Patricia Bronk will graduate with a master’s degree in social work. The working mother completed an internship with the Milwaukee Public Defender’s Office while in school. Bronk, who is deaf, overcame communication barriers with help from Amy Hogle (right) and others at UWM’s Accessibility Resource Center. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
TreQuan Martin (center) earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice. He found support from Ramona Sledge (right of Martin), Gary Cooper-Sperber (left) and others at UWM’s Black Cultural Center after transferring here as a sophomore. Working with the TEAM UP College Access Center, Martin helps inspire middle and high school students to pursue a college education. He plans to pursue a graduate degree at UWM in adult leadership. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
David Nickel earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. During his college career, he worked his way up in UWM’s University Recreation department, becoming a building manager and a special events supervisor. “Not only did my place of employment teach me valuable skills about the workplace, I developed relationships I will never forget, both with my supervisors and fellow employees,” Nickel said. “A few supervisors in particular have been like second parents to me.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Ahmadreza Baghaie earned his doctorate in electrical engineering after coming to UWM from a small village in central Iran. As part of his studies at UWM, he collaborated with researchers here and at the Medical College of Wisconsin on new imaging processes that will improve health care. Baghaie says UWM changed his life in another way too -- he met his wife, Maral, here. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Vincent Louis Tripi III earned a master’s degree in administrative studies to help him in his work designing educational programs for companies, nonprofits and other organizations. Tripi and his husband, who met at the LGBT Resource Center, have been supporters of and donors to multiple LGBT programs on campus. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
The Class of 2016
More than 2,200 students will receive degrees Sunday morning at the UWM Panther Arena.
Combined with those who earned degrees in May, the Class of 2016 includes more than 5,000 students, ranging in age from 20 to 67.
Many are the first in their families to earn a college degree. Most volunteered in the community, completed an internship with a Milwaukee-area business or took advantage of research opportunities at UWM. All of them make us #PantherProud!
Here is a look at a few of those grads.