Class Notes
1940s
Nancy Fleury
BS 1944 – Education
Nancy now lives in Utah.
1950s
Corinne Wick
BS 1952 – Speech Education
Corinne taught at the college level and remains a lifelong learner who loves reading and libraries.
Stanley Krippner
BS 1954 – Speech Education
Stanley remains active on the faculty of multiple graduate programs. In 2025, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association for Transpersonal Psychology and is a founder of the International Journal of Transpersonal Psychology. He also serves as Honorary President of the Chinese Institute for Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychology.
Maxine Sheets‑Johnstone
MA 1954 – Dance; PhD 1957 – Philosophy and Dance
Maxine’s latest book, “The Importance of Evolution to Understandings of Human Nature,” was recommended by philosopher Robert Crease and brain and behavioral scientist Scott Kelso. Her most recent article, “Humans Are a Disaster,” examines personal, interspecies, and global violence.
Rodger Nelson
MA 1955 – Physical Education and Science
Rodger taught and coached in Orfordville, Columbus, and Kenosha, Wisconsin. An Olympic cyclist and Wisconsin State Sprint Champion, he competed for 40 years, including in the Senior Olympics until age 95. After leaving teaching, he built an insurance business in Milwaukee. Now 98, he lives in Florida with his family.
Kay Kuester Doran
BS 1957 – Secondary Education
Kay received the Alumnus Honoris Award from Clintonville High School and was selected as a graduation speaker for the Clintonville Class of 2026.
Mary Sue Schusky
BS 1957 – History
Mary Sue earned a master’s degree in library science and built a career across education, libraries, museums, and testing services.
John Hiram Hansen
BA 1959 – History; MEd 1961 – Education; PhD 1964 – Education (Curriculum and Instruction)
John is a professor emeritus in the College of Education at Florida State University, where he has served since 1973. He previously held an appointment at the University of Oregon and has worked in educational settings in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, and other international contexts. At age 88, he remains actively involved in education initiatives in the state of Florida.
1960s
Marilyn Fenrick Boelke
BA 1964 – Elementary Education
Marilyn spent decades teaching elementary students and working as a reading specialist.
Peggy Porter Glick
BS 1964 – Mathematics
Peggy taught high school mathematics for five years, earned a master’s degree in economics, and taught at Wayne State University. Now retired, she lives primarily in Seattle and occasionally in Reno.
Susan Straub
BS 1966 – English
Susan began her career with Project Upward Bound, a federal education program. She later helped develop student services at a college of further education in London and, after training in child psychotherapy and social work, founded Read to Me, a program encouraging teen mothers to read with their babies. She is now a children’s book author.
David Harris
BA 1967 – History; MS 1970; PhD 1976 – Curriculum and Instruction
David came out of retirement to teach at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, where he teaches “Ethical Issues in American History” using the second edition of a book he co‑authored with Anne‑Lise Halvorsen and Paul Dain.
Barbara McCandless‑Melby
BS 1967 – Earth Science Education
Barbara devoted decades to volunteer service, including thousands of hours at museums and youth organizations.
Susan Smith Blakely
BS 1969 – Education (English)
Susan began her career as an elementary school teacher before attending Georgetown University Law Center. After 25 years practicing law, she developed a professional mentoring program for young lawyers, including the “Best Friends at the Bar” book series. She is the author of “New Lawyer Launch: The Handbook for Young Lawyers” and has lectured at more than 100 venues nationwide.
Jane K. Elfers
BS 1969 – Education (Spanish and English)
Jane taught at a Department of Defense high school in the Panama Canal Zone, and later taught high school and college Spanish in Cincinnati. Her work included serving as lead Spanish teacher for the University of Cincinnati’s bilingual dual‑immersion preschool pilot program, later adopted by Ohio Head Start.
Freya Grand
BS 1969 – Art
Freya has worked for three decades as an oil painter in Washington, D.C., exhibiting contemporary landscapes inspired by global travel.
Julie Kundert
MS 1969 – Social Studies Education
Julie taught high school social studies, later pursued music education, and now enjoys retirement and community music.
Diann (Kulcinski) Stone
BS 1969 – Elementary Education
Diann taught in Wisconsin before spending 20 years teaching elementary, gifted, and junior high students in Anchorage, Alaska. She later worked in wild bird rehabilitation, presenting live birds and educating the public. Now living in Boise, Idaho, she was recognized for 25 years of volunteer service at the World Center for Birds of Prey (The Peregrine Fund), where she remains active in public education.
1970s
Ray Allen
MFA 1970 – Art
Ray and his wife are retiring after 47 years of operating Popcorn Studio Pottery, creating functional stoneware in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Phil Resch
BS 1970 – Physical Education
Phil taught at Wayland Academy and later retired from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Stanford University. He now divides his time between Northern Wisconsin and California.
Robert St. John
BS 1970 – History and Geography
Robert taught history and geography in Green Bay public schools for 33 years.
Michael Egan
BS 1972 – Education
Michael spent his career working with youth through the scouting program before transitioning into insurance sales and administration.
Francis Gregorich
MS 1973 – Guidance Counseling
Francis taught chemistry at Stoughton High School for 34 years.
George Marx
BS 1973 – Elementary Education
George co‑facilitates the San Francisco Bay Area Cohort of White Men for Racial Justice. He is active in Jewish Voice for Peace locally, participating in weekly protests at the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco; provides security and peace‑keeping support at protests; and remains involved in several additional social justice organizations. He is also a dedicated men’s basketball fan.
Andrew Salter
BS 1973 – Education
Andrew works as a FEMA applicant services program specialist, assisting disaster survivors in Houston, Texas.
Maria Lucia Seidl de Moura
MS 1973 – Educational Psychology
Maria Lucia was recently nominated Emeritus Professor at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Eileen Steele
MA 1973 – Behavioral Disabilities
Eileen built a career across special education, school leadership, consulting, and charter schools before retiring in 2011.
Don Dellario
PhD 1974 – Behavioral Disabilities
Don recently completed a four‑volume literary series titled, “The Living Light: A Process of Renewal.”
Deborah Becker‑Galewski
BS 1975 – Occupational Therapy
Deb applied problem‑solving skills from her occupational therapy career to adapting her life and home for aging in place.
Lynn Matluck Brooks
BS 1975 – Dance Education
After founding the Dance Program at Franklin & Marshall College in 1984, Lynn retired in 2018. She continues to engage in dance history research, has published two recent books, presents internationally, and remains active with the Dance Studies Association.
Connie Kubiayk Drojak
BS 1975 – History
Connie began her career as a history teacher and earned graduate degrees in library science and industrial engineering. She later founded Help Our Children, Ltd., to support grieving children and went on to work for 26 years as a school counselor in the Rochester City School District. She now enjoys retirement.
Paula Menn
BS 1975 – Communication Arts, English, and Speech
Paula began her teaching career in 1975 at Kickapoo High School, teaching English and speech. After a pause to raise her family, she returned to teaching at Viroqua High School and Western Wisconsin Technical College. She served for 20 years as board president of the nonprofit that restored the Historic Temple Theatre in Viroqua and now homeschools five grandchildren.
Gayle M. Wilt
BS 1975 – Occupational Therapy
Gayle has been married to her husband, Darrel, for 32 years. They have twins and are now both retired, enjoying time at home together.
Bob Spurlock
BS 1976 – History Education
Bob taught and coached in Wisconsin before becoming an attorney and continuing lifelong involvement in coaching.
Anne Marie Wall
BS 1976 – Fine Art
Anne earned a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University and built a career in sports and consumer marketing, including leading brand protection for the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. An Olympic torchbearer and FBI medal recipient, she is now a writer, visual artist, multisport athlete, and author of “Awaken in Nature” and “Adventures in Nature.”
Sue Whitaker
PhD 1976 – Education
Sue received the Paul Abell Distinguished Service Award for her leadership bringing together alumni communities across agriculture and human environmental sciences and strengthening their representation and shared purpose.
1980s
Elizabeth Disch
BA, MS 1980 – Elementary Education
Elizabeth taught elementary and special education before earning a master’s degree in school counseling. She served as a PreK–21 counselor for 25 years.
Michael Hertting
BS 1981; MS 1986; PhD 2000 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Mike recently retired for the third time from the Madison Metropolitan School District, most recently serving as special assistant to the superintendent. He is currently driving school buses to help address the driver shortage, returning to his roots as an educator.
Scott Snyder
BS 1981 – Physical Education
Scott taught for five years before transitioning into the utility industry, retiring in 2022 after a 37‑year career. He now enjoys retirement on the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Colleen Sullivan Bohl
BS 1983 – Physical Therapy
Colleen retired after 43 years of continuous physical therapy practice serving veterans at the Milwaukee VA Hospital.
Mary Lou Krase
BS 1983 – Art Education
Mary Lou began her career as a Wisconsin Artist‑in‑Residence teaching papermaking statewide. She later worked with Madison Children’s Museum, the Overture Center, and Tulane University. She now works full-time as an artist in New Orleans and Madison.
Robert Beck
BM-Ed 1984 – Music Education
After 47 years as a professional double bassist, Robert announced his retirement. For the past 20 years, he served as principal bassist of the Symphony of Southeast Texas and retired in 2017 after 31 years as a Texas music educator. He lives in Spring, Texas, with his wife, Rosa.
Kristi Hallisy
BS 1984 – Physical Therapy
Kristi was promoted to professor in UW–Madison’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and received the Margaret Kohli Award.
John Kitzmann
BA 1984 – Education
John taught social studies, coached athletics, mentored educators, and supervised 17 student teachers. He completed graduate degrees in teacher mentoring and educational leadership and is now retired.
Christopher Sny
PhD 1984 – Educational Leadership
Christopher began his career as a high school history teacher and is now the author of the memoir, “Dear Chloe: A Memoir from a Road Less Traveled.”
Christopher Noren
BS 1985 – Psychology; BS 1988 – Education
Christopher taught K–12 art for 28 years in Carlin, Nevada, after earning an MA in ceramics from Northern Arizona University in 1991. He is now the owner and artist behind Ruby Mountain Mud Ceramic Art in Elko, Nevada.
Larry Weiss
PhD 1985 – Educational Administration
Larry began as a high school teacher and director of debate and drama, later creating the UW Speech and Debate Program. He held faculty, leadership, superintendent, and dean roles before retiring from San Diego Mesa College.
Christina “Tina” Dunn
BS 1988 – Elementary Education and Spanish
Tina has taught Spanish since beginning her career in 1988. After joining the Madison Metropolitan School District at Sennett Middle School in 1989, she taught in a multi‑age learning community and served as a learning coordinator, instructional coach, PBIS specialist, and advanced learning teacher. She is now in her 37th year at Sennett and continues to teach Spanish.
1990s
Deborah Ellis
BS 1992 – Special Education
Deborah began her career as a substitute teacher and now writes psychological thrillers under the pen name D. R. Ellis.
Sue McDonnell Howard
BS 1992 – Secondary Education (English)
Sue is completing her 33rd and final year teaching English at Hinsdale South High School in Darien, Illinois.
Lori Neubauer‑Davis
BS 1992 – Elementary Education
Lori spent much of her career in the Beloit Turner School District as a teacher, literacy interventionist, and dean of students. She has now returned to teaching third grade in the Ripon School District.
Micaela Pond
BS 1992 – Elementary Education
Micaela recently retired after 30 years as a public educator, primarily as a gifted resource teacher at Escuela Key, a Spanish immersion school in Arlington, Virginia. She co-founded We of Action Virginia, the largest Indivisible group in Northern Virginia. She and her husband recently won an air‑guitar contest at the Montreux Miami Jazz Festival and will travel to Montreux, Switzerland.
Nantana Lamart Slatter
MS 1992 – Curriculum and Instruction
Nantana was a science teacher and later extended her doctoral studies in energy and environmental management at Phayao University. She is now retired.
Laura Flynn Endres
BS 1993 – Elementary Education
Laura transitioned from teaching into personal training and real estate investment.
Steven Feyen
BS 1993 – Mathematics Education
Steven taught high school mathematics for more than 30 years while coaching athletics.
Tony Hjelle
BS 1993 – Mathematics Education
Tony began his career teaching elementary math and science, later earned a doctorate in chiropractic, and now operates an occupational health practice specializing in DOT physicals and compliance testing.
Baxter Richardson
PhD 1993 – Curriculum and Instruction
Baxter began his career teaching high school in Hartford, Connecticut. After earning his PhD at UW–Madison, he worked as a public school administrator, researcher, and academic staff member at UW–Madison before retiring in 2000.
Jennifer Arndt
BS 1994 – Art and Graphic Design
Jennifer began her career as a graphic designer at a local printing company and now serves as a creative director overseeing multiple consumer packaged goods brands.
Kristina Carlin
BS 1994 – Elementary Education
Kristina became a reading interventionist and now teaches English language learners.
Eva Brooks
BSN 1995 – Nursing
Eva worked in critical care and pediatrics and now owns a medical aesthetics practice in Wisconsin, where she continues to practice as an aesthetic nurse.
Andrea Reynolds
BS 1995 – Occupational Therapy
Andrea has worked in occupational therapy for 30 years across acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. She currently specializes in neurological care, breast cancer rehabilitation, low vision, and pre‑driving evaluations.
Todd Andres
BS 1996 – Occupational Therapy
Todd retired and moved to northern Wisconsin.
Dana Hanson
MS 1996 – Learning Disabilities
Dana taught at Thoreau Elementary School, where she loved teaching until she retired.
Jason Sinz
BS 1996 – English Education
Jason taught for 20 years in Wisconsin schools and has spent the past decade as associate principal for student services and programming at Wausau East High School.
Kevin Boatright
MS 1997 – Higher Education Administration
Kevin retired in 2016 as director emeritus of external affairs in the Office of Research at the University of Kansas. He is beginning his third term on the Board of Governors at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Teresa Faris
MFA 1998 – Art (Metals)
Teresa’s work is currently featured in “Out of the Box” at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and in the traveling exhibition “Nordic Echoes,” organized by the American‑Scandinavian Foundation.
Michael LaViolette
BS 1998 – Physical Therapy
Michael shared news that his youngest child graduated from the UW–Madison School of Nursing in May 2026.
Michelle Reinhardt
BS 1998 – Education
Michelle began her career as a Pre-K teacher and now serves as school principal at a PreK–3 school.
Sue Fundingsland Varecka
BS 1999 – Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education
Sue taught middle school special education for 14 years and now teaches at the collegiate level as a student‑teaching supervisor and assistant professor.
2000s
Amanda Browder
MFA 2000 – Art
Amanda creates large‑scale textile installations and leads community‑based public art projects nationwide.
Vickie Gukenberger
PhD 2000 – Nursing and Education
Vickie retired after a 43‑year career in healthcare, higher education, and curriculum consulting.
Kevin Kumashiro
MA, PhD 2000 – Educational Policy Studies
Kevin published “Collectives and the Commons: The Role of Educational Scholars in Movement Building for Justice,” examining scholar collectives and justice‑focused leadership networks.
Allison Kroll
BS 2001 – Occupational Therapy
Allison is celebrating 25 years working in outpatient occupational therapy and is also a certified lymphedema therapist.
Deb Lawton
MFA 2001 – Graphic Design
Deb is a senior lecturer and UX program director at the University of Minnesota.
Amanda Quainoo
BS 2001 – Education; MS 2011 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Amanda began her teaching career at a nonprofit school in Honduras before teaching in Wisconsin for 10 years. She now works as a public health educator with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, focusing on newborn screening education.
Allison Bergman Qualy
BS 2001 – Art
Ali is a founding partner of Roost Interiors, an interior design firm serving the New York metropolitan area.
Brian Kluge
BS 2002 – Art Education
Brian runs Midwest Clay Project, a community ceramics studio in Madison.
Erin Arango‑Escalante
BS 2003 – Cross‑Categorical Special Education; MS 2010 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Erin founded Tilly’s Farm in late 2025, applying her background in special education and educational leadership to community‑based practice. Through the farm, she co‑designs inclusive programming with and for children, families, and adults with disabilities, while increasing access to fresh, locally grown food.
Karen Connair
BFA, BS 2004 – Dance and Education
Karen transitioned from the Madison dance scene into dance technology leadership in Texas public schools. She currently serves as an instructional technology specialist and instructional coach while remaining active as a dance presenter and educator.
LeeAnn Grimm
MS 2004 – Rehabilitation Psychology
LeeAnn began her career as a care manager for adults with disabilities and now supervises Adult Protective Services for Dane County.
Kristin (Joyce) Isaacs
BS 2004 – Art Education
Kristin homeschools her child and has taught candle dipping, weaving, calligraphy, acting, and social skills among homeschool groups. She now teaches part‑time with the Kickapoo Valley Reserve homeschool program.
Margaret Williams
MS 2004 – Curriculum and Instruction
After retiring from more than 30 years of teaching in Madison public schools, Margaret published two historical fiction novels under the pen name Peggy Joque Williams: “Courting the Sun” and “Braving the Dawn.”
Hajira Buser
MS 2007 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Hajira has worked internationally across five continents. She founded a ballroom dance studio and was recently published, reflecting the Wisconsin Idea through her commitment to sharing knowledge beyond the classroom.
Kelty Carew
BS 2007 – Art
Kelty operates an engraving business in France and exhibits her work internationally.
William Adams
BS 2009 – Kinesiology and Athletic Training
William accepted a faculty position at Michigan State University as assistant professor of kinesiology and serves as interim program director for the Master of Science in Athletic Training.
Samira Álvarez Gretzinger
BA, MA 2009 – Bilingual Education
Samira is a bilingual elementary teacher and social‑emotional learning children’s author who has published seven books in Spanish. She regularly visits schools and libraries and recently spoke to UW–Madison students about bilingual education.
Gareth Zehrbach
PhD 2009 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Gareth serves as deputy superintendent of the Deer Valley Unified School District in Arizona.
2010s
Tyanna Buie
MFA 2010 – Art (Printmaking)
Tyanna is an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose work explores memory and identity through print and digital media. She has received national awards and commissions, including from the Obama Presidential Center, and serves as associate professor and graduate program director at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Lisa Hennessey
BS 2011; MS 2017 – Secondary Mathematics Education and Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Lisa taught high school math, served as a district math coordinator and summer school principal, and now teaches pre-service mathematics educators at UW–Madison. She also serves on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Board of Directors.
Laura Montez
MS 2011 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Laura is the founding principal of a Miami school serving students in grades 5–12 with special needs.
Chelsea Roessler
BS 2011 – Education
Chelsea now works in hospitality and wellness marketing after leadership roles with the Milwaukee Brewers and Kohler Hospitality.
Joel Spiess
MS 2011 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Joel was appointed chief enrollment operations officer and executive director of Student Financial Services at UW–Milwaukee, overseeing student financial aid and enrollment systems.
Nantaya Auckaraaree
PhD 2013 – Science Education
Nantaya works in Thailand developing national science curriculum and training teachers.
Matthew Piepenbrok
MFA 2013 – Glass
Matthew directs Rural Modern Glass Studio and has lectured, taught, and exhibited internationally, including work in India and Indonesia.
Lindsey Kaiser
MS 2014 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Lindsey is an assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Maine.
Catherine Lammert
MS 2014 – Educational Psychology
Catherine was named a 2026 Outstanding Researcher at Texas Tech University.
Aaron Perzigian
PhD 2015 – Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education
Aaron serves as department chair at Western Washington University and directs a paraprofessional‑to‑teacher pipeline in multilingual special education.
Rebecca Penn
BS 2018 – Elementary Education and ESL
Rebecca has taught fourth grade in the Madison Metropolitan School District since graduation.
Kaitlyn Bringe
MA 2019 – Curriculum and Instruction
Kaitlyn teaches high school English in the Wisconsin Dells School District.
Erika Marks
BS 2019 – Theatre (Acting)
Erika began her acting career in Madison and Chicago and now lives in Los Angeles. She has appeared in major commercials for brands including Booking.com, Coca-Cola, the NFL, and Prime. She will also appear on the big screen in “Stiletto,” the newest horror film from Eli Roth, coming to theaters soon.
2020s
Amelia Catacutan
BS 2020 – Education Studies
Amelia is completing a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis and works as an academic advisor supporting first‑generation and underrepresented students.
Max Hautala
MFA 2020 – Art (Printmaking)
Max works as a marketing coordinator for the student union at Western Washington University.
Anne Mueller
MA 2020 – Occupational Therapy
Anne works as an occupational therapist and is pursuing advanced certification as a hand therapist.
Kim Amidzich
PhD 2021 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Kim serves as superintendent of Greendale Schools.
Youmi Suk
PhD 2021 – Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods
Youmi is an assistant professor of applied statistics at Teachers College, Columbia University, and has received multiple early‑career and reviewer awards.
Megumi Wolf
BSE 2021 – Elementary Education
Megumi teaches second grade and has continued working in the same school community where she began.
Jonathan Berhanu
PhD 2022 – Educational Policy Studies
Jonathan is an assistant professor of educational studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York.
Lucas Spencer
BS 2022 – Health Promotion and Health Equity
Lucas works as a certified community health worker in Portland, Oregon, helping patients navigate healthcare and social support systems.
Benazir Meera
PhD 2023 – Kinesiology
Benazir is an assistant professor at Lehman College (CUNY).
Andrew Pearson
PhD 2023 – Kinesiology
Andrew serves as a clinical assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan.
Deborah Akinwole
MS 2024 – Special Education
Deborah works as a learning strategist at the University of British Columbia, supporting postsecondary students with disabilities.
Rachel Delmar
BS 2024 – Education Policy Studies
Rachel is completing a master’s degree in education at the University of Sydney in Australia.
Avery Simpson
BSE 2025 – Elementary Education
Avery is pursuing graduate study in higher education leadership at the University of Texas at Austin and serves as a graduate assistant and student advocate.
Shannon Stege
MS 2025 – Special Education
Shannon teaches middle school special education in the Hartford School District.