CLASS NOTES

Georgia Bilas Applegate ’67 served as president of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Oregon for two years, concluding in 2020, and now is the newly created technology committee chair for AAUW of Oregon. Georgia also continues to serve on the AAUW of Oregon public policy committee as she has for the past four-plus years. In addition, she serves as the communication vice president, the public policy chair, and the technology chair for her local AAUW Grants Pass Branch of Oregon. Georgia belongs to the Zonta Club of Grants Pass, served as its president for two years and now serves on the Zonta USA Caucus. Her husband, David, is very active in the American Legion in Oregon, serving in many leadership positions. Their son, Jesse, is active with the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization, being its president this year and serving on the Board of the Hillsboro Flying Club.

William Fuller ’00 is an Emmy-nominated writer, artist, producer, and composer. Originally from Chicago and now living in Los Angeles, Wil is signed to Run + Gun Music. In the early 2000s, he gained recognition internationally as an artist known as Tha Vill, with songs like “Ride It,” “More Than Friends,” and “Fiber Optic Love.” His professional film and TV credits began in 2008 with placements on MTV and his creation of the first-ever hip-hop major network station ID west of the Mississippi for KTLA in Los Angeles. He’s since become a go-to writer, producer, and composer for studios, network production companies, and artists. His recognizable TV and film credits include “The Muppets” (ABC), “Ice Age 5,” “Arlo” (Netflix), and “On The Record” (HBO Max).

Laura Wilhelmi Knight ’04 joined Northern Illinois University as the Senior Director of Advancement for its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as of November 2021.

Matt Pilch ’05 was named Volunteer of the Year for Curaleaf’s community outreach program. In the three years that Matt has been head of the program, participation is at an all-time high. For Matt, the award sums up his life’s work and passion. Lauren Poppen ’06 was promoted to CFO of The Equitable Bank located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, in July 2020. She has been at the bank for more than seven years. In addition, Lauren's work was featured on the cover of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA) “On Balance” Sept/Oct issue because of a set of mannequins that she painted and installed as art in the front yard of her Milwaukee home.

Jason Kight ’09 was promoted to associate professor with tenure at Winona State University in the field of business law.

Linette Rojas ’14, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor in the healthy living department at the YMCA of the Rock River Valley, has been named to the 2021 YUSA Emerging Leaders Resource Network 30 Under 30. There were 121 nominations from YMCAs nationwide. The 30 Under 30 program recognizes 30 staff under the age of 30 who possess excitement, passion, and purpose while furthering the YMCA’s mission and values with a strong record of innovation, outstanding performance, and a track record of community involvement, especially in areas of diversity, inclusion, and global initiatives that align with the YMCA mission of strengthening community for all.

Daniel Switzer ’11 was a part of the ensemble and played the roles of Olaf and Weselton in the theater production of “Frozen.” The show ran at the Cadillac Palace Theater in Chicago during winter 2021-22.

Bryan Amezquita ’17 recently published a book titled “Little Billi: A Success & Wealth Perspective to Grow the Little Billionaire in You.”

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