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)
Carla Cross, Impact Award: “For those of us who have received much, much is expected of us, and I try to do my best by giving back and making sure other people have opportunities to achieve their dreams.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Brice Christianson, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: “I never dreamed of going to college, and when I stepped foot on campus in the fall of 2019 at the age of 26, I knew my life had changed and was going to continue to change. UWM gave me an opportunity of a lifetime, and I made sure that whoever gave me this gift, I was going to honor it.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Zilber Family Foundation Executive Director Gina Stilp, University Partner Award (with Chancellor Mark Mone and UWM Alumni Association Board Chair Michelle Putz): “For more than 60 years, the Zilber Family Foundation has been dedicated to supporting Joe and Vera’s commitment to improving quality of life here in Milwaukee. Today, the College of Public Health functions as an engine for education, engagement and connection, and we look forward to a bright and healthy future together.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
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)
Sal Miosi, Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award: “(I feel) blessed that UWM was there for me – and is there today for so many other first-generation immigrants and college students – and many others that may not know where their journey will take them, but know they want to move forward.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Janice Wilberg, Impact Award: “(My UWM professors) treated me like I was brilliant. I knew I wasn’t brilliant, and they knew I wasn’t brilliant. But they treated me like I was brilliant, and that changed the course of history for my life.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Julilly Kohler, Honorary Alumni Award: “Even though I'm a graduate of Madison, I have to tell you, my heart is now here in UWM because of what you are doing for Milwaukee. This is where the work is, and this is where your brains and your compassion and your energy can do the most good. And that's why I'm so, so impressed and in love with UWM.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
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)
Chantell Jewell, Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award: “My UWM family empowered me with the education I received. My degree from UWM unlocked doors for me and created access to opportunities that have allowed me to create a pathway for other young women in the field of corrections.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Jackie Fredrick, Exemplary Alumni Service Award: “This award represents to me all that UWM is for all people in our community. The faculty care deeply about the success of our students, creating the new knowledge that allows all of us to thrive ... UWM is vital to our economic success and through that responsibility provides opportunity, fulfillment and possibilities to all.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Michael Emem, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: “Anyone who knows me, especially my back-to-school story, knows that 2018-2020 were the most challenging years of my life. I was a 30-year-old full-time college student taking 16-17 credits a semester, attending winter and summer school, and had just launched Emem Group full-time, all while juggling the responsibilities of being a husband and father of four, and board president of We Got This Milwaukee during a time of substantial growth and transition. … And here we are today. Still grinding, still hungry, but now starting to see the results of the investments I put into myself. And those investments have literally turned into tangible assets in the community that will change lives forever.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Award winners with Chancellor Mark Mone include (from left): Brice Christianson, Janice Wilberg, Juan Orjuela, Michael Emem, Jackie Fredrick, Carla Cross, Nyesha Stone, Gina Stilp (Zilber Family Foundation), Julilly Kohler, Sal Miosi, Chantell Jewell and Gale Klappa. At right is UWM Alumni Association Board Chair Michelle Putz. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
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.
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.
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.
Videos highlighted the impact of four awardees: Klappa, Impact Award winners Carla Cross and Jan Wilberg, and the Zilber Family Foundation, which received the University Partner Award. Awardees included graduates from the College of Letters & Science, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, Lubar College of Business and School of Education.
Kevin Loh, a master’s degree student in the classical guitar program at the Peck School of the Arts, provided music throughout the evening.
