Fox Cities News

Ronald Paque, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, has been recognized with the University of Arizona’s 2025 Arizona Professional Achievement Award. Paque's contributions to microbiology and immunology, specifically his work on RNA transfection of immune cells across species, have had a significant impact on Nobel Prize-winning research and the development of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

Charles Herro, another UW-Oshkosh alumnus, is enjoying his retirement in Alameda, California, residing on his boat in the San Francisco Bay.

Craig Brown, based in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, reflects on his career in education from 1970 to 2012 alongside his wife, Ann Brown, a fellow alumnus.

Janette (Blechl) Fennell has been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award from Oshkosh West High School. She currently serves as president of Kids and Car Safety, a nonprofit organization aimed at preventing injuries and fatalities around vehicles. Her previous accolades include the UW-Oshkosh Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 1987 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004.

Tim Noonan, of Charlotte, North Carolina, serves as managing director of Northmarq's Debt and Equity team in the Carolinas. He possesses over 25 years of experience in financing transactions across multiple sectors.

Michael Popke from Sun Prairie owns Two Lakes Media Group and recently completed his first novel as a freelance writer.

Lisa (Krueger) Pugh hosts the Newsmakers show on WisconsinEye, the state’s public affairs network.

Jim VandeHei, hailing from Alexandria, Virginia, is set to receive the Milwaukee Press Club’s 2025 Sacred Cat Award for his contributions to journalism. He is the founder and CEO of Axios.

Gretchen (Wiedemann) Steinbecker of Manitowoc is vice president and marketing manager for First State Bank. Her previous role was as communications and marketing specialist at Americollect.

Joseph Weber of Greenfield, serving as assistant vice president and retail lending supervisor at National Exchange Bank & Trust, is also engaged with the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association.

Allan Stockinger, residing in Evansville, Indiana, works as a metrologist and sample management generalist at Inotiv, Inc. He has completed three marathons in under four hours in 2023.

Lisa (Muenzenberger) Wagner has moved to the Fox Valley region and works as a pediatric counselor with Advocate Aurora. She has held numerous positions in mental health and disaster relief.

Jaimelyn (Wagner) Gray founded The Constructivists, a theater company, and plays an active role in Milwaukee's arts community.

Micki Dirks-Luebbe has been appointed executive director of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Foundation.

Melanie "Mel" Bruins, recognized with a Women MAKE Award, serves as director of human resources for Mercury Marine-Global Operations.

Sadie (Parafiniuk) Howell, now president and CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, has recently earned certification in economic development finance.

Emily McFarland, nearing the end of her mayoral tenure in Watertown, serves as interim economic development director for Whitewater.

Robert Caelwaerts will assume the role of superintendent for Suring School District, coming from his position as a middle school principal.

Courtney (Dering) Schroeder, recognized as the Minnesota Social Worker of the Year, contributes to the HealthPartners Infectious Diseases Clinic.

Kelly Skifstad is now the director of special education for the Oshkosh Area School District.

Steve Diehl holds the position of business banking officer at Bank First.

Nicole Markofski works as a graduate teaching assistant and has been active in professional conferences.

Jessica Bussard attributes her career as a trauma nurse to the education received at UW-Oshkosh.

Taylor Zeinert is Sheboygan's director of planning and development, having previously held a similar role in Whitewater.