Summer 2008 - Digitized Resources Murphy Library University of ...

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l a c r o s s e t i e s Annique (Gilbert) London, Minneapolis, has opened a marketing consultancy practice, called “London Marketing Group.” Kerri (Anderson) Thompson, Austin, Texas, has been working for the city of Austin Parks and Recreation’s Aquatic Division for almost 14 years. She was a member of a team that won the NRPA “Excellence in Aquatics” twice. The department has also won top NRPA honors and recently became nationally accredited. She is the only staff member who graduated from a nationally-accredited university program. Thompson has two sons, ages 3 and 5. ’93 Anne Heck, Elkhorn, associate principal at 3 4 • u w - l a c r o s s e a l u m n u s • s u m m e r 2 0 0 8 Elkhorn Area Middle School, was named 2008 Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year. Keri (Kreinbrink) Lawson, Dubuque, Iowa, teaches physical education and health at Cuba City High School. In her 11th year as head volleyball coach, her team won the 2007 WIAA Division III State Volleyball Championship. ’94 Vanessa (Glewen) Griffin, Hawthorn Woods, Ill., has started a documentary photography business specializing in children and families. (See www.vanessagriffin.com) She thanks Professor Gary McDonald and his photography classes for the venture. “In every single communications job I’ve ever held, I ’68 grad rests his case as Washington jurist William G. Knebes started his career as a high school history and social studies teacher in Onalaska after graduating in 1968. He ended it in March as one of Washington state’s most respected family court commissioners. Drafted by the military, the La Crosse native left Wisconsin shortly after marrying Carol (Johnson), ’70, eight credits short of a master’s in education administration. After relocating to Seattle and serving for two years, he went to Puget Sound Law School. He began his law career in Port Angeles as deputy prosecutor for Clallam County in 1975. Three years later Knebes started his private practice, doing family law until being appointed Superior Court Commissioner in 1990. Since, he has set the standard for the Unified Family Courts in the state. He established one of the model family law courts and helped write the bench book on domestic violence and the law. “I really like this job,” Knebes told the Peninsula Daily News after announcing his retirement in January. “It really was tailor-made for me. There’s not a day I don’t enjoy going to work.” Knebes became a legend for his many contributions to families and William G. juveniles in the legal Knebes, ’68 system. Often he helped juveniles in court with their educational needs by buying books and supplies without the children knowing the benefactor. “He would be the first to say his strong work ethic and sound values came from his upbringing and excellent education in his hometown of La Crosse,” says his wife, Carol. have put to use the skills he taught; he inspired a love for photography that has really stayed with me,” Griffin explains. She and her husband, Christopher, have two children, Maeve Catherine (5) and Owen Vance (1). Griffin is working part-time so she can spend time with the kids while building a business to expand when they’re in school. ’96 Eric A. Hagen, Las Vegas, earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He is an investment manager at Wells Fargo Bank in Las Vegas. Tony Jennison, Farmington, Minn., was named head football coach at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. He had been defensive coordinator for the Scots the last two seasons. ’97 Vincent Purpero, ’97, and Betsy Maloney, ’01, were married May 31, 2008. They live in Minneapolis. Vincent is a postdoctoral researcher in biochemistry at the University of Minnesota; Betsy is an academic adviser at Capella University. Tony Soika has sold his business, “Sports Performance Advancement,” to return to active duty with the Army. He reported to Iraq May 12 and will be promoted to 1st Lieutenant Aug. 4. Jennifer Sullivan-Hadsall, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, became an academic adviser for Upper Iowa University in November. She had been Admissions director at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. ’98 Brooke Croshier married Joe Sidebotham Aug. 11, 2007. They live in Akron, Ohio. Brooke is the athletics facilities and operations manager for The University of Akron athletics department. Matthew Lehmann, Holmen, has been named National Senior Marketing Associate for Great Lakes Higher Education Corp., Great Lakes Educational Loan Services Inc. and affiliates.
’01 Casey Sambs, Milwaukee, has received CFA Charterholder status. He was recognized by the CFA Institute in a Wall Street Journal ad. ’02 Sara Lynn Lassig, St. Paul, Minn., graduated with a master’s in social work and a doctorate in family social science from the University of Minnesota in May 2008. Wendy Biese, ’02, and Marc McVay, ’03, were married Oct. 27, 2007. They live in Appleton. Wendy is a clinical pharmacist for Theda Care, Marc is a claims representative for SECURA Insurance. Justin D. Ross, ’02, and Nicole A. Austin, ’04, are engaged and plan to marry in May 2009. Both live in Denver. Justin graduated from the University of Denver in August 2007 with a doctorate in psychology. He works for The Children’s Hospital in Denver and recently opened his own practice, MindBodyHealth, LLC. Nicole is an account manager for IQNavigator. Tracy (Ginsbach) and Greg Weber, both ’02, live in Oregon. Tracy, a medical device representative for Johnson & Johnson, was named National Sales Rep of the Year. ’03 Kelly Berens, Washington, D.C., is an advance staffer for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Jennifer Cerutti, Sioux City, Iowa, graduated from Creighton University School of Law in 2006. She was admitted to the bar in Nebraska and Iowa. In October 2007, Cerutti became a staff attorney with Iowa Legal Aid in its Northwest Regional Office in Sioux City. Nicholas Ziarek, Oak Creek, has received CFA Charterholder status. He was recognized by the CFA Institute in a Wall Street Journal ad. ’04 Judson Beeskau, Saint Louis Park, Minn., began working as a financial adviser at New England Financial in Minnetonka in December 2007. A new NASA Five years after launching NASA, alum is still its biggest booster By Cary Heyer We’re not talking about that NASA, of course, though one could rightfully argue the mission of the other organization that shares those initials is equally lofty. The NASA founded by Tony Christnovich, ’73 and ’81, is the North American Squirrel Association. Sure, the name is goofy. But the good work this organization does is anything but. Christnovich, who earned a bachelor’s in exercise and sports science/physical education and a master’s in elementary physical education had dedicated his life to sports and recreation. When the former defensive line coach for the UW-L football team and head coach for La Crosse Central High School wasn’t teaching, he was doing. After retiring in 2003, the avid sportsman purchased Schafer’s Boat Livery, a popular bait and tackle shop on Lake Onalaska’s Brice Prairie. That’s when it became clear there was a need to provide outdoor opportunities for those with physical limitations.“There was an obvious void that many physically challenged and elderly people had when trying to enjoy the outdoors,” Christnovich says. “Many people would love to go golfing, hunting or skiing but are unable because they don’t have the adaptive equipment that allows them to do so. NASA exists to help them enjoy the opportunities that enhance the quality of their lives.” NASA started five years ago with a buddy system to take elderly people and those with physical challenges squirrel l a c r o s s e t i e s Tony Christnovich, ’73 & ’81 hunting. “We started with a wheelchair and a handful of dedicated volunteers who were willing to offer a little help,” Christnovich explains. Today, thanks to the generosity of corporate and private donations, NASA has purchased a pontoon boat, an ice shanty, an ATV equipped for hunting, and an adaptive golf cart. The organization also works in partnership with Mt. La Crosse, the YMCA and the YWCA to offer specialized ski equipment and recumbent bicycles. “NASA has brought the elderly and physically challenged back in touch with the wonders of the outdoors,” Christnovich shares. “Some of them thought they wouldn’t be able to participate again, and others are enjoying new experiences they never thought possible.” While Christnovich’s name has become synonymous with NASA, he recoils when others give him credit for starting it. “NASA is successful because many volunteers have stepped forward to make dreams come true,” he says. “With the help of local and state organizations such as the Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Service, local government agencies and countless, big-hearted people who have been able to offer many outdoor activities free of charge to those who deserve to enjoy them.” Learn more about NASA at www.nasasquirrel.org or contact Christnovich at schafers@charter.net. u w - l a c r o s s e a l u m n u s • s u m m e r 2 0 0 8 • 3 5
Page 1 and 2: Alumnus u n i v e r s i t y o f w i
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