Classes of 1953 - 2025
Alumni News
If you have any recent news about yourself or another alumnus that you would like posted here, contact us using the Contact Us link on the left.
Josephine Chianello Berman - Class of 1983
Benjamin Berman - Class of 2015
8/1/25
Gina Madrigrano Friebus - Class of 1972
From the KENOSHA NEWS--
Gina Madrigrano Friebus has been elected chair of the Carthage College Board of Trustees for the next three years.
After graduating from Carthage in 1976, Madrigrano Friebus had a 33-year business career at 7-Up Bottling Co./Kemmerer Bottling Group, Jockey International, and W.O.W. Distributing Co. She retired in 2009 as vice president of administration at W.O.W., then one of Wisconsin’s largest beverage distributors.
An advocate for women, Madrigrano Friebus was instrumental in the creation of Tempo Kenosha and a similar women’s professional network in Waukesha County.
In 2019-20 she co-chaired the 150 Years of Carthage Women celebration, which amplified the contributions of influential women in the school’s history.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Gina Madrigrano Friebus’ forward-looking leadership and wisdom in the years ahead,” said Carthage President John Swallow. “In her capable hands, the board will be stronger than ever before.”
Madrigrano Friebus joined the Carthage Board of Trustees in 2011 and became first vice chair in 2018. Among her service with other local nonprofits, she sits on the boards of Tempo Kenosha, Saint Joseph Catholic Academy Foundation and the Pleasant Prairie Police Appreciation Association.
Together with her husband, Bill Friebus, she has continued a multigenerational legacy of philanthropy to Carthage. The Madrigrano name adorns multiple campus facilities.
For lifting up both her alma mater and her community, Madrigrano Friebus received Carthage’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2011.
“I am humbled and excited to be elected to this position,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the outstanding work of our board as we collaborate with President Swallow to move Carthage forward.”
As board chair, Madrigrano Friebus succeeds Jeff Hamar, a retired California entrepreneur and 1980 Carthage graduate. Hamar recently completed a second term as board chair and will continue to serve as a trustee.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate governing and fiduciary responsibility for the college. Board members elected three other officers, including:
Vice chair: Fred Krull, a retired executive from financial services firm EY and a 1983 Carthage alum.
7/31/2025
Patrick Connolly - Class of 2020
7/31/25
Mitchell Thomas - Class of 2012
Mitchell Thomas has been recognized as a 2025 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation fellow. Mitchell is a culture coach at Frank Elementary in Kenosha. He has been working at Frank since 2018. The award is one-time $6,000. His school also receives $6,000.
From the Kenosha News ~~
"It means the world that I was recognized for the work I am doing. It makes me feel really awesome that the things I'm doing are helping the community."
He hasn't decided what to do with the award yet, but is considering putting it towards Frank's playground fundraiser or using it to add recess activities to the school.
"I really want to make sure that I'm putting toward something that's going to be really impactful for the Frank community, something that's last a long time and impact generations to come at Frank."
Thomas said "It's a group effort" at Frank, and I couldn't have done it without my colleagues. I'm only able to shine because of how awesome everybody else is."
6/15/2025
St Joe's Congratulates Sister Sylvia Leonardi on her 60th Jubilee
Sister Sylvia is a 1964 graduate of St. Joseph High School. To read Sr. Sylvia's brief biography click on this link: Sr. Sylvia Leonardi
St. Joe's congratulates Ms. Barbara Kluka on her 40th Jubilee
Ms. Barbara Kluka, Class of 1962 and former St. Joseph High School teacher (1966-1975), celebrates 40 years as an Associate of the School Sisters of St. Francis. Click here to read a brief biography: Barbara Kluka
6/7/2025
Coach Jose Garcia Leaves St. Joe's
Coach Garcia is a graduate of St. Joe's Class of 2003.
2/16/25