Lydia Hamilton '98

Lydia Hamilton '98 recently accepted a Board of Directors nomination for the Health Promotion Council Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc. The Council focuses on improving health outcomes among vulnerable populations through community-based outreach, education, and advocacy.

Lydia, currently the VP of Operations for The Philadelphia Inquirer, explains that coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, several CDC reports noted the disproportionate effect of the illness on communities of color. Aligned with the nonprofit’s (Health Promotion Council Southeastern Pennsylvania) mission, combined with living in a diverse city like Philadelphia, she saw that becoming a member of the board was a great fit.

Since graduation from BA, Lydia earned a degree from Loyola University Chicago and began her career in project and program management for multiple companies, including GE Healthcare and Northwestern Mutual. She then launched an upscale boutique focused on offering contemporary designer apparel for women sizes 12-24.

Lydia also took an opportunity to help establish an Operations Department for Wikipedia. She translated organizational challenges into bespoke solutions. As previously mentioned, Lydia now thrives as VP of Operations for The Philadelphia Inquirer, evaluating operational activities and ensuring that the methods being used are the most efficient and cost-effective to meet the current and future needs of the company. She is currently at the helm of the construction project of the company’s new headquarters.

Lydia reflects on her time at BA and how her BA career has helped shape her professional career.

"When we talk about our career histories, we typically only go back to our first 'real' job out of college, or the first position we feel proud boasting about. But I know the story goes back further for me. Attending BA changed the trajectory of my life.

I was exposed to people, lifestyles, and points of views that were vastly different from the ones that I grew up with on the northside of Milwaukee. It wasn't the easiest transition at first, I even fought it to be honest because it was so foreign from what I knew prior. But with time I found my stride, learned how to find similarities to connect with, and came to embrace something new. That ability to learn how to acclimate yet stay authentic to who you are is one that has carried me through my entire career and continues to do so."

Theresa Wichser '18

Theresa Wichser '18 was a phenomenal student and basketball player while at Brookfield Academy. Known for her three-point shooting, Theresa was a major part of many great BA girls basketball wins. After graduating from BA in 2018, she continued her basketball career at Carroll University. While there, Theresa excelled both on and off the court. Off the court, she finished in the top 10 of her class academically throughout her four years at Carroll. On the court, she was the leader in the CCIW conference in three-point percentage (39.4%) and total three-pointers made (52) her freshman year.

Theresa was named captain her junior and senior season and finished with 572 career points at Carroll. Today, she is working as a third grade teacher at Rose Glen Elementary School in Waukesha. She plans to go back to school for her Masters in Education once she's done with her first year teaching.

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

NEW YORK ALUMNI GET TOGETHER

Join Mr. Ricci, Dr. Pesch, and Mr. Grossman in New York on Saturday, January 28! At 6 pm, enjoy food and drinks at McCarthy's Irish Pub and Restaurant courtesy of BA. It will be a great time to connect with BA alums who live in the New York area and catch up with Mr. Ricci, Dr. Pesch, and Mr. Grossman.



Will Conley '15 found time in his schedule to substitute teach in the Middle School recently. Will is currently studying at MCW to be a physician. He is on a break from his rotations while he is interviewing for residency positions.

ALUMNI NFL PLAYOFF BRACKET CHALLENGE UPDATE

The competition is heating up as there is a two-way tie for first place heading into Championship Sunday. Mason Dieck '18 and Michael Mueller '17 have predicted nine out of ten games correctly and sit at the top of the leaderboard with 24 points. Jacque Dieck '22, Bryan Ersoy '15, and Vikram Purewal '11 trail by one point.

FREE TICKET FOR BA ALUMS TO SEE CINDERELLA

BA alums can receive one free ticket to the upcoming BA Upper School musical Cinderella. To secure your free ticket, and purchase additional tickets, click here. Use code alum23 for access to the free ticket. Cinderella will be performed at the Hamilton Fine Arts Center February 24-26.