11 minute read
SOMEONE TO KNOW
Education:
B.A. in Mathematics with History and Secondary Education Minors, Dominican University
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Resides: Whitefish Bay, WI
Career info:
I taught junior high school for four years then spent 30+ years working as a mainframe computer programmer/senior analyst.
Joe ’76 & Claire ’76 Brand
Favorite part of your job: I enjoyed designing programs and being part of a large project team.
Role Models: My mother and my aunt.
First Job: Working as a programmer for Mobil Oil Corporation.
Favorite words of wisdom: Don’t worry about your mistakes, learn from them.
Most meaningful
accomplishment: My time teaching at an inner city junior high school which raised my awareness of the issues facing the Black community.
How did Dominican shape the person you are today:
The Dominican nuns educated me through grade school, high school, and college. I was influenced by their faith and their selfless dedication. I thank them for taking the time to teach me grammar, composition and critical thinking. My papers were returned covered in red ink.
What are some ways you’ve been able to give back to Dominican:
This year through a school fundraiser, I bid on, and won, having the Dominican choir sing Christmas carols at my house. The students were terrific, it was so festive and fun and my neighbors loved it.
Why is Dominican worthy
of support: They are instilling Christian values in students from diverse backgrounds and providing a nurturing, rigorous environment to prepare students for a successful career.
What values were instilled in you during your time at Dominican:
I was impressed by the Dominican motto of Caritas/Veritas - Charity and Truth. Since the 60’s, I have been aware of the unjust treatment of those in the Black community and I am committed to raising awareness on these issues.
Words of advice for current
Dominican students: Don’t be afraid to plunge in and take risks. Follow the leadings of your conscience.
Someone To Know.
We checked in with Dominican alumni from each decade to see what they are up to. Here is what they had to say.
Education:
Claire- Marquette University, B.S. Business Administration Joe- Marquette University, B.S. Civil Engineering and Rockhurst University, MBA
Resides: Kansas City, MO
Family: We celebrated our 40th anniversary on June 6. We have two daughters, a son and five grandchildren (plus one on the way). Career info: We both retired from our career jobs in the last few years. Claire was a Vice President at Hallmark Cards, Inc. in marketing and product development for 36 years. Joe was a Vice President and Project Director for transportation projects at HNTB Corporation for 38 years.
Role Models: In high school, there were teachers that we both recall today who had positive influences in our lives: Mr. Kaestner, Mr. Crowley, Sisters Maggie and Kathleen, Fr. Dominiak, Miss Piraino, Mrs. Sturino… to name a few. Their interest in helping us succeed as individuals and as part of the community at Dominican has had a lasting impact.
Best/Favorite Dominican Memory:
There were many great memories at Dominican. We started dating junior year and were on the Prom court as a couple that year.
Most meaningful accomplishment:
Raising three children that we are very proud of while balancing the demands of successful careers.
How did Dominican shape the
person you are today: There are lifelong friendships and memories that we made during our time at Dominican. The influence of teachers helped direct and shape us. The value we placed on a faith based education was one we chose for our children who all attended Catholic schools.
What values or characteristics were instilled in you during your
time at Dominican: A sense of community (being part of the Dominican family) and service for others.
Words of advice for current
Dominican students: Know that this is an opportunity to take advantage of all aspects that Dominican can provide: the education, extracurricular activities, service projects. The diversity of experiences and different talents of others you are exposed to will allow you to learn where you can excel and/or make a difference. The memories and friendships from your years at Dominican are lasting ones.
Randy Christianson ’84
Education:
B.A. in Organizational Management, Eastern University
Resides: Waukesha, WI
Family: Married to Denise for 24 years. Eight Children: Kylie, Jaret, Trystan, McKenna, Carson, Kada, Taya, Cayden.
Current job:
Amcor Flexible Packaging – Vice President of Operations for the past three years. I’ve also worked for PPG Industries and HarleyDavidson Motor Company.
Favorite part of your job:
Seeing people, machines and materials come together to provide packaging solutions for the food and medical industry. There is a real joy in seeing a manufacturing system work as intended. Walter P. Chrysler is reported to have said “There is a joy in manufacturing that only a poet is supposed to know…”
Role Models: My friend John Doering. He has been blind since age 19. He holds a full-time job and lives life like the rest of us in spite of additional challenges. Very impressive. My wife Denise – manages it all.
Favorite Dominican Memory:
Playing basketball against Messmer High School in the old “Metro” conference. The gym was always packed, loud and exciting. In one game at Messmer we had one backboard that was glass and one that was steel because the glass backboard on that end had been broken in the last gym class that day!
Favorite pastime/hobby:
Anything outdoors with my family. I ride motorcycles, enjoy archery, hunting, boating, fishing, sports, etc. I’ve enjoyed watching and coaching my children in sports. Also spending time in Adoration – I recommend every major decision in life should be done with input from our Lord.
What are some ways you’ve been able to give back to Dominican:
We have donated funds and I participated in Career Day. If I’m honest, I could have done more.
Why is Dominican worthy of support:
Catholic education is a vital part of helping develop the next generation of faithful Catholics. Integrating faith with the educational and social experiences of high school helps build the whole person. The legacy and long traditions at Dominican leave positive, life-long experiences.
What values or characteristics were instilled in you during
your time at Dominican: Many characteristics including interacting with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and social statuses. I was well prepared for the working world and continuing my education to help shape the person I am today. The integration of faith with education was an important part of augmenting my solid base that my parents had helped develop.
Words of advice for current Dominican students:
Take your education seriously and get the most out of it. Enjoy the time and don’t get caught up in, or create, distracting drama. Care for each other – especially those that have a difficult time fitting in. Build your faith.
Chris Michaud ’94
Education:
B.A. in Architecture and Master of Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Resides: Wauwatosa, WI
Family: Married to Jes for 14 years. Three children: Calvin (12), Eleanor “Nora” (10), Oliver (8)
Current job: Eppstein Uhen Architects, Senior Design Architect
Favorite part of your job: I design schools and being able to have an impact on a student’s experience and the environments that they learn in, socialize in, and for the most part, really grow up in, whether they are 6 or 16, is very rewarding.
Role Models: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Barack Obama, Greta Thunberg
First Job: Bussing tables at the Mequon Chancery
Favorite Dominican Memory:
Sophomore year, JV Football, Coach Longtine
Favorite words of wisdom:
Measure twice, cut once.
Favorite pastime/hobby:
Cycling, hiking
Most meaningful accomplishment:
Father of three wonderful children
If you could change one thing or have done something differently during your time at Dominican, what would it be:
Travel abroad as part of the foreign language program. I’ve come to really love traveling and experiencing different cultures. I truly wish I had gotten an earlier start on seeing the wonderful places this world has to offer.
How did Dominican shape the person you are today:
I had some great teachers who supported my interests in the arts, literature and sciences. They gave me room to explore, and backed me when I needed help, and not only introduced me to some of my passions, but also showed me the lasting importance a mentor can have.
What are some ways you’ve been able to give back to Dominican:
Dominican set me on a path that eventually led me to a profession as an architect that I love and am passionate about. I’ve always enjoyed sharing my story with DHS students at their annual Career Day event.
Why is Dominican worthy of support:
Dominican is a special place that helps shape the next generation of learners, and the next future leaders in our communities.
What values or characteristics were instilled in you during your time at Dominican:
Hard work. Be thankful for what you have. The importance of a good education.
Words of advice for current Dominican students:
Work hard, have fun, cherish the friendships and relationships you make.
Que El-Amin ’01
including cross country, basketball and National Honor Society, but I wish I would’ve participated in student government and track.
Favorite words of
wisdom: Be consistently persistent.
Most meaningful accomplishment:
Closing financing on the largest privately owned affordable housing development in Wisconsin’s history.
Education:
B.S. in Art, UW-Madison M.S. in Geography, Chicago State
Resides: Milwaukee, WI
How did Dominican shape the person you are today:
Dominican made me into an independent thinker because we were able to critically analyze all ideas even religion.
Family: Married with 2 kids: Pash and Maven
Current Job: Principal of Scott Crawford, Inc. and Co-Founder of Young Enterprising Society where our mission is to mobilize information and resources in order to revitalize communities, particularly for people of color.
Favorite part of your job:
Being able to help other people realize their dreams.
Role Models: I really learn from everyone I meet, but my father would be my #1 role model.
Favorite Dominican Memory:
Freshman orientation. I was already enrolled at Marquette High School and had been attending for a week, but after going to freshman orientation, I knew I wanted to go to Dominican. A close second was playing on the 2000 basketball team when we won state.
If you could change one thing or have done something differently during your time at Dominican, what would it
be: I would have participated in more extra-curriculars. I did a lot,
What are some ways you’ve been able to give back to
Dominican: I have been able to attend multiple Career Days to give back to Dominican and I would want to bring our STEAM program to Dominican to aid students in entrepreneurship and job readiness.
Why is Dominican worthy of
support: Dominican is worthy of support because the school has shown decades of producing successful well-rounded students.
What values or characteristics were instilled in you during
your time at Dominican: Sister Peggy’s Morality class was instrumental, playing Scruples, and learning in a practical fashion what differences in right and wrong were; basically, how to be a good person.
Words of advice for current Dominican students:
1. Relationships last a lifetime. 2. Your life is a sum of the choices you make. 3. Karma is real. 4. Love yourself Like Kanye loves Kanye 5. Don’t be afraid to try. 6. Fall in love.
Heather Stern ’12
Education:
B.S. in Biology with Chemistry minor, University of St. Thomas - Graduated 2016 University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) College of Optometry - Graduated 2020
Resides: Cedarburg, WI
Current Job: Optometrist at Walmart in Saukville and E. Capitol I think that it would have been fun to be in a theatre production, but as I played sports year-round there just were not enough hours in the day.
Favorite pastime/hobby:
Swimming Laps
Most meaningful accomplishment:
Earning my OD
How did Dominican shape the person you are today:
I learned a lot about cultural competency at Dominican. It was a huge advantage to have classmates who came from all sorts of different backgrounds from myself. I learned how to listen and understand others’ perspectives while maintaining an open dialogue. I think that cultural competency is something that can always be improved as we all have inherent biases, but my classmates at Dominican are a large reason for the level of awareness of my biases and competency.
Why is Dominican worthy of support:
The high standards that Dominican holds both its students and faculty to uphold. By setting high standards, students receive a high quality education that, in my experience, puts them a step ahead of their peers as they continue with their education and future endeavors.
Favorite part of your job:
I have worked a lot with patients that have difficulty with teaming, tracking and focusing of their eyes. It is extremely rewarding to work with these patients and find solutions for them to have better and more comfortable usable vision. I have also had the opportunity to work with patients who have suffered mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and helping these people to recover from their injury through use of specialty lenses and therapies.
Favorite Dominican Memory:
I played sports all four years at Dominican. A lot of my favorite memories are from time spent with my teammates both during practices and games as well as just hanging out.
What values or characteristics were instilled in you during your time at Dominican:
Resourcefulness and readiness to jump in and help others when able. Also, I rely heavily of the value of compassion every single day that I am seeing patients; whether I am helping them to recover from a brain injury, or simply updating a contact lens prescription.
If you could change one thing or have done something differently during your time at Dominican, what would it be: Words of advice for current Dominican students:
No one knows everything, but you can always learn more.
