Douglas Klingberg, J.D. '63 and Betty Jo (Jaggard) Klingberg '63

2024 Pioneer Service Award

 

Douglas Klingberg, J.D. '63 and Betty Jo (Jaggard) Klingberg '63 are dedicated to giving back to Carroll and living the Carroll mission. Since they stepped foot on Carroll’s campus, Doug and Betty Jo have demonstrated commitment, dedication, and loyalty to Carroll as actively involved and engaged pioneers.

Presently residing in Schofield, WI, Betty Jo and Doug remain ardently connected to their alma mater. Their unwavering loyalty to Carroll is evident in their active role in recruiting students from the Wausau area on the university's behalf. They have also hosted regional alumni events in Wausau and served as class fundraising volunteers. They wholeheartedly participated in organizing the Wausau alumni phonathon and displayed their generosity through matching gift donations. Their significant contributions extended to their valued roles as members and co-chairs of the OMS (Old Main Society) Executive Committee, where they diligently worked to secure prospects for the OMS society, thus ensuring Carroll's continued success and prosperity.

Betty Jo served as a member of Carroll’s Board of Trustees from 1996 until 2007. She was also a member of the Alumni Council and Parent Council. Both Betty Jo and Doug have joined many reunion committees, including their most recent 60th Reunion Committee, where they were selected to lead the Homecoming parade as the parade marshals. In addition to attending many events, Betty Jo and Doug were champions in helping their class establish the Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship Fund at Carroll. They also created their own endowed scholarship fund for first-generation college students and another endowed fund to provide student assistance in financial emergencies.

As a student, Doug initially planned to study at Carroll for just one year with the intention of eventually transferring. However, Doug found himself captivated by the exceptional faculty, vibrant student community, picturesque campus, enriching experiences, and boundless opportunities Carroll offered, which ultimately influenced his decision to stay. Throughout his time at Carroll, Doug joined the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, served as a dorm counselor, and played a role in the student senate, among other activities. Doug graduated with a Bachelor of Science in philosophy and sociology, complemented by a minor in history.

Doug's love story with Carroll extended beyond academics and the campus community. He met his wife, Betty Jo, at Carroll, and both proudly belong to Carroll’s Class of 1963. Betty Jo gladly continued her family’s tradition by attending Carroll, as her father, Albert Jaggard, had graduated in 1936. Throughout Betty Jo’s tenure as a student at Carroll, she immersed herself in a multitude of enriching campus activities by joining the Chi Omega sorority, choir, and Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education. Betty Jo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and Spanish. Betty Jo’s sister, Judith N. Jaggard, graduated from Carroll shortly thereafter in 1965.

Post graduation, Doug went on to earn a master’s degree in sociology from Kent State University, followed by a juris doctor degree in law from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Doug's illustrious career spanned over four decades, with a focus on medical malpractice and product liability. His dedication and expertise were well-recognized, earning him accolades such as being selected as a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Not content with professional success alone, he remained deeply committed to his community and connected with Carroll. He has been actively involved in various organizations, including the Wisconsin Bar Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, and United

Way. Doug demonstrated his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Upon retirement, Doug assumed the role of Municipal Judge for the Village of Rothschild for 20 years. When he retired from this role, he volunteered with Wisconsin Judicare, the legal aid program serving Wisconsin’s northern counties, doing pro bono work for 10 years.

Following college, Betty Jo embarked on a five-year journey as a devoted schoolteacher in Kent, OH and then Madison, WI. When she began building a family with Doug, she embraced the role she affectionately calls "professional volunteer." As a testament to her compassionate nature, she served as the president of the Wausau Area Mobile Meals Board and has volunteered there for over 40 years. She also volunteered her time as the president of the Marathon County Lawyers’ Wives Organization, served as president of Civic Nu-comers, held leadership positions in P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Association) D.C. Everest Strategic Planning Committee, was an elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Wausau, WI, was an active member of the Parent Teacher Association, and much more.

Through decades of Betty Jo’s and Doug’s active involvement and deep passion, their unwavering support and engagement continues to shape the Carroll experience for current and future students in the most profound and inspiring manner. As their family flourished, they continued a legacy that thrived for generations, with their children, Susan (Klingberg) Craig ‘97 and Brian Klingberg ‘91, proudly continuing the tradition as Carroll alumni.