NEWSLETTER May 2026

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From the desk of the CEO: Celebrating with Our Community

Thank you to everyone who joined us in April for UCC’s 56th Anniversary Celebration, Block by Block for a Stronger Tomorrow. Your presence was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together!

Each year at the Anniversary Celebration, we recognize individuals and organizations whose commitment to our community shines especially bright through the Estrella Brillante Award. We also honor the inspiring and dedicated students joining our Wall of Fame. Highlights of all awardees can be found throughout this newsletter.

Thanks to our partners and supporters like you, children and families across Milwaukee are building brighter futures, block by block. This past year, we were able to open two new early learning sites, expanding impact and helping more children build a solid foundation ensuring they will be kindergarten-ready.

As we look ahead, I invite you to continue building with us.

Please consider making a gift to support UCC’s transformational work. Your generosity helps create opportunities for students and families today and strengthens our community for tomorrow.

With gratitude, and cheers to 56 years!

Laura Gutierrez Chief Executive Officer

Greater Milwaukee Foundation Greater Milwaukee Foundation is a leader across Milwaukee and a valued UCC partner in expanding opportunity for our families. For example, they commissioned research that highlighted the urgent need for additional early childhood seats locally, which is informing action across our city.

Mike and Margie Munson Mike and Margie are active, engaged partners in UCC’s work, supporting our mission through both generous philanthropy and meaningful involvement. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in walking alongside students at every stage of their journey.

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Zurn Elkay Water Solution’s partnership with UCC spans more than 20 years through philanthropy and in-kind contributions. They actively encourage employee volunteerism, deepening their impact through a shared commitment to the community and our UCC families.

Celebrating Our 2026 Wall of Fame Honorees!

Congratulations to our 2026 Youth Wall of Fame winners who have demonstrated high academic achievement, active participation in extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and strong character. We are proud of these five alumni of UCC Schools.

Rafael Cervantes, a senior at St. Thomas More High School, holds a 4.3 GPA and is an active leader across campus. He is a member of National Honor Society, Art Club, Student Council, Voices for Change, and serves as President of the Latino Student Organization. Rafael is deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces and empowering his peers and hopes to one day have a career as a Nurse Anesthetist. He shares, “Being a role model means showing my peers that you can be proud of your heritage while being a force for change. I strive to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered.”

Carolina Islas, a senior at Divine Savior Holy Angels, maintains a 3.89 GPA while excelling in academics, athletics, and the arts. She is Lead Cellist in the Latino Arts Strings Program, leads her school’s Furia Latina program, and participated in the soccer and swim team. Carolina credits her involvement in LASP with building her confidence and leadership. “As a role model, I encourage and uplift others so they know I believe in them,” she says.

Madelyn Hernandez, a freshman at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is pursuing a psychology major on the pre-med track with a 4.0 GPA. Passionate about mental health equity, Madelyn plans to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist, addressing the need for culturally competent care in underserved communities. She volunteers with Easterseals Wisconsin and hopes to one day open a practice that integrates evidence-based care with art and music therapy to support the Latine community.

Annunciato Ferruccio Nicolino Muro, an 8th grader at Bruce-Guadalupe Community School, holds a 3.99 GPA and is a dedicated student leader. He tutors 5th graders, serves on Student Council, and helped revive the school’s 3-D Art Club, where he designed trophies for Students of the Quarter.

“I strive to lead by example through hard work, growth, and a willingness to learn,” he shares.

Viviana Espinoza-Ruiz, an 8th grader at UCC Acosta Middle School, has a 3.87 GPA and a strong sense of perseverance. After an injury sidelined her from volleyball, she supported her team while focusing on recovery. She also runs a floral business and aspires to become a surgeon or pediatrician. “I want to make a positive impact in the world, even in small ways,” she reflects.

120 volunteers gave their time and energy to ensure the evening was a success.

Greater Milwaukee Foundation Accepted by Greg Wesley

Mike and Margie Munson

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions

Estrella Brillante Awardees

Accepted by Jennifer Clearwater

The Bruce-Guadalupe Elementary Choir received a standing ovation for their rendition of “A Million Dreams” from Greatest Showman.

with Oscar Garduno

Athletics Coordinator

Tell us about UCC's Athletics Program.

UCC’s Athletics Program offers sport opportunities including soccer, volleyball, basketball, and flag football for student athletes that are enrolled in UCC Schools.

Students start in 3rd grade learning fundamentals, and work their way through more competitive team sports to prepare for our middle school leagues. We also have our community-based UCC Boxing Program for boys and girls ages 13+. Last year, we had 56 athletic programs offered to students in grades 3-8!

What is your role in the program?

I create promotions and registrations for all sports and ensure parents understand and complete the process.

Next, I focus on hiring coaches and referees while building out schedules to balance the many offerings for our students. Additionally, alongside our Boxing Director, Angel Villareal, I assist with program administration. Last but not least, my job is to be our school’s #1 fan at UCC sports events.

Why are athletics programs important for building healthy communities?

Sports keep kids active and teach the important life skills of teamwork, discipline, leadership, and resilience. They also give students a positive space after school where they can stay engaged and connected with coaches, teammates, and mentors. On a community level, athletics bring families and schools together, creating a sense of pride, support, and belonging.

What is your favorite part about coordinating athletics at UCC? I love seeing parents give their free time to help coach a team. It’s amazing to see the amount of years our coaches have been dedicating their time to our students. It truly shows what makes this community special.

What is your favorite dish from Cafe el Sol? My favorite dish from Cafe el Sol is Enchiladas Verdes de Pollo, without a doubt!

UCC Expands Recovery Support Services through New Residential Facility.

UCC will soon be hosting a grand opening of our new 16-bed men’s residential treatment facility designed to meet Milwaukee County’s growing need for substance use disorder care. With overdose deaths reaching 59.8 per 100,000 and 655 fatalities in 2022, the project will provide timely, evidence-based residential treatment for men facing long waitlists.

Once operational, this expansion will allow UCC to serve about 90 additional men each year with medical and therapeutic services, recovery support, and re-entry assistance—helping reduce cycling through emergency rooms, jails, and shelters.

The Bruce-Guadalupe Middle School Band opens the evening with lively music.

Latino Arts Strings Program performs during cocktail reception.

Over 400 attendees were moved by the mission of UCC! Watch this heartwarming video highlighting generational stories of impact!

SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 SUMMER WORKSHOPS

The Painted Path: A Guided Tour of Murals and Heritage

July 9, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. $10 per person

Talavera Birdhouses

July 16, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

$10 per person

Behind the Lens: A Lab Ready for Discovery

Thanks to ATC, Bruce-Guadalupe Middle School (BGMS) science technology lab received a refresh and these photos tell the story of what partnership can make possible for students!

Photo 1: The Lab Before the Upgrade While the space supported learning for many years, it had not been updated since 2000 and no longer reflected the hands-on, collaborative science education happening at BGMS today.

Photo 2: Students Help Build the New Lab Students helped unbox the new lab tables as the room begins to take shape.

The classroom improvements included chemical- and heat-resistant lab tables, updated seating, and improved storage for classroom materials.

Photo 3: The Finished Lab in Action Students work together throughout the room in the finished lab this past February.

The tables are designed in two different heights an intentional choice that allows the teacher a clear view across the classroom while encouraging collaboration and experimentation through programs like Project Lead The Way. Photo 4: A Space for Discovery This simple moment of a student seated in the lab at one of the new tables, captures the real impact of ATC’s generosity: a modern lab where BGMS students can explore, question, and discover every day.

Before

Unpacking

New Lab - February 2026

March 2026