![Alumna Ann Laatsch '88]()
Greetings and happy spring, fellow Pios!
This past month, the Alumni Council had the pleasure of interviewing five candidates for the next class of Student Alumni Ambassadors.
Each year, Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA) are nominated during their sophomore year by a member of the Carroll community in recognition of strong academics, outstanding campus involvement, and notable community engagement. Once selected, they serve a two-year commitment, usually during their junior and senior years. Ambassadors advance the mission of the university through active participation in alumni gatherings, attendance at Institutional Advancement events, and meaningful collaborations throughout the greater campus community. Ambassadors serve as the liaisons between the student body and the alumni community.
This year, we were so impressed by the energy, accomplishments and enthusiasm of the applicants that we invited them all to serve as SAAs! It was terrific to hear about their Carroll experiences and their desire to engage with alumni. Please join me in welcoming our five new Ambassadors:
- Gabriella Barrancos '24
- Abby Enck '24
- JuEun Kang '24
- Anika King '23
- Claire Spencer '24
We are also excited to continue to work with our two returning Student Alumni Ambassadors:
- Mary Antrim '23
- Emily Zuleger '23
In other Alumni news, I am looking forward to two upcoming events on campus during the coming month. On April 9, 2022, I hope you’ll join Carroll alumnus Pastor Kevin Wilkes '12 and the Carroll community for a Black Worship Service and Luncheon. Since the first conversions of black slaves to Christianity in the U.S., the Black church continues to stand as the most important social institution of African American culture. With services initially adapted to accommodate regional faith practices from Africa, the Black church service has evolved as a sacred space of community, catharsis, spirituality, and activism.
This program will allow Carroll students, faculty, staff, and alumni to participate in an authentic black church service with Pastor Kevin Wilkes '12 and the choir and parishioners from the Victorious Living Church in Milwaukee. Pastor Wilkes will annotate the service to explain the history and meaning behind expectations and ritual elements particular to Black worship, allowing participants a better understanding of the rich cultural traditions behind expressions of Black faith.
Pastor Kevin Wilkes '12, who is also an active member of the Alumni Council, received his BA in Religious Studies from Carroll University and was the recipient of the Carroll Religious Studies Award in 2011 for his outstanding work in the classroom. He has served in the ministry for over 13 years and has decades of experience with Milwaukee faith and outreach organizations.
A second opportunity to visit campus and meet some members of the class of ’22 is coming up on April 13 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Join President Cindy Gnadinger, John Gnadinger, alumni from all decades, and graduating students for Cheers to Our Years. There will be appetizers, networking opportunities, and a toast to your years here at Carroll. Career readiness stations and campus department resources will also be present and available to both students and alumni. If you haven’t been on campus lately, I know you will be as impressed as I am with not just the students, but also the campus itself. I hope to see you at one or both events! As always, please stay in touch.