Alumni Hall of Fame

• B.A. in Political Science, UW Whitewater 1996
• Wisconsin State Assembly:  Elected in 2000
• Youngest Female Legislator elected into the Assembly 2001/2002
• Budget Review Committee Chair
• Speaker to many organizations and schools
• Weekly publications to local newspapers
• Authored the legislative bill designating the Cranberry as the official State Fruit
• Republican Party of Wisconsin “Top County Award” 1998, 1999

Most memorable accomplishment at Wilmot Union High School:  
Speaking in front of the school board was daunting.  Not only was it my first taste of public, persuasive speaking – a skill I use most every day in my job – it was a turning point in my life.  This experience taught me that I can do anything if I have a goal and am willing to work very hard to achieve it. 

• B.S. in Education, University Wisconsin-Whitewater 1968
• Randall Grade School Educator-34 years
• Coach of Girls Softball, Girls Track, Boys Basketball, and Girls Basketball
• Wilmot Booster Club-15 years
• Teacher of the Year, Randall Grade School 1999-2000
• Calvary Congregational Church – Board Member, Christian Education Director
• Genoa City Baseball-Tournament Director-14 years

Most memorable moment or accomplishment at Wilmot Union High School:  My most memorable moment at WHS was being the sports editor for the school newspaper “The Cardinal Quill” and being VP of the senior class.  I also gave the welcome speech at graduation.

• B.S. in Agriculture, University of Madison 1951
• Published Author: Soldier Boy
• Entrepreneur: Fox Valley Florist, Wilmot - 40 years
• President of Wilmot Union High School Board - 27 years
• President of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards
• Coach/Referee for youth athletic programs - 35 years
• Organization Committee for Lakeland Little League & Babe Ruth League
• Kenosha County Fair: Manager - 25 years (Board of Directors - 20 years, President - 5 years)
• Member Wilmot Volunteer Fire Department since 1948 (Chief for 9 years)
• Korean War (1951-53) Rifle Company Commander: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Start, Service Medals and Two Battle Stars

Most memorable Wilmot accomplishment: "I was fortunate in being a part of several facility improvements at Wilmot Union High School giving our students greater educational opportunities."

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Marquette University 1959
• Marketing Manager, Nuclear-Chicago Corporation 1959 - 1968
• Senior Vice President, Becker Security 1968-1977
• President & Founder, Brehm & Company 1977-1981
• President, Asset Management Group, The Chicago Corporation/ABM-AMRO 1981-2000
• President, Board of Trustees, Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church 1999 - Present
• Director, The Chicago Crime Commission 1999 - Present
• President, Board of Development, Providence Saint Mel High School 1984-1988
• President, Board of Trustees, Saint Viator High School 1978-1980
• Youth Minister - Kolbe House Prison Ministry 1996 - Present

A quote from Dr. Seuss says it all about the significance of Bob's life:  "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not." --John J. McDonough

• Ph.D. & MS in Entomology, UW-Madison: 1997, 2000
• Biointensive Integrated Pest Management Field (IPM) Coordinator: 2000-Present
• Recipient of the USDA Secretary Award for Maintaining & Enhancing the Nation's Natural Resources: 2003
• Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Researcher of the Year: 2002
• Agroecosystems Grant Writer for University of Wisconsin
• Member Entomological Society of America
• Big Sisters Mentor Program: 2000-Present
• Board of Directors, Madison Jaycees: 2002 - Present
• Volunteer: Special Olympics, United Cerebral Palsy, Salvation Army, Clothe a Child Winter Program
• Nationally renowned speaker/author in the field of Entomology
• Valedictorian Wilmot Union High School Class of 1990

Most memorable moment at Wilmot: During my junior year, I visited Mexico with my Spanish class.  This was a great opportunity.  I believe experiencing a different culture was very educational and helped to broaden my mind.

• Degree in Dairy Farm Management, University of Wisconsin 1974
• Outstanding Young Dairy Couple, Associated Milk Producers 1980
• Level Five Distinguished Board Member, Wisconsin Association of School Boards 2001
• President, Kenosha County Holstein Association
• Distinguished School Board Member, Wisconsin Music Educators Association 2003
• President, Genoa City JT 2 School Board 1991 - Present
• President, Wisconsin Association of School Boards (Various Positions Held) 1994-2003
• Head Coach for "Kenosha County Dairy Judging Team" State Champions (Also placed 6th at Nationals) 1976
• National Lobbyist and Advocate for Educational Rights and Dignity of Disabled Persons 1995 - Present
• Delegate and Candidate for Board of Directors, National School Board Association 1997 - Present 

Most memorable moment at Wilmot Union High School:  I played four years for football at Wilmot.  In those four years, we won a total of three games.  What I learned from this experience is that high school athletics are not always about winning, but rather about effort, teamwork and never giving up.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Marquette University, Milwaukee - 2000
• M.S. in Nursing, California State, Long Beach - 1980
• B.S. in Nursing, UW Madison - 1975
• Research Scientist, Molecular Immunologist: Medical College of Wisconsin
• Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Platelet Immunology (2000-2002) and Pediatrics (2002-2005)
• Published author in the field of Molecular Immunology
• Nursing Awards including: NIH Training Grant, Post-Doctoral Fellowship/Reverend John P. Raynor, S.J., Fellowship/Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship
• Spokesperson for the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center
• American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Treasurer
• Sigma Theta Tau - Delta Gamma Chapter Nursing
• Parent Teachers Association, Fox Point/Bayside School District

Favorite memories: Shakespeare class with Mr. Shelton.  "I vividly remember sitting in class studying Shakespeare.  Mr. Shelton was the first person that really believed in me and motivated me to actualize my potential.  I carry his belief with me to this day and I attribute some of my success to his mentoring."

• B.B.A. in Business Management, UW Whitewater 1969
• Entrepreneur: Sentry Foods in Twin Lakes, Lake Geneva, and Burlington
• Sponsored "Funds for Friends" program with financial return of over $220,000 to our Twin Lakes/Wilmot Community
• Sponsored Business-to-School Program through Wilmot High School
• Specialist 5th Class U.S. Army and Vietnam Veteran
• Genoa City Little League Manager and Coach, 15 years
• PTO Officer and Member at Lakewood School, 20 years
• Received the "We care about Education" Family of the Year 1990 (Sponsored by DPI)
• Calvary United Church of Christ, Twin Lakes:  various volunteer positions on church board, building committees, worked with sponsoring a Laotian family of 6
• Wilmot Booster Club - more than 25 years as Treasurer 

Favorite memories include:  Leading the marching band as drum major and participating in the Pep Band at games; working on the Junior Prom Committee and the daunting task of decorating the gym for the dance; acting in Junior and Senior Class plays; and singing a solo at graduation.  

• B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering, UW Platteville – Class of 1992
• Wisconsin “Airport Engineer of the Year” Award - 2004
• Innovation Award – Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association – 2003
• Star Performer Award – Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics – 2003
• Managed projects at Wisconsin airports including Mitchell International, La Crosse Municipal, Kenosha Regional, Washington Island, and Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport
• Managed the inter-modal Amtrak Rail Station project at Mitchell International
• Managed innovative use of Micro-Surfacing to eliminate reflective cracking of the airport runways
• Created statewide Approach Clearing Policy and Program providing guidance and funding for Wisconsin airports to clear approaches of obstructions
• Member of UW Platteville Intercollegiate Basketball Team – NAIA district 14 Champions – Toured Germany, France, Belgium, and Holland

Favorite Wilmot memories include:  Athletic events, the friendships made and the great family, fun, and learning environment that WUHS provided.  “The teachers and administration were wonderful and will always be dear to my heart for their efforts in preparing me for my future endeavors.”

• World War II Veteran - Army Sergeant - Action in the Philippines in the South Pacific
• Work experiences include: Snap-On Tools, electrician, plumber, and dairy farmer
• Member of American Legion for 63 years
• Member of Wilmot Fire Department for 60 years
• Published poet in the International Library of Poetry
• Served on the Randall School Board of Education
• Guest reader for Wilmot Union High School Library Poetry Days
• Member and voting delegate for the American Milk Producers, Inc.

Notable memory:  Going to school on Monday, December 8th, 1941 and hearing President Roosevelt say "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live on in infamy-" on the school radio.  Many predicted the war would be over in a week or two.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think 15 year old Ray Stoxen would later be in a foxhole on a hill on the Island of Luzon, with a 30 cal. machine gun, or in Japan in the Army of Occupation, four years later.  It forced me to become a mature and responsible adult.  I am proud to have served my country and my community.

• B.S. in Business Administration, Loras College, 1960
• National Sales Manager for Business Forms Group, Control Data, 1971 - 1974
• President of Print Division (NN Dataforms) / Officer of Holding Company, Northwestern National Insurance Co., 1974-1981
• Took Dataforms Private by purchasing it with Management and Investors, 1981
• Built Dataforms into a Multi Plant Operation and sold it to Reynolds & Reynolds, 1996
• Board of Directors, DePaul Hospital (Milwaukee), 1992 - 1995
• Chairperson & Board of Directors, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan, 1995-2004
• Other Civic Involvement: Betty Ford Center, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (helped establish Milwaukee & Sheboygan chapters), and Limbs for Life
• Board of Directors:  Printing Industries of Wisconsin, International Business Forms Industries, First Wisconsin Trust Co., Serigraph, Inc., Glenroy, Vollrath, and Flexo-Graphics

Most Memorable Experience at Wilmot:
Having Frank Bucci as a golf coach.  He always told us to do as well as you could but also to have some fun on the course.

• Nurse – Over Fifty Years of Service
• Salem Rescue Squad – Over Twenty-Five Years of Service
• Wheatland Fire Department – Emergency Services First Responder
• Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Board Member
• Red Cross Lifetime Achievement Award 2009
• Emergency Medical Services Instructor – Gateway Technical College
• Wisconsin EMS Association Statewide Conference planner and facilitator
• Daybreak – Volunteer in the Alzheimer’s Division
• Assisted in the Wheatland tornado relief activities of January 2008

Most memorable moment or accomplishment at Wilmot Union High School: The close friendships that were developed between the students and staff.  Those close bonds were maintained and continue even today.  Our class has maintained this close connection through the years and still, even today, communicate as classmates.

• University of Notre Dame, B.S. in Commerce, Cum Laude, 1954
• United States Air Force, Military Air Transport Service Navigator 1954 -1957
• Senior Navigator/ Judge Advocate Corps 1957-1974
• Marquette University Law School, JD, 1961
• Attorney at Everson, Whitney, Everson & Brehm S.C. 1961 - Present
• State Bar of Wisconsin, Officer and Board of Governors, Chairman
• General Counsel for the Diocese of Green Bay, 1972 - Present
• National Diocesan Attorneys Association
• Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
• Chairman, Wisconsin Judicial Commission
• Director, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Foundation
• St. Norbert College, President's Advisory Council

Because his family has always been of prime importance to Phil, he has tried to follow the advice of Father Ted Hesburgh, President of Notre Dame University, 1952-1987:

"The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."

• Well respected pioneer in Nursery/Landscape Industry and Founder of Paul Swartz Nursery & Garden Shop (1949)
• Helped create the Wisconsin Landscape Federation and was inducted to their Hall of Fame (2003)
• Served in Wisconsin National Guard (1950-1952)
• Board of Directors - Bank of Burlington for 22 years
• Recognized for 30 years of service with Lakeland Little League and Lake Region Babe Ruth
• Helped his father develop and made countless contributions to Fox River Park, originally a Civilian Conservation Core Project during the Depression
• Recognized for 21 years of extraordinary commitment in assuring the sustained success of the Mid-American Trade Show
• Recognized for outstanding service to Schultz-Hahn American Legion Post 293

Most memorable moment at Wilmot Union High School:  Playing football for Frank Bucci's first football team and being named captain of the basketball team. 

• BA Degree in Communications at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire - 1971
• Arthritis Foundation - Rocky Mountain Chapter – Board Member - 1990-2010, “Man of Distinction” – 2005, “Media Award” – 2009, “Man of the Year” – 2009 
• American Diabetes Association - Board of Directors
• Ronald McDonald House – Board Member and volunteer
• Denver Food Bank “Share our Strength” – Board Member
• Co-founded and current Board Member of Denver Chapter of “Golfers Against Cancer” – 1997 - 2011
• Greenwood Community Church – Caring Ministry
• President of Touchdown & Softball Booster Clubs for Cherry Creek High School, Denver, CO
• “Volunteer of the Year” 1999 – Cherry Creek High School
• “Everyday Hero” award from Channel 7 – Denver – 2002
• “Hero of Results” Results Award – 2006
• “Best Morning Show” Colorado Broadcasters’ Association - 2010

“Murphy believes in his role and responsibility to those less fortunate and struggling in his town.  He uses radio to get people who want to help in touch with those who need help.  It is HIS great gift.” -- Jim White of Volunteers of America.

Notable Memories:  My lead role in the play “Harvey”, being selected as Captain of the Baseball team, and the responsibility of being President of the Band Club.

• 23 years of Dedicated Service -Frontier Communications Company
• Member, Wilmot Board of Education (2012 – Present, 2001 – 2004)
• President, Board of Trustees - Community Library
• Village of Silver Lake Trustee (1991 – 1995), President (1995 – 1999)
• 15 years with Lakeland Little League to include serving as Umpire in Chief
• Silver Lake Tee Ball 1987 - 1995
• Co-Founder and Coach – Western Kenosha County Bulldogs Football
• Member – Wilmot Booster Club

Most Memorable Moments at Wilmot Union High School:
“I would say the realization that all of my teachers and administration did have my best interest at heart when they were teaching me, and now being able to say that some of those teachers are now my friends and equals.  I also love the moments when I return to Wilmot and see some of my former teachers still doing what they love in such a wonderful facility.”

• Masters of Business Administration – Kellstadt Graduate School, DePaul University 
• Bachelor of Arts in Production Operations Management – University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Managing Director, Cantor Fitzgerald, New York City, NY
• Principal/New Business Development (silent partner), Pluscios Management, Evanston, IL
• Director of Marketing, Crestline Investors, Inc., Fort Worth, TX
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago CFA Society
• Board member of Women Investment Professionals
• Member of 100 Women in Hedge Funds (former committee member)
• Member of Executive Women’s Golf League, Site Captain – 5 years
• Speaker at various conferences and meetings within the financial sector
• Active in children/women causes, tutoring through church at project areas in Chicago
• Mentor of young professional women for Step-Up Network
• Active in fundraising for B.U.I.L.D. and bringing attention to women in finance, including early professionals interested in the career path
• Worldly Traveler visiting 21 countries in 6 continents and 49 of 50 United States

Notable Memories:  I have a lot of fond memories from my high school years at Wilmot.  Most of them involving cheerleading (our great basketball team) and my early years in the band (great road trips).  I treasure the friendships I made at Wilmot.  What I believe I take away from my years at Wilmot is the foundation of who I am.   

• Served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958; Honorably Discharged as “Corporal” 
• Deputy for Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department – 1965, serving as community relations officer certifying youth and adult snowmobile drivers. Awarded the Silver Buckle award by the Department of Natural Resources, for certifying over 1,000 people in snowmobile safety
• Owner/Operating of Riesselmann Electric for over 30 years and Riesselmann Laundries in Paddock Lake and Kenosha – currently owned family business
• Union League Club of Chicago’s Red Tipped Feather award – 1977 for outstanding service to youth
• Officer of the Year award  – 1979, Wisconsin Professional Police Association
• Charter member of the Westosha-Salem Kiwanis Club, former president
• Served as an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America, both at the local and district level, serving Kenosha and Racine counties for over 30 years – received the Silver Beaver award
• Member of Kenosha Moose Family Center #286 and former Administrator of the Lodge
• Served 20 years on the Village Board of Paddock Lake as trustee, president and various committees and advisory boards
• Served parish for many years as religious education teacher, president of school board, committee chairman and member of parish council, usher, lector and Eucharistic minister

Notable Memories: Preparing for and participating in plays and prom, the privilege and honor of being president for Future Farmers of America, and representing our school as a Wilmot High School football player. 

• Masters of Science in Criminal Justice-University of Wisconsin, Platteville – 2005
• Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management-Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI  – 1996 
• Certification for Public Administrator, UW-Milwaukee –  1982
• Certification for Executive Leadership, Cornell University – 2015
• Certified Police Officer and Firefighter, State of Wisconsin – 1972-1973
• Police Officer, Lt., Acting Chief for Twin Lakes, WI. – 12 years
• Twin Lakes Fire Department Captain – 20 years
• Twin Lakes Rescue Squad – 15 years
• Criminal Justice Solutions/Owner: Train police officers in soft and tactical skills – 40 plus years
• Chrysler Corp. World Headquarters: Investigator – 28 years
• New beginnings Mercy House – former president
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center – Executive Board Member
• Instructor for International Law Enforcement Trainers and Educators at international conventions
• Concordia University’s Criminal Justice Alliance Advisor and Justice/Public Policy Council Co-Chair
• NCAA Baseball Umpire – 15 years
• Professional Independent Baseball Umpire – 5 years
• International Majors Baseball Tournament and Federation College Baseball World Series Crew Chief – 2005-2010

Notable Memories:  I was blessed to have Mr. Tom Hausman as a drama/speech teacher.  His mentoring and competing at state in one-act plays and other school performances has provided me with confidence throughout my entire life. After all, “the world is a stage.”

• Masters of Science in Engineering Management – Milwaukee School of Engineering – 2005
• Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering, Minor in Business Management – Milwaukee School of Engineering –  1995
• Site Executive Director, Early Development/Discovery and Translational Services, Covance R&D Labs, Shanghai,  China, 2011 – present
• Director of Toxicology Operations, Covance Laboratories, Inc., Chandler, Arizona, 2008 – 2011
• Drug Development Experience with Covance, leading teams and driving growth in Discovery, Early Development, and Clinical Development – 18 plus years 
• Site Leadership and Senior Management experience – 18 plus years
• Experience working in the United States, Europe and China and working with global teams in a matrix environment 
• Led teams across multiple disciplines
• Proven track record of high quality delivery and financial growth
• Author, Co-Author of various Publications 
• Volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Milwaukee and Northern Nevada, Special Olympics, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Race for a Cure

Notable Memories: Participating in and watching athletics, placing second in State in baseball (1990), plus math and science classes. 

• Business Improvement/Organizational Development Consultant,
• S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
• Charter member of the Board of Directors, “Koos for Kids” Foundation
• Charter member of the University of North Texas Advisory Board for high-performance work teams
• Former president of the S.C. Johnson Unit Manager’s Council
• Member of the St. Edward’s Parish Endowment Committee
• Member of the St. Edward’s Parish Building and Grounds Committee
• Associates Degree in Accounting from Gateway Technical Institute
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University
• Awarded the Bronze Star by the United States Army for meritorious duty while serving in Vietnam
• Awarded rank of Specialist 5th Class (E5) in less than two years in the United States Army
• Awarded the “Friend of the Center” award by the University of North Texas
• Awarded the “Raider Involvement Plus” recognition from the Twin Lakes District #4 School Board
• An accomplished speaker and guest lecturer at multiple educational institutions
•  

Notable Memories: “My most memorable moments from Wilmot were the disciplined and extremely focused band rehearsals that our band teacher/conductor (Mr. George Amoth) facilitated. Although I didn’t realize or appreciate it at the time, that routine and format helped shape my philosophy in my personal pursuit of excellence once I left Wilmot!”

• Attended UW-Milwaukee and UW-Parkside to complete her degree in Business Management.
• Worked in banking and financial services in Southeastern Wisconsin for over 30 years
• President of the Wilmot Choir Parents Association (2015-2018)
• Wisconsin DECA volunteer competition judge
• Wilmot Union High School Reality Check volunteer
• Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Advisory Council and Committee Member
• Member and former director of the Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association
• Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) mentor
• US Bank Customer Advocacy Award 2017
• WWBIC Outstanding Volunteer Service Award 2015, 2016, and 2017
• NxLevel Business Education Instructor Certification
• Leadership Kenosha Graduate, 2007 (UW Extension)
• ABA Commercial Lending School Graduate, 2007
• An accomplished pianist who accompanied students at the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest

Notable Memories: “One of the most memorable moments for me in high school was walking into school the first day of my senior year (the seniors were all gathered in the gym for some reason). I will never forget the feeling of walking into that room – the feeling of unity. It was amazing! We were a fairly small class and all knew each other for the most part, but that day was special because we felt like a family. The whole year was like that too. Every moment was special. I think in a school like Wilmot, in a smaller community, you do become family. It is something that is part of you forever.”

• Bachelor’s Degree in Comprehensive Social Science, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
• Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
• Social Studies Teacher at Platteville High School
• Head Basketball Coach at Platteville High School
• University of Wisconsin-Parkside Men’s Basketball Coach
• Led the UW-Rangers to three NCAA tournament appearances
• 2013 Jack Bennett Man of the Year
• 2012-2013 Greater Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year
• 2013 NABC Midwest District Coach of the Year
• 2006-2007 Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year
• Member of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches vs. Cancer events
• Sponsored fundraising events for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Heads the annual Ranger Men’s Basketball Golf Outing

Notable Memories: “Winning a state championship was such a special moment but it was only the destination.   The work put in and the laughs shared with so many great teammates during the journey is what I will treasure the most."

• Honor Graduate, Valedictorian- Wilmot High School 1966
• Kenosha County Spelling Bee Champion-1962
• Associate Arts Degree-Fashion Merchandising, Kenosha Technical Institute  1970, The Highest Scholastic Graduate.
•  Who's Who in American Junior Colleges entrant, 1969-70 edition.
• Charter Employee Playboy Club Hotel-Lake Geneva, WI — 1968-70
• Bachelor of Arts Nursing Degree, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee-1976
• Master of Arts Human Resources Management-University of Redlands, CA-1986
• Registered Nurse 44 years, Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, CA; Critical Care Specialist
• Private Home Care RN to celebrity client, Mr. Bob Hope, 2000-2003
• Founder/CEO, F&J Luxury Rentals, California and Wisconsin, est.1977

“My fondest memory from my WUHS years has to be the honor of being selected to speak at our graduation ceremonies in 1966. Then, 56 years later, to be nominated by some of my same classmates to be considered for this honor as their lifetime Hall of Fame representative. The teachers, friends, skills and values given me in those long-ago, formative years are priceless life gifts I was given. They were truly the foundation for my most wonderful and interesting life."