Juan Orjuela, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: βOne 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.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Carla Cross, Impact Award: βFor 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.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Brice Christianson, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: βI 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. 51ΑΤΖζ gave me an opportunity of a lifetime, and I made sure that whoever gave me this gift, I was going to honor it.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Zilber Family Foundation Executive Director Gina Stilp, University Partner Award (with Chancellor Mark Mone and 51ΑΤΖζ Alumni Association Board Chair Michelle Putz): βFor more than 60 years, the Zilber Family Foundation has been dedicated to supporting Joe and Veraβs 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.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Nyesha Stone, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: βIt 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.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Sal Miosi, Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award: β(I feel) blessed that 51ΑΤΖζ was there for me β and is there today for so many other first-generation immigrants and college students β and many others that may not know where their journey will take them, but know they want to move forward.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Janice Wilberg, Impact Award: β(My 51ΑΤΖζ professors) treated me like I was brilliant. I knew I wasnβt brilliant, and they knew I wasnβt brilliant. But they treated me like I was brilliant, and that changed the course of history for my life.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Julilly Kohler, Honorary Alumni Award: βEven though I'm a graduate of Madison, I have to tell you, my heart is now here in 51ΑΤΖζ 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 51ΑΤΖζ.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Gale Klappa, Lifetime Achievement Award: βI 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 51ΑΤΖζ as well.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Chantell Jewell, Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award: βMy 51ΑΤΖζ family empowered me with the education I received. My degree from 51ΑΤΖζ 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.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Jackie Fredrick, Exemplary Alumni Service Award: βThis award represents to me all that 51ΑΤΖζ 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 ... 51ΑΤΖζ is vital to our economic success and through that responsibility provides opportunity, fulfillment and possibilities to all.β (51ΑΤΖζ Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Michael Emem, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: βAnyone 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. β¦ 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.β (51ΑΤΖζ 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 51ΑΤΖζ Alumni Association Board Chair Michelle Putz. (51ΑΤΖζ 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 51ΑΤΖζ Alumni Association at its annual awards evening on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Pfister Hotel.
At the end of the program, 51ΑΤΖζ Chancellor Mark Mone surprised the audience and Klappa, who served as the eveningβs master of ceremonies, by announcing the award. The presentation of Wisconsin business leaders talking about Klappaβs impact on 51ΑΤΖζ and Greater Milwaukee.
Klappa graduated cum laude from 51ΑΤΖζ in 1972 with a bachelorβs degree in mass communications, and he received an honorary degree from 51ΑΤΖζ in 2011 in recognition of his support for 51ΑΤΖζβs 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 51ΑΤΖζ 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 masterβs degree student in the classical guitar program at the Peck School of the Arts, provided music throughout the evening.
