Campus Connection

Alums from four decades to be honored

Alumni from the past four decades have earned the top awards bestowed by the UWL Alumni Association. The alumni are being honored for distinguished service and successful careers.
They will return to campus in fall to speak with students and participate in a panel at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, in the Great Hall, Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. An Alumni Awards Brunch and Ceremony is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, in The Bluffs Room, UWL Student Union. Tickets are $25 per person and can be ordered through the Alumni Association at 608.785.8489.

The awards and honorees include:

The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumni Award

Recognizes outstanding achievement of alumni who have brought honor and distinction to the university. Long-time administrator Maurice O. Graff instituted the honor in 1977.

Sharon Weston Broome, ’78

[caption id="attachment_54154" align="alignright" width="179"] Sharon Weston Broome[/caption]

• Respected politician. Former Louisiana State Senator and State Representative; first woman to hold pro tempore positions in both. Currently, Mayor-President of the City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish.
• Bachelor’s in mass communications.

 

 

 

 

Lynda Kohler, ’83

[caption id="attachment_54155" align="alignright" width="179"] Lynda Kohler[/caption]

• Admired advocate for families and children dealing with disabilities and disadvantages in southeastern Wisconsin. Currently, president and CEO of SHARP Literacy Inc. in Milwaukee.
• Bachelor’s in recreation leadership.

 

 

Rada Distinguished Alumni Award

Recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years, achieved professional distinction and taken part in humanitarian activities. Professor emeritus Ron Rada and his wife, Jane, created the award in 2002.

Sulaimon “Wale” Elegbede, ’05

[caption id="attachment_54156" align="alignright" width="179"] Sulaimon Elegbede[/caption]

• Esteemed business and servant leader. Founding board member of La Crosse Interfaith Shoulder to shoulder Network to curb growing anti-Muslim sentiment. Currently, head of the Project Management Office and senior project manager for Center for Regenerative Medicine at Mayo Clinic.
• Bachelor’s of information systems.

 

 

 

 

Corey Sjoquist, ’96 & ’03

[caption id="attachment_54157" align="alignright" width="179"] Corey Sjoquist[/caption]

• Influential college admissions counselor in the state of Wisconsin. Currently, director of the UWL Admissions Office, where he has worked since 1996.
• Bachelor’s in mass communications; master’s in college student development and administration.

 

 

Parker Distinguished Multicultural Alumni Award

Recognizes outstanding alumni who have contributed significantly to the improvement of multicultural understanding on the campus and in their careers. History Professor Emeritus James Parker initiated the award in 1997.

Angela Kellogg, ’92

[caption id="attachment_54158" align="alignright" width="179"] Angela Kellogg[/caption]

• Renowned student services administrator; advocate for diversity and inclusion. Currently, senior academic planner for the Office of Student Success at UW System Administration.
• Master’s in college student personnel.

 

 

 

Burt and Norma Altman Teacher Education Award

Honors and recognizes outstanding educators and the significant contributions they make to children and communities. Professor Emeritus Burt Altman and his wife, Norma, long-time supporters of teacher education, created the award in 2015.

Pamela Kalafut, ’77

[caption id="attachment_54159" align="alignright" width="179"] Pamela Kalafut[/caption]

• Prestigious high school teacher, mentor and student activities director at Hinsdale, Illinois, Central High School for 34 years. Currently, retired and serves as a substitute teacher with the Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, Illinois.
• Bachelor’s in art education.