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In a reflective piece, Jake Dehne '95 describes a lifelong, multi-generational connection to Brookfield Academy, the child of a longtime teacher, a BA student lifer, alumnus, employee, volunteer, coach, spouse of a staff member, and parent. Brookfield Academy shaped his values, work ethic, leadership, and sense of community, influencing his success in college athletics and professional life. Jake is a successful business owner. His organization, the SYDRA Group, operates several successful establishments, including the nearby Elbow Room. His businesses are well-respected throughout the community. Today, Jake continues to give back through volunteering and fundraising, currently serving as 2026 Auction Chair, while watching his own children thrive. Jake emphasizes Brookfield Academy is more than a school; it is a deeply connected community, even a family, that spans generations.
Read the full article here.
~ Jake Dehne
2026 Celebrity Knights Dinner Auction Chair
Brookfield Academy Class of 1995
Cornell University Class of 1999
At this rate, with Jake at the helm, we will likely see multiple alumni tables at Celebrity Knights!
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SATELLITE ALUMNI GATHERING
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026
6 PM at QUEEN ANNE BEER HALL
203 W. Thomas St.
Seattle, WA
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We heard from several alumni in the Seattle area and look forward to our reunion at Queen Anne Beer Hall at 6 pm on Saturday, January 24. Doug and Mary Ricci, Larry Pesch, Peter Grossman ’89, and Susan York ’91 Jeide are excited for an evening filled with great conversation, familiar faces, and Emerald City charm. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.
And don’t think of this as just a local meetup; alumni from near and far are encouraged to turn it into a full weekend experience. Sip your way through Seattle’s iconic coffee culture, take in the city’s scenic views, and with a little luck, catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier in the distance.
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Smiles, laughter, and plenty of alumni cheer filled the room at the annual Alumni Christmas Party at the Explorium Brewpub in Wauwatosa. The December celebration drew such a fantastic crowd that squeezing everyone into one photo became a festive challenge. A great problem to have, and a wonderful way to celebrate the season together.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Annual Alumni Christmas Party
Friday, December 23, 2026
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DAVID DELL'AGNESE '22
David competed for Colorado State University's Competitive Sales Team at the Northeastern Intercollegiate Sales Competition hosted by Bryant University in Rhode Island. The competition featured 283 competitors from 43 top sales programs. After four rounds of competitive selling, David earned 1st place overall in the individual sales role-play competition. Congratulations, David!
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MARY CATHERINE ELLIS '10 YOUSSI
Super congratulations are in order for Mary Catherine. Mary Catherine was named as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of Elder Law for the second year in a row. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Wisconsin receive this distinction. Mary Catherine is an attorney at Walny Legal Group in Milwaukee.
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MICKY SINGH '17
Micky passed the New York Bar Exam with a score high enough to practice in all UBE jurisdictions!
After the long journey of law school and living in the Badger State, Micky recently began his career in NYC as a Law Graduate at The Legal Aid Society. Job well done, Micky!
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KATIE KOHLS '07 AND LUKE BALL '07
Class of 2042? We’re calling it now! Katie and Luke are celebrating the arrival of their baby boy, Otto, pictured in his “Future Scholar” onesie. We look forward to receiving Otto's application!
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HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY
As demonstrated by the growing content of our monthly newsletters and the wide range of alumni accomplishments and events happening both on and off campus, our alumni program is becoming increasingly engaged and vibrant.
As valued alumni, you bring a unique perspective that can further enrich our community. The Alumni Office is eager to strengthen our Alumni Program, and we would love for you to be an important part of this effort. To deepen engagement and collaboration, we will host two alumni meetings each year. The first meeting is scheduled for 6 pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the Founders Hall Washington Room, with a Zoom option available.
These gatherings will offer an opportunity to connect with school leadership, share ideas, provide feedback, and, if you are interested, help advance projects that support BA and its Mission. Your involvement makes your voices especially valuable.
Please click here and let us know if you are interested in being part of this group.
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MENTOR A CURRENT STUDENT
Interested in having a shadow at work? A few very motivated BA Upper School students started a new club focused on connecting BA students with professionals in the Milwaukee area who are willing to share insights about their careers. They are hoping to help students find shadowing opportunities in various fields.
As BA alumni, you provide a unique resource that can offer a wealth of valuable information for these eager students. Would you be willing to lend your expertise and guidance in supporting these students?
Reach out to the Alumni Office if you are interested.
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Friday, March 13, 2026
FIVE STAR SEMINAR
Patriots Hall (Upper School)
Last spring, the campus buzzed with excitement as alumni returned to share their stories with Upper School students. The impact of the Five Stars has clearly resonated with our alumni even after graduation.
The conversations were so inspiring that we’ve decided to do it again! Alumni will reflect on how their time at Brookfield Academy has shaped their life and career journeys, demonstrating that the experiences gained on campus continue long after graduation.
We’re thrilled to welcome back alumni speakers, including:
Darryl Covington '98
Rajiv Kodali '16
Katie Kohls '07
Stefan Romero '15
Mark Steliga '93
Jeremiah Van Hecke '92
If you are in the area on March 13, you are welcome to visit campus and see them anytime between 8:30 am-1:00 pm.
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Saturday, May 16, 2026
GRADUATION
Fields of Freedom
3215 N. Brookfield Rd.
Class of 1976, please email Linda Pryor and let her know you are coming, so we can recognize you for your 50th!
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Saturday, June 27, 2026
ALUMNI REUNION COOKOUT
Fields of Freedom
We look forward to a summer cookout celebrating all alumni and their families on Saturday, June 27, 2026. More details will be shared in the coming months. We can’t wait to see you in the summer!
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Friday, December 23, 2026
ANNUAL ALUMNI CHRISTMAS PARTY
Location TBD
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