Gifts from board chair Jeff Hamar ’80 are helping to power Carthage’s innovation and risktaking. He knows that, during challenging times, smartly investing more will produce the most return.
These stories all bear witness to our donors’ consistent focus, going back 177 years: to strengthen an education that is, in the words of Carthage’s first president, the Rev. Francis Springer, “thorough and practical.”
I was touched when, in my recent travels, Dr. John Sladek ’65 presented me with a hand-written letter from a subsequent Carthage president, the Rev. E. F. Bartholomew, dated Aug. 25, 1884. He had written to Lizzie Haase of Dakota City, Nebraska, who had evidently written to say she was enrolling. His words were few, but they succinctly expressed all that we endeavor to do in our time-honored education:
“Yours just received. Glad to learn that you are coming to Carthage. Will do for you all we can. Will hold a room for you as per request. Come to my house when you arrive in Carthage.”
That letter’s light traveled to my desk for more than a century. As you consider and give your best gifts to this comprehensive campaign, you empower Carthage’s light to shine brighter and farther than ever before.
John R. Swallow President and CEO
FISCAL YEAR 2023 GIFTS
July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
transitioning to accrual-based
dollars.
Total Raised: $5,545,013 Donors: 2,900+
GIVING SUMMARY 17% Foundations/Businesses 9% Faculty and Staff 8% Estates 3% Parents of Students and Alumni 1% Friends
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*Carthage is
reporting. The numbers represented include pledged
<1% Anonymous DESIGNATED AREAS Annual Operating: $2,898,305 Capital Improvement: $198,845 Endowment: $2,447,863 62% Alumni
Forward-looking gifts light the way
Since publishing the 2022 Impact Report, we launched the “Light that Travels” fundraising campaign. That metaphorical light not only represents wisdom, knowledge, and spirit — some of the lasting fruits of a Carthage education — but also the impact of donor support as we look toward the future.
So, while the numbers presented here look back on the dollars raised between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the stories in this report reflect a decidedly forwardlooking perspective. These donors know their contributions will have a positive impact on the work we do at Carthage and the causes that ignite their philanthropy.
We publicly launched the campaign in July 2023, with funds totaling just over $50 million raised toward our $100 million goal. At that time, we already had eight commitments of $1 million or more, nearly 50 commitments of $100,000 to $1 million, and more than 170 contributions in the $25,000 to $100,000 range.
These included outright contributions, pledges to be fulfilled over a period of several years, and documented intentions to give through estate plans. Many are drawn from required IRA distributions or stock
contributions, and a few are significant in-kind contributions. Alumni, parents, corporations, foundations, and community members who believe in what Carthage can do for this region are already supporting the vision for the College’s future.
Through this comprehensive campaign, we will raise philanthropic engagement overall: All giving counts toward the goal, whether you give to scholarships, the President’s Innovation Fund, or any of the many funds that support ongoing programs.
We seek more loyal donors who give what they can every year; their giving is a testament to their belief in a Carthage education. We seek more multi-year pledges and recurring monthly commitments from those who consider Carthage part of the fabric of their lives. And we seek collaborative giving; class, affinity group, or family scholarships count, as does participation in crowdfunding initiatives such as our virtual giving days or in-person fundraising events such as golf outings.
We have set our sights high, and we need your help. To make our goal, we need several more seven-figure commitments, about 125 contributions in the $100,000 range and 250
vice president’s update:
Help us ensure that Carthage will continue to brighten the lives of future Carthaginians, and the lives of all they touch. impact report 3
in the five-figure range. And we need your active participation with and endorsement of the College. Please think about where your philanthropy fits. What is your vision for the future, and how can we partner to make that vision a reality? Please let us know!
Finally, we also ask that you share your excitement for the future of Carthage. We will tell stories as we bring faculty and students to meet with alumni, family, and friends around the country. Please share your light and help ignite that light in others.
Vice President for Advancement advancement@carthage.edu
See our “Light that Travels” video: carthage.edu/light
Share your story of community impact: carthage.edu/my-light
$146.65 MILLION
VALUE OF ENDOWMENT
CARTHAGE COLLEGE ENDOWMENT AS
JUNE
380
UP THE CARTHAGE ENDOWMENT
OF
30, 2023 OVER
ENDOWED GIFTS MAKE
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12.67% AVERAGE ENDOWMENT GROWTH OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS
GRACE KOLAKOWSKI A THREE-PRONGED VISION FOR CHILDREN
Longtime Kenosha resident Grace Kolakowski had a vision: to create and promote a performing arts space that would serve the people of Kenosha, especially children.
When early efforts to fulfill that vision bogged down, she persisted. And Carthage emerged as a likeminded partner.
The more she learned about the College, the more expansive her vision grew. Carthage’s plans align with three of her biggest passions: faith, the arts, and education.
That inspired Mrs. Kolakowski to make a $3 million commitment to the College: $2 million toward upgrades to A. F. Siebert Chapel and $1 million toward scholarships for the Urban Teacher Preparation Program. A portion of those funds will come later as a gift from her estate.
“I manage money very well,” she said, “and I thought Carthage was a good place to put it.”
The College’s religious roots appealed to Mrs. Kolakowski, who served as a Franciscan sister for 21
years. Building on her pledge, Carthage is looking for additional gifts to carry out the Siebert Chapel project.
Planned renovations to the sound system, lighting, and seating areas will enhance the visitor experience. A mobile stage and adjustable acoustic panels will accommodate the chapel’s multiple uses.
Along with worship services and interfaith activities for students, more than two dozen public concerts are held in the space each year. So Mrs. Kolakowski’s gift will help to satisfy the wider community’s appetite for music, the intent behind her original pitch for an arts center.
Likewise, the urban teaching program is a cause that’s close to her heart. Entering the convent at 16, Mrs. Kolakowski soon discerned a call to teaching, which blossomed into a rewarding, long-term vocation.
“Wherever I was needed, they sent me,” she said.
Despite leaving religious life behind in her late 30s, Mrs. Kolakowski devoted another 21 years to education as a teacher and principal — often working with students of color. Introduced to the immersive Carthage program shortly after seeing an eye-opening news report detailing the importance of Black role models in the classroom, she saw an ideal fit.
So many ways to inspire children, the ultimate beneficiaries of her investment.
impact report 5
From left to right: Bridget Haggerty, Grace Kolakowski, and President John Swallow
CARYL DIERKSEN ’69 LITERATURE FOR THE LONG HAUL
When Caryl Dierksen ’69 arrived at Carthage, she was drawn by the campus beauty and the chance to deepen her love of literature.
“I was just a kid who loved to read and write,” she said.
For the 17-year-old from a farm in Iowa, Carthage would prove transformative. She flourished under the mentorship of English professors Ruth Maxwell and Don Michie.
Ms. Dierksen worked as a student assistant to Prof. Maxwell, the architect of the English Department on the new campus in Kenosha, and Don Michie, who co-founded the College’s annual visit to the Stratford Festival in Ontario in the late 1960s. Ms. Dierksen, who was among the students lucky enough to make that inaugural trip, has rarely missed a festival over the decades.
“Both of them inspired me to dig deeper as a reader, to see myself as a critical thinker,” she explained. Ms. Dierksen took that confidence to Duke University, where she earned a master’s degree and graduated into a tough job market for English scholars. She pursued a lead to check out the Woodstock, Illinois, school district. She would go on to teach high school English there for 42 years, retiring in 2002.
can give matters very much to Carthage.”
One unexpected delight, she added, was the chance to see how the department continues to thrive. Carthage staff members introduced her to Alyson J. Kiesel, who holds the Ruth Maxwell Distinguished Professorship in English.
“It was really exciting to meet her,” said Ms. Dierksen, who carries on the Maxwell and Michie legacy through her own forward-looking philanthropy.
“I know that the department is in good hands,” she said, “and it’s a real joy to know that my gift will have a part in keeping it lively and strong for future students.”
Over those four decades, she consistently expressed her appreciation to Carthage with annual gifts. Then, shortly after retirement in 2002, she chose to make the College a beneficiary in her estate plan. Her planned gift is designated to support the English Department.
“I just always felt that gratitude for what I’d gotten at Carthage; it shaped so much of the rest of my life,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to know that what I
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honor roll of donors
Leadership Giving Society
We gratefully acknowledge Leadership Giving Society members who gave $1,000 or more cumulatively to any area of the College in fiscal year 2022-2023, which ran from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Tiers within the society recognize higher levels of giving.
KEY:
T Carthage Trustees who have final governing and fiduciary responsibility of the College
TE Trustees Emeriti who are recognized for distinguished past service as trustees
PLC President’s Leadership Council members who lead through philanthropy, advocacy, and volunteer engagement
AC Alumni Council members who strengthen the relationship between Carthage and its alumni
Founders’ Circle ($100,000+)
H. Jeffrey ’80 and Susan Hamar T
Craig Leipold and Helen Johnson-Leipold
LeAnn Pedersen Pope ’79 and Clyde Smith McGregor T
Nicholas and Lee Pinchuk T
Loren H. Semler ’65 TE
Lincoln Circle ($50,000-$99,999)
Patrick ’85 and Kimberly Anderson T
Mary Bishop T
Mary (Palmer) Enroth
Gina Madrigrano Friebus ’76 and William Friebus T
The late Cynthia ’71 (Osgood) and Wesley Geib
Patricia ’76 (Pierman) and David Larson
Elinor Siklossy
David C. ’98 and Heather Wiers T
Trustees’ Circle ($25,000-$49,999)
Charlotte ’77 (Kozak) and Joel Bishop
Lucy Brown and Steven Minn T
Elizabeth (Kassel) Brown
Maria Nalywayko and Bohdan Drobenko T
Tom and Jan Duncan T
Donald Eken ’65
John ’86 and Katherine ’88 (Semler) Felton
Ronald Glossop ’55
Betsy Hanisch ’81 and Thomas Sawyer
Ann M. Heide
Paula ’87 Heide-Poggenburg and Louis Poggenburg
Christine ’71 (Burkee) and Richard Hobbs T
Christine Krueger ’71
Richard and Lynne LaBerge T
Robert Jr. and Linda Lee T
Sandra ’75 and Scott Lindgren
Shanna and William Otto PLC
Loren W. ’96 and Karen ’96 (Vesely) Semler T
Diane ’76 (Jole) and the late Phil ’74 Slocum
Gary and Lucinda Wilson T
Marion Youngquist and the late Theodore A. Youngquist
Jody Zuraitis
President’s Circle ($10,000-$24,999)
Matthew Bown
George ’77 and Toni Chardukian PLC
Richard and Patricia Christman T
James Ferwerda
Judith ’61 (Ewig) and John Fritsch TE
Hoyt Harper ’77 and Beth Eggenberger T
Steven and Margaret Hopp T
Judy (Reed) Kese ’61
Alan ’79 and Sally Mills T
Andrew and Jane Palmen T
Rita Petretti
David and Angela Riley
Janet Salstrom ’63
John Seal ’72
Curtis ’69 and Pamela Siegel
Leon Siklossy ’93
Chuck and Lynn Sutton T
John and Cameron Swallow
Steven and Kristin Tripp
Jason Wendt ’08 PLC
impact report 7
Leadership Circle — Sustainer ($5,000-$9,999)
William and Julia (Stadalnik) Abt
Cary Bjork ’68 and Susan Cardoni
Michael and Christine Brindza PLC
Kevin ’77 and Nancy Brunner
Fredric ’69 and Pamela Carlson
Kathy Madrigrano Comi ’81 and Luigi Comi
Dalibor and Jacquelyn (Tetting) Drummer ’71
Shirley Duncan
Mark and Janice Franzen
Jane ’61 (Bonander) and Ronald ’61 Geison
Rita ’17 (Torcaso) and Benjamin Gentile
Cornelia (Ellis) Green ’59
Robert Haasch ’66
Bridget Haggerty
Michele and Charles Hancock
Barry ’74 and Mary ’75 (Stormer) Horek
Dieter Jedan ’69
John ’98 and Gail Johnson PLC
Richard Johnson ’70
Christine King ’97 PLC AC
Perry and Sara Kivolowitz
Frederick ’83 and Joan Krull T
Jay ’65 and Susan ’67 (Hidding) Maher
Jeanne and Jonathan Main
Sean and Cathy McCarthy
Wayne and Pamela Miller T
Mark Jr. and Valorie Molinaro
Dennis Monroe ’74 and Nancy Weingartner TE
Donald Musil and Julia Whalen-Musil
Tyler Nehls
Bart and Greta Noland
Eric ’69 and Carol Otterbein
Helen Pagel
Karen Rasmussen ’79 and Barbara Brehm
Gary ’71 and Kathleen ’71 Rochau
Susan Salstrom ’67
Eleanor Sather
Martin Schultz ’70
John Jr. ’65 and Celia Sladek TE
Catherine Straz
Kalen ’79 (Kalfahs) and James Theusch AC
David and Polly Timmerman
Ann Wagner Bundgaard
Lois (Park) ’59 and the late Gene ’58 Wensel
Deborah and Wayne Wulf PLC
Fred Young, Jr.
Leadership Circle — Fellow ($2,500-$4,999)
William Aiello
Sharon (Green) Asmus ’73
Beth ’83 (Kumbier) and Robert ’83 Barkhau PLC
Evelyn ’85 (Ellenberger) and James ’85 Bennett PLC
David and Lyn Brunn PLC
Jennifer ’95 (Carlson) and Andrew Caldwell
David and Jeanne Calteux
John and Debbie Camosy
F. Gregory ’12 and Barbara ’12 Campbell
Kathleen ’95 (Whiston) and Robert Colbert PLC
Lawrence and Sophia Cripe
William Dienhart
Shirley ’59 (Eller) and the late Clayton Diskerud
Mary Dixon
Elizabeth ’65 (Dean) and the late Hugh ’66 Foster
Andrew ’10 and Rachel ’13 (Jason) Gamarra PLC
Emilie Gaschke
Michael ’82, Sr. and Michaelene (Galvin) ’86 Gentile
Erik Humlie ’77
Margaret (Skinner) Miller ’94 and Wayne Johnson
Brian Jones ’00 PLC
Ryan Kane
Annette (Walser) Kilver ’52
Karla Krehbiel
Richard Kurjan
Sandra ’66 (Priaulx) and John Lang
Jason ’96 and Stephanie Langwell
Joseph Jr. and Kathy Madrigrano
Tom and Patty Mahoney
JP Moran
Lynn (Henson) Mouritsen ’66
Jerry and Barb Nelson
Brigette Oberlander
Jim Padilla
Harry ’73 and Barbara ’73 (Anger) Penington
Chris ’80 (Eckert) and Fred ’81 Petersen PLC
Patricia Petretti
Paulette Petretti
Robert ’72 and Diana Placko
Lesya Protasova ’20
Carol (Prange) Reckmeyer ’49
Joseph Rickard
Kelly Ruybalid
John Shannon Jr. and Jan Serr
Maxine Silvius
Cheryl Stucky and Jeffrey Waring PLC
carthage.edu/light 8
Jane ’75 (Slezak) and Lester Sturgeon
Jillian Theobald ’01 and Richmond Robinson
Thomas ’67 and Kristine ’68 (Rasmussen) Thommesen
The late Ann (Mullins) Tindall ’62
Ron Anderson ’78 and Rachel Tomasek ’78
Joseph ’11 and Audrey ’12 (Henning) Torcaso
Cynthia (Thomas) Walker ’78 T
June (Boatman) ’63 and Ashton Waller TE
Reinholt ’67 and Carol ’68 (Cory) Wasemiller
Mark and Lisa (Foster) Werner ’79
Leadership Circle — Member ($1,000-$2,499)
Chris Alfson
Jeffrey ’77 and Nadine Anderson
The late Irma (Niekamp) Anderson ’48
LeNay ’59 (Mcgue) Anderson and the late R.W. ’59 Anderson
Scott Odahl and Amie Barsch Odahl
Michael ’87 and Karen Beckmann
Henry ’74 and Deborah Belusa
John and Marilyn Bendixen
Thomas ’67 and Marie Bentz
Fred ’62 and Susan Bess
John ’76 and Marian Bleeke
Victoria Blough ’71
Kenneth ’70 and Marianne ’71 (Litawa) Boehne
Thomas and Renee Boldt
Tashe and Paris Bozinovski
Burton ’66 and Gilda Bratt
Thomas and Nancy Brodnicki
Deanna and Colin Byrnes
Mari ’12 and Nathaniel ’12 Card
Francesca ’83 (Bisciglia) and Thomas Carswell
Robert ’91 and Pamela (Kleiber) Cibrario
Richard ’75 and Lana Colbo
Lorilyn (Krug) Colleran ’90
Suzanne Dahl
Gerald ’86 and Mari ’86 (Jacobson) Danzer
Keith Deaton ’73
Caryl Dierksen ’69
Lois and Robert Dittus
Kenneth ’62 and the late Maureen Drum
Dennis Duchene
Rosalie (Leinweber) Eggert ’61
Douglas ’73 and Susan ’74 (Moldenhauer) Ehrick
Mack ’72 and Sheila Endres
Steven and Jodie Erickson
Richard ’59 and Kathleen ’61 (Shannon) Kistner honor roll of donors
Karen Evans ’78 AC
Karen (Larson) Evans ’72
Janice (Knutson) ’55 and Thomas Evensen
Ted Fares
Kristen ’74 (Severson) and Daniel ’75 Fox
Kristine ’98 (Simon) and David Freitas
Patricia ’78 (Hamilton) and William Freund
Nicholas Galich
Holly ’67 (Anderson) and Philip Gansz
Valentina and Bernhard Gern
Ann ’14 (O’Leary) and Matthew ’14 Gundlach AC
David and Nancy (Weiner) Hackbarth ’71 AC
Sarah (Liston) ’06 and Joshua ’07 Hagen
Jerry ’70 and Marcia ’70 (Harms) Hahnfeld
Cary ’72 and Melissa Haller
Abigail Hanna
Creston ’66 and Susannah ’67 Hart
Steve ’78 and Debra ’80 (Erickson) Hartfield
Cathleen (Buchholz) ’94 and Jeff Hendricks
Barbara ’69 (Lorber) and Steven ’70 Hendricks
Richard and Inna Hren
James Inendino ’82 AC
John ’75 and Mary Jeanmaire
Jerald and Becky Jendusa
Gary Jensen ’89
Thomas ’74 and Jodi Joerres
Linda Even ’78 and Scott Kania
Alicia ’06 (Culbertson) and Rick ’06 Katka
John and Kristine Kebisek
William and Joan Kelley TE
Thomas ’73 and Lisa Kieso T
Walter ’62 and Joann ’63 (Boatman) Kilgus
impact report 9
Dan Klemack
Thomas and Gina Kline
Allen Klingenberg
Kurt and Marsha Klopfenstein
John Kness ’63
Robert Koehler ’12
Sharon (Gollish) Koelsch ’69
Jeffrey ’75 and Marja Koenitzer
Daniel Krc ’16
Larry Krull ’58
Marie (Rothfuss) Kruse ’61
Gerald Kurth
Peter ’95 and Patricia (Geroulis) Kyriazes ’95
Christopher and Miriana Lahti
Thomas Lee ’93
Roger and Sharon Lindberg
Steward and Jane Lyman
Dennis Magnuson ’63
Peter ’77 and Nancy Martin
Thomas and Aimee Martinez T
Carol ’71 (Crawford) and Richard ’71 Massat
Sara ’96 (Graykowski) and Kevin McClain
Dennis McNally
Jerry and Margaret Miller
Malcolm ’65 and Annette Mitchell
Kurt Moeck ’81
Carol Nailor ’75
James Nelson ’65
Jeff and Lisa Neubauer T
Harry ’67 and Lois ’69 (Spee) Niese
Steven and Kimberley Noel
Jan Owens
Gary ’72 and Joanne Petersen
Jeff Piette
Barbara (Gatz) Powers ’65
Karin ’67 (Allen) and Philip II ’67 Pratt
Andrew and Elina Protasova
Grant ’77 and Sue Quever
Emily Kuhn ’99 and Samuel Rajkowski ’99
Linda Roberts
Daniel Ross-Jones ’06 and Andrew Patton ’10 AC
Christopher ’89 and Tracy ’91 (Lopas) Rossing
Karissa Rothkopf ’96 AC
Carol ’82 (Hintzsche) and Mustapha Sabbar
Robert Schlack
Denna Serpe
Kimberly Kane and Carl Sheeley
Mary ’71 (Spangler) and Thomas Shelton
Edward ’58 and the late Judith (Gorsky) Simko ’58
Dan and Sharon Smeja
Mark and Kay Snavely
Brian and Angela Sonnemaker
Ellen (Galvin) Steenrod ’78
Lyle Sucher ’57
Constance (Twietmeyer) Swanson ’52
Diane and John Sweeney
Carmelo Tenuta
Christopher Tenuta
Raymond ’79 and Sheila ’79 Threlkeld
Keith and Danielle Tibor
Aaron Tinjum ’09 and Yara Benavides Paz AC
Fred Tissot ’84
Janice Tomasek
Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein
Beverly (Spencer) Unglaube ’67
Michelle Marren-Valeri ’01 and Jeffrey Valeri
Thomas and Lois Van Dahm
Karen (Fink) Van Lone ’74 and the late Richard Britton
Jojin Van Winkle
Christian Venegas
Mary Wagner-Moldenhauer
Robert ’57 and Beverly Walters
Meryl Weber
Seth Weidmann ’18 and Emily Reed
Nancy Wennerstrand ’65
Lauren ’07 (Johnston) and Matthew Withrow
Gregory Woodward
Kurt ’66 and Terri Wruck
Ryan Zagar
James ’56 and Corrine ’57 (Lambrecht) Zoellick
carthage.edu/light 10
KALEN ’79 AND JIM THEUSCH COUPLE PROVIDES ENDURING AID
Alumni Council member Kalen (Kalfahs) Theusch ’79 and her husband, Jim, have a history of giving to Carthage that spans more than 40 years.
During that time, they have supported the Carthage Fund, the Alumni Association Scholarship, and the Kappa Chi Omega Scholarship. More recently, Kalen and Jim began funding a scholarship
to support two students each year: a member of Kappa Chi Omega and a future teacher.
These were natural fits, since Kalen is an alumni member of the Kappa Chi Omega sorority and a retired educator. Jim, on the other hand, spent his career as an engineer.
Looking to provide perpetual support for Carthage students, the couple took steps this past year to accomplish that goal.
Over the next three years, the Theusches plan to fully endow their scholarship fund. Additionally, they have made provisions in their estate to further support it.
As we pursue the goals of our comprehensive “Light that Travels” campaign, this scholarship will make a Carthage education more accessible well into the future. Kalen and Jim are longtime members of the College’s Alford Park (loyalty), Denhart (planned gifts), and Leadership (current year) giving societies. By the end of this campaign, their cumulative lifetime giving to Carthage will surpass $100,000, earning them membership in the Enduring Gift Society as well.
EXPENDABLE VS ENDOWED FUNDS
Expendable scholarships have a significant, immediate impact; contributions are awarded in their entirety to benefit current students. Named expendable scholarships can be established with a minimum commitment of $1,000 per year for five years. Criteria such as area of study can be specified with a minimum commitment of $2,500 per year for five years.
Endowed scholarships have a significant, long-term impact; contributions are invested, and earnings provide scholarships in perpetuity for generations of future students. Named endowed scholarships can be established with a minimum contribution of $25,000, which can be pledged over five years. Criteria such as area of study can be specified with a minimum commitment of $50,000, which can be pledged over 5 years. Endowments grow over time and typically yield 4.5% to 5.5% to fund scholarships each year.
impact report 11
MESSIAH LUTHERAN PARISH CLOSURE YIELDS
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING FOR ASPIRING EDUCATORS
Founded in 1899 by Swedish Lutherans, Messiah Lutheran Church at one time had close to 300 members. After more than a century, the parish in Racine, Wisconsin, recently closed its doors.
As the Bible reminds us in the third chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes, there is a season for everything. When the church’s ministry came to a close, it ushered in a new season that promises to support generations of Carthage students.
After considering how to distribute the remaining funds from the congregation’s treasury, the Messiah Legacy Committee selected several nonprofits and churches in the region. Carthage received $50,000 to establish an endowed scholarship in the Education Department.
Church members see the gift as an apt gesture for a parish united by deep faith and committed to bettering the world. In a letter to the College, they shared their aspiration that the scholarship “will be used to support the next generation of educators.”
They hope this gift enables Carthage “to continue doing the good work that you are doing. With the help of God, may you continue your worthwhile activities.”
EQUITY AND INCLUSION CENTER IMPACT
The Engagement and Inclusion Center continues to support student retention through ongoing collaborative campus and community events that offer exposure to intercultural activities.
$1.6 MILLION RAISED WIGGAN-KENNIEBREW AND RETENTION SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
OVER 500 STUDENTS ANNUALLY ENGAGED IN EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES
NEARLY 30 STUDENTS IN THE INAUGURAL CARTHAGE BOUND PROGRAM
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Inaugural Carthage Bound Program
PERFORMING ARTIST RESIDENCY: MORE THAN THE USUAL TOUR STOP
A new artist residency program is expanding the reach of the Performing Arts Series, thanks to a gift from the Racine Community Foundation.
The residencies are made possible through a $50,000 grant from the foundation’s Helen C. Smolenski Chamber Music Fund. The late Walter Smolenski Jr., a gifted violinist, established the fund as a bequest in his mother’s memory to spread the love of music in the local community.
The gift builds on the foundation’s long-standing support for Carthage’s vibrant cultural life. Over the past 25 years, grants from RCF have enabled the College to host myriad exceptional musicians who perform as part of the Carthage Chamber Music Series, which was renamed the Performing Arts Series in 2019.
“Over many years, the Racine Community Foundation has been thrilled to find a strong partner in Carthage College to perpetuate the purpose of the Helen C. Smolenski Chamber Music Fund by promoting interest in chamber music,” said Liz Powell, foundation director and CEO.
Select guests of the Performing Arts Series are now invited to a weeklong residency. In addition to their public performances, residents hold outreach concerts at Racine and Kenosha high schools, master classes and rehearsals with Carthage students, and a joint performance with students.
In 2022-23, its first year, the residency program brought to campus musicians accomplished in genres spanning Broadway, pop, classical, jazz, and Latin. Participating artists included the Estrella Piano Duo, soprano Lauren Jelencovich, pianist Joanne Polk, septet Ensamble 7/4, and New York Voices.
More than 900 people turned out for their concerts, and another 445 participated in the residency programming.
This year’s guests continue to showcase excellence, innovation, and global diversity. They include Stile Antico, performing its all-Renaissance program; Gaudete Brass, considered “Chicago’s most innovative brass ensemble”; and the KAIA Quartet, which has been praised for “beautifully blur[ring] the lines between jazz, classical, Latin and world music.”
Edward Kawakami, director of orchestral activities and associate professor of music at Carthage, said the Racine Community Foundation’s recent gift furthers opportunities for “high-impact, deeply meaningful interactions with world-renowned artists.”
Student learning is enriched by master classes, he noted, at the same time programming continues to benefit the wider community — especially K-12 students. And, through philanthropic support, all concerts are made free to our K-12 partners, helping to close equity and accessibility gaps.
“We are grateful that the foundation continues to celebrate and share a love of music,” Prof. Kawakami said. “With their support, we are shaping future audiences of educated music lovers.”
impact report 13
Denhart Society
We gratefully acknowledge Denhart Society members who have made Carthage a part of their legacy through estate commitments and through other planned gift vehicles. These charitable contributions help ensure the strength and quality of Carthage for generations to come.
In Remembrance
Irma Anderson ’48
Dorothy Anderson ’51
Melinda Byram ’61
Clayton Diskerud ’59
Maureen Drum
Gerald Eisele ’56
Cynthia Geib ’71
Earlene Girman ’77
Joanne Greathouse ’71
Lovina Hermanek ’47
Connie Parli ’70
Barbara Woerner ’58
Carol Wolff ’47
New Members
Caryl Dierksen ’69
Vicki Grant ’74
Chris Rossing ’89 and Tracy Rossing ’91
Daniel Sorenson ’85
To see the full list of Denhart Society members, please visit carthage.edu/leaders-in-philanthropy
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Enduring Gift Society
We gratefully acknowledge Enduring Gift Society members who have cumulative lifetime giving totaling $100,000 or more. The below list excludes estate realizations and deceased society members. To view the complete honor roll, visit carthage.edu/leaders-in-philanthropy
New Members:
John Camosy and the Camosy Construction Family
Tom and Jan Duncan
Maria Nalywayko and Bohdan Drobenko
Dave Riley and the Riley Construction Family
Steve and Kristen Tripp
Platinum Level — $5,000,000 and above
Marilyn and the late Donald Hedberg ’50
The N.E. Tarble Family
Gold Level — $1,000,000 to $4,999,999
Joel Bleeke ’75 Charitable Foundation
Steven M. Chapman
Helen Clausen and the late A.W. (Tom) Clausen ’44 and the late Peggy Clausen
Virginia ’74 (Altera) and Robert Cornog
Judith ’61 (Ewig) and John Fritsch
The late Paul ’38 and Inez Goerner
Jeff ’80 and Susan Hamar
Craig Leipold and Helen Johnson-Leipold
LeAnn Pederson Pope ’79 and Clyde Smith McGregor
Alan Ruud
Susan (Young) Ruud Stover ’69
Loren H. Semler ’65 and the late Vickie (Myers) Semler ’67
Samuel and Berry Shoen
Edward ’57 and Alice ’57 (Lawler) Smeds
Catherine Straz and the late David Straz Jr.
The late Albert Van Maren ’65 and Connie (Maples) Van Maren
The Steigerwaldt and Waller Familes
Silver Level — $500,000 to $999,999
Mary Bishop
Elizabeth Kassel Brown and the late Howard Brown
Mary (Palmer) Enroth and the late Leonard Enroth
Thomas ’73 and Lisa Kieso
Eric Lorentzen
Gina Madrigrano Friebus ’76 and William Friebus
Gloria and the late Charles Mullen
Nicholas and Lee Pinchuk
The late William ’64 and Barbara ’64 (Susina) Stewart
David C. ’98 and Heather Wiers
Bronze Level — $100,000 to $499,999
Patrick ’85 and Kimberly Anderson
The late Irma (Niekamp) ’48 and the late Alan ’50 Anderson
Cary Bjork ’68
Lucy Brown and Steven Minn
David and Lyn Brunn
John Camosy and the Camosy Construction Family
F. Gregory and Barbara Campbell
Robert Chapin
Richard and Patricia Christman
W. Craig ’72 and Janice ’74 (Ryden) Deaton
Robert and Lois Dittus
Tom and Jane Duncan
Fredric Edelman
Donald Eken ’65 and the late Virginia Eken
John ’86 and Katherine (Semler) Felton ’88
James and the late Connie Ferwerda
The late Hugh ’66 and Elizabeth ’65 (Dean) Foster
Charles and Laura Gage
John Gorton ’66
Hoyt Harper II ’77 and Beth Eggenberger
Sarah ’87 (Hunt) and William Harris
Peggy Hedberg ’81
Christine (Burkee) ’71 and Richard Hobbs
Steven and Margaret Hopp
The late C. Charles Jackson ’43
Annette (Walser) Kilver ’52
The John J. and Ruth F. Kloss Charitable Trust
Sharon (Gollish) Koelsch ’69
impact report 15
Joyce (Helwig) Koenitzer ’51 and the late John Koenitzer
Frederick ’83 and Joan Krull
Robert Jr. and Linda Lee
Thomas ’63 and Martha Lentz
Thomas J. Lentz
Julie Lentz Cohen
Thomas Madrigrano
Barbara Madrigrano and the late Glenn Madrigrano Sr.
Katherine Madrigrano Comi ’81 and Luigi Comi
Richard Marconi ’56
Frederick Marks ’58 and the late Jewel ’46 (Beres) Marks
Dean ’84 and Donna Matthews
Oralee (Keene) McNamara and the late James McNamara ’62
Alan ’79 and Sally Mills
Dennis Monroe ’74 and Nancy Weingartner
Diane Muri
Maria Nalywayko and Bohdan Drobenko
Andrew and Jane Palmen
The Late John Pender
Clifton and Gladys Peterson
Rita Petretti
Kurt Piepenburg ’77 and Kate Jerome
Terry ’70 and Evelyn Pillinger
Dave Riley and the Riley Construction Family
David and Gael Romoser
Eleanor and the late Glenn Sather
John Seal ’72
Loren W. ’96 and Karen ’96 (Vesely) Semler
Elinor B. Siklossy
John Jr. ’65 and Celia Sladek
Linda Staubitz and the late Arthur Staubitz
John Stewig
Steve and Kristen Tripp
Dennis and Natalie Troha
Jim ’63 and LaRue ’64 (Rhine) Unglaube
Karen (Fink) Van Lone ’74 and the late Richard Britton
Ann Wagner Bundgaard and the late Axel Bundgaard
June ’63 (Boatman) and Ashton Waller
Lawrence Weiss ’70
Gary and Lucinda Wilson
Jody Zuraitis and the late Mark Barmak
carthage.edu/light 16
REV. DIANE SLOCUM ’76 FORGING MORE LIFELONG CARTHAGE BONDS
In memory of her late husband, Phil ’74, the Rev. Diane J. Slocum ’76, has made two gifts that strengthen Carthage’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
The gifts create the Phil and Diane Slocum Endowed Scholarship and name the lounge associated with the Engagement and Inclusion Center.
“It’s important for all students, for whatever reason they may feel different, to feel safe and affirmed,” says Rev. Slocum, a retired associate pastor of Elmhurst Presbyterian Church in Illinois, who served as a youth ministry director before her ordination.
She was a freshman at Carthage when Mr. Slocum first caught her eye in biology class. Their first date came in fall 1972.
At the time, he was a popular resident assistant nicknamed “King RA,” a member of Tau Sigma Phi, and a center on the football team under legendary head coach Art Keller. She became an RA and a cheerleader.
The two hit it off and married in 1976. The Slocums raised four children and enjoyed the fruits of fulfilling careers.
Mr. Slocum rose through the ranks at Chicago Board Options Exchange, a remarkable trajectory from a runner on the trading floor to executive vice president. Initially a teacher, Rev. Slocum later found a new calling as a pastor.
Philanthropy had always been a shared priority throughout their marriage, says Rev. Slocum. Before her husband died of cancer in 2021, he said it would be up to her alone to make those decisions.
That meant thinking “long and hard about the best way to honor his life,” she says. Ultimately, she settled on her alma mater.
Carthage connections branch out farther along the family tree. In addition to the couple’s daughter, Megan Slocum ’03, two of
Rev. Slocum’s sisters graduated from the College: Cynthia J. Gustin ’81 and Cristine K. Alrich ’78.
She says her own memorable Carthage experiences, in addition to influential faculty — “and, obviously, meeting Phil” — changed her life.
“Carthage was really our story. That’s where our story began,” she says. “These gifts truly reflect how much Carthage meant to us and what we hope Carthage can be for other people.”
The late Phil Slocum and his grandchildren
impact report 17
JEFF HAMAR ’80
$5M PLEDGE STRENGTHENS PROGRAM INNOVATION
A $5 million pledge from Board of Trustees Chair Jeff Hamar ’80 and his wife, Susan, strengthens Carthage’s ability to nimbly evolve in step with a rapidly changing and competitive higher education marketplace.
The commitment reinforces program innovation, a core priority of “Light that Travels,” Carthage’s $100 million fundraising campaign.
“I’m at a point where I’m able to support things that are critically important — not only to me, but also to society,” said Mr. Hamar, a member of the College’s Enduring Gift Society. “The mission of the College is transforming people’s lives by providing an opportunity for students to build a life of success and fulfillment. It’s an honor to support that mission.”
The campaign theme pays homage to generations of Carthage alumni who have brightened all aspects of their communities through dedication to their families, workplaces, service organizations, and places of worship.
The campaign aims to continue the College’s upward trajectory. During an increasingly competitive era in higher education, Carthage has seen several years of sustained growth. First-year undergraduate enrollment rose 6.6 percent between 2019 and 2022, and the first-year class in fall 2023 is the largest in the history of the College.
As Carthage launched the new campaign, Mr. Hamar said he and his wife saw an opportunity to make a leadership gift, a gesture rooted in gratitude for both the mindset and the skill set that helped him succeed in business. He’s the executive chairman at Galleher, a leading distributor of flooring that’s based in southern California.
“Carthage taught me self-confidence, optimism, determination, and hard work,” he said. “Then blend those qualities with the ability to critically think, to communicate clearly, to make decisions, to write with proficiency, to adapt to an ever changing world — and it was truly a remarkable education.”
Today, Carthage gives students the foundation they need to pivot to “maximize every opportunity” that comes along, he said. “That makes a Carthage education more relevant today than it’s ever been.
“You go to college not to learn how to do something. You go to learn how to be a lifelong learner,” Mr. Hamar continued. “Most of the careers in the next decade don’t even exist yet. So you go to college to learn how to chase your dreams and how to adapt to whatever comes along.”
To support students in that journey, “Carthage has always been moving toward where it needs to be,” he said, citing nursing and engineering as examples. “The ability to take risks, and with a sense of urgency, have served Carthage well. It’s in our DNA; it’s who we are.”
carthage.edu/light 18
PENNY ENROTH TRANSFORMING THE NEW ENGINEERING CENTER
Longtime supporter Mary E. “Penny” Palmer Enroth has given significantly throughout the years to support Carthage initiatives, especially those in nursing and The Aspire Program, the College’s career development program.
As the granddaughter of one of the founders of Snap-on Inc., she believes well-educated young people are vital to a thriving workforce and a robust economy in Wisconsin and well beyond.
She recently demonstrated further commitment to preparing a skilled workforce with a gift that bolsters the new Engineering Center in Lentz Hall: a $65,0000 Instron system for tensile, compression, and flexure testing. The gift was made through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Enroth Family Fund.
It’s one of several contributions that ensure the new center meets requirements set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, said Professor Robert Nagel, director of engineering, who has been closely supervising the development of the Engineering Center.
And, most importantly, the funding provides immediate benefits for students. They enter Carthage “eager to build and tinker,” as Prof. Nagel explained, and working with the sophisticated equipment will give them the hands-on experience and the confidence to shape rewarding careers.
“With access to these kinds of tools, our students will have the knowledge to progress through an engineering program in step with our peer institutions,” he said. “We’re very grateful for this significant investment in their future and in the future of the region’s workforce.”
The gift reflects the philosophy of the Palmer Foundation, which was founded in honor of Stanton Palmer, the first president of Snap-on, and Rogers Palmer, a former senior vice president.
“Our foundation’s history is rooted in the trades, a vital piece of every community’s fabric, wrote Ms. Enroth, a member of the College’s Enduring Gift Society.
“We support programs that provide specialized training and skills geared toward veterans, youth, nurses, and tradespeople to bolster the careers and ultimately the lives of these invaluable members of the workforce.”
The Engineering Program also received a $10,000 grant from the We Energies Foundation to support the purchase of 18 power supply units, essential equipment for the MakerSpace and the Electromechanical Systems Lab. Snap-on has also provided tool chests, hand and power tools for the MakerSpace and Fabrication Lab, as well as storage drawers and benchtops to outfit the classroom and design studio.
Both gifts are helping Carthage to transform the first floor of Lentz Hall into the new Engineering Center, where courses such as Introduction to Engineering, Managing Engineering Ventures, Statics and Mechanics, Materials, and Internet of Things will be taught.
Prof. Nagel, who has been gathering an advisory council and soliciting projects to prepare students to fill specific engineering needs in Kenosha and Racine, said the machines’ value extends beyond tangible benefits.
“They are also about raising our potential for different experiments and prototypes,” he said.
“They are critical to tools that our students need to understand [how] to use as they design and engineer solutions to real-world problems.”
impact report 19
Alford Park Society
We gratefully acknowledge Alford Park Loyalty Society members who contribute to the College for three or more consecutive years. To see the full list of Alford Park Society members, visit carthage.edu/leaders-in-philanthropy
Beacon Level — 20+ years
Karen Affeldt ’77
Scott Amick ’71
E.B Anderson ’78 and Rachel Tomasek ’78
Steven Anderson ’78
Gary ’80 and Nancy Anderson
LeNay ’59 (Mcgue) Anderson and the late R.W. ’59
Anderson
Patrick ’85 and Kimberly Anderson
The late Irma (Niekamp) Anderson ’48
Linda ’91 and the late Vincent ’70 Angel
Douglas ’69 and Karen Appleby
Kevin ’83 and Carmen ’05 (Toldness-Arroyo) Arentz
Sharon (Green) Asmus ’73
Roger ’63 and Marjorie ’63 Asplund
Gregory Baer and Robert Ater
James Barsch ’69
Kenneth ’70 and Margaret Bartels
Jane ’70 and the late Wayne Beem
John and Marilyn Bendixen
Thomas ’67 and Marie Bentz
Kathleen ’84 (Gall) and Greg Berg
Mary Bishop
Cary Bjork ’68 and Susan Cardoni
Dorathy (Kamphausen) Bobzin ’66
Robert ’86 and Faye Boehler
Kenneth ’70 and Marianne ’71 (Litawa) Boehne
Burton ’66 and Gilda Bratt
Dean and Carolyn Brockmeier
Deborah (Brach) Brooks ’76
Elizabeth (Kassel) Brown
Jonathan Bruning
David and Lyn Brunn
Kevin ’77 and Nancy Brunner
Richard ’66 and Mary Carnes
Lois Caslavka
Lorilyn (Krug) Colleran ’90
Karen (Murphy) Dahl ’84
Dennis R. Day ‘69 and Renee A. Raddatz-Day
Timothy ’75 and Marilyn Diemer
Caryl Dierksen ’69
Jean ’55 (Tweitmeyer) and Thomas Dirksen
Shirley ’59 (Eller) and the late Clayton Diskerud
Robert and Lois Dittus
Kenneth ’62 and the late Maureen Drum
Tom and Janice Duncan
The late Shirley Duncan
Rebecca ’76 (Campbell) and Robert Earnest
Joan Ehrenberg ’61
Dennis ’70 and Jeannine Ellertson
Mack ’72 and Sheila Endres
Karen (Larson) Evans ’72
Linda Even ’78 and Scott Kania
Janice (Knutson) ’55 and Thomas Evensen
Daniel ’75 and Kristen ’74 (Severson) Fox
Laura ’85 (Van Puymbrouck) and John Francis
Kristine ’98 (Simon) and David Freitas
Laura Lee Frey ’62
Judith ’61 (Ewig) and John Fritsch
Jason ’01 and Sarah Froehner
Skip ’62 and Carol Gammeter
Ronald and Jane (Bonander) Geison ’61
Ronald ’55 and the late Audrey ’58 (Lutz) Glossop
Kenneth ’56 and Martha ’58 (Hinrichs) Gorsky
John Gorton ’66
The late Joanne (Ludwig) Greathouse ’71
Cornelia (Ellis) Green ’59
Richard Gustafson ’60
Robert Haasch ’66
Sylvia Hackbarth ’75
Diane ’93 (Clark) and Richard Halom
H. Jeffrey ’80 and Susan Hamar
Patricia Hamilton ’78 and William Freund
Sarah ’87 (Hunt) and William Harris
Steven ’78 and Debra ’80 (Erickson) Hartfield
Tessie ’66 (Heubach) and Stephen Heath
Judith ’77 (Timmerman) and Joseph Heck
carthage.edu/light 20
Jan Henningsen ’62
Robert and Mildred Herder
Alan Hewey ’59
Martha and the late Harold ’57 Hockman
David ’55 and Jean ’57 (Meyer) Hockman
Roger ’64 and Carol Hug
Erik Humlie ’77
Dale ’79 and Roberta Jacobs
John ’75 and Mary Jeanmaire
Chip ’82 and Donna Johnson
Richard Johnson ’70
Barbara ’62 (Jones) and the late Glenn Stuart
Vivian (Lord) Joubert ’71
Melanie Jumisko Shaw ’95 and Brian Shaw
John Keller ’52
Thomas ’73 and Lisa Kieso
Walter ’62 and Joann ’63 (Boatman) Kilgus
Annette (Walser) Kilver ’52
John Kness ’63
Daniel and Cara (Eddy) Kniss ’97
Sharon (Gollish) Koelsch ’69
Jeffrey ’75 and Marja Koenitzer
Keith ’81 and Karen ’80 (Jamieson) Kolstad
Christine Krueger ’71
Larry Krull ’58
Frederick ’83 and Joan Krull
Emily Kuhn ’99 and Samiel Rajkowski ’99
Lynn and Ronald Kunz
LeeAnn Lambrecht-Banks ’76
Amy Larsen ’76
Ronald ’80 and Cynthia ’72 (Mackinnon) Larson
Thomas Lee ’93
John ’72 and Darlene Maaske
Gina Madrigrano Friebus ’76 and William Friebus
Rosemary ’83 (Stocklin-Wilson) and Mario Maglio
The late Frederick Marks ’48
Peter ’97 and Nancy Martin
Robert ’96 and Marlene Martin
Thomas and Nancy (Shaw) Massnick ’76
Rick Matthews
Sharon (Keller) ’70 and Alex Matusevicius
Brian ’94 and Mindy McTernan
Jerry and Margaret Miller
Todd ’87 and Laura Miller
Margaret (Skinner) Miller ’94 and Wayne Johnson
Patricia Milner Dunn ’77 and James Dunn
Roger ’66 and Phyllis ’67 (Furth) Minner
Alan ’69 and Barbara Miralgio
Malcolm ’65 and Annette Mitchell
Patricia Moran ’75
Kathy Myers
Leona ’51 (Hartje) and Carl Nelson
Thomas and Linda Noer
Jane Nystrom ’70
Michele ’92 (Price) and James Olshanski
Diane Olson ’71
Linda ’76 (Persinger) and Ronald Osikowicz
Eric ’69 and Carol Otterbein
Kathleen Panning ’75 and Gary Brandenburg
Harry ’73 and Barbara ’73 (Anger) Penington
Jeffrey ’69 and Virginia Petersen
Pamela Peterson ’82
James ’75 and Susan Pfotenhauer
Donald ’61 and Ann Piehl
Robert ’72 and Diana Placko
Brenda (Porter) and Richard Poggendorf
Barbara ’65 and the late David ’65 Powers
Phillip ’67 and Karin ’67 (Allen) Pratt
Paul ’73 and Christine Price
Kristin (Romeis) Ramsdell ’62
Rodney ’64 and Barbara Randall
Patricia Reblitz ’62
Carol (Prange) Reckmeyer ’49
Thomas ’65 and Judy Richter
David ’81 and Dawn Rieckmann
Mary ’86 (Meyers) and Dudley Riggle
Patricia Roeder ’85
Camilla (Brems) Ross ’52
Susan Salstrom ’67
Eleanor Sather
Betsy Hanisch ’81 and Thomas Sawyer
Paul ’61 and Judith Schacht
Robert Schlack
Douglas ’69 and Marilyn Schoen
James ’58 and Janet ’56 (Schultz) Schroeder
Loren H. Semler ’65
Loren W. ’96 and Karen ’96 (Vesely) Semler
Curtis ’69 and Pamela Siegel
Elinor Siklossy
Edward ’58 and the late Judith (Gorsky) Simko ’58
impact report 21
