Lakeland grads return to share their success stories at annual HFA Colloquium
Current and prospective Lakeland University students heard the experiences of three accomplished alums during the annual Humanities & Fine Arts Colloquium last Tuesday. It was the first of three events held during the week that spotlight successful Lakeland graduates.
The panelists collectively emphasized the importance of mentorship, getting involved, and embracing every opportunity as a chance to grow. They encouraged students to step into experiences that might feel uncomfortable, as those moments often lead to the most valuable learning.
Newspaper editor Clarice Case ’20, marketing analyst Riley Jahnke ’22 and theatre director/teacher Tricia Roberts ’14 shared stories about their time at Lakeland and how they maximized their Lakeland experience to position themselves for post-graduation success.
The annual colloquium events invite prospective students to Lakeland to hear from the graduates as part of a day that also includes interviews for Lakeland scholarships. For current students, the events provide an opportunity to interact with Lakeland grads to build their networks.
Case is the editor of the Dodge County Pionier and its sister publications, The Campbellsport News and Kewaskum Statesman. She graduated with a bachelor of arts in writing and was one of the first students to join the Cooperative Education program. While at Lakeland, she was actively involved in the music program and contributed to The Mirror, serving as a writer and later as editor. After graduation, Clarice joined the Dodge County Pionier as a journalist, where she won the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s second-place Rookie Reporter of the Year award in her first year. She reflected on how these early experiences prepared her for her career. “The support of my professors and friends motivated me to step outside my comfort zone,” she said. “It’s where I found my passion for editing.”
While at Lakeland, she was actively involved in the music program and contributed to The Mirror, serving as a writer and later as editor. After graduation, Clarice joined the Dodge County Pionier as a journalist, where she won the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s second-place Rookie Reporter of the Year award in her first year.
Jahnke is a marketing analyst at Bemis Manufacturing Company, a global family-owned manufacturer based in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication and brings her experience in leadership and marketing to her current role.
During her time at Lakeland, Jahnke served as the chief marketing officer for Launch: Lakeland’s Student-Run Business, as a marketing specialist for the Cooperative Education Team, and as an ambassador for Admissions. She was also a captain for the women’s soccer team. “The independent research I conducted and the leadership positions I held, like serving as chief marketing officer for Launch, helped shape my career path,” she said. “Getting involved in activities and building your network is so important.”
Roberts is the executive director of Sheboygan Theatre Company (STC), a role she began in the 2021-2022 season. A Sheboygan native, her connection with STC began in 1999 when she first performed as Gretel in The Sound of Music. She earned her degree in secondary education and English from Lakeland after initially pursuing theatre at Millikin University.
Roberts taught English and directed the theatre department at Oostburg High School before transitioning to nonprofit work, first as educational coordinator at the Plymouth Arts Center before taking her current role. She emphasized how her background in theatre taught her transferable skills. “Theatre is about so much more than acting and singing,” she said. “It’s about teamwork, mentorship, and learning how to lead behind the scenes. Those skills are valuable in any field.”
