2024 Fellowship Open Commemorative Guide by alivemke

24th Annual Fellowship Open

Thursday, August 22 - Saturday, August 24, 2024

Welcome all,

On behalf of the 2024 Honorary Chairs, welcome to the 24th Annual Fellowship Open Event! Over 24 consecutive years, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to champion education and open pathways to successful careers for Milwaukee’s youngsters. This dream is made possible only by your generosity and support for this outstanding event! As of this year, the Fellowship Open has raised more than $4 million, which will continue to sustain youth programs and initiatives, impacting more than 130 local organizations connected to Wisconsin.

We are pleased to announce that this year marks our 24th Consecutive Sellout! This tremendous outpouring of involvement endorses and guarantees dozens of educational, vocational, and recreational self-development learning experiences and results in positive youth development, advanced leadership training, and corporate engagement. The funding we’ve received has a measurable community impact a ecting the educational journey from elementary to university achievement and beyond.

The MKE Fellows, designed to eliminate graduation rate disparity for Wisconsin’s African-American males, has ourished as a core Fellowship Open initiative. Cohorts of MKE Fellows have graduated at levels which dramatically exceed national standards, providing real-world evidence that they are well on the way to greatness. These gentlemen and scholars are living testaments to the Fellowship Open’s mission and purpose. They serve as indisputable evidence of what can be achieved.

Evolving the power of esteemed role models, each year the Fellowship Open takes pride in acknowledging civic and business leaders in the community who exemplify a commitment to excellence, philanthropy, and service. This year we proudly recognize the achievements of Vin Baker, Cornell Boggs III, and Rickie Weeks.

About Vin Baker

Vin Baker was a power forward and center who helped the United States win basketball gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Baker played in college at the University of Hartford, and was then a rst round (eighth overall) pick in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Baker had a 13-year NBA career, playing for the Bucks from 1993-1997, and then with the Seattle SuperSonics from 1997-2002. He later played for about a year each with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers.

Baker was named to the NBA All-Rookie team in 1994. He was a four-time NBA All-Star (1995-1998) and was named to All-NBA teams in 1997 (3rd team) and 1998 (2nd team). For his career he averaged 15.0 ppg and 7.4 rebounds per game.

After his playing career, Baker started coaching high school ball at St. Bernard School in Uncasville, Connecticut. He later became a broadcaster for the Milwaukee Bucks and in 2017 was named head of the basketball department at Camp Greylock in Becket, Massachusetts. In 2018 Baker became an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, helping lead them to an NBA title in 2021.

2024 Fellowship Open Legends Honoree

Cornell Boggs III

About Cornell Boggs III

Cornell Boggs III has worked for three decades as an in-house counsel, rising to the role of executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. He is experienced in corporate management and oversight, including ethics and global compliance, enterprise risk management, executive coaching and succession plan development. His skillset spans a variety of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, technology and biotechnology.

At Quarles, he plays an integral role in helping to create diverse and inclusive teams to meet emerging client demands in this area. Leveraging his unique background and vantage point, he works with the rm’s attorneys in building teams and promoting collaboration to provide the best client experience and outcomes. He also works closely with the rm’s leadership and diverse lawyers to create pathways for success, improve their experience and increase diversity in the rm.

2024 Fellowship Open National Corporate Leadership Honoree

Cornell is chair of the board of directors at Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 500 diversi ed nancial services company. Prior to joining Quarles, he served as general counsel for Toys “R” Us Inc., Dow Corning Corporation and the Coors Brewing Company. He was also the chief responsibility and ethics o cer for MillerCoors (now Molson Coors Beverage Company), with early career leadership positions at other prominent Fortune 500 companies. He was recognized as a “Legend in Law” by receiving the prestigious Burton Award from the Library of Congress and the American Bar Association, and Savoy Magazine named him among the “Most In uential Black Corporate Directors,” one of the “Most In uential Black Lawyers” and one of the “Top 100 In uential Blacks in Corporate America.”

Vin Baker

About Rickie Weeks

The popular and talented Rickie Darnell Weeks, Jr. excelled for the Milwaukee Brewers from 2003-2014, earning All-Star status and a spot in the Home Run Derby in 2011. This season, in his emotional return to the city and team, he joins new manager Pat Murphy and the Brewers franchise in a leadership role, which owner Mark Attanasio calls, “Exactly what we were looking for - a history of leadership by example! Rickie’s return is truly exciting.”

2024 TBEY Arts

Born and raised in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Rickie Weeks was a standout two-sport athlete at Lake Brantley High School in baseball and football. He chose to matriculate at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and as a sophomore, he led NCAA Division 1 Baseball with a .495 batting average and 20 home runs. The following year, he hit .479 with 16 homers, winning a second straight batting title and nishing his career with a .465 batting average, the highest in NCAA history. In 2003, Rickie was named Baseball America College Player of the Year and the Golden Spikes Award winner, given annually to the nation’s top amateur player. The Milwaukee Brewers selected him second overall in the 2003 MLB Draft. “It really is a dream come true,” said the passionate and grateful Weeks, a Southern University legend and HBCU Baseball Player of the Year. “Basically, I was raised on the baseball eld and now, being able to be back here, I get emotional. I genuinely want to help, on and o the eld, and coming back to the city where I basically grew up, means a lot to me.”

YOUTH AWARD RECIPIENTS

Strength Of Savior Center

Sports Analytics Club Program

Over the past 24 years, the Fellowship Open has proudly raised more than $4 million in contributions to support youth programs in the Milwaukee Community.

Past Major Award Recipients

The Fellowship Open has helped over 100 youth organizations, for more information visit www.fellowshipopen.org

Gold Sponsors

Michael & Jackie Barber

Charles Matthews

Lunch Sponsor

Miltown Sponsors

Ascension

Morgan Stanley US Bank

Perry Stuckey Transformational Advisory Group LLC

Golf Hole Sponsors

Ahern

Dr. & Mrs. Ivor Benjamin

In Loving Memory of Snow Mitchell Jr.

Diamond Discs International

The Effective Communication Coach

Enterprise Mobility Fund

In Loving Memory of Dr. Emma Felder

Greater Milwaukee Committee

Greater Milwaukee Urban League

Horicon Bank

Johnson Financial Group

JP Morgan

Network Health

Radio Milwaukee Inc.

Versiti

WHEDA

Media Sponsors

2024 Honorees

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to o er my warmest congratulations to N. Cornell Boggs III, Thrivent’s board chair, for his National Corporate Leadership Honoree recognition at the 2024 Fellowship Open.

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to offer my warmest congratulations to N. Cornell Boggs III, Thrivent’s board chair, for his National Corporate Leadership Honoree recognition at the 2024 Fellowship Open

Cornell joined our organization’s board of directors more than 10 years ago and was elected to serve as board chair in 2023. With exceptional leadership abilities, Cornell guides our directors and Thrivent as we help our clients build, grow and protect nancial well-being through purpose-driven advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs.

Cornell joined our organization’s board of directors more than 10 years ago and was elected to serve as board chair in 2023. With exceptional leadership abilities, Cornell guides our directors and Thrivent as we help our clients build, grow and protect financial well-being through purpose-driven advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs.

I am thrilled to offer my warmest congratulations to N. Cornell Boggs III, chair, for his National Corporate Leadership Honoree recognition at the Open.

Cornell joined our organization’s board of directors more than 10 years elected to serve as board chair in 2023. With exceptional leadership abilities, guides our directors and Thrivent as we help our clients build, grow and well-being through purpose-driven advice, investments, insurance, banking programs.

His distinguished legal career, spanning three decades, has set a benchmark for aspiring professionals and is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in ethical corporate leadership. In particular, his work at Quarles in creating diverse and inclusive teams, has paved the way for a more equitable professional environment.

For almost a quarter of a century, the Fellowship Open has championed the causes of diversity and inclusion, and has uplifted countless young people in the process. We are deeply grateful to have a recipient of this esteemed award – re ecting the values the Openembodies – as a member of team Thrivent.

For almost a quarter of a century, the Fellowship Open has championed the causes of diversity and inclusion, and has uplifted countless young people in the process We are deeply grateful to have a recipient of this esteemed award – reflecting the values the Open embodies – as a member of team Thrivent.

His distinguished legal career, spanning three decades, has set a benchmark professionals and is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence corporate leadership. In particular, his work at Quarles in creating diverse teams, has paved the way for a more equitable professional environment

For almost a quarter of a century, the Fellowship Open has championed diversity and inclusion, and has uplifted countless young people in the process deeply grateful to have a recipient of this esteemed award – reflecting the embodies – as a member of team Thrivent.

Congratulations, Cornell!

Terry Rasmussen

President and CEO

Terry Rasmussen President and CEO

Attanasio

Mark

Principal Owner, Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club

My Dear Friend and Colleague, Vin Baker:

As an elite athlete and Olympic gold medalist you have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and determination. But these accomplishments are not what de ne you as the person you are today.

When we were introduced in 2017, we not only became work colleagues, but close friends. Without extensive experience in broadcasting, you earned the role as Milwaukee Bucks TV sideline reporter and your wonderful personality and knowledge of the game made you a natural star. Soon you had a di erent role in mind and developed into a valued and popular Bucks assistant coach. It’s where you continue today in making a major impact with our players both on and o the court.

Your life story is well known. You were drafted by the Bucks, became a four-time NBA AllStar, and an Olympic gold medalist. Then an alcohol addiction caused you to lose your playing career and so much more. Through sheer determination and courage, and with great support from others, you found a new life path and recently celebrated 14 years of being sober!

Vin, on behalf of the Milwaukee Bucks family, congratulations on this recognition from the Fellowship. Whether it’s assisting our players to improve on the court or helping people ght alcohol and drug addiction at the Vin Baker Recovery Center in Milwaukee, we are so proud of you. We salute you for your accomplishments and thank you for the positive impact you are making in the Milwaukee community.

Peter Feigin

President, Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum

Honorary Chair Members

More than $4 Million Contributed to Youth Programs

CONGRATULATIONS

Jerome For The WIN!

Jerome Gray, esteemed alum of the MKE Fellows program, has used his skills from his time in the program as an Assistant Coach for Grambling State University’s basketball team. Under his guidance, the team clinched the SWAC Basketball Championship and earned a coveted spot in the March Madness tournament, marking a signi cant milestone in Gray's burgeoning coaching career, while making history.

Gray's journey with Grambling State University has been marked by his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to the sport. Since joining the coaching sta , he has been instrumental in developing game plans, mentoring players, and fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork. His e orts have not only elevated the performance of the team but also brought national attention to Grambling State's basketball program.

The SWAC Basketball Championship victory was a testament to Gray’s coaching prowess and the hard work of the entire team. This achievement was followed by an exhilarating run in the March Madness tournament, where Grambling State showcased their determination on a national stage. Gray’s role in these successes cannot be overstated; his tactical insights and motivational leadership were crucial in navigating the challenges of the season and inspiring the team to perform at their best.

Gray’s accomplishments as an assistant coach are a re ection of his dedication to the principles he learned during his time with the MKE Fellows program. The program’s emphasis on leadership, community engagement, and academic excellence has clearly in uenced Gray’s approach to coaching. His ability to connect with players on a personal level and his commitment to their holistic development are hallmarks of his coaching style, resonating deeply with the values of the MKE Fellows.

ALIVE Meets VP Kamala Harris

John Daniels IV, Project Executive at ALIVE had the unique opportunity to meet Kamala D. Harris, Vice President of the United States, during her visit to Milwaukee; a remarkable event that brought together community leaders, local residents, and young visionaries. John, who is a rising junior on the AP track for social studies at Marquette University High School, received a personal invitation from the White House through Jack and Jill of America, Inc. His involvement in advanced social studies courses, including being a member of the inaugural cohort for AP African American Studies, re ects his dedication to understanding and addressing social issues, aligning perfectly with some of the themes discussed during the Vice President’s visit.

The tour emphasized Vice President Harris’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic development. Her discussions on the administration’s policies and initiatives were both enlightening and motivating, highlighting the critical need for continued e orts to support economic resilience and prosperity.

Vice President Harris’s visit to Milwaukee was a powerful reminder of the impact that informed, compassionate leadership can have on our communities. Her engagement with local leaders and residents underscored the ongoing e orts to build inclusive, sustainable economic opportunities. It also provided a platform for emerging leaders to connect with and be inspired by those at the forefront of national policymaking. The day’s events highlighted the importance of collaboration between national leaders and local communities in driving meaningful change. Vice President Harris’s Economic Opportunity Tour in Milwaukee was not just an event; it was a call to action for all of us to continue working towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Aaron Lee, a graduating senior from Brown Deer High School, faced numerous pivotal choices about his future. Among the most signi cant was the decision of whether to stay or venture abroad for his education.

Aaron was admitted into the prestigious Duke Kunshan University located in China. His immediate concern was overcoming the nancial hurdles associated with attending a foreign university. Duke Kunshan University o ered him a generous $54,000 scholarship, making the decision a bit easier by covering 85% of tuition. However, after careful consideration, multiple college acceptances, and consultations with the Milwaukee Fellows sta , Aaron decided to follow in the footsteps of the very rst class of Milwaukee Fellows and become a Man of Morehouse. This fall, he will don the maroon as one of 600 acceptances out of 7,000 applicants and look forward to the day when his Morehouse brothers can shake his hand on graduation day.

To ensure he was nancially prepared for college, Aaron spent the summer starting his own landscaping business, Aaron’s Lawn Care Services. Operating in several counties throughout southeastern Wisconsin, Aaron’s business provided lawn care services to a variety of customers. His entrepreneurial skills not only prepared him for college but also allowed him to hire former teammates, some of whom will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Aaron’s journey from high school to college exempli es the determination and resourcefulness cultivated by the MKE Fellows program. His story is a testament to the power of making informed choices and the impact of community support in achieving success. As Aaron embarks on his journey at Morehouse, his achievements will undoubtedly inspire future Fellows to pursue their passions with dedication and excellence.

Milwaukee to D.C.

Impact comes through committed relationships, as evidenced by the continued investment of the Milwaukee Brewers in our youth. On Saturday, August 3rd, the Milwaukee Fellows experienced a unique day in our nation’s capital, thanks to the Brewers’ collaboration with local organizations.

In the morning, students arrived at the National African American Museum of History and Culture, the newest Smithsonian Institution museum in Washington, D.C. The exhibits showcasing the rich and complex history of African Americans provided a profound educational experience. Students’ favorite exhibit was the Negro Motorist’ Green Book, an interactive exhibit o ering insight into Jim Crow-era travel restrictions for African Americans.

Afterwards, attendees were thrilled to witness the Brewers’ batting practice and meet some of the players. They traversed the eld of National Park, taking in the sights of the stadium and the surrounding Navy Yard neighborhood. For many of the youth, it was their rst time attending a Major League Baseball game in another city.

This trip was a powerful journey of discovery and inspiration. The Brewers, through their partnership with local organizations, demonstrated a genuine commitment to the next generation. The young attendees returned with souvenirs of new experiences, heightened curiosity, and a renewed con dence in the opportunities ahead. This collaboration has indeed shown the limitless possibilities when communities come together to support and uplift their youth.

Nathan “N8.” Butler

Nathan Butler or “N8.” [pronounced Nate] enjoys creating in multiple di erent forms whether it’s design, music, photography, etc. Working with the Milwaukee Bucks so far has allowed him to work his creative muscle in the skill set he’s had, and created learning opportunities to grow in areas he hadn’t thought of before. After graduating from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design earning his bachelor’s degree in Communication Design, he’s excited to see what more he can create for the world ahead.

Milwaukee Fellows Investment Club Synopsis

The Milwaukee Fellows will collaborate with CLIMB USA, a Madison-based investment rm, to pilot a community-based investing enterprise for college students. Bob Wynn, founder of CLIMB USA, has been a compassionate and longtime partner of the MKE Fellows, displaying a commitment and drive for collaboration, to teach young leaders nancial literacy and to become strategic investors.

This monumental program will start with a hypothetical modernization of stock market clubs at the high school level. Students exhibiting exemplary drive at their internships will receive and accept funds that will be used for life-changing advancement, including education. Each Fellow will invest in the investment club portfolio, and work together to analyze investment opportunities.

Building wealth within an investment club o ers perspective and diversi cation of investments and can prorate the risks, lessening the e ect of any investment’s below stellar performance. Investment clubs have been proven to be an economic resource for raising capital, eliminating debt, and lowering capital gains tax. A head start towards building wealth will give the opportunity of freedom to reach dreams and accomplish goals, furthering the mission of the MKE Fellows of greater health, vitality, and prosperity.

What will you read next?

Two-time Fellow Alum, Quintin Coby was commended by one of his internship coordinators for his writing acumen. Quintin’s fervor in storytelling drove him to obtain a master’s in Creative Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Quintin’s fascination for compelling narratives has acted as a catalyst, propelling him to explore new horizons of his writing abilities across multiple industries.

Global Reach

Since graduating, Quintin’s professional career has included grant writing—securing millions of dollars in grants awards for Wisconsin’s largest workforce development board, an editor for a large employer in the Wisconsin area. Currently, Quintin works in advertising as a freelance copywriter. He was recently recognized in AdAge magazine as a notable copywriting intern with a promising future that we’re delighted to keep an eye on. We couldn’t be prouder of Quintin, and look forward to seeing his bright future.

The Fellowship Open has a long history of supporting local youth-serving organizations. Our goal and mission is to empower the communities in which we serve. It is great when that empowerment has a two-fold reach. The recent trip of “CHARM Girls” to Africa represents the continuation of expanded reach to young people. The young ladies traveled along with Dr. Christine R. Mosore, the Founder, President, and CEO of Mosorec International Foundation, an organization dedicated to relationship building, celebrating tradition, cultural enrichment, and service, while working to improve the lives of underserved children and families in Tanzania. This trip not only allowed the young ladies to have personal re ection and exploration around culture and global experience, but they were able to record and capture this experience for others to view and learn from in real-time.

Working For The School of The New York Times

Marcelino Ishag’s journey with the MKE Fellows began in 2022 under the Lead Generation initiative spearheaded by ALIVE, and Dr. Nixon’s t.Lab organization. At the time, Marcelino was a junior in high school who’d learned about the Lead Generation program through his school. When Marcelino began the Lead Generation program, his love for writing and determination to achieve his goals was abundant, what was also abundant was the lack of mentorship in his life. Marcelino was a passionate individual yearning for a place to help him grow and expand his craft; hence, Marcelino was invited to join the MKE Fellows program.

Marcelino began his journey with the Fellows as an intern for the Black Arts Festival. After Marcelino’s internship concluded, he began working for ALIVE as a Special Projects Coordinator, utilizing his talents to produce written content to help advance the organization's mission, and raise funds to provide other young men with the opportunities that had been a orded to him. Marcelino’s work with ALIVE brought out something else within him; a desire to give back.

In the summer of 2023, Marcelino, along with nine other students, were a orded a rare opportunity to attend a one-of-a-kind summer camp in New York City. Students were housed in the middle of Manhattan at Fordham University’s McKeon Hall while partaking in classes that aligned with their passions. Students spent two weeks studying under best-selling authors, reporters, journalists, lawyers, and television and movie producers. Marcelino knew even then that he was destined to return to New York. With an MKE Fellow mindset, Marcelino began to network. He researched, wrote down names, and constantly reached out to the connections he’d made. A year later, Marcelino found himself as a program counselor at the School of New York Times. He has spent his summer in New York assisting in providing students with the same remarkable experience he had. He looks forward to continuing to give back, help other young people grow, and publishing his book in the near future.

Exp ience Milwaukee

Thursday, August 22, 2024

West Allis Farmers Market

City of West Allis | 6501 W. National Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214

A wide range of produce arrives at the market throughout the year. The early season brings bedding plants, radishes, asparagus, and rhubarb. Strawberries and raspberries arrive in June as well as zucchini, squash, peas, snap beans. Corn arrives about a week after July 4 along with many other squashes and herb plants. The late season brings fresh apples, squash, and root vegetables. If you can’t pick it yourself, the West Allis Farmers Market is your best bet. In addition to seasonal produce, honey, eggs, fresh meat, baked goods, fresh cut owers and seasonal plants are available.

Friday, August 23, 2024

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Pabst Theater | 144 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

It just keeps getting better! The 2024 Fresh Coast Jazz Festival takes place near Lake Michigan’s beautiful fresh coast at the historic Pabst Theater in downtown Milwaukee. Featuring world-class artists like Boney James, Andrea Lisa, Ryan Lavalette, Lemek, Quintin Gerard W, Nathan Mitchell, and more!

Mexican Fiesta

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. | 639 E. Summerfest Place, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Mexican Fiesta brings the sound, culture, and taste of México to Milwaukee’s lakefront. Join in on the fun as we celebrate two days of fun, food, Mariachi, and Fiesta for everyone. Mexican Fiesta is more than just a celebration; it is a vigorous declaration of community spirit at its best. Education is the key to the future, and through scholarship awards, the festival becomes the gateway to young Hispanics taking their rightful place in society by continuing education. Mexican Fiesta is a cultural foundation concentrating on providing education and cultural events for the growing Hispanic community. The festival honors culture, tradition, and family. Mexican Fiesta encourages individuals from all ethnic backgrounds to share in the beauty of Mexico’s rich history, art, music, and food.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Wright Before the “Lloyd”: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Search for Himself

Racine Heritage Museum | 701 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403

The exhibit covers Wright’s early life from his childhood and apprenticeship with architects Joseph Lyman Silsbee and Adler & Sullivan to his early career on his own. The exhibit contains architectural elements, including terra cotta treatments, screens, a window, brickwork and hardware that were salvaged from a number of Wright- (and Sullivan-) designed buildings. This collection of rarely-exhibited items comes from a private collection.