Melanie (Essayans) Boyajian ’09 recently welcomed Benjamin into the world on March 1st! Congratulations!

For many people, finding a fulfilling career that aligns with their passion and values is a lifelong quest. But for Alexandria Gohla ’09, a school social worker at Geneva High School, it is a reality that she lives every day.

Ms. Gohla has been working as a school social worker at GHS since August of 2023, but she began her career as a social worker in 2011 and has been helping students at school districts throughout the Chicago suburbs cope with various challenges and obstacles that they face in their personal and academic lives ever since. She says that her favorite part of her job is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of her students.

“Knowing that I can be there for them during their toughest times, whether it’s dealing with personal struggles, family issues, or academic challenges, that’s what truly motivates me to get out of bed in the morning,” she said.

You can read more here.

For many people, finding a fulfilling career that aligns with their passion and values is a lifelong quest. But for Alexandria Gohla ’09, a school social worker at Geneva High School, it is a reality that she lives every day.

Ms. Gohla has been working as a school social worker at GHS since August of 2023, but she began her career as a social worker in 2011 and has been helping students at school districts throughout the Chicago suburbs cope with various challenges and obstacles that they face in their personal and academic lives ever since. She says that her favorite part of her job is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of her students.

“Knowing that I can be there for them during their toughest times, whether it’s dealing with personal struggles, family issues, or academic challenges, that’s what truly motivates me to get out of bed in the morning,” she said.

You can read more here.

Elizabeth Shlicht ’09, CAE was recently installed as Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives (WSAE).

Congratulations to Elizabeth!

Anthony Gunnell ’09 and Jayme (Thomas) Gunnell ’10 welcomed Theodore Stanley Gunnell to the world on May 25, 2023. He is welcomed by older brother, Lachlan (age 2). Congratulations to you both!

Andrew Herrington-Gilmore ’09 and Lauren (Giannini) Herrington-Gilmore ’08, founders of The Gilmore Family Foundation, recently had a very successful Fundraising Gala that was held in Chicago. At this Gala, there were 300 people who attended, 20+ sponsors, and nearly 70 IWU alums. They raised over $250,000, all of which will go to The Rare Disease Program at Children’s Wisconsin to “support both the infrastructure required to provide coordinated clinical care and provide opportunities for ongoing research collaboration in pediatric rare diseases.” You can read more about The Gilmore Family Foundation here.

Nicole (Pilotte) Carmen ’09 and Mitch Carmen ’09 welcomed their son, Conor Gregory Carmen, to the world on December 5, 2022. Congratulations to you both!

Andrew Herrington-Gilmore ’09 and Lauren (Giannini) Herrington-Gilmore ’08 were recently featured in The Pantagraph to share more about their organization, The Gilmore Family Foundation. This foundation was cofounded by Lauren and Andrew and their mission is to “raise money to support childhood rare disease treatment, discovery, diagnosis, awareness and research.” You can read the article about the journey of their foundation here.

Karlin E. Sangdahl ’09 has been promoted to partner at Reed Smith LLP in the firm’s Chicago office. She was previously counsel. Karlin is a litigator in the Global Commercial Disputes Group. She represents and counsels corporate clients, product manufacturers and sellers, and service providers in a variety of matters, including contract disputes, business torts, unfair competition, and product liability. She also defends clients in class actions featuring breach of warranty, consumer fraud, and contract-based claims, often arising from the marketing and sale of products and services. Karlin has substantial experience litigating and resolving cases at all stages, from pre-suit investigation all the way through trial or arbitration. After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan, she obtained her J.D. in 2013 from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology. Congratulations Karlin!

Joe Carani ’09 was recently named the Director of Brewing Operations at 3 Sheeps Brewing Company. Congratulations, Joe!