Alumni Success Stories
A UW-Eau Claire education is a springboard to success. Just follow the links below to learn more about some of the recent achievements of UW-Eau Claire alumni.
Justin Vernon '04, a UW-Eau Claire comparative studies in religion graduate, is the leader/singer-songwriter for the much-acclaimed indie-rock group Bon Iver. In September 2011, Vernon performed two sold-out shows with Bon Iver at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. Read related stories in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram and the Minneapolis StarTribune. Vernon also was featured in May 2011 in Billboard magazine and appeared on NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” and in June 2011 he was featured in The New York Times Magazine. Full story.
Bruce Gardow '74, a UW-Eau Claire social science and speech graduate, has created a tour of Eau Claire that highlights the city's Great Depression-era projects. Full story.
Jan Harvey '68, a UW-Eau Claire communication disorders graduate who also received a master of science in education degree in communication disorders in 1970, had her garden included in the Stepping Stones of Dunn County garden tour. (Photo by Pamela Powers of the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram) Full story.
Morgan Hinkley '06, a UW-Eau Claire health care administration graduate, has been chosen by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living as a future leader in long-term care. Full story.
Keith Karns '08, a UW-Eau Claire music graduate, recently performed with his big band jazz ensemble at the Grand Little Theatre in Eau Claire. Full story.
Ganna Kotenko '09, a UW-Eau Claire mathematics graduate, opened Swan Lake Ballet Studio in Eau Claire in May. (Photo by Andi Stempniak of the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram) Full story.
Pat Kreitlow '86, a UW-Eau Claire journalism graduate, has announced his candidacy to represent Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Full story.
Shane Leonard '07, a UW-Eau Claire English graduate, and a group of musicians performing under the name Kalispell have released the project's debut EP titled "Eastbound." Full story.
Mark Luebker '91, a UW-Eau Claire elementary education graduate, has been named superintendent of the Osceola School District. Full story.
Jill Millis '09, a UW-Eau Claire mass communication and history graduate, has been named head softball coach at UW-Stevens Point. Full story.
Judy Nichols '88, a UW-Eau Claire nursing graduate, has been named Cardiac Care Associate liaison for the Wisconsin Chapter of the American College of Cardiology. Full story.
Kate Nulsen '11, who received a master of science in nursing degree from UW-Eau Claire, has been promoted to director of the critical care department at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. Full story.
Steve Palacek '00, a UW-Eau Claire accounting graduate, has received the New Beginning Award from Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls. Full story.
Angela Pittman Taylor '00, a UW-Eau Claire communication graduate, has been selected as a Woman of Influence by The Business Journal (as reported in the May e-View). A lengthier story and video interview are available for viewing. Full story.
Jason Plante '97, a UW-Eau Claire marketing graduate, has been named vice chair of the Friends of Sacred Heart Hospital board of directors. Full story.
Nick Prueher '98 and Joe Pickett '99, both UW-Eau Claire communication graduates, are curators of the Found Footage Festival. Full story.
John Raymond '09, a UW-Eau Claire music graduate, toured the Midwest this spring with a New York-based jazz quintet that he co-leads as trumpeter. Full story.
Sarah Strahm '00, a UW-Eau Claire nursing graduate who also received of master of science in nursing degree in 2004, has received the Gold Star Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. Full story.
Matt Tiller '08, a UW-Eau Claire music graduate, has received the Golden Apple Award from WQOW News 18 in Eau Claire. Full story.
Jim Ward '92, a UW-Eau Claire geography graduate, is president of Applied Data Consultants, based in the town of Wheaton. (Photo by Shane Opatz of the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram) Full story.
Molly Woodford '11, a UW-Eau Claire history and political science graduate, was the top female finisher in the Eau Claire Triathlon held in June. Full story.
Joseph Zirngibl '78, a UW-Eau Claire political science graduate who also received a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1990 and a master of education-professional development degree in 1998, is the new administrator/principal of the Reek School District in Lake Geneva. Full story.
