Impact Report 2023

Gifts from board chair Jeff Hamar ’80 are helping to power Carthage’s innovation and risktaking. He knows that, during challenging times, smartly investing more will produce the most return.

These stories all bear witness to our donors’ consistent focus, going back 177 years: to strengthen an education that is, in the words of Carthage’s first president, the Rev. Francis Springer, “thorough and practical.”

I was touched when, in my recent travels, Dr. John Sladek ’65 presented me with a hand-written letter from a subsequent Carthage president, the Rev. E. F. Bartholomew, dated Aug. 25, 1884. He had written to Lizzie Haase of Dakota City, Nebraska, who had evidently written to say she was enrolling.

His words were few, but they succinctly expressed all that we endeavor to do in our time-honored education:

GIVING SUMMARY

“Yours just received. Glad to learn that you are coming to Carthage. Will do for you all we can. Will hold a room for you as per request. Come to my house when you arrive in Carthage.”

That letter’s light traveled to my desk for more than a century. As you consider and give your best gifts to this comprehensive campaign, you empower Carthage’s light to shine brighter and farther than ever before.

John R. Swallow President and CEO

FISCAL YEAR 2023 GIFTS July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023

Total Raised:

Donors:

$5,545,013

2,900+

17% Foundations/Businesses

DESIGNATED AREAS Annual Operating:

9%

$2,898,305

Faculty and Staff

Capital Improvement:

$198,845 Endowment:

$2,447,863

8%

62%

Alumni

Estates

3% Parents of Students and Alumni

1% Friends

<1% *Carthage is transitioning to accrual-based reporting. The numbers represented include pledged dollars.

Anonymous

carthage.edu/light

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vice president’s update:

Forward-looking gifts light the way Since publishing the 2022 Impact Report, we launched the “Light that Travels” fundraising campaign. That metaphorical light not only represents wisdom, knowledge, and spirit — some of the lasting fruits of a Carthage education — but also the impact of donor support as we look toward the future.

So, while the numbers presented here look back on the dollars raised between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the stories in this report reflect a decidedly forwardlooking perspective. These donors know their contributions will have a positive impact on the work we do at Carthage and the causes that ignite their philanthropy.

We publicly launched the campaign in July 2023, with funds totaling just over $50 million raised toward our $100 million goal. At that time, we already had eight commitments of $1 million or more, nearly 50 commitments of $100,000 to $1 million, and more than 170 contributions in the $25,000 to $100,000 range.

These included outright contributions, pledges to be fulfilled over a period of several years, and documented intentions to give through estate plans. Many are drawn from required IRA distributions or stock

contributions, and a few are significant in-kind contributions. Alumni, parents, corporations, foundations, and community members who believe in what Carthage can do for this region are already supporting the vision for the College’s future.

Through this comprehensive campaign, we will raise philanthropic engagement overall: All giving counts toward the goal, whether you give to scholarships, the President’s Innovation Fund, or any of the many funds that support ongoing programs.

We seek more loyal donors who give what they can every year; their giving is a testament to their belief in a Carthage education. We seek more multi-year pledges and recurring monthly commitments from those who consider Carthage part of the fabric of their lives. And we seek collaborative giving; class, affinity group, or family scholarships count, as does participation in crowdfunding initiatives such as our virtual giving days or in-person fundraising events such as golf outings.

We have set our sights high, and we need your help. To make our goal, we need several more seven-figure commitments, about 125 contributions in the $100,000 range and 250

Help us ensure that Carthage will continue to brighten the lives of future Carthaginians, and the lives of all they touch.

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impact report

VALUE OF ENDOWMENT

$146.65 MILLION

in the five-figure range. And we need your active participation with and endorsement of the College.

Please think about where your philanthropy fits.

What is your vision for the future, and how can we partner to make that vision a reality? Please let us know!

Finally, we also ask that you share your excitement for the future of Carthage. We will tell stories as we bring faculty and students to meet with alumni, family, and friends around the country.

Please share your light and help ignite that light in others.

With gratitude,

Bridget A. Haggerty Vice President for Advancement advancement@carthage.edu

See our “Light that Travels” video: carthage.edu/light

CARTHAGE COLLEGE ENDOWMENT AS OF JUNE 30, 2023

OVER

380

ENDOWED GIFTS

MAKE UP THE CARTHAGE ENDOWMENT

12.67%

AVERAGE ENDOWMENT GROWTH OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS

Share your story of community impact: carthage.edu/my-light

carthage.edu/light

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GR ACE KOL AKOWSKI A THREE-PRONGED VISION FOR CHILDREN Longtime Kenosha resident Grace Kolakowski had a vision: to create and promote a performing arts space that would serve the people of Kenosha, especially children.

When early efforts to fulfill that vision bogged down, she persisted. And Carthage emerged as a likeminded partner.

The more she learned about the College, the more expansive her vision grew. Carthage’s plans align with three of her biggest passions: faith, the arts, and education.

That inspired Mrs. Kolakowski to make a $3 million commitment to the College: $2 million toward upgrades to A. F. Siebert Chapel and $1 million toward scholarships for the Urban Teacher Preparation Program. A portion of those funds will come later as a gift from her estate.

“I manage money very well,” she said, “and I thought Carthage was a good place to put it.”

The College’s religious roots appealed to Mrs. Kolakowski, who served as a Franciscan sister for 21

From left to right: Bridget Haggerty, Grace Kolakowski, and President John Swallow

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years. Building on her pledge, Carthage is looking for additional gifts to carry out the Siebert Chapel project.

Planned renovations to the sound system, lighting, and seating areas will enhance the visitor experience. A mobile stage and adjustable acoustic panels will accommodate the chapel’s multiple uses.

Along with worship services and interfaith activities for students, more than two dozen public concerts are held in the space each year. So Mrs. Kolakowski’s gift will help to satisfy the wider community’s appetite for music, the intent behind her original pitch for an arts center.

Likewise, the urban teaching program is a cause that’s close to her heart. Entering the convent at 16, Mrs. Kolakowski soon discerned a call to teaching, which blossomed into a rewarding, long-term vocation.

“Wherever I was needed, they sent me,” she said.

Despite leaving religious life behind in her late 30s, Mrs. Kolakowski devoted another 21 years to education as a teacher and principal — often working with students of color. Introduced to the immersive Carthage program shortly after seeing an eye-opening news report detailing the importance of Black role models in the classroom, she saw an ideal fit.

So many ways to inspire children, the ultimate beneficiaries of her investment.

CARYL DIERKSEN ’69 LITER ATURE FOR THE LONG HAUL When Caryl Dierksen ’69 arrived at Carthage, she was drawn by the campus beauty and the chance to deepen her love of literature.

“I was just a kid who loved to read and write,” she said.

For the 17-year-old from a farm in Iowa, Carthage would prove transformative. She flourished under the mentorship of English professors Ruth Maxwell and Don Michie.

Ms. Dierksen worked as a student assistant to Prof. Maxwell, the architect of the English Department on the new campus in Kenosha, and Don Michie, who co-founded the College’s annual visit to the Stratford Festival in Ontario in the late 1960s. Ms. Dierksen, who was among the students lucky enough to make that inaugural trip, has rarely missed a festival over the decades.

“Both of them inspired me to dig deeper as a reader, to see myself as a critical thinker,” she explained.

Ms. Dierksen took that confidence to Duke University, where she earned a master’s degree and graduated into a tough job market for English scholars. She pursued a lead to check out the Woodstock, Illinois, school district.

She would go on to teach high school English there for 42 years, retiring in 2002.

Over those four decades, she consistently expressed her appreciation to Carthage with annual gifts. Then, shortly after retirement in 2002, she chose to make the College a beneficiary in her estate plan. Her planned gift is designated to support the English Department.

“I just always felt that gratitude for what I’d gotten at Carthage; it shaped so much of the rest of my life,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to know that what I

can give matters very much to Carthage.”

One unexpected delight, she added, was the chance to see how the department continues to thrive. Carthage staff members introduced her to Alyson J. Kiesel, who holds the Ruth Maxwell Distinguished Professorship in English.

“It was really exciting to meet her,” said Ms. Dierksen, who carries on the Maxwell and Michie legacy through her own forward-looking philanthropy.

“I know that the department is in good hands,” she said, “and it’s a real joy to know that my gift will have a part in keeping it lively and strong for future students.”

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honor roll of donors

Leadership Giving Society We gratefully acknowledge Leadership Giving Society members who gave $1,000 or more cumulatively to any area of the College in fiscal year 2022-2023, which ran from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

Tiers within the society recognize higher levels of giving.

KEY: T Carthage Trustees who have final governing and fiduciary responsibility of the College TE Trustees Emeriti who are recognized for distinguished past service as trustees PLC President’s Leadership Council members who lead through philanthropy, advocacy, and volunteer engagement AC Alumni Council members who strengthen the relationship between Carthage and its alumni

Founders’ Circle ($100,000+) H. Jeffrey ’80 and Susan Hamar T Craig Leipold and Helen Johnson-Leipold LeAnn Pedersen Pope ’79 and Clyde Smith McGregor T Nicholas and Lee Pinchuk T Loren H. Semler ’65 TE

Lincoln Circle ($50,000-$99,999) Patrick ’85 and Kimberly Anderson T Mary Bishop T Mary (Palmer) Enroth Gina Madrigrano Friebus ’76 and William Friebus T The late Cynthia ’71 (Osgood) and Wesley Geib Patricia ’76 (Pierman) and David Larson Elinor Siklossy David C. ’98 and Heather Wiers T

Trustees’ Circle ($25,000-$49,999) Charlotte ’77 (Kozak) and Joel Bishop Lucy Brown and Steven Minn T Elizabeth (Kassel) Brown Maria Nalywayko and Bohdan Drobenko T Tom and Jan Duncan T Donald Eken ’65 John ’86 and Katherine ’88 (Semler) Felton Ronald Glossop ’55 Betsy Hanisch ’81 and Thomas Sawyer Ann M. Heide Paula ’87 Heide-Poggenburg and Louis Poggenburg Christine ’71 (Burkee) and Richard Hobbs T Christine Krueger ’71

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Richard and Lynne LaBerge T Robert Jr. and Linda Lee T Sandra ’75 and Scott Lindgren Shanna and William Otto PLC Loren W. ’96 and Karen ’96 (Vesely) Semler T Diane ’76 (Jole) and the late Phil ’74 Slocum Gary and Lucinda Wilson T Marion Youngquist and the late Theodore A. Youngquist Jody Zuraitis

President’s Circle ($10,000-$24,999) Matthew Bown George ’77 and Toni Chardukian PLC Richard and Patricia Christman T James Ferwerda Judith ’61 (Ewig) and John Fritsch TE Hoyt Harper ’77 and Beth Eggenberger T Steven and Margaret Hopp T Judy (Reed) Kese ’61 Alan ’79 and Sally Mills T Andrew and Jane Palmen T Rita Petretti David and Angela Riley Janet Salstrom ’63 John Seal ’72 Curtis ’69 and Pamela Siegel Leon Siklossy ’93 Chuck and Lynn Sutton T John and Cameron Swallow Steven and Kristin Tripp Jason Wendt ’08 PLC

Leadership Circle — Sustainer ($5,000-$9,999)

Leadership Circle — Fellow ($2,500-$4,999)

William and Julia (Stadalnik) Abt Cary Bjork ’68 and Susan Cardoni Michael and Christine Brindza PLC Kevin ’77 and Nancy Brunner Fredric ’69 and Pamela Carlson Kathy Madrigrano Comi ’81 and Luigi Comi Dalibor and Jacquelyn (Tetting) Drummer ’71 Shirley Duncan Mark and Janice Franzen Jane ’61 (Bonander) and Ronald ’61 Geison Rita ’17 (Torcaso) and Benjamin Gentile Cornelia (Ellis) Green ’59 Robert Haasch ’66 Bridget Haggerty Michele and Charles Hancock Barry ’74 and Mary ’75 (Stormer) Horek Dieter Jedan ’69 John ’98 and Gail Johnson PLC Richard Johnson ’70 Christine King ’97 PLC AC Perry and Sara Kivolowitz Frederick ’83 and Joan Krull T Jay ’65 and Susan ’67 (Hidding) Maher Jeanne and Jonathan Main Sean and Cathy McCarthy Wayne and Pamela Miller T Mark Jr. and Valorie Molinaro Dennis Monroe ’74 and Nancy Weingartner TE Donald Musil and Julia Whalen-Musil Tyler Nehls Bart and Greta Noland Eric ’69 and Carol Otterbein Helen Pagel Karen Rasmussen ’79 and Barbara Brehm Gary ’71 and Kathleen ’71 Rochau Susan Salstrom ’67 Eleanor Sather Martin Schultz ’70 John Jr. ’65 and Celia Sladek TE Catherine Straz Kalen ’79 (Kalfahs) and James Theusch AC David and Polly Timmerman Ann Wagner Bundgaard Lois (Park) ’59 and the late Gene ’58 Wensel Deborah and Wayne Wulf PLC Fred Young, Jr.

William Aiello Sharon (Green) Asmus ’73 Beth ’83 (Kumbier) and Robert ’83 Barkhau PLC Evelyn ’85 (Ellenberger) and James ’85 Bennett PLC David and Lyn Brunn PLC Jennifer ’95 (Carlson) and Andrew Caldwell David and Jeanne Calteux John and Debbie Camosy F. Gregory ’12 and Barbara ’12 Campbell Kathleen ’95 (Whiston) and Robert Colbert PLC Lawrence and Sophia Cripe William Dienhart Shirley ’59 (Eller) and the late Clayton Diskerud Mary Dixon Elizabeth ’65 (Dean) and the late Hugh ’66 Foster Andrew ’10 and Rachel ’13 (Jason) Gamarra PLC Emilie Gaschke Michael ’82, Sr. and Michaelene (Galvin) ’86 Gentile Erik Humlie ’77 Margaret (Skinner) Miller ’94 and Wayne Johnson Brian Jones ’00 PLC Ryan Kane Annette (Walser) Kilver ’52 Karla Krehbiel Richard Kurjan Sandra ’66 (Priaulx) and John Lang Jason ’96 and Stephanie Langwell Joseph Jr. and Kathy Madrigrano Tom and Patty Mahoney JP Moran Lynn (Henson) Mouritsen ’66 Jerry and Barb Nelson Brigette Oberlander Jim Padilla Harry ’73 and Barbara ’73 (Anger) Penington Chris ’80 (Eckert) and Fred ’81 Petersen PLC Patricia Petretti Paulette Petretti Robert ’72 and Diana Placko Lesya Protasova ’20 Carol (Prange) Reckmeyer ’49 Joseph Rickard Kelly Ruybalid John Shannon Jr. and Jan Serr Maxine Silvius Cheryl Stucky and Jeffrey Waring PLC

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honor roll of donors Jane ’75 (Slezak) and Lester Sturgeon Jillian Theobald ’01 and Richmond Robinson Thomas ’67 and Kristine ’68 (Rasmussen) Thommesen The late Ann (Mullins) Tindall ’62 Ron Anderson ’78 and Rachel Tomasek ’78 Joseph ’11 and Audrey ’12 (Henning) Torcaso Cynthia (Thomas) Walker ’78 T June (Boatman) ’63 and Ashton Waller TE Reinholt ’67 and Carol ’68 (Cory) Wasemiller Mark and Lisa (Foster) Werner ’79

Leadership Circle — Member ($1,000-$2,499) Chris Alfson Jeffrey ’77 and Nadine Anderson The late Irma (Niekamp) Anderson ’48 LeNay ’59 (Mcgue) Anderson and the late R.W. ’59 Anderson Scott Odahl and Amie Barsch Odahl Michael ’87 and Karen Beckmann Henry ’74 and Deborah Belusa John and Marilyn Bendixen Thomas ’67 and Marie Bentz Fred ’62 and Susan Bess John ’76 and Marian Bleeke Victoria Blough ’71 Kenneth ’70 and Marianne ’71 (Litawa) Boehne Thomas and Renee Boldt Tashe and Paris Bozinovski Burton ’66 and Gilda Bratt Thomas and Nancy Brodnicki Deanna and Colin Byrnes Mari ’12 and Nathaniel ’12 Card Francesca ’83 (Bisciglia) and Thomas Carswell Robert ’91 and Pamela (Kleiber) Cibrario Richard ’75 and Lana Colbo Lorilyn (Krug) Colleran ’90 Suzanne Dahl Gerald ’86 and Mari ’86 (Jacobson) Danzer Keith Deaton ’73 Caryl Dierksen ’69 Lois and Robert Dittus Kenneth ’62 and the late Maureen Drum Dennis Duchene Rosalie (Leinweber) Eggert ’61 Douglas ’73 and Susan ’74 (Moldenhauer) Ehrick Mack ’72 and Sheila Endres Steven and Jodie Erickson

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Karen Evans ’78 AC Karen (Larson) Evans ’72 Janice (Knutson) ’55 and Thomas Evensen Ted Fares Kristen ’74 (Severson) and Daniel ’75 Fox Kristine ’98 (Simon) and David Freitas Patricia ’78 (Hamilton) and William Freund Nicholas Galich Holly ’67 (Anderson) and Philip Gansz Valentina and Bernhard Gern Ann ’14 (O’Leary) and Matthew ’14 Gundlach AC David and Nancy (Weiner) Hackbarth ’71 AC Sarah (Liston) ’06 and Joshua ’07 Hagen Jerry ’70 and Marcia ’70 (Harms) Hahnfeld Cary ’72 and Melissa Haller Abigail Hanna Creston ’66 and Susannah ’67 Hart Steve ’78 and Debra ’80 (Erickson) Hartfield Cathleen (Buchholz) ’94 and Jeff Hendricks Barbara ’69 (Lorber) and Steven ’70 Hendricks Richard and Inna Hren James Inendino ’82 AC John ’75 and Mary Jeanmaire Jerald and Becky Jendusa Gary Jensen ’89 Thomas ’74 and Jodi Joerres Linda Even ’78 and Scott Kania Alicia ’06 (Culbertson) and Rick ’06 Katka John and Kristine Kebisek William and Joan Kelley TE Thomas ’73 and Lisa Kieso T Walter ’62 and Joann ’63 (Boatman) Kilgus Richard ’59 and Kathleen ’61 (Shannon) Kistner

Dan Klemack Thomas and Gina Kline Allen Klingenberg Kurt and Marsha Klopfenstein John Kness ’63 Robert Koehler ’12 Sharon (Gollish) Koelsch ’69 Jeffrey ’75 and Marja Koenitzer Daniel Krc ’16 Larry Krull ’58 Marie (Rothfuss) Kruse ’61 Gerald Kurth Peter ’95 and Patricia (Geroulis) Kyriazes ’95 Christopher and Miriana Lahti Thomas Lee ’93 Roger and Sharon Lindberg Steward and Jane Lyman Dennis Magnuson ’63 Peter ’77 and Nancy Martin Thomas and Aimee Martinez T Carol ’71 (Crawford) and Richard ’71 Massat Sara ’96 (Graykowski) and Kevin McClain Dennis McNally Jerry and Margaret Miller Malcolm ’65 and Annette Mitchell Kurt Moeck ’81 Carol Nailor ’75 James Nelson ’65 Jeff and Lisa Neubauer T Harry ’67 and Lois ’69 (Spee) Niese Steven and Kimberley Noel Jan Owens Gary ’72 and Joanne Petersen Jeff Piette Barbara (Gatz) Powers ’65 Karin ’67 (Allen) and Philip II ’67 Pratt Andrew and Elina Protasova Grant ’77 and Sue Quever Emily Kuhn ’99 and Samuel Rajkowski ’99 Linda Roberts Daniel Ross-Jones ’06 and Andrew Patton ’10 AC Christopher ’89 and Tracy ’91 (Lopas) Rossing Karissa Rothkopf ’96 AC Carol ’82 (Hintzsche) and Mustapha Sabbar Robert Schlack Denna Serpe Kimberly Kane and Carl Sheeley

Mary ’71 (Spangler) and Thomas Shelton Edward ’58 and the late Judith (Gorsky) Simko ’58 Dan and Sharon Smeja Mark and Kay Snavely Brian and Angela Sonnemaker Ellen (Galvin) Steenrod ’78 Lyle Sucher ’57 Constance (Twietmeyer) Swanson ’52 Diane and John Sweeney Carmelo Tenuta Christopher Tenuta Raymond ’79 and Sheila ’79 Threlkeld Keith and Danielle Tibor Aaron Tinjum ’09 and Yara Benavides Paz AC Fred Tissot ’84 Janice Tomasek Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein Beverly (Spencer) Unglaube ’67 Michelle Marren-Valeri ’01 and Jeffrey Valeri Thomas and Lois Van Dahm Karen (Fink) Van Lone ’74 and the late Richard Britton Jojin Van Winkle Christian Venegas Mary Wagner-Moldenhauer Robert ’57 and Beverly Walters Meryl Weber Seth Weidmann ’18 and Emily Reed Nancy Wennerstrand ’65 Lauren ’07 (Johnston) and Matthew Withrow Gregory Woodward Kurt ’66 and Terri Wruck Ryan Zagar James ’56 and Corrine ’57 (Lambrecht) Zoellick

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K ALEN ’79 AND JIM THEUSCH COUPLE PROVIDES ENDURING AID Alumni Council member Kalen (Kalfahs) Theusch ’79 and her husband, Jim, have a history of giving to Carthage that spans more than 40 years.

During that time, they have supported the Carthage Fund, the Alumni Association Scholarship, and the Kappa Chi Omega Scholarship. More recently, Kalen and Jim began funding a scholarship

to support two students each year: a member of Kappa Chi Omega and a future teacher.

These were natural fits, since Kalen is an alumni member of the Kappa Chi Omega sorority and a retired educator. Jim, on the other hand, spent his career as an engineer.

Looking to provide perpetual support for Carthage students, the couple took steps this past year to accomplish that goal.

Over the next three years, the Theusches plan to fully endow their scholarship fund. Additionally, they have made provisions in their estate to further support it.

As we pursue the goals of our comprehensive “Light that Travels” campaign, this scholarship will make a Carthage education more accessible well into the future. Kalen and Jim are longtime members of the College’s Alford Park (loyalty), Denhart (planned gifts), and Leadership (current year) giving societies.

By the end of this campaign, their cumulative lifetime giving to Carthage will surpass $100,000, earning them membership in the Enduring Gift Society as well.

EXPENDABLE VS ENDOWED FUNDS Expendable scholarships have a significant, immediate impact; contributions are awarded in their entirety to benefit current students. Named expendable scholarships can be established with a minimum commitment of $1,000 per year for five years. Criteria such as area of study can be specified with a minimum commitment of $2,500 per year for five years.

Endowed scholarships have a significant, long-term impact; contributions are invested, and earnings provide scholarships in perpetuity for generations of future students. Named endowed scholarships can be established with a minimum contribution of $25,000, which can be pledged over five years. Criteria such as area of study can be specified with a minimum commitment of $50,000, which can be pledged over 5 years. Endowments grow over time and typically yield 4.5% to 5.5% to fund scholarships each year.

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MESSIAH LUTHER AN PARISH CLOSURE YIELDS SCHOL ARSHIP FUNDING FOR ASPIRING EDUCATORS Founded in 1899 by Swedish Lutherans, Messiah Lutheran Church at one time had close to 300 members. After more than a century, the parish in Racine, Wisconsin, recently closed its doors.

As the Bible reminds us in the third chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes, there is a season for everything. When the church’s ministry came to a close, it ushered in a new season that promises to support generations of Carthage students.

After considering how to distribute the remaining funds from the congregation’s treasury, the Messiah Legacy Committee selected several nonprofits and churches in the region. Carthage received $50,000 to establish an endowed scholarship in the Education Department.

Church members see the gift as an apt gesture for a parish united by deep faith and committed to bettering the world. In a letter to the College, they shared their aspiration that the scholarship “will be used to support the next generation of educators.”

They hope this gift enables Carthage “to continue doing the good work that you are doing.

With the help of God, may you continue your worthwhile activities.”

EQU ITY AND INCLU SION CENTER IMPACT The Engagement and Inclusion Center continues to support student retention through ongoing collaborative campus and community events that offer exposure to intercultural activities.

$1.6 MILLION RAISED WIGGAN-KENNIEBREW AND RETENTION SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

OVER 500 STUDENTS ANNUALLY ENGAGED IN EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES

NEARLY 30 STUDENTS IN THE INAUGURAL CARTHAGE BOUND PROGRAM

Inaugural Carthage Bound Program

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PERFORMING ARTIST RESIDENCY: MORE THAN THE USUAL TOUR STOP A new artist residency program is expanding the reach of the Performing Arts Series, thanks to a gift from the Racine Community Foundation.

The residencies are made possible through a $50,000 grant from the foundation’s Helen C. Smolenski Chamber Music Fund. The late Walter Smolenski Jr., a gifted violinist, established the fund as a bequest in his mother’s memory to spread the love of music in the local community.

The gift builds on the foundation’s long-standing support for Carthage’s vibrant cultural life. Over the past 25 years, grants from RCF have enabled the College to host myriad exceptional musicians who perform as part of the Carthage Chamber Music Series, which was renamed the Performing Arts Series in 2019.

“Over many years, the Racine Community Foundation has been thrilled to find a strong partner in Carthage College to perpetuate the purpose of the Helen C. Smolenski Chamber Music Fund by promoting interest in chamber music,” said Liz Powell, foundation director and CEO.

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Select guests of the Performing Arts Series are now invited to a weeklong residency. In addition to their public performances, residents hold outreach concerts at Racine and Kenosha high schools, master classes and rehearsals with Carthage students, and a joint performance with students.

In 2022-23, its first year, the residency program brought to campus musicians accomplished in genres spanning Broadway, pop, classical, jazz, and Latin. Participating artists included the Estrella Piano Duo, soprano Lauren Jelencovich, pianist Joanne Polk, septet Ensamble 7/4, and New York Voices.

More than 900 people turned out for their concerts, and another 445 participated in the residency programming.

This year’s guests continue to showcase excellence, innovation, and global diversity. They include Stile Antico, performing its all-Renaissance program; Gaudete Brass, considered “Chicago’s most innovative brass ensemble”; and the KAIA Quartet, which has been praised for “beautifully blur[ring] the lines between jazz, classical, Latin and world music.”

Edward Kawakami, director of orchestral activities and associate professor of music at Carthage, said the Racine Community Foundation’s recent gift furthers opportunities for “high-impact, deeply meaningful interactions with world-renowned artists.”

Student learning is enriched by master classes, he noted, at the same time programming continues to benefit the wider community — especially K-12 students. And, through philanthropic support, all concerts are made free to our K-12 partners, helping to close equity and accessibility gaps.

“We are grateful that the foundation continues to celebrate and share a love of music,” Prof. Kawakami said. “With their support, we are shaping future audiences of educated music lovers.”

Denhart Society We gratefully acknowledge Denhart Society members who have made Carthage a part of their legacy through estate commitments and through other planned gift vehicles. These charitable contributions help ensure the strength and quality of Carthage for generations to come.

In Remembrance

Irma Anderson ’48

Earlene Girman ’77

Dorothy Anderson ’51

Joanne Greathouse ’71

Melinda Byram ’61

Lovina Hermanek ’47

Clayton Diskerud ’59

Connie Parli ’70

Maureen Drum

Barbara Woerner ’58

Gerald Eisele ’56

Carol Wolff ’47

Cynthia Geib ’71

New Members

Caryl Dierksen ’69 Vicki Grant ’74 Chris Rossing ’89 and Tracy Rossing ’91 Daniel Sorenson ’85

To see the full list of Denhart Society members, please visit carthage.edu/leaders-in-philanthropy

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Enduring Gift Society We gratefully acknowledge Enduring Gift Society members who have cumulative lifetime giving totaling $100,000 or more. The below list excludes estate realizations and deceased society members. To view the complete honor roll, visit carthage.edu/leaders-in-philanthropy New Members:

Eric Lorentzen

John Camosy and the Camosy Construction Family

Gina Madrigrano Friebus ’76 and William Friebus

Tom and Jan Duncan

Gloria and the late Charles Mullen

Maria Nalywayko and Bohdan Drobenko

Nicholas and Lee Pinchuk

Dave Riley and the Riley Construction Family

The late William ’64 and Barbara ’64 (Susina) Stewart

Steve and Kristen Tripp

David C. ’98 and Heather Wiers

Platinum Level — $5,000,000 and above

Bronze Level — $100,000 to $499,999

Marilyn and the late Donald Hedberg ’50

Patrick ’85 and Kimberly Anderson

The N.E. Tarble Family

The late Irma (Niekamp) ’48 and the late Alan ’50 Anderson

Gold Level — $1,000,000 to $4,999,999

Cary Bjork ’68

Joel Bleeke ’75 Charitable Foundation Steven M. Chapman

David and Lyn Brunn

Helen Clausen and the late A.W. (Tom) Clausen ’44 and the late Peggy Clausen

John Camosy and the Camosy Construction Family F. Gregory and Barbara Campbell

Virginia ’74 (Altera) and Robert Cornog

Robert Chapin

Judith ’61 (Ewig) and John Fritsch

Richard and Patricia Christman

The late Paul ’38 and Inez Goerner

W. Craig ’72 and Janice ’74 (Ryden) Deaton

Jeff ’80 and Susan Hamar

Robert and Lois Dittus

Craig Leipold and Helen Johnson-Leipold

Tom and Jane Duncan

LeAnn Pederson Pope ’79 and Clyde Smith McGregor

Fredric Edelman

Alan Ruud

Donald Eken ’65 and the late Virginia Eken

Susan (Young) Ruud Stover ’69

John ’86 and Katherine (Semler) Felton ’88

Loren H. Semler ’65 and the late Vickie (Myers) Semler ’67

James and the late Connie Ferwerda

Samuel and Berry Shoen

Charles and Laura Gage

Edward ’57 and Alice ’57 (Lawler) Smeds

John Gorton ’66

Catherine Straz and the late David Straz Jr.

Hoyt Harper II ’77 and Beth Eggenberger

The late Albert Van Maren ’65 and Connie (Maples) Van Maren

Sarah ’87 (Hunt) and William Harris

The Steigerwaldt and Waller Familes

Silver Level — $500,000 to $999,999 Mary Bishop Elizabeth Kassel Brown and the late Howard Brown Mary (Palmer) Enroth and the late Leonard Enroth Thomas ’73 and Lisa Kieso

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Lucy Brown and Steven Minn

impact report

The late Hugh ’66 and Elizabeth ’65 (Dean) Foster

Peggy Hedberg ’81 Christine (Burkee) ’71 and Richard Hobbs Steven and Margaret Hopp The late C. Charles Jackson ’43 Annette (Walser) Kilver ’52 The John J. and Ruth F. Kloss Charitable Trust Sharon (Gollish) Koelsch ’69

Joyce (Helwig) Koenitzer ’51 and the late John Koenitzer Frederick ’83 and Joan Krull Robert Jr. and Linda Lee Thomas ’63 and Martha Lentz Thomas J. Lentz Julie Lentz Cohen Thomas Madrigrano Barbara Madrigrano and the late Glenn Madrigrano Sr. Katherine Madrigrano Comi ’81 and Luigi Comi Richard Marconi ’56 Frederick Marks ’58 and the late Jewel ’46 (Beres) Marks Dean ’84 and Donna Matthews Oralee (Keene) McNamara and the late James McNamara ’62 Alan ’79 and Sally Mills Dennis Monroe ’74 and Nancy Weingartner Diane Muri Maria Nalywayko and Bohdan Drobenko Andrew and Jane Palmen The Late John Pender Clifton and Gladys Peterson Rita Petretti Kurt Piepenburg ’77 and Kate Jerome Terry ’70 and Evelyn Pillinger Dave Riley and the Riley Construction Family David and Gael Romoser Eleanor and the late Glenn Sather John Seal ’72 Loren W. ’96 and Karen ’96 (Vesely) Semler Elinor B. Siklossy John Jr. ’65 and Celia Sladek Linda Staubitz and the late Arthur Staubitz John Stewig Steve and Kristen Tripp Dennis and Natalie Troha Jim ’63 and LaRue ’64 (Rhine) Unglaube Karen (Fink) Van Lone ’74 and the late Richard Britton Ann Wagner Bundgaard and the late Axel Bundgaard June ’63 (Boatman) and Ashton Waller Lawrence Weiss ’70 Gary and Lucinda Wilson Jody Zuraitis and the late Mark Barmak

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REV. DIANE SLOCUM ’76 FORGING MORE LIFELONG CARTHAGE BONDS In memory of her late husband, Phil ’74, the Rev. Diane J. Slocum ’76, has made two gifts that strengthen Carthage’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

The gifts create the Phil and Diane Slocum Endowed Scholarship and name the lounge associated with the Engagement and Inclusion Center.

“It’s important for all students, for whatever reason they may feel different, to feel safe and affirmed,” says Rev. Slocum, a retired associate pastor of Elmhurst Presbyterian Church in Illinois, who served as a youth ministry director before her ordination.

She was a freshman at Carthage when Mr. Slocum first caught her eye in biology class. Their first date came in fall 1972.

At the time, he was a popular resident assistant nicknamed “King RA,” a member of Tau Sigma Phi, and a center on the football team under legendary head coach Art Keller. She became an RA and a cheerleader.

The two hit it off and married in 1976. The Slocums raised four children and enjoyed the fruits of fulfilling careers.

Mr. Slocum rose through the ranks at Chicago Board Options Exchange, a remarkable trajectory from a runner on the trading floor to executive vice president. Initially a teacher, Rev. Slocum later found a new calling as a pastor.

Philanthropy had always been a shared priority throughout their marriage, says Rev. Slocum. Before her husband died of cancer in 2021, he said it would be up to her alone to make those decisions.

That meant thinking “long and hard about the best way to honor his life,” she says. Ultimately, she settled on her alma mater.

Carthage connections branch out farther along the family tree. In addition to the couple’s daughter, Megan Slocum ’03, two of

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Rev. Slocum’s sisters graduated from the College: Cynthia J. Gustin ’81 and Cristine K. Alrich ’78.

She says her own memorable Carthage experiences, in addition to influential faculty — “and, obviously, meeting Phil” — changed her life.

“Carthage was really our story. That’s where our story began,” she says. “These gifts truly reflect how much Carthage meant to us and what we hope Carthage can be for other people.”

The late Phil Slocum and his grandchildren

JEFF HAMAR ’80 $5M PLEDGE STRENGTHENS PROGR AM INNOVATION A $5 million pledge from Board of Trustees Chair Jeff Hamar ’80 and his wife, Susan, strengthens Carthage’s ability to nimbly evolve in step with a rapidly changing and competitive higher education marketplace.

The commitment reinforces program innovation, a core priority of “Light that Travels,” Carthage’s $100 million fundraising campaign.

“I’m at a point where I’m able to support things that are critically important — not only to me, but also to society,” said Mr. Hamar, a member of the College’s Enduring Gift Society. “The mission of the College is transforming people’s lives by providing an opportunity for students to build a life of success and fulfillment. It’s an honor to support that mission.”

The campaign theme pays homage to generations of Carthage alumni who have brightened all aspects of their communities through dedication to their families, workplaces, service organizations, and places of worship.

The campaign aims to continue the College’s upward trajectory. During an increasingly competitive era in higher education, Carthage has seen several years of sustained growth. First-year undergraduate enrollment rose 6.6 percent between 2019 and 2022, and the first-year class in fall 2023 is the largest in the history of the College.

As Carthage launched the new campaign, Mr. Hamar said he and his wife saw an opportunity to make a leadership gift, a gesture rooted in gratitude for both the mindset and the skill set that helped him succeed in business. He’s the executive chairman at Galleher, a leading distributor of flooring that’s based in southern California.

“Carthage taught me self-confidence, optimism, determination, and hard work,” he said. “Then blend those qualities with the ability to critically think, to communicate clearly, to make decisions, to write with proficiency, to adapt to an ever changing world — and it was truly a remarkable education.”

Today, Carthage gives students the foundation they need to pivot to “maximize every opportunity” that comes along, he said. “That makes a Carthage education more relevant today than it’s ever been.

“You go to college not to learn how to do something. You go to learn how to be a lifelong learner,” Mr. Hamar continued. “Most of the careers in the next decade don’t even exist yet. So you go to college to learn how to chase your dreams and how to adapt to whatever comes along.”

To support students in that journey, “Carthage has always been moving toward where it needs to be,” he said, citing nursing and engineering as examples.

“The ability to take risks, and with a sense of urgency, have served Carthage well. It’s in our DNA; it’s who we are.”

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PENNY ENROTH TR ANSFORMING THE NEW ENGINEERING CENTER Longtime supporter Mary E. “Penny” Palmer Enroth has given significantly throughout the years to support Carthage initiatives, especially those in nursing and The Aspire Program, the College’s career development program.

As the granddaughter of one of the founders of Snap-on Inc., she believes well-educated young people are vital to a thriving workforce and a robust economy in Wisconsin and well beyond.

She recently demonstrated further commitment to preparing a skilled workforce with a gift that bolsters the new Engineering Center in Lentz Hall: a $65,0000 Instron system for tensile, compression, and flexure testing. The gift was made through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Enroth Family Fund.

It’s one of several contributions that ensure the new center meets requirements set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, said Professor Robert Nagel, director of engineering, who has been closely supervising the development of the Engineering Center.

And, most importantly, the funding provides immediate benefits for students. They enter Carthage “eager to build and tinker,” as Prof. Nagel explained, and working with the sophisticated equipment will give them the hands-on experience and the confidence to shape rewarding careers.

“With access to these kinds of tools, our students will have the knowledge to progress through an engineering program in step with our peer institutions,” he said. “We’re very grateful for this significant investment in their future and in the future of the region’s workforce.”

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The gift reflects the philosophy of the Palmer Foundation, which was founded in honor of Stanton Palmer, the first president of Snap-on, and Rogers Palmer, a former senior vice president.

“Our foundation’s history is rooted in the trades, a vital piece of every community’s fabric, wrote Ms. Enroth, a member of the College’s Enduring Gift Society.

“We support programs that provide specialized training and skills geared toward veterans, youth, nurses, and tradespeople to bolster the careers and ultimately the lives of these invaluable members of the workforce.”

The Engineering Program also received a $10,000 grant from the We Energies Foundation to support the purchase of 18 power supply units, essential equipment for the MakerSpace and the Electromechanical Systems Lab. Snap-on has also provided tool chests, hand and power tools for the MakerSpace and Fabrication Lab, as well as storage drawers and benchtops to outfit the classroom and design studio.

Both gifts are helping Carthage to transform the first floor of Lentz Hall into the new Engineering Center, where courses such as Introduction to Engineering, Managing Engineering Ventures, Statics and Mechanics, Materials, and Internet of Things will be taught.

Prof. Nagel, who has been gathering an advisory council and soliciting projects to prepare students to fill specific engineering needs in Kenosha and Racine, said the machines’ value extends beyond tangible benefits.

“They are also about raising our potential for different experiments and prototypes,” he said.

“They are critical to tools that our students need to understand [how] to use as they design and engineer solutions to real-world problems.”

Alford Park Society We gratefully acknowledge Alford Park Loyalty Society members who contribute to the College for three or more consecutive years. To see the full list of Alford Park Society members, visit carthage.edu/leaders-in-philanthropy

Beacon Level — 20+ years

Timothy ’75 and Marilyn Diemer

Karen Affeldt ’77

Caryl Dierksen ’69

Scott Amick ’71

Jean ’55 (Tweitmeyer) and Thomas Dirksen

E.B Anderson ’78 and Rachel Tomasek ’78

Shirley ’59 (Eller) and the late Clayton Diskerud

Steven Anderson ’78

Robert and Lois Dittus

Gary ’80 and Nancy Anderson

Kenneth ’62 and the late Maureen Drum

LeNay ’59 (Mcgue) Anderson and the late R.W. ’59 Anderson

Tom and Janice Duncan

Patrick ’85 and Kimberly Anderson

Rebecca ’76 (Campbell) and Robert Earnest

The late Irma (Niekamp) Anderson ’48

Joan Ehrenberg ’61

Linda ’91 and the late Vincent ’70 Angel

Dennis ’70 and Jeannine Ellertson

Douglas ’69 and Karen Appleby

Mack ’72 and Sheila Endres

Kevin ’83 and Carmen ’05 (Toldness-Arroyo) Arentz

Karen (Larson) Evans ’72

Sharon (Green) Asmus ’73

Linda Even ’78 and Scott Kania

Roger ’63 and Marjorie ’63 Asplund

Janice (Knutson) ’55 and Thomas Evensen

Gregory Baer and Robert Ater

Daniel ’75 and Kristen ’74 (Severson) Fox

James Barsch ’69

Laura ’85 (Van Puymbrouck) and John Francis

Kenneth ’70 and Margaret Bartels

Kristine ’98 (Simon) and David Freitas

Jane ’70 and the late Wayne Beem

Laura Lee Frey ’62

John and Marilyn Bendixen

Judith ’61 (Ewig) and John Fritsch

Thomas ’67 and Marie Bentz

Jason ’01 and Sarah Froehner

Kathleen ’84 (Gall) and Greg Berg

Skip ’62 and Carol Gammeter

Mary Bishop

Ronald and Jane (Bonander) Geison ’61

Cary Bjork ’68 and Susan Cardoni

Ronald ’55 and the late Audrey ’58 (Lutz) Glossop

Dorathy (Kamphausen) Bobzin ’66

Kenneth ’56 and Martha ’58 (Hinrichs) Gorsky

Robert ’86 and Faye Boehler

John Gorton ’66

Kenneth ’70 and Marianne ’71 (Litawa) Boehne

The late Joanne (Ludwig) Greathouse ’71

Burton ’66 and Gilda Bratt

Cornelia (Ellis) Green ’59

Dean and Carolyn Brockmeier

Richard Gustafson ’60

Deborah (Brach) Brooks ’76

Robert Haasch ’66

Elizabeth (Kassel) Brown

Sylvia Hackbarth ’75

Jonathan Bruning

Diane ’93 (Clark) and Richard Halom

David and Lyn Brunn

H. Jeffrey ’80 and Susan Hamar

Kevin ’77 and Nancy Brunner

Patricia Hamilton ’78 and William Freund

Richard ’66 and Mary Carnes

Sarah ’87 (Hunt) and William Harris

Lois Caslavka

Steven ’78 and Debra ’80 (Erickson) Hartfield

Lorilyn (Krug) Colleran ’90

Tessie ’66 (Heubach) and Stephen Heath

Karen (Murphy) Dahl ’84

Judith ’77 (Timmerman) and Joseph Heck

The late Shirley Duncan

Dennis R. Day ‘69 and Renee A. Raddatz-Day

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Jan Henningsen ’62

Patricia Milner Dunn ’77 and James Dunn

Robert and Mildred Herder

Roger ’66 and Phyllis ’67 (Furth) Minner

Alan Hewey ’59

Alan ’69 and Barbara Miralgio

Martha and the late Harold ’57 Hockman

Malcolm ’65 and Annette Mitchell

David ’55 and Jean ’57 (Meyer) Hockman

Patricia Moran ’75

Roger ’64 and Carol Hug

Kathy Myers

Erik Humlie ’77

Leona ’51 (Hartje) and Carl Nelson

Dale ’79 and Roberta Jacobs

Thomas and Linda Noer

John ’75 and Mary Jeanmaire

Jane Nystrom ’70

Chip ’82 and Donna Johnson

Michele ’92 (Price) and James Olshanski

Richard Johnson ’70

Diane Olson ’71

Barbara ’62 (Jones) and the late Glenn Stuart

Linda ’76 (Persinger) and Ronald Osikowicz

Vivian (Lord) Joubert ’71

Eric ’69 and Carol Otterbein

Melanie Jumisko Shaw ’95 and Brian Shaw

Kathleen Panning ’75 and Gary Brandenburg

John Keller ’52

Harry ’73 and Barbara ’73 (Anger) Penington

Thomas ’73 and Lisa Kieso

Jeffrey ’69 and Virginia Petersen

Walter ’62 and Joann ’63 (Boatman) Kilgus

Pamela Peterson ’82

Annette (Walser) Kilver ’52

James ’75 and Susan Pfotenhauer

John Kness ’63

Donald ’61 and Ann Piehl

Daniel and Cara (Eddy) Kniss ’97

Robert ’72 and Diana Placko

Sharon (Gollish) Koelsch ’69

Brenda (Porter) and Richard Poggendorf

Jeffrey ’75 and Marja Koenitzer

Barbara ’65 and the late David ’65 Powers

Keith ’81 and Karen ’80 (Jamieson) Kolstad

Phillip ’67 and Karin ’67 (Allen) Pratt

Christine Krueger ’71

Paul ’73 and Christine Price

Larry Krull ’58

Kristin (Romeis) Ramsdell ’62

Frederick ’83 and Joan Krull

Rodney ’64 and Barbara Randall

Emily Kuhn ’99 and Samiel Rajkowski ’99

Patricia Reblitz ’62

Lynn and Ronald Kunz

Carol (Prange) Reckmeyer ’49

LeeAnn Lambrecht-Banks ’76

Thomas ’65 and Judy Richter

Amy Larsen ’76

David ’81 and Dawn Rieckmann

Ronald ’80 and Cynthia ’72 (Mackinnon) Larson

Mary ’86 (Meyers) and Dudley Riggle

Thomas Lee ’93

Patricia Roeder ’85

John ’72 and Darlene Maaske

Camilla (Brems) Ross ’52

Gina Madrigrano Friebus ’76 and William Friebus

Susan Salstrom ’67

Rosemary ’83 (Stocklin-Wilson) and Mario Maglio

Eleanor Sather

The late Frederick Marks ’48

Betsy Hanisch ’81 and Thomas Sawyer

Peter ’97 and Nancy Martin

Paul ’61 and Judith Schacht

Robert ’96 and Marlene Martin

Robert Schlack

Thomas and Nancy (Shaw) Massnick ’76

Douglas ’69 and Marilyn Schoen

Rick Matthews

James ’58 and Janet ’56 (Schultz) Schroeder

Sharon (Keller) ’70 and Alex Matusevicius

Loren H. Semler ’65

Brian ’94 and Mindy McTernan Jerry and Margaret Miller

Loren W. ’96 and Karen ’96 (Vesely) Semler Curtis ’69 and Pamela Siegel

Todd ’87 and Laura Miller

Elinor Siklossy

Margaret (Skinner) Miller ’94 and Wayne Johnson

Edward ’58 and the late Judith (Gorsky) Simko ’58

impact report