, 2020.
Grace Rupinski (B.A. Education, '52) who died November 23, 2020, in Muskego, Wis.
Very Rev. Richard Elred (B.A. Religious Studies, '98) died March 18, 2020.