Denzel Bibbs ’19
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Schererville, IN
Current Town: Madison, WI
Major at the UW: Mechanical Engineering
Activities at the UW: Chancellor’s Scholar, Leaders in Engineering Excellence and Diversity Scholar, National Society of Black Engineers, UW Makerspace
Current Job/Industry: Project Manager in Construction Management
“I am thrilled to join the Recent-Grad Council to reconnect with fellow alumni. I think it is a great opportunity to broaden my network with the UW–Madison community. I had a fantastic undergraduate experience while I was on campus. This school is what brought me to Wisconsin, and I would like to give back to the community by building opportunities for recent graduates.”
Amaya Boman ’24
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Wausau, WI
Current Town: Verona, WI
Major at the UW: History
Activities at the UW: Associated Students of Madison, ACLU Student Alliance, Center for Campus History Research, Chancellor’s Ad Hoc Study Group on the Black Community ExperienceCurrent Job/Industry: Real Estate Agent, First Weber, Inc.
“Joining the Recent-Grad Council felt like a natural next step. The UW provided me with extraordinary opportunities and relationships, and I’m eager to help ensure that same sense of belonging extends to all alumni. I’m excited to help build spaces that keep recent grads connected to each other and to campus.”
Samantha Bourjolly ’25
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Jamaica, NY
Current Town: Madison, WI
Major at the UW: Accounting
Activities at the UW: Mercile J. Lee Scholar, Black History Month Committee, African Student Association Dance Team, AreaRED, Women in Finance & Accounting
Current Studies: Pursuing a master’s degree in accounting and business analysis at UW–Madison
“Serving on the Recent Grad Council excites me because it’s a chance to give back to the Badger community that has provided me with an abundance of encouragement, guidance, and development throughout such a pivotal time in my life. I am eager to help strengthen alumni connections and create spaces that reflect the same empowerment and support the UW has always provided me. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside fellow like-minded Badgers who share the same passion and commitment for keeping the UW community connected and bridging the gap between recent graduates and the university!”
Josh Busher ’22
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Mount Horeb, WI
Current Town: Milwaukee, WI
Majors at the UW: English and Linguistics
Activities at the UW: All-University Strings, Associated Students of Madison, Camp Kesem, Campus and Visitor Relations, InterMission Theatre, Linguistics Student Organization, Succulent Club, Wisconsin Alumni Student Board
Current Studies: Law Student
“It would be an understatement to say that my time as a Badger was transformative, and it is an honor to share that experience with fellow Badger alumni through the Recent-Grad Council. As a Dane County native, I have personally experienced the beneficent influence that Charles Van Hise described in his envisioning of the Wisconsin Idea. I am elated to fortify these values through service with the Recent-Grad Council. I have great reverence for the community of world-changing alumni that the university cultivates, and I am excited to further strategic partnerships with alumni and institutions alike in service of UW’s mission.”
Hannah Herbst ’22
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Monroe, WI
Current Town: Milwaukee, WI
Major at the UW: Agricultural Business Management
Activities at the UW: Mercile J. Lee Scholar, Association of Women in Agriculture, AreaRED
Current Job/Industry: Pharmaceutical Software
“I am excited to join the Recent-Grad Council for the opportunity to reconnect and collaborate with fellow alumni. I am committed to connecting local Badgers in a way that positively impacts the community and builds opportunities for recent graduates. I am very excited to start this journey with the alumni association and other council members.
Max Herteen ’21
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Current Town: Evanston, IL
Majors at the UW: English and History with Comprehensive Honors
Activities at the UW: Honors Student Organization, All-University Strings, GreenHouse Learning Community, Dean’s Ambassadors Program
Current Job/Industry: Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement at Northwestern University
“I had a fantastic experience at the UW, and I couldn’t turn down the chance to stay connected to the school in such a meaningful way. I’m thrilled to work with other recent grads and hopefully be a successful advocate for other Badgers around the world. I am also excited to gain new perspectives from other members of the council and translate my passion and pride into ideas and events. I’m definitely a ‘hype man’ type of person, so being on the Recent-Grad Council is a more formal way to share the enthusiasm I already have in my day-to-day life! Once a Badger, always a Badger!”
Juhi Jhaveri ’21, ’22
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Long Grove, IL
Current Town: Chicago, IL
Majors at the UW: Psychology and Nursing
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Campus and Visitor Relations Tour Guide
Current Job/Industry: Registered Nurse at Northwestern Medicine
“I am excited to join the Recent-Grad Council because it will give me the opportunity to stay connected with the university as well as fellow alumni from all over the world. Since my undergraduate years, I have always been passionate about connecting Badgers from all points of life, and being part of the Recent-Grad Council will give me the ability to do that as a proud alumna. Being part of this council is something that is extremely important to me, and I am so excited to start my journey with the alumni association and my fellow council members!”
Ella Laatsch ’25
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
Current Town: Chicago, IL
Majors at the UW: Political Science and Legal Studies
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Wellness Wisconsin, The Wisco Project, Planned Parenthood
Current Job/Industry: Paralegal
“I’m beyond excited to join the Recent-Grad Council! Since graduating, I’ve been eager to find a consistent way to give back to the UW and stay involved in an impactful way. I look forward to providing recent graduates with opportunities to connect with each other and their alma mater as they find their footing after college. There are many things I love about UW–Madison, but the one that tops them all is the way being a Badger can connect people from all walks of life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute in one small way to the wonderful work the Wisconsin Alumni Association does!”
Caleb Ng’etich ’24
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Nakuru, Kenya
Current Town: Durham, NC
Major at the UW: Actuarial Science
Activities at the UW: Actuarial Club, Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Finance & Investment Society, African Students Association, Associated Students of Madison, Rotaract Club
Current Job/Industry: Insurance
“I’m excited to join the Recent-Grad Council as it allows me to stay actively connected with the incredible UW–Madison community while giving back to current and future Badgers. My time at UW–Madison provided me with invaluable experiences, mentorship, and connections, and I am eager to pass that support forward. Through the council, I look forward to strengthening bonds within the Badger network, fostering a sense of community for recent grads, and creating new opportunities for professional growth and lifelong connections.”
Jordan Pasbrig ’20, MS’21
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
Current Town: Palo Alto, CA
Majors at the UW: Marketing and Political Science (BBA) and Business Analytics (MS)
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Associated Students of Madison, Student Council, Student Services Finance Committee, Chi Psi Fraternity (The Lodge), Interfraternity Council, Campus and Visitor Relations Tour Guide, Wisconsin Model United Nations
Current Job/Industry: Managing Economic Consultant
“I believe that the Recent-Grad Council is uniquely well-positioned to foster some of the most meaningful alumni connections in the history of the university. The RGC serves as a facilitator between young alumni and the university and should create spaces in which recent graduates can build on their relationship with the UW from wherever they are. Serving on the Recent-Grad Council will provide me opportunities to meaningfully engage recent graduates with the university and the broader alumni community, help foster the same shared sense of Badger pride that we feel while singing “Varsity” at Camp Randall, and play a small role in reinvigorating and reinventing preexisting relationships with the university.”
Anthony Pittman ’23
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Current Town: Milwaukee, WI
Major at the UW: Marketing
Activities at the UW: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Wisconsin Black Student Union
Current Job/Industry: Sales and Marketing
“I joined the Recent-Grad Council to build connections with fellow Badgers, stay engaged with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and develop my skills as a teammate and leader. The university has been a pivotal place of opportunity for me, shaping me into the person and professional I am today. I’m eager to give back and share the blessings I’ve received by serving on the council. It’s a chance for me to contribute to our community and support others in their journeys.”
Micah Scarlett ’25
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Madison, WI
Current Town: Kalamazoo, MI
Majors at the UW: Political Science, African American Studies, and Legal Studies
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Euchre Club, UW Triathlon Club, Diversity and Inclusion Student Advisory Board
Current Job/Industry: Field Organizer
“I joined the Recent-Grad Council as a way to connect with folks who are as passionate as I am. At UW–Madison, I found my favorite circles were those that were involved in the community and fostered authentic connection among peers. Now, as a post-grad, I’m eager to engage with the university through events and interconnection, to engage with team players and driven young people, and to engage with the ever-relevant ‘Wisconsin Idea.’ ”
Alyssa Shack ’23
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Lake Forest, IL
Current Town: Lake Forest, IL
Majors at the UW: Psychology and Spanish
Activities at the UW: Campus and Visitor Relations Tour Guide, Cognitive Development and Communications Lab, Peer Relations Lab, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Psi Chi, WIP Madrid (Study Abroad)
Current Job/Industry: Market Planning and Research Analyst at Walgreens
“My time at UW–Madison was defined by fulfilling communities, new experiences, personal growth, and a deep sense of Badger pride. I’m thrilled to join the RGC to help create spaces where alumni can reconnect with old peers and build new relationships with Badgers around the world. Despite not being physically in Madison, I want to remind alumni that our UW–Madison community continues to thrive and support each other beyond campus. Once a Badger, always a Badger!”
Jasmyne Short ’22
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Racine, WI
Current Town: Minneapolis, MN
Major at the UW: Social Work
Activities at the UW: Center for Educational Opportunity Scholar, McNair Scholar, Wisconsin Black Student Union, African Student Association, Wisconsin Association of Black Men
Current Job/Industry: Higher Education Practitioner at University of Minnesota
“I am thrilled to join the Recent-Grad Council because it offers me the perfect opportunity to remain connected to UW–Madison and continue my dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a Black woman and first-generation college student, my undergraduate journey was defined by both my academic achievements and my commitment to creating spaces that fostered DEI. I was involved in various campus organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity. I have a great love for the UW community, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and progress by championing diversity, equity, and inclusion as a part of the Recent-Grad Council.”
Natalie Shulstad ’23
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Current Town: Boston, MA
Majors at the UW: Neuroscience and Philosophy
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, L&S Honors Program, University Housing Tutors, Center for Healthy Minds Researcher
Current Job/Industry: Research Assistant in Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School
“After my graduation from University of Wisconsin–Madison, I moved across the country to a city where I knew very few people. I ended up finding community through my connections to UW–Madison and often found myself bringing up the UW in everyday conversations with strangers. Time and again, these strangers had a connection to UW–Madison. Joining the Recent-Grad Council seemed like the perfect opportunity to take these conversations to the next level and foster community among recent graduates, especially those who moved to a new city after graduation.”
Rebecca Sikes ’23, MA’24
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Western Springs, IL
Current Town: Madison, WI
Major at the UW: History and Anthropology (BA), Business (MA)
Activities at the UW: First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour Guide, Indigenous Language Table, AnthroCircle, Archery Club (President), Sports Club Executive Board (Secretary)
Current Job/Industry: Donor Engagement Manager at Morgridge Institute for Research
“Coming to UW–Madison as an undergrad with support from Bucky’s Tuition Promise and later serving as an Enrichment Programs Fellow during grad school, WFAA has significantly impacted the formative years of my young adult life. I’m excited to join the Recent-Grad Council as a way to continue my relationship with WFAA, which provided these opportunities for which I am deeply grateful. In my time on this council, I hope to help WFAA build deep, lifelong relationships with recent alumni.”
Emma Swope ’25
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Current Town: Sussex, WI
Major at the UW: Nursing
Activities at the UW: A Moment of Magic, Alpha Phi Omega (Community Service Fraternity)
Current Job/Industry: Cardiac Nurse
“I am so thrilled to be part of the Recent-Grad Council and collaborate with other alumni who share a passion of community and connection. My time at UW–Madison was filled with growth, friendship, and unforgettable experiences, and I am eager to help recent graduates find the same sense of belonging after graduation. I am excited to help create opportunities for alumni to stay connected and make positive impacts together.”
Ryan Van Handel ’23
Hometown: Fitchburg, WI
Current Town: Minneapolis, MN
Major at the UW: Marketing and Management
Activities at the UW: Mentor Collective, Phi Delta Theta, Sports Business Club
Current Job/Industry: Marketing Operations Project Coordinator
“I am excited to join the Recent-Grad Council because I want alumni to cherish the UW as much as I do. As a fourth-generation Badger, my connection to this university runs deep. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work with fellow recent graduates and build connections with UW alumni all over the world. The Badger community has always been a part of my life, and I’m excited to help foster a strong and engaged alumni community. On, Wisconsin!”
William Vraney ’24
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Wausau, WI
Current Town: Madison, WI
Majors at the UW: Economics, Legal Studies, and Political Science
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board (President), The Crossing Campus Ministry (Leadership Committee Member), Pre-Law Society
Current Job/Industry: Junior Paralegal
“They say, ‘Once a Badger, always a Badger.’ I have found that the skills and values I have learned during my time at the University of Wisconsin have transposed throughout my post-grad life in ways I never would have expected as a student and have ultimately prepared me well for the road ahead. I look forward to working alongside other fellow council members to promote Badger pride, continue fostering an engaged network of recent alums, and give back to my alma mater.”
Mia Warren ’24
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Current Town: Madison, WI
Majors at the UW: Life Sciences Communications and Gender & Women’s Studies
Activities at the UW: Sex Out Loud (President); Wisconsin Competitive Cheer Club (Treasurer); Rape Crisis Center (Volunteer); Survivor Services (Advisory Board Member); Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.; Undergraduate Researcher of Sexual Violence, Sexual Health, STI Prevention, and Public Health Communications
Current job/industry: Student Affairs Practitioner at UW-Madison
“I am ecstatic to join the Recent-Grad Council to reconnect with my alma matter and fellow alumni. My undergraduate experience was a transformative and challenging journey filled with growth, so I am looking forward to taking all I have learned to support facilitating and upholding a welcoming community for our fellow Badgers.”