Alumni Stories

Recent graduate becomes MJSA’s first graduate apprentice jeweler 

Recent Jewelry & Metalsmithing graduate Grace Barden (BFA 2026, Studio Art) is the first apprentice jeweler to receive the Advanced Apprenticeship Graduate certification from Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America’s (MJSA) Mentor & Apprenticeship Program. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program is designed to give students a chance to work with professional jewelers and have career-building experiences over the span of fifty weeks. 

For Dance MFA alum Molly Lieber, a Guggenheim Fellowship affirms a life in art

Just two years after earning her Master of Fine Arts in Dance at UWM, Molly Lieber is a Guggenheim Fellow. She was driving through New York City when she learned that she was selected. Her longtime collaborator Eleanor Smith called with news that they were chosen, together, from a pool of nearly 5,000 applicants. Lieber credits UWM’s low-residency graduate program with helping her better articulate the ideas behind her work.

PSOA alum details what it is like to be a campus photographer 

The campus culture that UWM fosters leaves a lasting impression on students, so much so that many graduates may not want to leave. For alum Elora Hennessey (BFA 2017, Art), she didn’t need to. Hennessey has been a Staff Photographer for UWM’s Division of Marketing, Communications, and University Relations (MarComm) since graduating. Hennessey began working for UWM in 2016 as a student intern for MarComm. She was recommended by Joseph Mougel (Associate Professor and Area Head, Photography & Imaging), who helped her apply for the internship and eventual full-time role.

Guest artist and alum Karlies Kelley reflects on growth and return in Springdances

Springdances: We Also Bloom features new works by faculty choreographers Daniel Burkholder, Tiffany Kadani, Dan Schuchart, and Christal Wanger, alongside guest artist Karlies Kelley. Notably, all of this year’s choreographers—faculty and guest alike—are alumni of UWM, bringing a shared lineage of training to the stage. Ahead of performances, Kelley reflects on returning to her alma mater, collaborating with students, and shaping new work within a community that continues to influence her practice.

How Steve Teeple’s childhood interests shaped his career as a digital artist 

As a child growing up in Wisconsin, Steve Teeple was drawn to fantasy worlds. Books, films, and comics filled with mysticism, science fiction, and manga sparked an early fascination that would later shape his creative career. Today, the UWM alum, known professionally as Teeps, is a Los Angeles-based digital artist working across the realm of 3D art. His practice spans character development, digital sculpting, concept art, illustration, art direction, production modeling and texturing, and 3D printing.

Two PSOA alums receive 2026 Nohl Fellowships

PSOA alum Evelyn Patricia Terry and lecturer and alum Yinan Wang were named among five recipients of the 2026 Mary L. Nohl Fellowship for Individual Artists. Terry was selected in the Established Artist category, and Wang was selected in the Emerging Artist category. FVANG Associate Professor Mike Gibisser was also named a finalist in the Emerging Artist category.

Children’s book illustrator refines their craft at UWM

As a kid growing up in southern California, Pavonis Giron dreamed of being an illustrator for the likes of Pixar and Nickelodeon. “I was trying to put together the skills I needed to work at those studios one day… drawing …

UWM stage manager sets the stage for student success

The job of stage manager is considered one of the most challenging roles in theater. Lillian Hayward, a theatre production major with an emphasis in stage management, knows this well. From running rehearsals to facilitating communication between the director and the actors, Hayward has to do a little bit of everything as a stage manager.

Art education alum recognized nationally for impact in skilled trades education 

Mike Driscoll, a Peck School of the Arts alum and teacher at Bay View High School, has been named one of five national recipients of the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The award includes $100,000 to support Driscoll’s continued impact on students through hands-on learning and skilled trades education. 

Spooky senior films to watch this Halloween season 

Between costumes and candy, many celebrate the Halloween season by watching horror movies. Throughout the years, many students’ senior thesis films have had spooky undertones, making them perfect to rewatch this time of year. Kelly Kirshtner (Associate Professor, Film) and …