Fox Cities News

James VandeHei, a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh alumnus from the class of 1995, was honored with the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Award at a gala on November 21. The award is given to journalists who have made significant contributions to the field. VandeHei is known as the co-founder of Axios, recognized as a major digital media success.

Scott Jennings, a 2001 graduate from Oshkosh, holds the position of senior vice president and portfolio manager with Associated Bank's Private Wealth team.

John Erickson, who graduated in 2009 and resides in West Hollywood, California, supports the Out Athlete Fund and Pride House Los Angeles. These organizations are set to be key destinations for LGBTQ athletes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Erickson serves as the mayor of West Hollywood.

Samantha (Jacyna) Smith from Hilbert, class of 2010, owns Optimal Cleaning Solutions. Her company has been recognized as an EPA Choice Partner of the Year for its commitment to safer chemical products.

Todd Healy, a 2011 graduate from Appleton, works as senior vice president of commercial lending at Fox Communities Credit Union. He previously worked with Nicolet National Bank.

Christina Thor from Green Bay graduated in 2016 and is currently serving as executive state director of 9to5 Wisconsin. She received recognition from the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce as a Young Professional of the Year for her work empowering marginalized communities through grassroots efforts.

Andrea Peterson graduated in 2017 and works in Neenah as program and communications manager for the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative. Her previous role was operations director at Community Clothes Closet in Menasha.

Dan Sidesky also graduated in 2017 and practices as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Empower Recovery in Milwaukee.

Brandon Holmes from Milwaukee graduated in 2018 and serves as senior district executive for Three Harbors Council of Scouting America. He is also involved with United Nations Association and Greater Milwaukee Urban League of Young Professionals.

Austin Burmeister from Appleton completed his studies in 2021 and now works as dean of students at J.R. Gerritts Middle School within Kimberly Area School District.

Pang Ter Vang graduated in 2021 and is employed as a financial aid assistant at Moraine Park Technical College's Department of Corrections in Oshkosh.

Emily Higgins from Oneida completed her degree in 2022 and teaches eighth grade at Pulaski Community Middle School while coaching girls' softball at Pulaski High School.

Chase Robinson finished his education in 2024 and teaches technical education while coaching junior varsity boys' volleyball at Kimberly High School in Combined Locks.

Trey Tennessen also completed his degree in 2024 and teaches healthy living for grades five to six while coaching football and baseball at Woodland Intermediate School within Kimberly Area School District.