Alumni Awards

Adam Iserman graduated from UW-Platteville in 2013 with a degree in middle/secondary social science comprehensive with a history emphasis. In 2015, he earned a master’s degree in college student personnel services and administration from the University of Central Arkansas. While at Central Arkansas, Iserman was recognized with the 2015 Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers’ Bob Huss Outstanding Graduate Student Award. He has more than a decade of experience in higher education student affairs, including his previous roles as resident director for Pickard Hall and later Rountree Commons. As a resident director, Iserman was honored with the 2017 Outstanding Advisor to a Student Organization Award for his work with the Residence Hall Association, the student organization that originally sparked his interest in student affairs when he was a member as a student in 2009–10. Iserman is currently the Assistant Director of Residential Life at Purdue University. At Purdue, Iserman has had the opportunity to revamp the curriculum for their Residential Leadership Seminar Course and currently oversees the Student Staff Training Committee. He is a supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation and lifetime member of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association.

Austin Duehr, P.E. received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UW-Platteville in 2016. After working several years as a municipal engineer with MSA Professional Services in Madison, Wisconsin, he moved to his current role of Project Manager at Lockwood, Andrews & Newman Inc., in Dallas, Texas. Duehr was recently honored with the Texas Society of Professional Engineers’ 2023 Young Engineer of the Year recognition and currently serves as the Co-Chair of the New Professionals Committee for the National Society of Professional Engineers. He has given back to his alma mater by regularly attending career fairs when he was an employee of MSA Professional Services to help provide professional guidance and opportunities to UW-Platteville students. He is currently encouraging his Texas-based office to recruit from UW-Platteville.

Jonathan Yancy received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in finance, from UW-Platteville in 2018. In 2021, he received a Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership, Project Management from UW-Platteville. He was a recipient of the UW System’s prestigious 2018 Erroll B. Davis Jr. Academic Achievement Award. He is currently a Business Transformation Consultant for Summit Credit Union. Yancy is heavily involved in volunteer service, currently working with the Second Harvest Foodbank and Salvation Army of Dane County. Previously, Yancy provided volunteer services for nonprofit organizations, such as Dubuque Black Coalition and Live Like Jack. He also gives back to his alma mater, serving on the Distance Education alumni board and volunteering as a guest speaker in classes and at a symposium.

Tammy Wiedenbeck received a degree in animal science and communications from UW-Platteville in 2012. She is currently the Senior Brand Manager for Hilbert Communications, Bug Tussel Wireless and AT&T Subsidiaries. She is the seventh generation and comanages the family’s beef and crop farm with her brother’s family and parents. She is the Owner and Manager of Riverview Photography in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Wiedenbeck is heavily involved in volunteer service and serving as the District 3 Promotion and Education Chair for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and a member of the Grant County Farm Bureau. In addition, she was appointed to the Nutrition and Health Committee and Executive Committee on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board. For her work supporting rural communities and encouraging their continued involvement in agriculture, she received the national #RootedinAg contest award from Syngenta in 2019 and appeared in a FarmHer episode on RFD-TV. Wiedenbeck sat on the UW-Parkside Certificate Program Advisory Committee; is a lifetime member of the Grant County Cattlemen’s Association and Lancaster FFA Alumni; and recently joined the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Farmer’s Union, Kiwanis, and Moose Lodge Clubs. She is a lifetime member of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association, and a frequent volunteer for College of BILSA events.

Aaron Athas is the Board President of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association, serving in the role since 2020. Athas earned his bachelor’s degree in choral and general music from UW-Platteville in 2010. He received his master’s degree from Minnesota State University in 2014 and is currently pursuing an education administration license from Concordia University. Athas is the Instructional Technology Specialist at Sartell (Minnesota) Senior High School. Previously, he worked for the Eau Claire (Wisconsin) Area School District as a kindergarten—fifth grade general music teacher and media specialist. Throughout his career, Athas been recognized for his achievements, including being the recipient of the 2020 Herb Kohl Excellence in Education. “I came to UW-Platteville with zero inhibitions about what college could be and left with a lifetime of friendships and pride. I continue to serve this university and advocate for its storied past, pride in the work of the present, and care for the future. My success in my career and volunteerism started with extensive involvement at UW-Platteville. I consider myself proud to be one of the many alumni of this great place.”

Ben Wood graduated from UW-Platteville in 2006 with a degree in civil engineering. He has been employed by Strand Associates, Inc. since graduation, where he is currently a Project Manager within the water supply sector and Sales Coordinator for the Milwaukee Office. Wood is active in the Wisconsin Section of the American Water Works Association (WIAWWA), serving as current chair for the Wisconsin Water for the World Committee. WIAWWA recognized Wood with the Young Professional of the Year Award in 2009 and the Wisconsin Water for the World Award in 2015. He was awarded the Young Professional of the Year Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies in 2019. Wood has volunteered his time mentoring college students on the design of water systems in Guatemala and Haiti. He is also an active volunteer in his local community church and neighborhood organizations in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park Neighborhood. He continues to financially support UW-Platteville’s chapter of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship—an organization he was heavily involved in while a student. “The environment at the UW-Platteville campus provided me the opportunity for exceptional academic, personal, and interpersonal growth that has been foundational to my professional career,” said Wood. “One special quality about UW-Platteville that stands out to me was the open access to professors and the ability to build friendships with them. I proudly display a UW-Platteville license plate cover, even to this day!”

Daniel H. Smith graduated from UW-Platteville in 2012, with degrees in soil and crop science and agriculture business. He continued his education at UW-Madison, where he earned a master’s degree in agroecology with a weed science emphasis. Smith is currently an Outreach Specialist and Southwest Regional Agronomist for UW-Madison’s Nutrient and Pest Management Program. Smith serves on the North Central Weed Science Society Board of Directors and, for the past eight years, has volunteered as a Crops Team Coach at UW-Madison. He remains heavily involved with UW-Platteville, currently serving on the UW-Platteville Foundation Board of Directors and previously serving as president of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association Board of Directors. He and his wife, who is also a UW-Platteville alumna, established the Daniel H. and Danielle L. Smith Scholarship for students in soil and crop science and horticulture. “UW-Platteville provided me the knowledge and networking connections to become an accomplished professional and knowledgeable citizen in a globally diverse community,” said Smith. “I am an advocate for hands-on learning and being ethically more responsible, components of a degree from UW-Platteville. I am proud to be a UW-Platteville graduate.”

Eugene Woehrle is a two-time graduate of UW-Platteville, earning his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, along with psychology and business administration minors, in 2009 and his master’s degree in criminal justice, with a management emphasis, in 2013. He has served with the Madison Police Department since 2009 and is currently a Lieutenant of Police. Woehrle is an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts, serving in numerous roles, and serves on the Board of Directors for Family Service Madison, Inc. and the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. For the past five years, he has served as the Scholarship and Awards Committee Chairman for the WI-Theta Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni and Volunteer Corporation. In this role, he leads two of the biggest annual fundraising events, helping to raise donations for UW-Platteville student scholarships. At the recent WI-Theta SigEp 20th anniversary celebration, Woehrle was voted Most Virtuous Brother in the chapter’s 20-year history. He also remains engaged with UW-Platteville as a recruiter and a guest speaker. “UW-Platteville set me up for future success by providing me with not only courses relevant to my field of study, but also engaging professors, leadership opportunities, and on-campus employment,” said Woehrle. “Each of these experiences made me a more competitive applicant when applying to careers in law enforcement. In addition, my UW-Platteville master’s degree was integral to leadership advancement within my department. I am proud to tell people that I went to UW-Platteville!”

Kenneth Mika is a two-time graduate of UW-Platteville, earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2008 and his master’s degree in engineering in 2015. He is currently a Senior Project Manager with Tetra Tech, Inc., in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Mika is heavily involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers. He currently serves as Region 3 Governor and has served as past president of the Wisconsin Section, Wisconsin Infrastructure Report Card Co-Chair, and as a member of the Committee on Preparing the Future Civil Engineer. He has received a number of accolades from ASCE, including the 2019 Wisconsin Section Distinguished Service Award, 2016 Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award for Professional Achievement, and the 2016 Engineering Achievement Award. Other professional awards include being listed as a 2019-20 Future 15 Young Professional of the Year and the 2017 STEM Forward Young Engineer of the Year Award. Mika is a strong supporter of STEM education outreach initiatives in his local community and regularly co-leads food drives for Hope House of Milwaukee’s south side food pantry. He also volunteers his time to his alma mater, delivering technical presentations to the ASCE Student Chapter and an engineering class. He was also instrumental in helping to bring the ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition to UW-Platteville to host in 2021. “UW-Platteville helped me get to where I am today by providing me two phenomenal degrees; by encouraging me to get involved in student organizations, where I was able to make lifelong friendships and gain additional leadership experiences outside of the class room; and the relationships I forged at UW-Platteville have turned into professional relationships at work and in professional organizations,” said Mika.

Nick Wagner graduated from UW-Platteville in 2006 with a degree in environmental engineering. He has worked at MSA Professional Services, Inc. since his graduation and is currently Senior Vice President – Service Line Leader in Kiel, Wisconsin and serves as ESOP Trustee and on the Board of Directors. He is an active member of the American Council of Engineering Companies and American Society of Civil Engineers and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Wagner volunteers his time through Elim Covenant Church in Moline, Illinois, and has also served as club president and on the board of directors for the Rotary – Iowa Quad Cities Club. Wagner remains involved with UW-Platteville through serving for the past eight years on the Environmental Engineering Advisory Board.  “UW-Platteville provided me a great education and prepared me well for my career,” said Wagner. “The faculty and staff are second to none and really care about the success of each student and the industry in which the students will be joining. As a student, I learned that truth. As an advisory board member to the department, I confirmed that truth tenfold.”

Adam Kaiser was a 2013 graduate of UW-Platteville, earning a degree in industrial engineering. He is currently a Global Supply Base Manager at John Deere. “As a nontraditional student, UW-Platteville was a perfect fit for me,” said Kaiser. “I strongly believe UW-Platteville has the best return on investment for a bachelor's degree in the Midwest. The hands-on coursework and labs prepared me very well for my engineering career without accumulating a pile of debt.” Kaiser’s community involvement has included serving as a youth athletics coach and team lead for the Salvation Army Toy Drive. He also dedicates his time to UW-Platteville, having served as director of the College of EMS Alumni Chapter for two years, member of the Industrial Engineering Advisory Board, and recruiter for John Deere at the UW-Platteville Career Fair since 2017.

Brock Walker earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UW-Platteville in 2010. He then earned his Master of Business Administration from George Mason University in 2014. Walker has served in several roles with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, including acting director of the Shared Services Division, Office of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer. He currently works as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Director of Asset Marketing and Management within the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Walker has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being recognized as one of 20 Prominent Patriots in Business – Class of 2016 by George Mason University, and a FedScoop 50 Award nomination, which recognizes outstanding leaders in federal government. “Looking back, my time at UW-Platteville helped me to appreciate the value of personal relationships, not only in the professional world, but in life in general,” said Walker. “I am constantly reminded about the importance of developing close ties to those around me and providing support to others. In the end, creating a sense of community among those I call friends and colleagues has been paramount to my personal and professional success thus far.”

Meredith Dentice Johnson earned her degree in industrial engineering from UW-Platteville in 2012. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she earned her master’s degree in manufacturing engineering in 2014 and is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy in industrial and manufacturing engineering with her research focus being on robotic automation safety. Johnson is a senior industrial engineer at SPX Transformer Solutions in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Johnson is also the co-operator of a community outreach program that works with over 900 students (from K4 to college) across several different schools to educate pupils on STEM subjects. In addition, she co-founded FeMADE which is a program that provides support, education, and mentoring for female students interested in manufacturing, automotive, design, and engineering. “UW-Platteville was more than just a university I attended, it is the place that encouraged me to follow my dreams by preparing me through rigorous curriculum challenges, teaching me how to problem solve, lead and shape my own future,” said Johnson. “It was the place that prepped me for career advancement and helped me get into a ranked doctorate graduate program where I am successfully publishing research. Looking at all my accomplishments, attending UW-Platteville is one of my favorites that has truly shaped me into who I am today.”

Tim Rindfleisch graduated from UW-Platteville in 2009 with a degree in molecular biology. He later was an emerging infectious disease fellow for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2011-2012 and earned a Master of Science in biotechnology from UW-Madison in 2014. He currently works as a Scientist II for Takeda Pharmaceuticals in the Vaccine Business Unit – Discovery, doing exploratory immunology for various infectious diseases including Dengue virus, Zika virus, and pandemic Influenza. Rindfleisch also volunteers for the New England Center and Home for Veterans and the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. He is a regular contributor to UW-Platteville Foundation funds supporting the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture. “Attending UW-Platteville has impacted my life in that I have a deep appreciation for how education can enable you to pursue your dreams and change the world for the better,” said Rindfleisch. “Education is your most powerful tool and no one can take that from you. In addition to education, I’ve made lifelong friendships that I cherish and maintain to this day. Regarding my career, I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for attending UW-Platteville. I wouldn’t have met my advisor, Dr. Tufte, resulting in my continued pursuit of public health interest and career. Each professor I had taught me something valuable and I’ve taken these lessons with me into my career. Those lessons have never failed me. I’ll be forever grateful to UW-Platteville for my education and fantastic experience.”

Mike North graduated from UW-Platteville in 1996, with a degree in agribusiness. He began his career in the futures industry with First Capitol Ag in Platteville. After nearly two decades there, he founded Commodity Risk Management Group in 2014. His team of brokers and advisors leads production and processing clients in their efforts to construct marketing plans and margin management programs. North enjoys using his experience to educate producers and business professionals about the tools available for price protection and risk management. He has been published in several agricultural periodicals; is a regular guest on several national programs, such as AgDay, RFDTV, and the U.S. Farm Report; can be heard frequently on several local and national radio programs; served as a part-time lecturer at UW-Platteville; and is a featured speaker at programs across the country. In 2008, North was elected to the board of directors of the Dairy Business Association, an organization which represents the dairy industry and its economic and environmental stake in Wisconsin. He now serves as its president. North has been honored as the 2006 Rising Star in Business for the Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Tri-State Region, and in 2011 as the recipient of the UW-Platteville Outstanding Alumni Award. He is a strong supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation and donates his time to speak to UW-Platteville classes and student organizations. “I came to UW Platteville with only a vague idea of what I wanted to accomplish in life,” said North. “I knew a variety of people that I had met in other arenas. However, I didn't know myself. UW-Platteville fostered a tremendous platform for higher education, but more importantly created an environment where I could learn who I was, what I did well, and how I could use that to better my life and the world around me. What took place in the classroom was second to none. What happened outside of it was life changing.”

Greg Gard’s first six seasons as head coach at Wisconsin continued a trend of lofty academic success, placing 40 players on the Academic All-Big Ten list. Over his 20 years in Madison, UW has boasted a total of 88 Academic All-Big Ten honors, trailing only Purdue and Northwestern over that span. Prior to coming to Wisconsin in 2001, Gard spent the previous two seasons as Ryan’s assistant at UW-Milwaukee, where he had responsibilities in scouting, summer basketball camp operations and on-floor coaching, as well as involvement with recruiting. Previously, Gard served as an assistant coach to Ryan at UW-Platteville from 1993-99. During Gard's years on the Pioneer staff, UW-Platteville compiled a 161-13 (.925) record and won three NCAA Division III titles, five straight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) championships and appeared in six consecutive NCAA tournaments. In his final year at UW-Platteville, Gard served as Ryan's top assistant in charge of recruiting, camp operations, and scouting. He also worked as an advisor in the university's admissions office. Prior to joining Ryan's staff in Platteville, Gard spent three seasons at Southwestern High School and one at Platteville High School, where he served in junior high and assistant varsity coaching capacities. In 2016, Gard and his wife, Michelle, partnered with the University of the Wisconsin Foundation and the UW Carbone Cancer Center, to launch Garding Against Cancer. This fundraising initiative raises funds for cancer research and patient care within the state of Wisconsin. In its first six years of hosting fundraising events across the state, GAC raised more than $6.5 million dollars in the fight against cancer. Gard is a 1995 graduate of UW-Platteville with a degree in physical and health education. He received a master's degree in counselor education from Platteville in 2007.

Ryan Weigel is currently employed as a Herd Analyst with Accelerated Genetics and work in Southwest Wisconsin and Northwest Illinois. Weigel is the co-owner of KHW Genetics an elite Registered Holstein business in Belmont, WI. Weigel resides in Platteville with wife Traci and daughters Kaelyn and Kenadee. During my time at UWP, I was actively involved with FarmHouse Fraternity, the UWP Dairy Judging Team and the Pioneer Dairy Club. Weigel volunteers time with UWP by serving on the BILSA Alumni Chapter Board of Directors and on the UWP Ag Advisory Council. "I have always felt it important to give back to the organizations that gave so much to me and UWP is certainly very high on my list! Looking to the future with the BILSA Alumni Chapter, I am hopeful to continue supporting the students and University through the various scholarships and activities that the chapter provides. The key to success for the chapter is definitely our members. Increasing membership is and always will be a priority."

Barbara Knox is a 1995 UW-Platteville graduate having completed coursework in zoology and geography. At UWP, she served in leadership roles with Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies and with the Biology Club. Knox was the 1995 recipient of the Dean Linden Pioneer Achievement Award, the highest award presented to a UWP student. Knox earned her medical degree at UW-Madison in 2002. She completed her residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and a fellowship in Child Abuse Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. In 2007, she joined the faculty at UW-Madison as an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics, school of medicine and public health. Knox is the medical director of the University of Wisconsin Child Protection Program at the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison. Knox is chair of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Child Abuse and Neglect and is a scholar member of the Ray E. Helfer Society of Child Abuse Physicians. She is the vice chair of the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board that administers the Wisconsin Children's Trust Fund. Knox serves on the Wisconsin Department of Justice's statewide child fatality review team that advises state agencies and the legislature on law, policy, and practice modification in an ongoing effort to reduce preventable childhood deaths. She co-directs a statewide medical peer review project which studies physician knowledge and attitude change.

Kimberly Brown-Pokorny earned her high school diploma at Monroe Senior High School. She earned credits at UW-Rock County and started her education at UWP in the fall of 1990. At UW-Platteville, Pokorny was active with the Pioneer Dairy Club and competed with the dairy judging team. She assisted with the promotion of the School of Agriculture and with student recruitment as an Agri-Ambassador. Pokorny earned two degrees from UWP, a bachelor's in animal science in 1994 and a master's in agricultural industries in 1995. Pokorny is the executive director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, a position she has held since 2008. Pokorny's responsibilities include managing the WVMA government and regulatory agency affairs, serving as liaison with the local veterinary association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and School of Veterinary Medicine at UW-Madison, managing office staff and working with a volunteer board. Pokorny received the 2009 WVMA Presidential Award for the extraordinary service she has provided the organization. During her 15-month tenure, she has helped the association implement a strategic plan, grown the membership and improved its educational offerings. In 2006, Pokorny was honored as a Friend of World Dairy Expo and was recognized as the cornerstone of the Central National Ayrshire Show from 1997 to 2005.

Troy Everson earned his high school diploma from North Crawford High School in Gays Mills. He earned an associate degree from UW-Richland and matriculated at UW-Platteville in the fall of 1992. At UWP, Everson served as a resident assistant while completing his bachelor's degree in education with majors in biology and general science. Everson has been employed as a teacher in the Burlington area schools since 1995. He taught at the middle level for 10 years, serving as science department chair. For the past four years, he has taught at the high school and is currently serving as department chair. Everson has taken Burlington students on many educational trips around the United States. He has directed 14 middle school musicals and was a nominee for the Herb Kohl Teaching Fellowship in 2001, 2008 and 2009. Everson has worked with Aurora Hospital and with the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago to develop partnership classes and programs for his students. He was named Outstanding Alumnus at UW-Richland in 1999, earned the Wisconsin Hero Award and was named Burlington Citizen of the Year in 2005.

Chad Griepentrog, a 1993 alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Griepentrog is the vice president of RB Publishing Inc. in Madison, a leader in business trade magazines. Griepentrog's responsibilities include overseeing all areas of the company's finances and assisting in editorial decisions, including editorial layout and design, circulation, production, and advertising. Prior to working for RB Publishing, Griepentrog worked for GE Medical Systems, a provider of computer software and training for the healthcare industry. In 1997, Griepentrog received the President's Award from GE Medical for his part in helping sales staff reach their desired revenue goals. As the founder and publisher of Inside Wisconsin Sports, the only consumer magazine published by RB Publishing, Griepentrog highlights high school, college, and professional sports in Wisconsin. Griepentrog is a member of the Wisconsin Publisher's Production Club, a supporter of Special Olympics, and has spoken numerous times at Rotary Clubs throughout the state. "I thought it was an honor for someone to nominate me, much less win the award," said Griepentrog. "I'd like to thank the UWP professors for getting me ready for the real world with their classes. With the schooling I received at UWP, I felt I could go anywhere."

Virginia is a 1999 graduate of UW-Platteville and co-founder and executive director of Educate Tomorrow in Miami, Fla. While majoring in three subjects at UW-Platteville, Emmons McNaught also volunteered at Family Advocates, a shelter for abused women and children in Platteville. After graduation, she lived in West Africa for three and one-half years while working with the Peace Corps, directing famine relief and educational opportunities. Upon her return to the U.S., she began working as a development consultant for the Miami Rescue Mission, where she directed the national certification of a $12 million homeless rejuvenation program for men, women, and children. Virginia has been the recipient of the Junior League of Miami's 2006 Women Who Make a Difference Award and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's 2007 Pepsi Everyday Freedom Hero Award. In 2008, she earned the UW-Platteville Outstanding Recent Alumna Award. She was also recognized in January by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as having a top program with promise at the 2010 National Mentoring Month ceremony at the White House.

Kevin McMullen is the President of the Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association in Madison, Wisconsin. Previously, McMullen worked at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in the roles of pavement design and technology supervisor and pavement structural design engineer. McMullen has been a registered professional engineer in the state of Wisconsin since 1990. He graduated from UW-Platteville in 1986 with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. McMullen is active on the UW-Platteville campus, delivering a lecturer twice a year focused on engineering ethics to the senior design class in civil engineering. He is also a member of the Civil Engineering Advisory Board. McMullen is a lifetime member of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association and received the Outstanding UW-Platteville Recent Alumnus Award in 1998. Throughout his career, McMullen has been recognized with several accolades. He received the Outstanding Pavement Promotion Award in 2013 by the American Concrete Pavement Association. The Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association and McMullen’s peers across the nation recognized his leadership and voted to have McMullen represent them on the American Concrete Pavement Association Board of Directors three times: 1999-2001, 2009-2010, and 2021-2022. “Every lecture I give at UW-Platteville, I proclaim that I am a proud 1986 graduate and I challenge the students to be able to say that during their entire career. I have worked for 36 years and will proudly proclaim it for the rest of my life. UW-Platteville was the cornerstone for my career, and I was able to build on it. I am very thankful for everything UW-Platteville gave me.”

Dr. Tori Erickson is a two-time alumna of UW-Platteville, earning her bachelor’s degree in education in 1983 and her master’s degree in counseling and student personnel in 1988. She furthered her education and received her doctorate in education from UW-Madison in 1995. Erickson has spent her career working in higher education. She worked in admissions both at UW-Platteville, Carthage College, and UW-Whitewater, where she served as executive director of admissions. Erickson continued her career at the University of Iowa. She was the executive director of development-major gifts for the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Erickson is an active alumna serving as a UW-Platteville Foundation board member. She is a member of the 1866 Cornerstone. Erickson established the “Jon and Tori Erickson Scholarship” and “Sheila A. Nelson Scholarship.” In addition, Erickson has an estate planned gift to the UW-Platteville Foundation. She also received the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1998. “UW-Platteville provided me with a strong base in critical thinking skills, confidence, and motivation that help advance my career and higher education.”

Dave Fritz graduated from UW-Platteville in 1981 with a major in accounting. He is the Owner and President/CEO of TRICOR Insurance. Fritz is President of the Potosi Brewery Foundation Board of Directors, which has played a major role in helping to revitalize communities in the Southwest Wisconsin region. He is also a generous supporter of UW-Platteville and a member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society.

Barb Daus is a two-time graduate of UW-Platteville. She earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education/ biology in 1971 and a Master of Education in Middle Level and High School Education in 1988. She worked at UW-Platteville for 25 years, holding a number of leadership roles, including executive director of International Programs, public information officer, legislative liaison, special assistant to the chancellor, director of Alumni Services, and executive director of the UW-Platteville Foundation. She later worked as the Southwest Wisconsin donor services representative for the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. Daus volunteers time serving the Platteville community in a number of ways, including as an elected member of the Platteville Common Council where she currently serves as President, board member of the nonprofit Inspiring Community Inc., a former longtime elected member of the Platteville School Board, and many more. Daus is a strong supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation and member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society. She is a UW-Platteville Emerita and a lifetime member of the Alumni Association.

Gregory Boys, M.D. earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UW-Platteville in 1994. He then earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa and a Doctorate of Medicine from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1999. He is a Neuroradiology Specialist in San Antonio, Texas, where he practices medicine by applying his engineering and neuroradiology training to his medical practice of diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive interventional procedures. Boys is a large supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation and a member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society. He created the Minotte Perseverance Scholarship to provide assistance to students who are first-generation or have overcome personal or economic hardships.

JoAnne Uthe-Gibson received both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching from UW-Platteville in 1973 and 1975, respectively. She led a distinguished 50-year teaching career, including 33 years at Dubuque Senior High School and 30 years at Northeast Iowa Community College. Her many accolades include being selected as a Fulbright Scholar to the Netherlands, receiving a Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching from the R.J. McElroy Trust, being named Outstanding Educator by Northeast Iowa Community College, and receiving the Distinguished Educator Award from UW-Platteville, among others. She has been actively involved in her communities, previously serving as a volunteer EMT-paramedic for many years and volunteering with the Dubuque Fighting Saints hockey team, hosting players and serving as the education coordinator. As a member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society, she is a strong supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation and established the Melvin and Helen Uthe Memorial Endowed Scholarship in 2022

Kathy Bresnahan earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from UW-Platteville in 1980. She was a high school educator and volleyball coach for nearly 40 years, the majority of which were spent in the Iowa City Community School District. Bresnahan is the author of The Miracle Season, which describes the journey of her 2011 Iowa City West volleyball team, following the death of their all-state setter, Caroline Found. A movie of the same name, starring Helen Hunt as Bresnahan, was released in 2018. As a motivational speaker, Bresnahan talks to thousands of young people from around the country about overcoming grief and loss and being kind to others. Bresnahan is a strong supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation, and as a former student-athlete at UW-Platteville—playing both volleyball and basketball—she recently helped organize a volleyball and basketball reunion.

Scott Baumgartner graduated from UW-Platteville in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in vocal music education. He earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University in 1983. He held leadership positions at several higher education institutions before founding his own business, Honey Jug Marine Sanitation, in Chicago, Illinois, in 2001. Baumgartner has served on numerous civic and chamber of commerce boards and volunteers his time mentoring inner-city Chicago youth through coordinating a STEM program sponsored by a model railroad club, of which he is a member. For the past nine years, he has served as a member of the UW-Platteville Foundation board of directors, recently completing a two-year term as board chair. He is also a member of the UW-Platteville Foundation’s 1866 Cornerstone Society

Jill Furman graduated from UW-Platteville in 2003 with a degree in electrical engineering. She received her master’s degree in electrical engineering from UW-Madison in 2004 and earned her MBA from the University of Denver, Daniels School of Business in 2017. Furman is the Global Product Manager—CARESCAPE at GE Healthcare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is responsible for the management and disruptive growth of portfolio of Bedside Patient Monitoring Products in the Global Patient Monitoring business, totaling more than $500 million in annual revenue with sales in more than 250 countries. Prior to her role at GE Healthcare, Furman served as engineering manager, project manager, and product manager at different companies in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During her tenure as an Analog Application Specific Integrated Circuit Designer at Agilent Technologies, Furman earned two patents. Furman is a member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society. She also created the Jill Pamperin and Miles Hill “Lab Rat” Scholarship and serves on the UW-Platteville Biomedical Engineering Advisory Board. Furman was the December 2019 principal speaker at the UW-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science commencement ceremony. “My solid engineering foundation at UW-Platteville taught me critical thinking and problem solving. Those basic skills not only served me well as an engineer, but also allowed me to succeed in anything I set my mind to including in project management, product management, and in leading large organizations.”

Jim Ryan is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Constellation Brands in Chicago, Illinois. His responsibilities include management of and strategy for federal, state, and local government, trade, and industry affairs initiatives. Ryan works with elected officials across the country. Ryan began his career in the beer industry following his graduation from UW-Platteville in 1977, where he earned a degree in agriculture. Throughout his career, Ryan has held several senior level field sales management positions with Anheuser-Busch, Pabst Brewing Company, and the G. Heileman Brewing Company before joining Barton Beers (the predecessor to Crown Imports and Constellation Brands) in 1988. In addition to his current responsibilities at Constellation, Ryan previously served as president of the Stevens Point Brewery and CEO of the company’s Chinese beverage business, the Monarch Import Company. Ryan received the first Marvin Sands Heritage Award (named after Constellation Brands’ founder) the most prestigious award bestowed by the company for excellence in business acumen, leadership, and philanthropy. He is also involved in many civic organizations and sits on the Board of Directors for the Chicago based Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the number one rehabilitation hospital in the United States, and Latinos Progresando, a Chicago based Latino organization, and works closely with the USO, serving our service members and military families. Ryan remains active on campus, where he serves on the UW-Platteville Foundation Board of Directors and is a lifetime member of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association. He is a member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society. He also established the Raymond and Beatrice Ryan Spirit of Life Scholarship in honor of his parents. In 2019, Ryan delivered the principal speaker address at the spring commencement ceremony. “UW-Platteville provided me the opportunity to learn, to take risks, gain lifelong skills and friendships, instilled passion and defined the importance of commitment that has not only been the foundation for a fulfilling career in the alcohol beverage industry, but as important, has helped make me the person I am today with a family I cherish every day of my life”.

Kevin McMullen is the President of the Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association in Madison, Wisconsin. Previously, McMullen worked at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in the roles of pavement design and technology supervisor and pavement structural design engineer. McMullen has been a registered professional engineer in the state of Wisconsin since 1990. He graduated from UW-Platteville in 1986 with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. McMullen is active on the UW-Platteville campus, delivering a lecturer twice a year focused on engineering ethics to the senior design class in civil engineering. He is also a member of the Civil Engineering Advisory Board. McMullen is a lifetime member of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association and received the Outstanding UW-Platteville Recent Alumnus Award in 1998. Throughout his career, McMullen has been recognized with several accolades. He received the Outstanding Pavement Promotion Award in 2013 by the American Concrete Pavement Association. The Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association and McMullen’s peers across the nation recognized his leadership and voted to have McMullen represent them on the American Concrete Pavement Association Board of Directors three times: 1999-2001, 2009-2010, and 2021-2022. “Every lecture I give at UW-Platteville, I proclaim that I am a proud 1986 graduate and I challenge the students to be able to say that during their entire career. I have worked for 36 years and will proudly proclaim it for the rest of my life. UW-Platteville was the cornerstone for my career, and I was able to build on it. I am very thankful for everything UW-Platteville gave me.”

Lana Wiese is the Co-Owner and President of Studio Gear, LLC, an audio, video, lighting rental and sales company that facilitates live events for corporate and nonprofit organizations. Wiese and her husband, Bob Wiese ’70, created Studio Gear in 1993. The business partners with venues and groups in the arts in and around Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to establishing Studio Gear, Wiese was a manager at Wisconsin Bell/Ameritech. Wiese received her bachelor’s degree in business from UW-Platteville in 1971. She continued her education, earning an MBA in 1982 from UW-Whitewater. Wiese is active in her community, sitting on boards of nonprofits and volunteering with area organizations. She is the Co-Chair of the Afghan Resettlement Committee, sponsored through Fox Point Lutheran Church and Lutheran Social Services. Wiese is highly involved with UW-Platteville, establishing the Lana and Bob Wiese Endowed Scholarship. Wiese and Studio Gear are both 1866 Cornerstone Society members. She also received the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture’s 2011 Outstanding Alumni Award and delivered the UW-Platteville commencement address in 2015. “My education and experience at UW-Platteville provided the foundation for years in a large corporation and then establishing Studio Gear. After graduation, my recruitment in 1971 into the management training program at Wisconsin Bell was the first class that included women. As a first-generation college student in the late 60s, UW-Platteville was a positive, encouraging environment for a young woman majoring in business. The breadth of my experiences was critical in becoming a successful entrepreneur.”

Richard Weber graduated from UW-Platteville in 1979 with a degree in civil engineering. He continued his education and earned his master’s degree in civil and geotechnical engineering from Northwestern University in 1981. He is the Burnham Canal Wetland Base, Project Manager and Technical Consultant for the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Metropolitan Sewerage District. Throughout his career, Weber has worked on several projects across the United States, Hong Kong, and Germany. He has been recognized by the American Society of Professional Engineers, Wisconsin section with the 2016 Engineer in Consulting Practice Award. Weber also received the O’Brien and Gere, 2018 Earl F. O’Brien Leadership Award. Since his graduation, Weber has remained highly involved with UW-Platteville. Weber currently sits on the UW-Platteville Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board. “I have been fortunate to work on many projects in many states across the U.S., as well as in Hong Kong and Germany. My well-rounded engineering education at UW-Platteville formed a strong foundation for my engineering career. UW-Platteville made a huge difference in my life, for which I am extremely grateful, and I know it continues to make a difference in the lives of other engineering and non-engineering students.”

Dr. Tori Erickson is a two-time alumna of UW-Platteville, earning her bachelor’s degree in education in 1983 and her master’s degree in counseling and student personnel in 1988. She furthered her education and received her doctorate in education from UW-Madison in 1995. Erickson has spent her career working in higher education. She worked in admissions both at UW-Platteville, Carthage College, and UW-Whitewater, where she served as executive director of admissions. Erickson continued her career at the University of Iowa. She was the executive director of development-major gifts for the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Erickson is an active alumna serving as a UW-Platteville Foundation board member. She is a member of the 1866 Cornerstone. Erickson established the “Jon and Tori Erickson Scholarship” and “Sheila A. Nelson Scholarship.” In addition, Erickson has an estate planned gift to the UW-Platteville Foundation. She also received the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1998. “UW-Platteville provided me with a strong base in critical thinking skills, confidence, and motivation that help advance my career and higher education.”

Douglas Weirauch, Jr. graduated from UW-Platteville in 1972, with degrees in geology and mathematics. His career includes 35 years of industrial research and development experience in materials science and engineering at Owens/Corning Fiberglass Corporation; Alcoa, Inc.; and the Carborundum Company. This experience includes the processing and properties of glasses, technical ceramics, aluminum refractories, the evolution of continuously-cast aluminum surfaces, and the electrolytic smelting of aluminum. His career has included authoring over 250 proprietary reports, publishing 36 technical papers, writing two book chapters, and being cited as inventor on 17 U.S. patents. Weirauch has volunteered his time as a youth soccer coach and served on committees for the United Methodist Church in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. He also contributes time to the Nittany Mineralogical Society and the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania. Weirauch is a supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation and a lifetime member of the Alumni Association.

Gary J. Goldberg graduated from UW-Platteville in 1981 with a degree in mining engineering. He is a Director of BHP, one of the world’s top producers of iron ore, metallurgical coal, and copper, with substantial interests in oil and gas. He also serves on the board’s Remuneration, Sustainability and Nomination and Governance Committees. Prior to his role at BHP, Goldberg was the president and chief executive officer of Newmont Mining Corporation, president and chief executive officer of Rio Tinto Minerals, and president and chief executive officer of U.S. Borax. Goldberg’s career has allowed him to visit dozens of countries, including living in England and Australia. In addition to his 40-year career, Goldberg has been active in several community and industry leadership positions, including the Mining and Metals sector of the World Economic Forum, International Council on Mining and Minerals, and is the founding member of the Women on Colorado Boards, which works to make more gender-balanced leadership and achieve a goal of three or more women directors on the boards of all of Colorado’s Fortune 1000 companies. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Project C.U.R.E., the world’s largest distributor of donated medical relief and as a Trustee on the Denver Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Goldberg has been honored with the Daniel C. Jackling Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. He was inducted into the American Mining Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2021, Goldberg was elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering for his distinguished contributions to engineering for promoting safety, sustainability, inclusion, value, ethics, and responsibility in the mining industry. Goldberg earned his MBA from the University of Utah. His family has also established two scholarships at UW-Platteville, the Beth and Gary Goldberg Scholarship and the James and Joan (Brandt) Goldberg Scholarship.

George L. Ochs graduated from UW-Platteville in 1969 with a degree in civil engineering. In 1980, he founded a real estate development consulting firm in Denver, Colorado. He continued a successful career in real estate, holding leadership positions at Prudential Insurance, JP Morgan, Western National Group, and Cityview.   Ochs’ community and volunteer service includes his role as Trustee and Chair of the Investment Committee for the Pension Boards of the United Church of Christ in New York, New York and Co-Founder and President of the Peshtigo High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, which has raised more than $175,000 over the past nine years.  Ochs organizes independent fundraising events for the UW-Platteville Foundation; in 2017 and 2019, he sponsored Phi Sigma Chi / Delta Upsilon fraternity reunions on campus, raising $10,000 per reunion. This September, with a former engineering classmate, he conducted another reunion including civil engineering graduates of their era. Ochs, and his wife, Rev. Sandra D. Ochs, who also attended UW-Platteville, are lifetime Alumni Association members.  “Upon reflection, both the City of Platteville as well as the university proved to be pivotal towards moving my young life forward in a positive direction,” said Ochs. “I recall arriving in Platteville via Greyhound bus on the Saturday night before the fall semester began, and was picked up by a local who delivered me and my luggage to the newly built Wilgus hall. What a welcome by the local community. Upon graduation from UW-Platteville, I was immediately employed in my field, which was exactly what was necessary for me to move forward into my adult life and career. My time at UW-Platteville was far more than an education, it was a well-organized, gracious, and well thought out roadmap towards my transition into adulthood as well as a professional career.” 

Michael Fiedler earned a degree in speech communications, with a broadcast emphasis, in 1971. He led a three-decade long career in broadcast engineering, spending the majority of it at KMSP TV in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he advanced to assistant chief engineer. Fiedler retired as a senior business analyst for Delta Airlines. He has received numerous awards from Delta Airlines for his service there since 2006. Fiedler has remained a champion for UW-Platteville throughout his career. He was a member of the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture Alumni Chapter board and is currently secretary of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association. Fiedler is also a strong supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation and a member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society. “[At UW-Platteville] I was taught a certain amount of flexibility in work. I found out shortly after graduation that I would need to be flexible as to what aspect of broadcast I would focus on and later in my airline career to be flexible to do whatever came my way,” said Fiedler. “Another thing I learned from Platteville and my mantra at Delta was, ‘I don't have all of the answers to problems, but I will find one, and I most likely will find it by collaborating with others.’”

Michael J. Roy, Ph.D., is a scientist who studied infectious diseases over his career and successfully developed biopharmaceuticals, mostly vaccines, for over 30 years. His efforts focused upon early development of novel biotechnology products with emphasis on product development planning, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, control, quality systems and project management. Prior to retirement, he consulted for biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, the federal government, and nonprofit organizations on vaccine development projects, notably those in fields of bioterrorism and tropical medicine. At PowderJect Vaccines, Inc., he was Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, responsible for national and international regulatory strategies and programs and he managed clinical and regulatory efforts for the firm's vaccine development programs. Prior to its merger with PowderJect, he served as Director of Regulatory Affairs at Agracetus, Inc. In these roles he established and managed manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control and regulatory affairs and was involved in development of vaccines, genetic therapies, medical delivery devices and biopharmaceutical products raised in genetically engineered plants. Before this he was Director, Regulatory Affairs at MedImmune, Inc., where he was responsible for regulatory submissions of several vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and intravenous immunoglobulin products. He spent 10 years as a civilian scientist at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command where he managed and led biopharmaceutical development projects for over 20 products. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a B.S. in Biology, Louisiana State University Medical Center with a M.S. in Tropical Medicine and Medical Parasitology, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Ph.D. in Pathology. He is Emeritus Professor, retired from the Master of Science Biotechnology Program in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, having taught Biotechnology Operations and Project Management and Leadership. Dr. Roy is also the co-author of Biotechnology Operations: Principles and Practices.

Mike North graduated from UW-Platteville in 1996, with a degree in agribusiness. He began his career in the futures industry with First Capitol Ag in Platteville. After nearly two decades there, he founded Commodity Risk Management Group in 2014. His team of brokers and advisors leads production and processing clients in their efforts to construct marketing plans and margin management programs. North enjoys using his experience to educate producers and business professionals about the tools available for price protection and risk management. He has been published in several agricultural periodicals; is a regular guest on several national programs, such as AgDay, RFDTV, and the U.S. Farm Report; can be heard frequently on several local and national radio programs; served as a part-time lecturer at UW-Platteville; and is a featured speaker at programs across the country. In 2008, North was elected to the board of directors of the Dairy Business Association, an organization which represents the dairy industry and its economic and environmental stake in Wisconsin. He now serves as its president. North has been honored as the 2006 Rising Star in Business for the Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Tri-State Region, and in 2011 as the recipient of the UW-Platteville Outstanding Alumni Award. He is a strong supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation and donates his time to speak to UW-Platteville classes and student organizations. “I came to UW Platteville with only a vague idea of what I wanted to accomplish in life,” said North. “I knew a variety of people that I had met in other arenas. However, I didn't know myself. UW-Platteville fostered a tremendous platform for higher education, but more importantly created an environment where I could learn who I was, what I did well, and how I could use that to better my life and the world around me. What took place in the classroom was second to none. What happened outside of it was life changing.”

Phil Molldrem is a two-time alumnus of UW-Platteville, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and history in 1970 and a master’s degree in secondary education in 1994. He worked for 30 years in the education field, including at Upper Iowa University, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, and Wauzeka and Boscobel school districts. He also spent much of his career as a business owner and leader in Southwest Wisconsin. He spent over a decade as a consultant for Knapp Development Inc., where he created business plans and led development for the organization, which provides services to people with disabilities. Currently, Molldrem is a consultant for Rolling Hills Dairy Producers Cooperative. Molldrem is active in volunteer work both close to home and overseas. He served on the school board in his hometown of Boscobel, Wisconsin. He was also a member and president of the local Kiwanis Club, and he has been a volunteer baseball coach for the city recreation program for more than forty years. Molldrem also volunteers with Overseas Cooperative Assistance, providing business plan development, marketing, and consulting to the agriculture industry in Albania, Uganda, and Russia. Molldrem has been a strong supporter of UW-Platteville, serving for seven years on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, including two years as president and two years as vice president. He was instrumental in authoring the Memorandum of Understanding between UW-Platteville, the UW-Platteville Foundation, and the Alumni Association. Molldrum is a lifetime Alumni Association member and received the Alumni Association’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2018. “UW-Platteville provided the opportunity for me to pursue my goals by challenging me to work hard, think critically and openly, and did so with instructors, deans, and administrators who were always available to help and provide a very important variable—positive encouragement,” said Molldrem. “It is truly an ‘alma mater grand and glorious.’”

Todd Johnson graduated in 1981 with a degree in individually contracted engineering management. He is Chairman and CEO of Capstan Corporation, a third-generation family business he has helped lead for 40 years. Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Capstan Corporation is a holding company which focused on acquiring and growing businesses in several industries, including Building / Highway/ Heavy Construction, Ship repair, Mission Boat Manufacturing, Plastic Film Manufacturing, Thermal Energy, Community Banking, Crane Rental Service, and Commercial Real Estate; throughout the Midwest. Johnson served on the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Board of Directors for six years. He also serves on the board of directors for Cretex Companies and the Omaha Performing Arts Society. “My education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville prepared me very well to assume a wide variety of business responsibilities and challenges, throughout my forty-year career,” said Johnson. “No one knows what journey lies before them as they graduate, but being well prepared is a great start. My career has been very challenging and rewarding. The rigor and depth that UW-Platteville expected from me in my studies made a huge difference in my lifetime successes.” Johnson is a strong advocate for UW-Platteville and a generous supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation, as well as a member of the Foundation’s 1866 Cornerstone Society.

Ann Stewart graduated from UW-Platteville in 1986 with a degree in civil engineering. She later earned her master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Stewart has more than 30 years of experience in highway and airport design, construction engineering and inspection, and developing educational and training materials. She is President and Founder of Professional Engineering Services, which she formed in 1995. The engineering firm works with a variety of public and private clients on major building and infrastructure projects throughout Minnesota. Stewart has also been a civil engineering instructor at the University of Minnesota for nearly 25 years. Stewart has received a number of recognitions for her work, including the American Public Works Association Donald C. Stone Award for Excellence in Education and the University of Minnesota Civil Engineering Bonestroo Undergrad Professor of the Year award. Stewart says she has a passion for teaching – something that she attributes largely to her time at UW-Platteville. “I am proud that my first degree is from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, as my education there gave me a firm foundation in practical, solid engineering,” said Stewart. “I am a good engineer and a successful businessperson, and I learned the foundational theories and principles in the classroom and labs in Ottensman Hall. But, the lesson I learned from my civil engineering teachers who were there to teach me (and not do research) was that students were important, and that the best teaching comes from those who care about student experience and student learning. Although I have been a practicing engineer my whole career, my passion is for teaching, and I've been lucky enough to be able to include both in my practice. That first experience of being cared for and interested in as a student has stayed with me, and I got it from 1982–1986 at UW-Platteville.”

Chris Polzer is a two-time graduate of UW-Platteville, earning his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1988 and his master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1992. He worked for over 25 years for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in various roles, including Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor, drug treatment specialist, certified hostage negotiator, and diversity management instructor. He is currently an Online Instructor of Criminal Justice at UW-Platteville. Chris has spent much of his time serving in his community. He is currently an elected member of the Madison Area Technical College Board of Directors, Columbia County Board of Supervisors, and Village of Poynette Board of Trustees. In these roles he serves as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission in the Village of Poynette, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee for Columbia County, and serves in the voluntary role as President of the Columbia County Crime Stoppers. Chris also volunteers as a student mentor for a school district in Madison, Wisconsin. He is also active with his alma mater; he has served on the UW-Platteville Alumni Association Board of Directors, providing guest lectures on campus, and participating in the Criminal Justice Career Day, among other activities. Of these accomplishments, Chris is most proud of his selection as the 2020 UW-Platteville LAE Commencement Speaker. He also enjoys visiting and spending time both in the Platteville community as well as on campus - especially homecoming weekend.

Gary Einerson graduated from UW-Platteville in 1961 with a degree in communication arts. He then earned his Master of Science in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University. Einerson had a 35-year career in education, first as a teacher and then principal. He retired as Principal of DeForest (Wisconsin) High School in 1996. Einerson was a member of the basketball team at UW-Platteville, and he later served as president of three different athletic conferences. He served the WIAA for 16 years—with 10 years on the Advisory Council and six years on the Board of Control, as well as serving time as president of each. Einerson is a lifetime member of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association and a supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation. He is also a charter member of the John Barth Foundation, and has served as President of it since its inception. The foundation provides scholarships to incoming and continuing students at UW-Platteville. “My experience as an undergrad at UW Platteville, or as it was known when I attended, Platteville State College, was paramount to any success I have attained in my career and in my everyday life,” said Einerson. “Professors such as John Barth, Milton Longhorn, Ruth Gober, Harold Hanson, Richard Gamble, and Len Garside among others, were role models for me. I took something from each of them as I ventured into the academic world. The most profound benefit I received while a student was that I met and fell in love with my future wife. She was in my life for 55 years. I am, and will be, forever grateful I chose to attend a fine school like UW-Platteville.”

Joseph Denk is a 1982 graduate of UW-Platteville, earning a degree in radio–television broadcasting. He has worked for 38 years in broadcast television, including roles as sports director, news director, program director, sales manager and general manger. He has worked in six different markets in four states. He most recently served as the Vice President and General Manager of WATN-TV (ABC), WLMT-TV (CW), and WJKT-TV (FOX) in Memphis, Tennessee. “It is a rare day that I do not recall a broadcast television production principle or communication theory concept that I learned at UW-Platteville when conducting day-to-day business in my position as Vice President and General Manager of a television station in a Top 50 market,” said Denk. “It is striking how the basics we learned over 35 years ago in Pioneer Tower remain relevant and useful today.” Denk has been heavily involved in community service, including board positions with the Salvation Army, various Chambers of Commerce, local school board committees, economic development councils, and the United Way. He is also a strong supporter of the UW-Platteville Foundation, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and a full member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society.

Perry Hubert earned his degree in civil engineering from UW-Platteville in 1981. He spent his career working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a variety of districts, including in St. Paul, Minnesota; Frankfurt, Germany; Mosul, Iraq; and Rock Island, Illinois. He retired in 2013 as Assistant Chief of Engineering and Construction Division/Supervisory Civil Engineer. Hubert has been honored with a number of awards from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers throughout his career, including the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal, Superior Civilian Service Award, Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, and the Commander’s Special Emphasis Award – all in 2013. Hubert is a lifetime member of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association and has hired UW-Platteville students into co-operative education assignments and professional engineering and construction positions within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “I am forever grateful to UW-Platteville for an excellent education, an invaluable cooperative education experience that led to my career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and many lifelong friendships, especially my wife, Beverly McFall ’84,” said Hubert.

Tim Herrick graduated from UW-Platteville in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology. He later received his Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University in 1991. Herrick has worked for General Motors Corporation for 37 years and is currently the Vice President of Global Product Programs. In this role, he leads an international team in the design, engineering, development and validation of the General Motors vehicle portfolio. Herrick has held numerous engineering titles with increasing responsibility, including assignments in Janesville, Fort Wayne, Arlington and Metro Detroit. Over the course of his career, he has earned various accolades, including Red X Shainin Master and General Motors’ highest honor, the GM Chairman’s Honor. Herrick has a passion for developing future leaders and serves as CEO of Leader Foundry. Leader Foundry is a group of mentors at General Motors who support at-risk students from Detroit Public Schools and provides scholarships to first-generation college students. Herrick’s Platteville pride is well known throughout GM. Everyone who works with him knows where he came from and is invited to join the Platteville family. The Platteville Logo is prominently displayed on the map that hangs behind his desk. Herrick had the following to say about his experience at UW-Platteville: “The experience and education I received at UW-Platteville prepared me for the hard work required to develop world-class vehicles that win in the marketplace, as well as the behaviors that win in the board room. I extend my sincerest gratitude to the faculty, staff and leaders of UW-Platteville that tirelessly educate tomorrow’s leaders today.”

Dave Fritz graduated from UW-Platteville in 1981 with a major in accounting. He is the Owner and President/CEO of TRICOR Insurance. Fritz is President of the Potosi Brewery Foundation Board of Directors, which has played a major role in helping to revitalize communities in the Southwest Wisconsin region. He is also a generous supporter of UW-Platteville and a member of the 1866 Cornerstone Society.

Dr. Elizabeth Duewer is a Senior Lecturer Emerita at UW-Platteville, where she taught biology courses for more than 30 years. She, and her husband, Dr. Raymond Duewer, established three endowed scholarships at UW-Platteville for students in biology, horticulture, and music.