Forward Award
The Forward Award acknowledges rising stars in various fields who exemplify the Wisconsin Idea through an emphasis on service, discovery, and progress. Young alumni within 15 years of graduation who have demonstrated exceptional early-career achievement and a positive impact on their professions or communities are eligible for this award.
Congratulations to the 2022 Forward Award Recipients
Erika Dickerson-Despenza ’14
New Orleans, LA
Playwright, Activist
School of Education (BSE)/College of Letters & Sciences (Cert.)
Anthony Heddlesten ’07
Riverdale, IA
Environmental Engineer; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Mayor; City of Riverdale Iowa
College of Engineering
Cavalier Johnson ’09
Milwaukee, WI
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
College of Letters & Science
Katie Lorenz ’12
Chicago, IL
Founder; Campo Alpaca
School of Business
David J. O'Connor ’05, MS’13
Madison, WI
American Indian Studies Consultant; Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
College of Letters & Science (BA)/School of Education (MS)
Maria Ontiveros ’12
Moline, IL
President; Mercado on Fifth
Community Relations Manager; Group O
College of Letters & Science
Danez Smith ’12
Saint Paul, MN
Writer, Poet, Performer, Podcast host
College of Letters & Science
Past Award Recipients
WAA Stories
Virgil Abloh ’03, a visionary designer who blended street culture and luxury fashion, passed away in November 2021.
Kristian Johnsen works to make a more inclusive military culture, where LGBT service members can find the acceptance and community they need for pe...