Happy November, Muskies! 🍂💙💛
As we head into the season of gratitude, we want to know — What is something Lakeland gave you that you’re thankful for?Â
A best friend? A teammate? A mentor? A memory you still carry with you?Â
Send a note (or photo) to alumni@lakeland.edu. We plan to share a few on Alumni Facebook for Thanksgiving!
Homecoming 2025 Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Homecoming 2025. From the welcome reception and alumni awards to tailgating and the Hall of Fame induction, it was great to have so many Muskies back on campus. We appreciate you being part of it!Â
Class of 1975: Welcome to the Emeritus Club
During Homecoming weekend, we were proud to welcome the Class of 1975 into the Lakeland Emeritus Club. This recognition is reserved for alumni who graduated from Mission House or Lakeland College 50 or more years ago, honoring their continued connection and commitment to their alma mater.Â
Each year, the newest class of Emeritus members is celebrated during Homecoming as we recognize their lasting place in Lakeland’s history and community. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 1976 next year!Â
If you’re interested in reconnecting with classmates or organizing a class gathering, reach out to us at alumni@lakeland.edu — we’d love to help.Â
Lakeland named 2025 Sheboygan Co. Economic Driver of the Year
Proud moment! Lakeland University, alongside Lakeshore College, has been recognized as the 2025 Economic Driver of the Year. Even better — we got to celebrate with a few Muskie alums at the event.  Congrats Lakeland & Lakeshore College!Â
Support Student Travel to Black Hills!
This spring, a group of Lakeland students will take part in a travel-study experience to the Black Hills of South Dakota. During the trip, they’ll explore sacred landscapes, historic sites, and the complex cultural history of public lands.Â
Experiences like this broaden perspectives, deepen academic learning, and create memories that last a lifetime — but for some students, cost can be a challenge.Â
If you are able, please consider supporting this experience and helping a student say yes to this journey:
For questions or additional information, please contact:Â
Alexis F. Piper, PhDÂ
Assistant Professor of Composition, Director of Interdisciplinary StudiesÂ
PegramPiperA@lakeland.eduÂ
Muskies Travel: Alumni Visit to Lakeland University Japan
Lakeland alum Russ Sprunger ’75 recently visited our Lakeland University Japan (LUJ) campus while traveling in Tokyo this fall. Russ met with Dr. Anderson Passos, Vice President of LUJ, and the two connected over their shared backgrounds in technology and business development, as well as Lakeland’s ongoing global impact.Â
Thank you, Russ, for stopping by and representing Lakeland abroad — we’re glad you had a great visit!Â
Alumni Highlight
Janice Aikens ’79
Congratulations to Janice Aikens ’79, who recently published her debut young adult novel, Under the Covered Bridge. The book addresses bullying and cyberbullying in high school through the story of Hannah, a ninth grader who learns the power of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Janice’s book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with a sequel and a girls’ sports series already in the works.Â
Additional Alumni Spotlights
Don Young ’88, recently published his memoir, Finding God in Vegas: A Gen X Spiritual Awakening, reflecting on his personal journey and the influence of his time at Lakeland. Alumni and friends can learn more here: https://donaldharoldyoung.com/Â
Kristal Klemme ’14, has been elected to a four-year term on Lakeland University’s Board of Trustees. Kristal currently serves as pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Plymouth, Wisconsin, where she has led since 2017. Lakeland grad named to LU Board of TrusteesÂ
Kaitlyn Kenealy, MAC ’17, and the team at Into the Woods Wellness recently celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new integrative mental health and wellness center in Fond du Lac. Envision Greater Fond du Lac Holds Ribbon Cutting at Into the Woods Wellness – Envision Greater Fond du LacÂ
Kerstin Sauerbrei ’24, Lakeland basketball standout and Ripon native, is the new head coach of the Ripon High School girls’ basketball team — returning home to inspire the next generation of Tigers. Ripon High welcomes alum Kerstin Sauerbrei as coach | Sports | riponpress.comÂ
Have exciting news to share — a new job, wedding, promotion or accomplishment? We want to celebrate with you! Submit your update to be featured on our socials, in Muskie Pride, and in the next edition of Lakeland Magazine.
Alumni Spotlight – Be Featured!
Each week on Facebook, we’ll be featuring one Lakeland alum to share where their journey has taken them since graduation. We’re excited to celebrate the stories, careers, passions, and impact of our Muskies near and far. 💙💛Â
Know someone we should highlight — or want to be featured yourself?Â
Lakeland Staff Volunteer Time Off
Lakeland’s Advancement Team volunteered at the Sheboygan County Food Bank alongside Jodie Zajkowski ’98, who is the food bank’s logistics and warehouse manager. The team helped sort and package food for county distribution as part of Lakeland’s Volunteer Time Off program, which provides paid hours for employees to serve the community.Â
Got a new job? Got married? Moved? Don’t forget to update your contact information!
Upcoming 2025 Events
Please visit lakeland.edu/calendar for the most up-to-date listing of events.
Nov. 26 – Nov. 30 | Thanksgiving Recess Â
Dec. 2Â |Â Â Humanities & Fine Arts Colloquium | Main CampusÂ
Dec. 4Â |Â Business & Entrepreneurship Colloquium | Main CampusÂ
Dec. 5Â |Â Science, Technology & Education Colloquium | Main CampusÂ
Dec. 5Â | Â December Graduation | Main CampusÂ
Dec. 6Â |Â Christmas at Lakeland | Main Campus
Dec. 19 – Jan 5  | Winter Break, Alumni Office ClosedÂ