Alumni Accomplishments

Our alumni are doing amazing things—living the Pioneer spirit and making news. Read more about their accomplishments. Have a highlight to share? Send it to alumni@deestudioproductions.com.

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Jim Hershey '01

Jim Hershey '01, Founder and Executive Director of GEM Academy, was on a research team that created an abstract presented by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), University of Minnesota, and Arizona State University, focusing on weight loss in adolescents with obesity without bariatric surgery or medication.
-March 19, 2024

Jim Vento '02, M.Ed. '08 & Elizabeth Jorgensen M.Ed. '09

Eighth grade math teacher at North Shore Middle School, Jim Vento '02, M.Ed. '08, and creative writing teacher at Arrowhead Union High School, Elizabeth Jorgensen M.Ed. '09, were nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. This award celebrates a K-12 teacher or school employee making a difference in students' lives. Learn more about Jim here. Learn more about Elizabeth here.
-March 8, 2024

Andrew Hysell '93

Andrew Hysell '93 of Sun Prairie, WI, announced his bid for the Democratic nomination to represent the newly drawn 48th Assembly District. Hysell works as an attourney at Lawton & Cates, S.C. in Madison, WI, and litigates in the areas of civil rights, consumer protection and in support of union organizing. Learn more here.
-March 4, 2024

Joel Herbst '96 & Claire Rhode '20, DPT '22

Joel Herbst '96 and Claire Rhode '20, DPT '22 are working on the North American tour of the Broadway show, Beetlejuice. Herbst is the company manager, and Rhode is a physical therapist. Learn more about the show here.
-February 28, 2024

Brian Fricker '92

Brian Fricker '92 has been included in Marquis Who's Who. Fricker is the president of Staffing Partners Inc., which has been recognized by the Wisconsin Business Journal as a Top-Ranked Staffing Company in Wisconsin. Read more here.
-February 27, 2024

Ross Bukouricz '12

Ross Bukouricz '12 joined the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County as controller.
-February 20, 2024

Rebecca (Hawkins) Wiesner '94, DNP

Rebecca (Hawkins) Wiesner '94, DNP completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Walden University in December 2022. Her doctoral abstract was selected to present at the 2024 Sigma Theta Tau Creating Healthy Work Environments International Conference in March, 2024, in Washington D.C.
-February 15, 2024

Brett Lobello '01

The Sheboygan County Museum has hired Brett Lobello '01 as its new executive director following a national search. Read more here.
-February 9, 2024

Jim DeJong '73

Jim DeJong '73 was recognized as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer. Out of over 15,000 lawyers in Wisconsin, just 5% are selected to appear on the Wisconsin Super Lawyers list. Jim is the Chairman Emeritus at O'Neil Cannon Hollman DeJong & Laing S.C. Learn more about Jim here.
-January 31, 2024

Rev. Christina Schoenwetter '02

Rev. Christina Schoenwetter '02 was ordained into Christian ministry with the United Church of Christ, and has been called as the Associate Pastor of Engagement at St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe, WI.
-January 22, 2024

James Drought '82

James Drought '82 is a Professional Hydrologist and Managing Director of the Wisconsin Operations of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., a national geotechnical and environmental consulting firm. James swims competitively, and completed an open water swim race in Sydney, Australia with 1976 Olympic Gold Medalist Jim Montgomery, in December 2023.
-January 17, 2024

Dr. Elfriede Pahl Schuette '79

At the American Heart Association Annual Sessions in November, 2023, Dr. Elfriede Pahl Schuette '79 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society. Dr. Pahl Schuette is a former Carroll trustee and recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Alumna Award for Professional Achievement. Read more about Dr. Pahl Schuette here.
-January 16, 2024

Lauren (Radonski) Ruff '07 

The Women & Girl's Fund of Waukesha County has elected Lauren (Radonski) Ruff '07, Marketing Director of Ixonia Bank, to its Board of Directors. Lauren began sharing her marketing knowledge wit hthe Women & Girl's Fund as a member of the Marketing Committee. Now, as a new board member, Lauren is excited to support women and girls even more - and will work to increase awareness.
-January 16, 2024

Aaron Schroeder '02

The public finance team of Colliers Securities has added Aaron Schroeder '02 as a senior vice president based in Milwaukee. Read more about Aaron here.
-December 8, 2023

Mary Hoynacki '11

Mary Hoynacki '11 wrote and published her first children's book, The Groovy Blube. This tale unfolds around Gerry, a spirited blueberry with an aspiration to play the saxophone in a New York City jazz club. Gerry teaches kids the joy of music, the power of determination, and the importance of following their dreams. Learn more on Youtube, @TheGroovyBlube.
-November 30, 2023

Samuel Brickley MPAS '23

Samuel Brickley MPAS '23 recently joined the Essentia Health-West Duluth Clinic, specializing in family medicine. Read more about Samuel here.
-November 29, 2023

Dr. Jeff Champion '82

Dr. Jeff Champion '82 recently received the Community Outreach Award on behalf of the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) in recognition of his local and international volunteer service.
-November 28, 2023

Terry Burton '74

After four years retired from being Dean of Library Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Terry Burton '74 serves on the University of Oregon Libraries Advancement Council and teaches marching bands in Texas.
-November 16, 2023

Jeffrey (Allen) Taege M.Ed. '14

The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Jeffrey (Allen) Taege M.Ed. '14 as its 2023 Wisconsin Associate (AP) Principal of the Year. Taege has served as assistant principal at Butler Middle School in Waukesha for the past seven years. Read more here.
-November 10, 2023

Elizabeth Jorgensen M.Ed. '09

Elizabeth Jorgensen M.Ed. '09 has published four books within the last few years: Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete, Sijo: Korea's Poetry Form, Hacking Student Learning Habits: 9 Ways to Foster Resilient Learners and Assess the Process Not the Outcome, and Go, Gwen, Go: A Family's Journey to Olympic Gold. More information is available here.
-November 2, 2023

Dr. Matt Gurka '99

The University of Virginia School of Medicine has named Dr. Matt Gurka '99, a national leader in child health research, to chair its Department of Public Health Sciences. Read more here.
-October 20, 2023

Maureen O'Leary Guth '04

Maureen O'Leary Guth '04 was named 2023 Outstanding Professional Advisor of the Year by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Read more here. Additionally, O'Leary-Guth Law Office S.C., a trusts, estates, tax and business law firm, was named 2023 Small Business of the Year by Ozaukee Economic Development. 
-September 30, 2023

Patrick Barrett ’18

Patrick Barrett ’18 has signed on for a 2nd season as a Center for the Tulsa Oilers Football team. Read more here.
-September 6, 2023

Dr. Charles Barland ’90

Dr. Charles Barland ’90, university organist and professor of music at the University of Dubuque, will perform a faculty organ recital of varied works in the John & Alice Buitler Hall of the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on September 10, 2023. Read more about Dr. Barland here.
-August 30, 2023

Dr. Don Sipes '85

Dr. Don Sipes '85 of Green Bay was elected president of Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. Read more here.
-August 22, 2023

Amy Truesdell ’86

Amy Truesdell ’86 is delighted to share the news of the publication her book, From Binghamton to the Battlefield - The Civil War Letters of Rollin B. Truesdell. Using the 100+ letters he penned to family as a guide, the book traces the experiences of her great-great-grandfather as one of the earliest enlistees fighting for the Union.
-August 22, 2023

Dr. Ronelle Moe ’88

Dr. Ronelle Moe ’88 was named Chief Medical Director at Thrivent Financial, the first female to hold that position in the 100 year history of the Fortune 500 company. She joined Thrivent after practicing internal medicine for 20 years in the Green Bay and Wausau areas. In addition to her internal medicine board certification, she is also board certified in insurance medicine through the American Academy of Insurance Medicine. She currently lives in De Pere, WI with her husband and they have two sons.
-August 21, 2023

Chris Bennett ’97

Chris Bennett ’97 became the Village Administrator in the Village of Wind Point, WI effective Aug. 28 and recently joined Carroll's Alumni Council.
-August 12, 2023

Andrew Joseph M.Ed. ’17

The Fox Point-Bayside School District announced that Andrew Joseph M.Ed. ’17 was named Stormonth Elementary School's principal. Read more here.
-August 1, 2023

Jake Schertz ’15

Jake Schertz ’15 participated in "The Favorite Chef" competition by Karla Hall which brings together thousands of chefs, home cooks, and culinary creators to compete for the ultimate prize and raise awareness for James Beard Foundation. Congrats to Jake for making it into the final rounds of the competition!
-July 31, 2023

Ken Camillieri ’08

Narberth, PA officials announced they selected a new borough manager, Ken Camillieri '08, who has served for over 10 years in local government management and administration. Read more here.

-July 24, 2023

Rena (Lettsome) Gosser ’05

Rena (Lettsome) Gosser ’05 was promoted to Assistant Director of Specialty Pharmacy Services and Medication Access at University of Washington Medicine. She was also recognized as a 2023 Fellow of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) for excellence in pharmacy practice, as well as service and contributions to ASHP.
-June 22, 2023

Frank Dobbs ’70

Frank Dobbs ’70 is the new owner and CEO of the Emerald Group, a medical cannabis clinic located in Sarasota, Florida.
-June 21, 2023

Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek ’77

Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek ’77 was recently featured in Deacon Magazine for her medical missionary work in Uganda. When in the U.S., she is medical director for Milwaukee area crisis pregnancy centers and is a guest speaker on the need for conscience protection for medical professionals, social justice in medicine, and medical missions. In her free time, she can be found at a circus or rodeo with her husband, Deacon Gary Nosacek, who is part of the U.S.  Catholic Bishops' Circus and Traveling Show Ministry. 
-June 20, 2023

Nolan Heck ’20

Nolan Heck ’20 received his Juris Doctor degree and graduated Cum Laude from Marquette Law School on May 20, 2023. Heck will be working at Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
-June 15, 2023

The Reverend Marilyn Hair ’73

In June, Marilyn Hair '73 graduated with a Post-Baccalaureate Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree from Seattle Pacific University (SPU) in Seattle, Washington. After graduating from Carroll, Marilyn earned a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and served as a pastor in the Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Church from 1977-1994. She moved to Seattle with her family in 1995. Marilyn returned to school to study Biology then earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington and worked in public health at the UW until retirement. She returned to SPU in 2022-23 to complete the B.A. by taking the last required course, Christian Theology, which was taught by Marilyn's husband of 45 years, Dr. Richard Steele. Marilyn was awarded this degree on the 50th anniversary of her graduation from Carroll.
-June 13, 2023

Missy (Heschke) Barker ’16

Missy (Heschke) Barker ’16 joined the Wild Rose School District as the new Reading Intervention Teacher.
-June 13, 2023

Abby Jo (Foyer) Lorenz ’84

Abby Jo (Foyer) Lorenz ’84 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Waukesha Civic Theatre for directing the Civic Broadway Singers, a group of volunteer singers who perform in Southeastern Wisconsin in exchange for donations to the nonprofit theatre. They reached a milestone record of over $100,000 for the Waukesha Civic Theatre since forming in 1999.
-June 8, 2023

Cassie Alderks ’14

Owner and Founder Dr. Cassie Alderks, PT, DPT, CIDN, opened KIND PT & Wellness on June 1, 2022 as an outlet to escape the current healthcare model on how people access PT. Read more about the one year anniversary here.
-June 1, 2023

Debora (Hurda) Hoffmann ’87

Debora (Hurda) Hoffmann ’87 has published a new book, “How It All Began,” about her experiences building the world’s largest collection of Winnie-the-Pooh memorabilia. She has been in the Guinness World Records Book since 2008.
-May 31, 2023

Maria Acosta Pedroza ’21

Maria Acosta Pedroza ’21 recently produced and hosted La Maria Comedy show in Milwaukee. Read more.
-May 24, 2023

Phil Smith '85

Phil Smith '85 was inducted into the Menomonee Falls High School Fine Arts Wall of Fame for his musical accomplishments.
-May 23, 2023

Michael Cameron M.Ed. ’23

Jacksonville High School hired Michael Cameron M.Ed. ’23 as head boys’ basketball coach. Members of the Jacksonville School Board approved the hiring at their May meeting. Read more.
-May 17, 2023

Gabrielle (Lueck) Zastrow ’98

Gabrielle Zastrow ’98, a Dodgeland School District 2nd grade teacher, was selected as one of the 2023 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellows. She was selected from a number of applicants due to her leadership skills and her ability to inspire a love of learning. Her classroom is a positive, safe and loving place to be and her students thrive with her each year. A grant will be awarded to Dodgeland Elementary in her name for this award.
-May 4, 2023

Chelsea Blackburn Cohen ’10

Dr. Chelsea Blackburn Cohen ’10 began a new role in the Office of the President at Carnegie Mellon University as Executive Fellow, Community Engagement. She received her PhD in Higher Education Leadership & Policy from UW-Madison in 2018. Prior to CMU, she worked at New York University, focusing on academic freedom and human rights. She serves on the Advisory Board of Partners for Campus-Community Engagement and is active in the Pittsburgh community, where she resides with her spouse and daughter.
-April 27, 2023

Jack Wells ’13

Jack Wells ’13 was sworn into his third term as Alderman for the City of Waukesha. His service started in 2017, when he was the youngest Alderman to hold the office. Quite the accomplishment!
-April 19, 2023

Brenda (Hughes) Flanigan ’96

"In December 2021, Green Lake resident and filmmaker Brenda (Hughes) Flanigan ’96 reached out to the South Woods Park Association (SWPA) Board with a proposal: Would they give her the go-ahead to produce a documentary film about South Woods Park?"  Read more here.
-April 17, 2023

Jenny (Fellman) Schultz ’04

Jenny (Fellman) Schultz ’04 finished her Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service at Cardinal Stritch University. Her dissertation was titled, "The State of School Principals: A Quantitative Study on Principal Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic."
-April 4, 2023

Kelly Drescher Johnson ’00

Kelly Drescher Johnson ’00 was named one of the vet med professionals "Women to Watch" by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) in honor of Women's History Month. Read more here.
-March 29, 2023

Taylor Jannsen ’11

Taylor Jannsen ’11 became the 27th Head Men's Basketball Coach after a national search. Read more here.
-March 28, 2023

Kyle Bedalov ’91

Kyle Bedalov ’91 was elected as the President Elect of the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA). Bedalov, a highly respected and experienced high school swim coach from Waukesha, WI, will serve in this role for two years before becoming President of NISCA.
-March 28, 2023

Julie (Kottke) Stigler ’06

Julie (Kottke) Stigler ’06 was promoted to assistant vice president of eBanking for National Exchange Bank & Trust where she is based out of the office located on North Main Street in Fond du Lac.
-March 20, 2023

Melissa Pallin ’08

The Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means’ recommendation to appoint Melissa Pallin ’08 as Principal of Wauwatosa Montessori School. “I am absolutely thrilled about becoming the Principal of Wauwatosa Montessori School and joining the Wauwatosa team,” stated Pallin. Read more here.
-March 13, 2023

Ryan (Albrechtson) Rehak ’16

Ryan (Albrechtson) Rehak ’16 is celebrating the 10 Year Anniversary Season of Outskirts Theatre Co.,  the company he founded. Additionally, he will welcome new artistic leadership. Read more here.
-March 8, 2023

Anthony Pirolo ’09, DPT ’11

Anthony Pirolo ’09, DPT ’11 is a Clinic Director at ATI Physical Therapy and recently earned the Clinical Excellence Award for leading his team to exceed patient expectations while meeting or exceeding the predicted improvement in patient outcomes over the last 12 months. “We’re proud to announce that Anthony was among the winners for outstanding performance in 2022,” said ATI CEO Sharon Vitti. “The Clinical Excellence Awards recognize the top clinic teams who consistently delivered great care in our clinics every day.” Anthony now resides in Waukesha, Wis.
-February 23, 2023

Dr. Gregory Meyer ’71

Dr. Gregory Meyer ’71 was recently named 19th President of Blackburn College. Read more here.
-February 21, 2023

Philip Smith ’85

Philip Smith ’85 will be inducted into the Menomonee Falls Half Fame For The Fine Arts on May 23, 2023.
-February 20, 2023

Daniel Heyen ’11

Daniel Heyen ’11 was promoted to Manager – Field Claims. Daniel started his Acuity career in 2013 as a Claims Representative and was promoted to Field Claims Representative in 2015 and Senior Field Claims Representative in 2018. Daniel holds the Certified Leadership Professional (CLP) and Certified Claims Professional (CCP) designations.
-February 19, 2023

Daniel Schwerin ’03

Daniel Schwerin ’03 has been elected as Bishop of the United Methodist Church. Northern Illinois Conference.Bishop Dan Schwerin, Bishop of The United Methodist Church, is serving as the resident Bishop in the Northern Illinois Conference for 2023. Bishop Schwerin was elected to the episcopacy at the North Central Jurisdiction gathering in November 2022. Read more here.
-February 1, 2023

Joe Splinter ’04

Joe Splinter ’04 will serve as Senator Agard’s District Director. A Carroll University graduate and Stevens Point native, Joe previously worked for Sen. Janet Bewley starting in May 2021. Splinter holds a degree in Psychology and is a proud Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.
-January 24, 2023

Kate Peterson ’12

Kate Peterson ’12 was featured on Fox6's Real Milwaukee to teach about simple semi-homemade meals. Watch the feature here
-January 19, 2023

Diego L. Pedroza ’20

Diego L. Pedroza ’20 wrote, produced, and directed the short film The Fools Who Dream. It has played in theaters in Los Angeles, Little Rock, Arkansas, and will premiere in Green Bay in August 2023. A few scenes were filmed on Carroll campus and had collaborations with cinematographer Eddie Curran ’18, still photographers Allison Calteux ’20 and Kelly Curran ’18; and has cameos by Jack Sherman ’18 and Matt Sherman (current student). You can view the trailer here and the film will be released publicly after its festival run around June 2023.
-January 18, 2023

Aubrey Headon ’22

Aubrey Headon ’22 will be recognized through a framed poster installation that recognizes Aubrey’s athletic accomplishments at Flagg Township Historical Society and Museum. Read more here
-January 15, 2023

Lindsay Fuss ’19

Lindsay Fuss ’19, a public health specialist with the Greenfield City Health Department, is involved in a Narcan Vending Machine initiative in Greenfield. This information was highlighted on TMJ4 News.
-January 3, 2023

Dominic Costa ’13

Dominic Costa ’13 recently published two books Through the Light and Darkness and Ancient Memories.
-January 1, 2023

Alumni Accomplishments from 2022
Alumni Accomplishments from 2021
Alumni Accomplishments from 2020
Alumni Accomplishments from 2019
Alumni Accomplishments from 2018
Alumni Accomplishments from 2017

Joel Herbst '96 and Claire Rhode '20, DPT '22

Joel Herbst '96 and Claire Rhode '20, DPT '22 are working on the North American tour of the Broadway show, Beetlejuice. Herbst is the company manager, and Rhode is a physical therapist. Learn more about the show here.
-February 28, 2024

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