Life significantly revolves around work

It can be a calling or it can be punishment, not life giving. The magnitude of this simple four-letter word helps create identity and self-worth, assists in establishing societal norms and expectations, design laws to regulate workplace, fairness and safety, and throughout history has shaped human culture.

Join us as we explore these questions:

  • Why has work overtaken our lives, causing us to define our lives by what we do?
  • How do we choose our life’s work? Is it always an option? How does it define you if it’s NOT your choice, i.e., when it is intended as punishment, or even extermination?
  • How have we arrived at the devastating shortage of workers in so many critical areas of our lives?  How can employers mitigate this shortage?
  • How have immigrants fared in our present work system?  Are there successes? Struggles?  What about trafficking of immigrants?
  • Do current work practices reflect Catholic social teachings to foster human dignity?
  • Has work limited our freedom of speech?
  • How will “artificial intelligence” impact access for all?

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Evening Panel
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Stayer Center Auditorium

Healthcare: De Ann Thurmer, President of SSM at Ripon, Waupun, and Baraboo
Childcare: Angela Schmitz, Lily Pad Learning
Business: Jeff O’Brien, Co-founder of Legacy Express

As Ministry President, De Ann Thurmer oversees Ripon Community Hospital, Waupun Memorial Hospital and St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo. She has been pivotal in the recent behavioral health unit at Ripon which will be the first of its kind in the state.

She has more than 35 years of health care industry experience and has been with Waupun Memorial Hospital since 1985, Ripon Community Hospital since 2018 and St. Clare Hospital since 2023. She has been a Rotarian since 2001, a member of the MPTC Foundation Board since 2022 and a member of the RWHC Board since 2023.

Mrs. Thurmer holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and a Master of Organizational Leadership and Quality from Marian College. She’s a recipient of the Lifetime Daisy award for devoting her life’s work to the compassionate care of others. 

***

Angela Schmitz is Director/Owner of Lily Pad Learning Center, LLC in Fond du Lac, WI and is a mom of 2 girls, Lilliana and Madison. She graduated from UW Oshkosh with a bachelor’s in business marketing and enjoyed a career in sales after graduation. Her career change and passion happened in 2016 when her daughter’s daycare closed and she was not able to find other care options for Lilliana. The original location opened in April 2017 and with overwhelming support from the community, family, and friends. Her business exceeded expectations by becoming the number 1 daycare in Fond du Lac the first year it opened, filling the center within 6 months, and building a large wait list. After it outgrew the space so quickly, they expanded to a location that could serve 135 children, opening in June 2019. Currently it serves about 120 children and 25 staff. Over the years her passion for childcare has grown stronger and she continued her education with the Administration Credential at MPTC, Leadership Credential at UW Whitewater, and obtained her Inclusion Credential at UW Platteville in Spring 2025. 

***

Jeff O’Brien founded Legacy Express with his friend, Brandon Gerwin in 2011. The two met while working for a Fortune 500 company and quickly discovered that they shared an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for transportation. They decided to take the leap into self-employment and use their education and experience to create the best transportation company possible. The passion for transportation stemmed from both Jeff and Brandon’s fathers being truck drivers for their entire childhood. This gave them the passion and the desire to improve the industry for both its customers and those that it employs. Legacy Express offers truckload freight throughout the Midwest and warehousing, but they specialize in relationships.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

8:00 – 8:50 am

Alan Johnson. J.D., Dean of Faculty and Graduate Studies, Marian University 

Stayer Center Dining Room

Dean of Faculty Alan Johnson, J.D. is the former Director of the Criminal Justice and Homeland Security programs at Marian University. He is a retired Milwaukee Police Lieutenant, where he served for 26 years. Professor Johnson has been teaching Marian students since 2004 and has been a fulltime faculty member since 2014. He likes to use his real-world experience, gained as a police officer and lawyer, to explain the criminal justice system in ways that makes the theoretical and practical work together. He believes that students are able to understand the lessons and apply them to their professional exploits better if they understand the nuances and reasons behind their actions. Having attended a technical college and transferring to Marquette University to complete his degree in Criminal Justice and his law degree, Professor Johnson has a strong understanding of the challenges that students face in balancing their personal lives, families, education, and employment.

The Balance Between Athletics and Academics

Kianna Weis and Wyatt Blaskowski, Students, Marian University 

Examining the Life and Work of Marie Curie

Jamie Reilly and Christine Klejka, Students, Marian University 

Science Rm 101/104

9:00 – 9:50 am

Topics included: salary, benefits, vacation, retirement, equity, etc. and asking the right questions regarding offers

Karen Jacques, Director of Human Resources, Hoffmaster, Oshkosh, WI

Tami Christian, Chief People Officer, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Fond du Lac, WI

Stayer Center Auditorium

Karen Jacques has over 2 decades of dedicated experience in the Human Resources field specializing in various manufacturing industries and current serves as Director of Human Resources at Hoffmaster in Oshkosh.  In her role, she plays a key role in steering HR strategies to align with organizational objectives.  Both of Karen’s degrees are from Marian University, B.S.B.A. in HR and Marketing along with M.S.O.L.Q. – Organizational Leadership and Quality

***

Tami Christian has over 3 decades of human resource experience, including Sr. Business Partner at AC Nielsen and Senior Vice President at National Exchange Bank & Trust, where she currently is the Chief People Officer.  She is a motivated professional with demonstrated ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with leaders and employees in the fast-moving consumer packaged goods industry as well as in the financial services industry.  Tami received both of her degrees from Marian University, B.B.A. in General Management and M.S.O.L.Q. – Organizational Leadership and Quality.

 Ken Harris, Ph.D., Radio Host, Associate Professor, Program Chair of Justice and Public Policy at Concordia University, Chief Strategist for Talented Strategies, LLC

Stayer Center Dining Room

Dr. Ken Harris, Jr. is the award-wining on-air host of “Truth In The Afternoon with Dr. Ken Harris” on WGKB-FM Radio 101.7 The Truth which airs Monday through Friday 4:00 – 6:00 pm in Milwaukee, Wi. In May 2023, he was awarded Best Radio Show-Large Market by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. He has won previous awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.  He is a retired Lieutenant from the Milwaukee Police Department and has enjoyed 30 years as a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Wisconsin. He has broad experience from patrol officer to command officer, research and development, and certified instructor in multiple areas. He is a City of Milwaukee Civic and Safety Commissioner and holds board membership in the Three Harbors Council Scouting BSA Executive Committee, President of 100 Black Men of Milwaukee, Inc., and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, as well as in other community and civic organizations.

His coaching and strategy philosophy are based on the belief that every individual has the power to achieve their goals and create the life they desire. He works with individuals and groups to identify their strengths and values, helping them create a plan of action to achieve their desired outcomes.

Gina Possin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Marian University 

Stayer Center Rm 205

Dr. Gina Possin is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Marian University and leads the Industrial Organizational Psychology Master’s Program. She holds a doctorate in General Psychology, focusing on Industrial Organizational Psychology, and a Master’s degree in the I/O Psychology. Dr. Possin has been involved in research projects with NASA on team development training and with University of Central Florida on fitness psychology. She has also published work on motivation and rewards from her time as an Undergraduate McNair Scholar at Marian University. In addition to her academic pursuits, she brings over 20 years of experience in I/O Psychology, management, consulting, and banking to her roles.

Brenda Stueber, M.S.W, Assistant Professor, Marian University 

Science Rm 101/104

Brenda Stueber is currently a professor and program director of the social work program at Marian University of Wisconsin. She has earned a master’s degree in school social work from University of Milwaukee Wisconsin and has presented on the topic of generational intelligence at various professional groups throughout the state of Wisconsin. Her combined professional career in social work and higher education of twenty-nine years has provided her opportunities and exploration in research of generational differences. From being a school social worker at an elementary and middle school to teaching young and older adults, the ability to pivot to multi generations was a necessary task to teach and advocate successfully. Brenda has found her research to not only be beneficial within the educational realm but also working in a five generational workplace environment.

Jennifer K. Farvour, Ed.D., Dean of Student Success, Marian University

Science Rm 102

Dr. Jennifer Farvour began her career at Marian University in June of 2005, working with First-Year initiatives through a Title III grant.  Most recently, she serves as the Dean of Student Success and has served in this capacity for the past four years. Jennifer has also had roles as the Interim Dean of Adult and Online Learning, Director of First-Year Studies, Director of General Education, Service-Learning Coordinator, Director of Assessment and Student Learning, and Dean of Students. Jennifer also was an adjunct professor for the Psychology and Leadership Departments. Prior to arriving at Marian, Jennifer worked in Student Affairs at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND and at UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI.  She has been working in higher education for almost 30 years and believes that we all have the capacity to help students achieve their dreams. Her why for coming to Marian: the origin story and foundation of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, our Mission and Core Values, and the opportunity to work at a Catholic, private, liberal arts college.

Jennifer obtained her Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Alpha Iota Sigma Honors. She has a passion for research topics of innovation, empowerment, leader support, and political savviness. She graduated from UW-Stout with a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Retail Merchandising and Management, Minor in Business Administration, and a Specialization in Public Relations.

Business Students, Marian University 

Common Grounds

Kayla Bertram, Alexis Feucht, Mikalah Mueller, Aeryn Olson, Allie Stedl, Hanna Vick, Noelle Vogel; Students, Marian University

Stayer Center Atrium

10:00 – 10:50 am

Josh Bullock, Ph.D. President of Lake Land College, Mattoon, IL
Jo Ann Hall, Dean of Economic Development, MPTC; Mary Davies, Associate Dean of Credentialed Programming, MPTC
Stayer Center Auditorium

Dr. Jonathan “Josh” Bullock became president of Lake Land College in 2013 after serving as the vice president for strategic advancement at Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, WI.

Under Dr. Bullock’s leadership, Lake Land College has implemented a comprehensive strategic planning process, initiated Guided Pathways and co-requisite remediation frameworks for student success, integrated a data analytics platform to facilitate data-driven decision making, enriched the Lake Land brand, developed unique training models to assist local businesses in sustaining a skilled workforce, strengthened high school dual credit opportunities, began the Presidential Scholarship program to provide educational opportunities for talented high school graduates, and undertaken efforts to modernize campus infrastructure and technology.

Dr. Bullock is passionate about ensuring educational opportunities are accessible to all Illinois residents, including those under incarceration. He is proud of Lake Land’s partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in serving incarcerated students through full-time college degree programs at 25 Illinois adult and juvenile correctional facilities throughout Illinois, providing opportunity and reducing recidivism for the most vulnerable students.

He is a long-standing Rotarian and is actively engaged in communities throughout east central Illinois, serving as a board member for numerous organizations including Coles Together, The Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, the Effingham Regional Career Academy, and the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System.

Appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker as a commissioner with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Dr. Bullock is actively engaged in advocating for the success of students across Illinois. He has chaired the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and received the Illinois Community College Trustees Association 2022 Advocacy Award. Dr. Bullock serves as a faculty practitioner for the Ferris State University Doctorate in Community College Leadership (DCCL) program, in addition to serving on the DCCL Advisory Board. Dr. Bullock has more than 30 years of experience in higher education as a teacher and administrator, following a successful career in the private sector.

He has a Doctor of Philosophy from Marian University, a master of business administration from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Dr. Bullock is married to the love of his life, Jen, and they are the proud parents of five adult children. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their six grandchildren.

***

Jo Ann Hall is the Dean of Economic and Workforce Development at Moraine Park Technical College. Jo Ann’s team works with business and industry to assess their needs and to provide talent management solutions that maximize individual and organizational performance. In addition, she oversees the college’s prison education, dislocated individuals and community program offerings. Jo Ann has prior experience in production, order operations, continuous improvement, and production and inventory control for various manufacturing companies.

Jo Ann received her MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix and holds a B.B.A. in Production/Operations Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Jo Ann holds certifications from the Human Capital Institute in Strategic Workforce Planning and Human Capital Strategist. In addition, she holds a Lean Associate Certification from the MSOE Business Excellence Consortium, is certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), is a LERN Certified Program Planner (CPP), a certified Stewart Leadership assessment coach, a certified Franklin Covey trainer, and a John Maxwell certified speaker/trainer.

***

Mary Davies is the Associate Dean of Credentialed Programming at Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Mary oversees the vocational education programs and credentials incarcerated individuals earn through Moraine Park Technical College at six prisons. In addition, she leads the boot camp team focusing on short term credential opportunities for dislocated workers. Previously, Mary taught in a correctional facility for 19 years, teaching adult education and GED preparation courses, as well as Anger Management, Cognitive Interventions and Mental Health Awareness. She has been a Correctional Education Association (CEA) member since 2004, was named the CEA-Wisconsin and Region III Teacher of the Year in 2005, and has served two terms each as CEA Wisconsin chapter Board President and President-Elect. Mary received her Master’s Degree in Education Leadership and Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Garry Moise, M.S.O.L.Q.Program Director Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS,) Marian University

Stayer Center Dining Room 

Garry Moïse, a multilingual Education Administrator, serves as the director of Marian University’s UBMS program and also teaches international business and organizational behavior as an adjunct faculty member. He brings a versatile skill set to his roles, with diverse academic credentials in marketing, management, and organizational leadership.

Throughout his career, Garry has served on numerous organizational boards and actively participated in addressing social justice issues, including advocating for global educational access, diversity, equity, inclusion, economic progress, and religious freedom.

As a first-generation college graduate, Garry is passionate about facilitating lifelong learning experiences for students and young professionals.

Notably, Garry is a recognized TEDx Speaker, sharing insights on leadership and service with an emphasis on quality. He has also delivered presentations at various professional conferences and educational symposia and has been featured as a guest speaker on numerous radio shows and podcasts. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to social justice and education, he received Marian University’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award in 2023.

Round table discussion
Matt Szromba, Ph.D., Associate Professor; David L Leichter, Ph.D., Associate Professor; Luke Townsend, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Marian University

Stayer Center Rm 205

Matt Szromba received his doctorate in History from Loyola University, Chicago. He is Associate Professor at Marian University and is known for his expertise as a professor.  He has taught over 32 different history courses from Medieval Europe to Western Civilization since the Seventeenth Century to History Goes to the Movies:  The Holocaust.  He led Marian’s Honors Program for 12 years and currently serves as Faculty Director of Study Abroad. He has organized trips to Ireland and Poland. He received the James R. Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2012. His passion for history and its impact on people and society is evident in his presentations.

***

Dr. Luke Townsend is an Associate Professor of Theology at Marian University. He holds a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from St. Louis University and an M.Div. from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Townsend’s studies have focused on the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, St. Bonaventure, and C.S. Lewis, as well as on Systematic Theology, Sacramentology, and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. He has published a textbook, entitled Introduction to Theology, an annotated translation of St. Bonaventure’s Commentary on the Sentences, entitled Commentary on the Sentences: Sacraments, as well as numerous articles, book reviews, and popular reflection pieces. 

Sue Seeby, CSA, Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, Fond du Lac, WI
Damian Lonnee, MSW, CISW, Pillar & Vine, Brandon, WI
Nicky Weisensel, MD., Rogers Behavioral Health, Oconomowoc, WI
Sarah Garvey, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Math and Natural Sciences, Associate Professor, Marian University
Science Rm 101/104

Sister Susan Seeby is a member of Congregations of St. Agnes. For many years she taught Theology in high schools on Chicago’s south side until she felt God calling her to the ministry of Spiritual Direction. Returning to school, she received a Masters of Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in 2004 and began Spiritual Direction and Retreat ministry.

***

Damian Lonnee serves as the Executive Director of Pillar & Vine, a non-profit Child Placing Agency located in Fond du Lac County. He received his B.A. in Human Services from Western Washington University and his MSW from the University of Washington. Damian is also a licensed treatment level foster/adoptive parent and is the proud Dad of 4 boys.

***

Nicolette “Nicky” Weisensel received her B.S. in Biology and minor in Chemistry and Psychology from Marian University.  She received her medical degree from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in 2000.  Then, completed residency in psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health serving as chief resident last year.  Since completing her residency has worked as a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Wisconsin.

***

Sarah Garvey received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). She began working at Marian University in 2014, earned tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2020.  In 2022, she received the James R. Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award at Marian University.  She has significant research publications and has presented on Ionic Liquids (ILs) and their use in separation of radioactive waste. She is currently President of Marian’s Faculty Senate, Chair for the Department of Math and Natural Sciences and is active in Marian’s Mission Integration Committee. 

Sports Law Students, Marian University
Science Rm 102

Jackie Craig, Athena LaVallee, Brianna Flitter, Brenna Abrahamson, Abby Edstrom, Kasandra Foster, Sophie Giron, Trinity Grimes, and Taylor Towry, Students, Marian University

Stayer Center Atrium

11:00 – 11:50 am

Cheryl Seelig, D.H.A., Associate Dean of Nursing, Chief Nurse Administrator; Christine Laurent, Ph.D., Professor; Heather Egan, Clinical Placement Coordinator, Marian University

Stayer Center Auditorium

Cheryl Seelig earned her Doctorate in Health Care Administration and Master of Nursing from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carroll/Columbia College in Milwaukee, WI. Cheryl’s inspiration for pursuing a career in academia stems from her extensive experience in healthcare leadership and teaching roles, spanning over 25 years.  By being a teacher/mentor with nurses we have the ability to shape the future of health care.

***

Christine Laurent, PhD, RNC-OB, CNE serves as Undergraduate Nursing Program Director and Professor of Nursing at Marian University where she has worked for the past 18 years. Dr. Laurent has over forty years of experience in obstetrical nursing. She has taught at every level of the nursing program and in many different nursing courses. She is currently teaching Population Health Nursing and OB clinicals. She holds two nursing certifications, in Inpatient Obstetric Care and Nursing Education. Her educational background includes: PhD in Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Master of Science in Nursing, Bellin College of Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Wisconsin- Green Bay and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Shelby State Community College- Memphis, TN.

Dr. Laurent has a special interest in service-learning and with her students has served many community partners in the Fond du Lac area. She has the pleasure of serving as Chairperson of The Salvation Army Advisory Board in Fond du Lac. She is currently exploring the areas of artificial intelligence and telehealth in nursing.

***

Heather Egan, B.S., brings a wealth of experience in mental health and program coordination to Marian University. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UW-Green Bay, Heather began her career as a psychometrist, followed by valuable roles at a pediatric mental health clinic, supporting the neuropsychology department and then coordinating the school-based mental health program. Currently, Heather serves as the Clinical Placement Coordinator in the Nursing Department at Marian University, facilitating essential learning experiences for future healthcare professionals.

Tony Draves, Athletic Director; Clay Van Diest, Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach; Julian Giantonio, Head Women’s Ice Hockey Coach, Marian University

Stayer Center Dining Room

Julian Giantonio is head coach of the Marian University women’s ice hockey program. He served as head coach at Salem State [New England Hockey Conference (NEHC)], and led the Vikings to their winningest season in program history along with a berth in the conference tournament.  Giantonio also served as an interim head coach for Western New England (2020-2021) and as the bench boss at several prestigious programs including Roosevelt, UCLA, Delaware, and Williston State.

While at Delaware, ACHA Division I, the Blue Hens went 47-20-3 over two seasons.  The 2016-17 season saw Delaware go 25-9-0 earning Giantonio ESCHL Coach of the Year honors and a finalist spot for the ACHA Division I Coach of the Year.  Prior to that, Giantonio served as an assistant coach at Williston State where he was a part of an NJCAA National Championship in 2014.

He began his coaching career after a long professional and collegiate playing career.  He began his collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts Boston for two seasons.  He currently holds a certification from USA Hockey as a master level five coach.

Giantonio earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Master of Education in coaching from Greenville College and Master of Science in leadership from Western New England University (2021).

Pa Lee Moua, Ph.D., Executive Director, Schreiber  Institute of Women’s Leadership, UW Green Bay
Hiram Rabadan-Torres, Board Member, Voces de la Frontera
Colleen Bies via TedxOshkosh 

Stayer Center Rm 205

Pa Lee Moua, Ph.D., is the first full-time Executive Director of the Schreiber Institute for Women’s leadership. She is a proud alumna of the University of Wisconsin and received her doctoral degree from Marian University. She has worked at multiple higher education institutions including Fox Valley Technical College, UW Fox Valley (currently UW-Oshkosh), Lawrence University, and now the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Dr. Moua was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and came to the United States in 1984. She was five years old. Her family arrived in California and later relocated to Wisconsin to be closer to the immediate family. Currently, Pa Lee lives in Appleton with her husband and four children.

Pa Lee’s background reflects her passion and philosophy on leadership. She believes that everyone has leadership capabilities. However, not everyone is given the same opportunity to lead. “To me, leadership is not only about impact but transformational changes that inspire, empower and enhance the narrative of leadership to include more women who look like me.”

Dr. Moua has earned numerous awards and recognition including acknowledgement from Madison 365 in 2020, as one of the 48 most influential Asian Americans in Wisconsin, the 2020 MLK Educator Award, and the 2019 Authentic Leadership Award at the Hmong Women Summit. She also served on multiple community boards, including the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the Hmong Immersion School, and the Mielke Grants Committee. Outside of her professional career, Dr. Moua enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, and creating floral bouquets.

***

Hiram Rabadan-Torres has the perspective of an undocumented worker in the United States. He studied Architecture in Mexico. Just prior graduation, he came to the US with a Visa and stayed on as an undocumented immigrant. Hiram and his wife now have their Green Cards.  He has had his own auto repair shop for 16 years.  His daughters know the DACA student experience.  The oldest one has her nursing degree and the youngest is now working on her degree in architecture.

Hiram is deeply concerned about opening doors for possibilities for legal rights, especially drivers’ licenses, for those coming to the US. As a board member for Voces de la Frontera, he shares ways that the work of undocumented immigrants benefits our society.

Business Law Students, Marian University
Science Rm 102

Co-Organizers and Presenters: Jessica Little M.S., Associate Professor; and Diana Johnson, M.S., Associate Professor, Marian University
Other talks and displays by Marian University faculty & staff members

Agnes Hazotte Hall Rm 100

Professor Diana G. Johnson, M.S., is the director of the forensic science program.  She has taught at Marian University since the Fall 2015 semester.  Previously, she taught at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the forensic investigation program (3 years).  Before moving to Wisconsin, Diana worked as a forensic scientist for the New Jersey State Police – Office of Forensic Sciences in the forensic serology section (7.5 years).  She holds an M.S. in entomology from Washington State University (Pullman, WA), a B.S. in biology from The College of New Jersey (Ewing, NJ), an A.A. in humanities & social science and an A.S. in mathematics from Mercer County Community College (West Windsor, NJ).

12:00 – 12:50 pm

Erica Lounsberry, J.D., Assistant United States Attorney; Mariana Rodriguez, Director, UMOS Latina Resource Center; United Migrant Opportunities Services (UMOS) Staff

Stayer Center Auditorium

Erica Lounsberry is an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Division.  She serves as the District’s Human Trafficking Coordinator and primarily handles forced labor and sex trafficking investigations and prosecutions.  Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2017, Erica worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit (Miami-Dade County) for approximately seven years.  Erica graduated summa cum laude from American University’s Washington College of Law and was honored as a member of the Order of the Coif.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Intercultural Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University and has a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from TEFL International in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

***

Mariana Rodriguez has been working for UMOS, Inc since 2001. As the director of the Latina Resource Center, she designed and implemented the first comprehensive holistic linguistically and culturally specific center in Wisconsin that serves Hispanic and immigrant victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As a strong advocate for victims of violence, Ms. Rodriguez is passionate about protecting victims, upholding the rights of victims, and holding perpetrators accountable.  Ms. Rodriguez created and implemented the Wisconsin Regional Anti-Human Trafficking programs that focuses on victim identification and providing comprehensive direct services to victims of sex trafficking, and labor trafficking. Ms. Rodriguez has also developed and implemented programs such as Wisconsin Legal Services for Victims program that provides advocacy and legal services for victims of sexual assault and/or sex trafficking and the WI Labor Trafficking Multi-Disciplinary Team funded by the Howard G Buffett Foundation.

Ms. Rodriguez is a recipient of the 2012 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault 2014 Voices of Courage Award and 2020 Milwaukee Business Journal Women of Influence

Mariana Rodriguez graduated from Alverno College with a B.A. in Psychology.

Debra Barrett, Associate Registrar; Maranda Abitz, Coordinator of Student Success; Josephine Parent and Rosslee Reed, Students, Marian University; MSG Dustin Ketterl; LTC Frank Armeson

Stayer Center Dining Room

Debra Barrett is a US Air Force Veteran that served from 1985-1990.  She was a ground radio technician that fixed all electronics top to bottom in an air traffic control tower.  She was stationed at RAF Lakenheath, UK and Incirlik, Turkey.  She is also a Navy Brat and lived in Guam, Philippines, NC, Puerto Rico, Guantanamo Bay Cuba, and Florida.  She has worked at Harcourt Brace Publishing Company for 10 years in Logistics, DHL Express as a Sales rep for 2 years, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global) as a military admissions counselor for 9 years, and now Marian for 8 years.  She has two bachelor’s degrees- one in Human Services and one in Business Management.

***

Maranda Abitz, M.S.E., N.C.C. and 08’ B.A. alumni of Marian University currently serves as the Coordinator of Student Success here at Marian and has been working here for over 11 years. She also advises the Student Veterans Organization and ROTC (Military Science) program. She served in the Army National Guard out of Waukesha from 2002-2006. She also donated a kidney to a then stranger in Massachusetts in November 2019. Maranda is on the Board of Directors as an Associate Member for Donate Life Wisconsin, is the current President of the Fond du Lac County chapter of Girls on the Run, volunteers as a Donor Mentor through the National Kidney Donation Organization, and represents Kidney Donor Athletes through a variety of athletic events. She is an avid runner and proud vegetarian. She’s been married to her husband Shane for almost 13 years and they have two rescue dogs currently, Hazel and Franklin.

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Josephine “Josie” Parent is a homeland security and psychology major at Marian University and currently works as a security officer on campus and worked as a community service officer for the Wausau Police Department in the summer.  She is currently serving as a military police officer for the US Army Reserve unit located here in Fond Du Lac. She has worked as the vice president of the Student Veteran Organization at Marian and has been working with the club for two years.

***

Cadet Rosslee Reed is a veteran of the United States Army. He is currently serving in the Army Reserves with the 395th Ordnance Company as a cadet. He enlisted as an 89A, an Ammunition Stock Control Specialist, served with them and deployed to Qatar and Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from June of 2022 till March of 2023. He returned to Marian in the fall following and contracted as a Cadet with ROTC where he plans to commission as a 2nd Lieutenant into the United States Army.

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Lieutenant Colonel Frank Armeson commissioned in 2006 as an Infantry Officer and began his career in the Army as a Rifle and Reconnaissance Platoon Leader in the 101st Airborne Division, including a 15 month deployment to Iraq. In 2010, he became a Special Forces Officer and spent the next 13 years serving in the 5th Special Forces Group and Interagency community, conducting or supporting special operations in the Middle East and North Africa. As a Professor of Military Science, it is a privilege to him to contribute to the education of the U.S. Army’s future leaders.  

***

Master Sergeant Dustin Ketterl joined the Army in September of 2007 and graduated from Basic Training in January of 2008.  He was stationed at Camp Casey, Korea for my first duty station.  In February of 2009 he was assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas.  While stationed at Fort Riley MSG Ketterl was deployed twice once to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.  He served in every position from a Radio Telephone Operator to a Reconnaissance Squad Leader.  After Spending approximately five years at Fort Riley he got reassigned to the 4th Ranger Training Battalion (RTB) “Ranger School”.  He spent three years at RTB as an instructor to the Ranger Students.  Most Recently he served at the 101ST Airborne Division “Air Assault.”  He held the position of Platoon Sergeant for two years and First Sergeant for two years. 

1:00 – 1:50 pm

Patrick Winter, J.D., Assistant Attorney General, Wisconsin Department of Justice; Mariana Rodriguez, Director, UMOS Latina Resource Center

Stayer Center Auditorium

Patrick Winter is an Assistant Attorney General within the Criminal Litigation Unit of the Wisconsin Department of Justice. AAG Winter is a member of the Wisconsin Labor Trafficking and Wisconsin Worker Misclassification Task Forces. Prior to joining WI DOJ in 2022, he worked as a state prosecutor in the Dane and Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Offices, where he prosecuted everything from homicides, sexual assaults and human trafficking cases to domestic abuse and drug trafficking crimes. AAG Winter has coordinated statewide trainings on worker protection enforcement, and he has participated in numerous conferences and trainings geared toward the effective investigation and successful prosecution of trafficking cases. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and received his law degree from Marquette University Law School.”

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Mariana Rodriguez has been working for UMOS, Inc since 2001. As the director of the Latina Resource Center, she designed and implemented the first comprehensive holistic linguistically and culturally specific center in Wisconsin that serves Hispanic and immigrant victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As a strong advocate for victims of violence, Ms. Rodriguez is passionate about protecting victims, upholding the rights of victims, and holding perpetrators accountable.  Ms. Rodriguez created and implemented the Wisconsin Regional Anti-Human Trafficking programs that focuses on victim identification and providing comprehensive direct services to victims of sex trafficking, and labor trafficking. Ms. Rodriguez has also developed and implemented programs such as Wisconsin Legal Services for Victims program that provides advocacy and legal services for victims of sexual assault and/or sex trafficking and the WI Labor Trafficking Multi-Disciplinary Team funded by the Howard G Buffett Foundation.

Ms. Rodriguez is a recipient of the 2012 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault 2014 Voices of Courage Award and 2020 Milwaukee Business Journal Women of Influence

Mariana Rodriguez graduated from Alverno College with a B.A. in Psychology.

English Literature Students, Marian University

Stayer Center Rm 205

2:00 – 2:50 pm

Matt Szromba, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Marian University

Stayer Center Auditorium 

Matt Szromba received his doctorate in History from Loyola University, Chicago. He is Associate Professor at Marian University and is known for his expertise as a professor.  He has taught over 32 different history courses from Medieval Europe to Western Civilization since the Seventeenth Century to History Goes to the Movies:  The Holocaust.  He led Marian’s Honors Program for 12 years and currently serves as Faculty Director of Study Abroad. He has organized trips to Ireland, Italy and Poland. He received the James R. Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2012. His passion for history and its impact on people and society is evident in his presentations.

Tracy Abler, Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Coordinator for the Congregation of St. Agnes (CSA)

Stayer Center Dining Room

Tracy Abler serves as the Justice Promoter for the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA). Her role is to develop, implement, and facilitate the integration of justice, peace and creation care efforts, information, and response into the lives and ministries of CSA sisters and associates.  Her strong relationships in the community allow her to connect and collaborate across diverse populations that support CSA’s commitment to respond to those whose faith life and human dignity are threatened in any way. She is also an Associate of CSA. Associates are women and men who choose to have an intentional relationship with CSA; they embody the charism, mission, and spirituality of the Sisters of St. Agnes. Tracy is a two-time graduate of Marian University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2009 and a master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2017. In 2015, she earned Marian University’s Annual Social Justice Award in recognition of her activities in challenging structures that are inequitable. While employed at Marian from 2012 through 2020, she once served as Staff Senate President and helped to start the first student organization for Indigenous students, but she found her most rewarding work at Marian was advocating for, and serving the students of, the UBMS/TRIO program. Tracy and her husband Mike (also a 2009 grad of Marian; where they met) have six beautiful daughters together and four delightful grandchildren.

Rick Parks, Former CEO, Society Insurance, Adjunct Professor at Marian University
Mary Christine Fellerhoff, CSA, Former General Superior, Congregation of St. Agnes
Jeff Reed, Ph.D., Former Dean, School of Business, Marian University

Stayer Center Rm 205 

Rick Parks is an Adjunct Instructor of Risk Management & Insurance at Marian University.  Prior to his retirement in July 2023, he spent the last twelve years of a 43-year insurance career as CEO of Society Insurance, headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  Society Insurance focuses on insuring the restaurant and bar industry throughout the United States and is in the top 10% of revenue for Property Casualty insurance companies in the country.

Rick graduated Cum laude from Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  He went on to earn the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation from the American Institute for Property and Liability Underwriters, as well as a number of certifications from the Insurance Institute of America.

He was active in public advocacy for insurance and economic issues during his time as an insurance executive and developed many relationships with public officials and leaders of the insurance industry around the country.  As he moved to retirement stepping away from being a voice that was known and heard in the state capital and the halls of Congress and on national trade association boards were all part of his transition to a new phase of his life.

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Jeffrey G. Reed, PhD, MA, MLS, BA, is Professor Emeritus at Marian University.  He has served as dean of the business school and professor of management at Marian, software developer and project manager at Xerox Corporation, business consultant in Rochester, NY, and professor of psychology at SUNY-Geneseo.  Following service as Rotary International District 6270 Governor, he now provides volunteer service in grant management and membership development to Rotary and to Fondy Food Pantry.

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Mary Christine Fellerhoff CSA (Sister Mary Chris) is a Sister of St. Agnes.Born in Muncie, Indiana, she attended Ball State Teachers’ College (now Ball State University) before entering St. Agnes Convent in Fond du Lac, WI in 1959. She finished her undergraduate degree at Marian in 1962. She earned an MA in English from the University of Minnesota and a second master’s from the Institute of Pastoral Studies (at Loyola University of Chicago) with an emphasis on human development and spirituality.

Sister Mary Chris has been a teacher, an administrator, a social service worker, an executive director of a national organization of religious women, a member of three leadership teams in CSA, a spiritual director, a liaison for establishing a sister-parish relationship between Fond du Lac’s Holy Family Parish and a parish in Rosita Nicaragua, a local coordinator for the Sisters at CSA’s retirement home, and foundress of a nonprofit charity in Amory MS.

In October of 2022, Sister retired to the CSA Motherhouse in Fond du Lac, WI. She also serves a few hours a week as Secretary for Adelante Mujer, a nonprofit organization to fund medical education for women of diverse cultures in eastern Nicaragua.

Olivia Church-Sowinski, Branden Koll, and Adrjana Skinner Marian University Students
Stayer Center Atrium

Dylan Pease, Steven Russell, Brady Zackrison, Students, Marian University

Science Rm 123

3:00 – 3:50 pm

Maranda Abitz, ’08 Kidney Donor, Coordinator of Student Success, Marian University; Michelle Lesher, Eric’s mom 1994 updating Eric Warnke’s ’22)1994, Molly Litchfus (Walters) ’05/ ‘09 double lung recipient; Nicole Braatz, Kidney recipient; Paul Osterholm ‘02/’05 Bone Marrow and Kidney Donor

DoNation engages workplaces of all sizes and across all industries in efforts to improve awareness about organ donation and transplantation and to sign more people up as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

See exhibit table for information.

Stayer Center Dining Room