Klappa surprised with lifetime achievement award at UWM Alumni Awards; other alumni honored

Gale Klappa, a UW-Milwaukee alumnus and executive chairman of WEC Energy Group, was honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the UWM Alumni Association at its annual awards evening on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Pfister Hotel.

At the end of the program, UWM Chancellor Mark Mone surprised the audience and Klappa, who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, by announcing the award. The presentation featured a video of Wisconsin business leaders talking about Klappa’s impact on UWM and Greater Milwaukee.

A man in a navy blue suit, striped tie, and glasses, holds a glass award. He stands between UWM Chancellor Mark Mone, wearing a black suit and yellow tie, and UWM Alumni Association Board Chair Michelle Putz, wearing a sparkling evening gown. — Gale Klappa, Lifetime Achievement Award: “I truly am shocked. I’m really very surprised and completely humbled. So many of our honorees tonight have talked about being blessed, about having mentors that open the doors for you. And I couldn’t be more blessed in that way and so proud of UWM as well.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)

Klappa graduated cum laude from UWM in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, and he received an honorary degree from UWM in 2011 in recognition of his support for UWM’s growth initiative, his extensive community involvement and his leadership in helping to shape the economic future of southeast Wisconsin through the launch of the Milwaukee 7 regional economic development initiative.

Kevin Loh, a master’s degree student in the classical guitar program at the Peck School of the Arts, provided music throughout the evening.

Eleven other alums and university partners were honored at the annual event, which recognizes alumni and friends of UWM for their career achievements and their impact on their communities and the university. They included Letters & Science graduates Juan Orjuela and Nyesha Stone, who were honored as Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) award recipients.

A young woman in sparkling evening dress stands on stage before a large crowd. To her left are two men in suits at a podium. To her right is a large screen showing an enlarged photo of the young woman. — Nyesha Stone, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: “It is because of the JAMS department that I am the journalist I am today. I started college not knowing what the field was to freelancing at one of the top local news outlets before graduating. These immersive journalism trips around the country gave me the confidence to eventually start my own news company.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)

A young man in a navy blue suit and striped bow tie, wearing glasses, holds a glass award in front of a UWM Alumni Association background. — Juan Orjuela, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: “One of my fondest memories was working at the Office of Undergraduate Research. I worked with incredible individuals who mentored me and supported me on my journey of becoming a doctor of veterinary medicine.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)

With two graduate degrees, including a master’s in urban affairs and a doctorate in urban studies, both from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s College of Letters & Science, Janice (Jan) Wilberg devoted her 45-year career to working with nonprofits and governmental organizations to improve the lives of vulnerable populations in Milwaukee. In her retirement, she helps the homeless by serving on the board of Street Angels Inc., and she advocates for senior citizens in her role as chair of the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging.

Letters & Science alumna Janice Wilberg was also honored for her advocacy for Milwaukee’s most vulnerable.

Wilberg received the UWM Impact Award from the UWM Alumni Association in 2024. This award highlights alumni who are improving their communities.

By Kari Pink and Kyle Bursaw, Marketing & Communications