Six Stritch Alumni Recognized for Extrodinary Accomplishments

The Alumni Board have selected six alumni who have accomplished extrodinary things in Milwaukee County.

According to the press release, this awards program honors individuals each year for their professional and personal achievements that have made a significant impact in their field, and whose life and character have earned the respect and admiration of their peers and professional colleagues. The awards program seeks to recognize individuals who through their leadership and vision exemplify the Franciscan values and the mission of the University in transforming lives.

The honorees were recognized at a reception and dinner on Monday in the Sister Camille Kliebhan Conference Center.

Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.)
Joel Rechlitz, 2004, B.S. Business Administration

A firefighter with the Milwaukee Fire Department, Joel Rechlitz is nationally recognized for off-duty heroics that saved a boy’s life in 2009. On a summer afternoon, he and his brother, John, did not hesitate to act when they were called to the scene of an accident where an SUV, tipped on its side, was on fire inside and out, and a young boy was trapped inside. Without protective clothing or basic tools, Joel and John had to enter the burning vehicle to cut the safety seat’s restraints and free the child. The brothers saved the boy, who suffered severe burns, and they also endured second- and third-degree burns themselves.

Spirit of St. Francis Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service
Rev. Alice Belcher, 1998, M.S. Management

A former probation/parole agent, criminal trial investigator and domestic abuse survivor, the Rev. Alice Belcher is focused on helping families through several initiatives. In 2003, she founded the Christian Women Perspective Ministries Church of God in Christ, Inc., to address women’s and children’s issues. As an advocate for those affected by domestic abuse, she founded Isaiah’s Coalition for Women and Children, a community outreach program that helps victims of domestic violence through counseling, education and referrals for safe emergency shelter, mental health and legal advocacy. Through Isaiah’s Coalition, Rev. Belcher launched the Pink and Purple Empowerment Conference, a one-day conference that brings together law enforcement, judicial representatives, teachers, survivors, clergy, and community leaders to discuss issues surrounding domestic abuse and breast cancer.

Spirit of St. Francis Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service
Lisa Calderone-Stewart, 2002, Ed.D. Educational Leadership

In 1998, Dr. Lisa Calderone-Stewart founded Tomorrow’s Present, a youth leadership ministry that provides comprehensive leadership development and formation for youth and adults who work with them. After receiving her doctoral degree from Stritch in 2002, Lisa was employed at the House of Peace, and developed Tomorrow’s Present to include five core programs: House of Peace Teen Leaders, Pebbles of Peace, Hope is Something You Do, Interfaith Café, and Middle School Youth Forums.

In the summer of 2009, when she was beginning to form a partnership between Stritch’s Leadership Center and Tomorrow’s Present, Lisa learned she had stage IV lymphoma and bile duct cancer. While originally told she had just months to live, she has continued to work for two years since her diagnosis, writing articles and grant proposals resulting in more than $10,000 for the program. In her career, she has authored 21 books, eight leadership manuals, and more than 100 articles; given speeches in 50 U.S. and Canadian cities; and received six prestigious awards.

Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
Kieran Antill, 2003, B.F.A. Graphic Design

Recognized as the no. 1 Art Director worldwide at the 2010 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Kieran Antill works in New York City as a creative director for Leo Burnett, one of the top advertising agencies in the world. He also co-wrote and directed a documentary series called “Seconds/with,” exploring the fractions of seconds that shape the careers of photographers. His collaborative commercial work for the World Wildlife Fund’s “Vote Earth/Earth Hour” movement was shown in 74 countries and involved one billion people worldwide, making it one of the largest social movements in history.

Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
Kelly A. Brown, 2007, 2009, B.S., M.S. Management

Named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2011 “40 Under 40” list which recognizes successful young professionals making a difference, Kelly A. Brown is the co-managing partner and founder of the American Deposit Management Company in Milwaukee. Starting out as a personal banker, Kelly climbed the ranks of the banking industry throughout her 20 years in local, regional and national banks. Kelly teaches business classes at area colleges, serves on a number of community boards, and has been active in Junior Achievement, Stillwaters Cancer Support, the United Performing Arts Fund and TEMPO Envision.

Distinguished Alumni Award for Service to Stritch
Sara Bayer, 2005, 2010, B.A. Sociology, Political Science, M.S. Sport Management

A former Stritch basketball star, Sara Bayer maintains close ties with the University through several volunteer roles. Owner of the Bayer Performance Institute, a personal training and fitness company, Sara is a certified personal trainer and performance enhancement specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She now assists Stritch athletic teams in the formation and implementation of their strength and conditioning programs and volunteers as the performance enhancement coach for the women’s basketball team. Following women’s basketball coach Rich Panell’s ALS diagnosis last year, Sara organized “Panella’s Pack” in the Walk to Defeat ALS and raised the highest total of any team -- $27,159.

For additional information about the award winners, please visit their website.