’95 James VandeHei (LS), of Alexandria, Virginia, received the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Award, during a gala on Nov. 21. This honor recognizes journalists who have made significant contributions to the journalism field and is the Club’s most esteemed award. VandeHei is the co-founder of Axios, the most celebrated digital media success story of the decade.
’01 Scott Jennings (B), of Oshkosh, is a senior vice president and portfolio manager with the Associated Bank Private Wealth team.
’09 John Erickson (LS), of West Hollywood, California, is a supporter of the Out Athlete Fund and Pride House Los Angeles, which is the signature destination for LGBTQ athletes and fans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Erickson is the mayor of West Hollywood.
’10 Samantha (Jacyna) Smith (B), of Hilbert, owns Optimal Cleaning Solutions, a woman-owned cleaning service company recognized as a 2024 EPA Choice Partner of the Year for their achievements in the design, manufacture, promotion, selection and use of cleaners, detergents and other products with safer chemicals.
’11 Todd Healy (MBA), of Appleton, is the senior vice president of commercial lending at Fox Communities Credit Union. Healy was previously with Nicolet National Bank.
’16 Christina Thor (LS), of Green Bay, is the executive state director of 9to5 Wisconsin. Thor was recognized by the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC) as a 2024 Young Professional of the Year for focusing her career on helping empower marginalized communities through grassroots organizing and care-centered policies across Wisconsin.
Brandon Holmes ’18
’17 Andrea Peterson (MS), of Neenah, is the program and communications manager for the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative. Peterson was previously the operations director for the Community Clothes Closet in Menasha.
’17 Dan Sidesky (MSN), of Milwaukee, is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Empower Recovery, a telehealth addiction and mental health wellness clinic.
’18 Brandon Holmes (LS), of Milwaukee, is the senior district executive for the Three Harbors Council of Scouting America. Holmes is also the advocacy chair for United Nations Association and vice president with the Greater Milwaukee Urban League of Young Professionals.
’21 Austin Burmeister (EHS), of Appleton, is the dean of students at J.R. Gerritts Middle School in the Kimberly Area School District.
’21 Pang Ter Vang (LS), of Oshkosh, is a financial aid assistant in the Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) Department of Corrections.
’22 Emily Higgins (EHS), of Oneida, is an eighth-grade teacher at Pulaski Community Middle School and girls softball coach at Pulaski High School.
’24 Chase Robinson (EHS), of Combined Locks, is a technical education teacher and junior varsity boys volleyball coach at Kimberly High School.
’24 Trey Tennessen (EHS), of Appleton, is a grade 5-6 healthy living teacher and football and baseball coach at Woodland Intermediate School in the Kimberly Area School District.