Alumni Awards Evening 2026 graphic

Event Details

Date and Time
Friday, February 20, 2026 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Location
The Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee

Since 1961, the UWM Alumni Association has honored and celebrated outstanding alumni and partners for their dedication to their profession, community and university.

This special event will highlight the remarkable achievements of our alumni and friends who continue to make a difference in their communities and professions.

On This Page

2026 Alumni Awardees

Dr. Steve Hargarten
Dr. Steve Hargarten ’71
Lifetime Achievement Award
John Kissinger
John Kissinger ’79
Exemplary Alumni Service Award
Gary Hoover
Gary Hoover ’93
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Josh Rosenberg
Josh Rosenberg ’06
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Andrew Haig
Dr. Andrew Haig ’80
Impact Award
Deepak Arora
Deepak Arora ’22
Impact Award
Jim Cook working in a science lab.
Jim Cook
Honorary Alumni Award
Greater Milwaukee Foundation logo
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
University Partner Award
Kathryn Henry
Kathryn Henry ’16
Graduate of the Last Decade Award
Tou Jim Lee
Tou Jim Lee ’19
Graduate of the Last Decade Award
Carrie Mahone
Carrie Mahone ’18
Graduate of the Last Decade Award
Oby Nwabuzor
Oby Nwabuzor ’16
Graduate of the Last Decade Award

A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

WE Energies Foundation logo
Presenting Sponsor
Greater Milwaukee Foundation logo
Gold Sponsor
Envision Growth logo
Panther Sponsor
GRAEF logo
Panther Sponsor
Medical College of Wisconsin - Knowledge Changing Life logo
Panther Sponsor
Northwestern Mutual logo
Panther Sponsor
Putz Consulting logo
Panther Sponsor

Event Sponsorship

Each sponsorship level includes a sponsored table, special recognition in event materials and the opportunity to showcase your organization’s support for UWM and its outstanding alumni.

View sponsorship opportunities. Ready to sign on as a sponsor? Contact Bonnie Fuggiasco at fuggiasc@uwm.edu or 414-229-5305.

Two attendees at Awards Evening.

Past Award Recipients

The value of a UWM degree shines through the achievements of our past award winners, whose dedication, innovation, and impact continue to inspire our community and shape the future.

Past awardees pose for a picture.

Alumni Awards Evening Photos

Take a look back at the Alumni Awards Evening photos and relive the memorable moments from these special nights.

2025 Alumni Awards Photo Album graphic
2024 Alumni Awards Photo Album graphic
2023 Alumni Awards photo album graphic
2022 Alumni Awards photo album graphic

Awardee Nomination Criteria and Categories

The UWM Alumni Association Recognition Committee reviews nominations and recommends a slate of honorees for Board approval. The award categories are: University Partner, Graduate of the Last Decade, Exemplary Service, Distinguished Achievement, Impact and Lifetime Achievement. 

Nominating Criteria for Recipients:

  • Must be present to receive the award.
  • May not be a current employee of UW-Milwaukee.
  • May not be a current elected official.
  • May not be a sitting UWM Alumni Association Board member
  • Must not be involved in any current legal investigation or proceeding.
  • Must be living at the time the nomination is submitted.
Four people posing for a picture in front of a step and repeat banner.
UW Credit Union staff taking photographs at the 2025 UWM Alumni Awards Evening