Diapers. Knives. Finance. Real estate development. Government relations. Homeless and endangered youth.
Those are a few of the areas of accomplishment for UWM alumni who were chosen for the Milwaukee Business Journal’s annual “40 Under 40” awards, which honors Milwaukee’s brightest young leaders and professionals. The awards were presented at an event March 18.
Among the awardees was Alec Knutson (’12, BA History and Political Science).
Like many students starting their first year of college, Alec Knutson had no idea what he wanted to do. His academic performance in high school and early college was, he said, “non-stellar.”
“You feel bad because you’re not excelling and you don’t know what you want to do that first day you step on campus.”
Knutson had chosen UWM because it offered a variety of majors, but he soon found multiple opportunities beyond academics.
“What was great about UWM and what I love and am so thankful for is all the opportunities that started to present themselves. UWM was super impactful on my career and growth as an individual and as a professional.”
After becoming involved in the legal clinic, he decided to focus on majors in political science and history. “I had these amazing professors, and I really became invigorated in my studies. I decided I wanted to go to law school.”
As he became more passionate about his studies and decided he wanted to be able to make an impact on his community, his grades improved. He served as both president of the history and political science honor societies and became office manager of the Legal Clinic.
As he became involved with these majors and student organizations, his confidence in his academic skills and leadership abilities grew. After earning bachelor’s degrees in history and political science and a certificate in peace studies and conflict resolution from UWM, he went on to earn a law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a master’s in public administration from Hamline University.
After a series of jobs in government and politics, Knutson joined Milwaukee County as director of government relations, “working on behalf of the community and advocating for resources.”
He calls it his dream job, and said it wouldn’t have happened without UWM.
“I’m just very thankful for that experience I had at UWM. At another school maybe I wouldn’t have had those opportunities to get involved and supportive professors who really cared about student performance. I’m just so grateful for that experience at UWM.”
For a full list of awardees, please view the story on UWM Report.
By Kathy Quirk, Marketing & Communications