August 2024 – Muskie Pride

Don't Miss Out—Register Now for Homecoming!

Join us for an unforgettable Homecoming on Saturday, October 5, 2024!  

Celebrate with the Hall of Fame induction, Class of 1974 Emeritus Club induction, exciting football and women’s soccer, alumni tailgating, live music, delicious food, and more!  

RSVP today!

For more information, contact us at alumni@lakeland.edu.  

Six Inductees into Athletic Hall of Fame

The induction banquet will be held on Friday, Oct. 4, at 5:30 p.m. 

Reservations are required, so be sure to register. 

  • Theresa Falk ’03 (Volleyball): Holds Lakeland’s career and single-season records for kills; a two-time First Team All-Lake Michigan Conference honoree.  
  • Ryan Maiuri ’06 MAC ’08 (Football): Decorated quarterback who led the Muskies to two conference championships and the program’s first NCAA Division III Playoff appearance.  
  • Alli Weiss ’08 (Soccer): Record-holding goalie who played a crucial role in Lakeland’s NCAA Tournament appearances.  
  • Adam Sutter ’10 (Wrestling): Lakeland’s only two-time NCAA Division III All-American and the program’s highest national finisher.  
  • Justin Ward ’14 (Basketball): Three-time First Team All-NACC honoree and Lakeland’s career leader in blocks.  
  • Pete Rogers (Wrestling Coach): Guided Lakeland to national rankings and back-to-back top-30 team finishes at the NCAA Division III National Tournament.  

Class Notes

Dennis Reimer
Class of 1974, Retired Business Owner, Midwest Speciality Products

“Lakeland University holds a lot of positive memories for me. I met my wife, Jeanie Kurka Reimer, at Lakeland. We were married in 1976 and held our wedding reception at the Lakeland Campus Center. After moving to Green Bay, we raised our family and, in 2005, I purchased a paper converting company in Winneconne, Wis., which we have successfully turned into a multigenerational family business. I’ve been officially retired for the last two years and thoroughly enjoy this phase of life. Jeanie and I have been traveling extensively, both within the United States and internationally. Reconnecting with fellow Lakeland alumni has been a highlight over the past five years, and we’ve shared many travel adventures with old friends from our Lakeland days. Spending time with Lakeland friends has really been a joy.” 

We love hearing from our alumni and learning about where life has taken them since leaving Lakeland. If you have memories you’d like to share, please send them our way for future editions of our newsletter! 

Heroic Actions: Robby Frias '13, MBA '14 Saves a Life

A huge shout out to Tinley Park Police Officer Robby Frias for his life-saving actions during a recent emergency. Robby, along with a fellow officer, responded to a call where a driver was suffering a heart attack. Upon arrival, Robby quickly took charge, using an AED to stabilize the driver while his partner performed chest compressions.  

Thanks to Robby’s swift and expert response, the driver was transported to the hospital and later upgraded to stable condition. The Village Board recognized Robby for his heroic efforts, honoring him for his exemplary service.  

We are proud to spotlight Robby Frias for his bravery and dedication to his community. Thank you for your life-saving actions, Robby.

More Alumni Spotlights

Maddie Ruckdashel Wins “Toska Adams Outstanding Women’s Official” Award: Maddie Ruckdashel ’20, MAC ’23 was recently honored at the 2024 U.S. Marine Corps Junior and 16U Nationals. Maddie is currently an Elementary School Counselor at Neenah Joint School District and serves as the Head Girls Wrestling Coach at Neenah High School. A former member of Lakeland’s first women’s wrestling team, she became LU’s second woman wrestler to earn All-American honors, placing sixth at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships in 2020.  

Jacob Barthels Promoted to Tax Director at CLA: Jacob Barthels ’19 has been promoted to Tax Director at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen).  

Michael Whitley Promoted to Offensive Coordinator: Michael Whitley ’18 has been promoted to Offensive Coordinator for the Benedictine University football program.  

Sara Willadsen Advances to Senior Graphic Designer: Sara Willadsen ’10 has been promoted to Senior Graphic Designer at Bemis.  

Michelle Percudani Starts as Therapist at Interconnections S.C.: Michelle Percudani ’21 has begun a new position as a Therapist at Interconnections S.C.  

Mike Tadic Heads Football at Club Deportivo San Sebastian: Mike Tadic ’16 has been appointed Head of Football at Club Deportivo San Sebastian. 

Kayla Potter-Becker Becomes Branch Manager: Kayla Potter-Becker ’21 has been named Branch Manager at Kohler Credit Union, overseeing the Sheboygan Meijer location.  

Connor Kramlich Starts New Role at Acuity Insurance: Connor Kramlich ’24 has started a new position as a Commercial Lines Underwriter at Acuity Insurance.  

Olga Casian Promoted to Project Manager: Olga Casian ‘21 MBA ‘22 has been promoted at Rockline Industries.  

Jamie Schramm Appointed Director of Programs and Development: Jamie Shramm ’97, MBA ’10 has accepted a new career opportunity with The Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce.  

Lakeland and Moraine Park Launch Joint Nursing Program

On August 12, 2024, Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joined healthcare professionals to celebrate Lakeland University and Moraine Park Technical College’s new nursing partnership. This program lets students earn both an associate and bachelor’s degree in nursing within four years, addressing Wisconsin’s nursing shortage while offering hands-on clinical experience.  

Lakeland Launches Engineering Technology Completion Program

Lakeland is introducing a streamlined bachelor’s degree completion program in engineering technology to meet workforce demands. This program is designed for students with an associate degree and can be completed in as little as two years.   

Giving Back

Lakeland’s success is built on the generosity of people like you.

Whether you’re an alum or a friend of the university, we are deeply grateful for your support. Your contributions directly impact our students and help shape their futures. Thank you for making a difference!  

Stay Connected with Us!

We love sharing updates about your classmates and friends, and we want to hear about your latest news too! Have you moved, tied the knot, or started a new job? As we prepare the upcoming edition of the Lakeland University Magazine, we’d love to include your updates in the “Alma Matters” section. Let us know what’s new so we can keep you informed and celebrate your milestones! 

Upcoming Events

August 2024 

Friday, August 23: Student Move-In Begins 

Wednesday, August 28: First Day of Classes

September 2024  

Thursday, September 5: Opening Convocation 

October 2024 

Friday, October 4: Athletics Hall of Fame

Saturday, October 5: Homecoming 

Sunday, October 20:Fall Music Department Concert, 3 p.m. 

November 2024 

Thursday & Friday, November 7-8: Great Lakes Writers Festival