Alumni
414 for UWM Giving Day kicks off on April 13-14
UW-Milwaukee is preparing for the third annual 414 for UWM Giving Day, held from noon to noon on April 13 through April 14. The 24-hour giving event coincides with “Milwaukee Day,” when current and former residents of Milwaukee’s 414 area code celebrate our city.
UWM alum breaks barriers by inviting people to break bread
Emerald Mills saw a need to help heal the divisions in our society by fostering connections between people who might not otherwise get to know each other.
From lost decade to last decade: Blanks took long path to Alumni Award
Geraud Blanks made up in a big way for what he calls his lost decade. He returned to UWM, got his degree and launched a career that has landed him at Milwaukee Film as its chief innovation officer.
Alum makes global impact with International Monetary Fund
Now assigned to Sierra Leone, Monique Newiak has worked to bolster the economies – and improving lives – in countries throughout Africa.
Alum works to help refugees find new lives in Wisconsin
Bader School of Social Welfare alum Rebekah Davis has built a rewarding career helping people escape dangerous, desperate conditions in their homelands.
UWM alum is first woman of color to lead ACLU of Wisconsin
Melinda Brennan took the helm of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union in January 2022 with a mission to safeguard civil rights for all.
UWM alum creates a business interpreting in sign language for pro sports teams
As a child, Brice Christianson helped his father, who was deaf, understand what was happening at sporting events. Now he’s interpreting for the Milwaukee Bucks and the NHL.
Alumna carves out a career in business and media, with an emphasis on the positive
When Nyesha Stone graduated from UWM in 2018, she wasn’t quite sure if she wanted to go into traditional newspaper journalism — and jobs were scarce anyway. So she made her own path.
UWM alumni mentoring program provides support for students
The program, which launched in 2020, matches students with graduates who provide career advice and emotional support.
A beer pioneer: Art history alum breaks down barriers in the brewing industry
Samantha Danen started homebrewing while studying art history at UWM. It led to her pursuing a career that led her to becoming Milwaukee’s first female craft brewer.