News - Lakeland College, Sheboygan WI

300 attend Lakeland business, science panels

General - posted on 3/15/2012

Lakeland College invited nine successful alumni back to campus to share their stories, offer advice and provide the college's business majors with networking opportunities during the college's third Business Colloquium and the first Science Colloquium in March.

The business group included:

Bonnie Graff, a 1984 Lakeland graduate who is the managing partner of Provident Financial Consultants, LLC, in Oshkosh, Wis. She has been a financial advisor since 1985 and specializes in the areas of retirement planning, portfolio management, tax planning and pre- and post-divorce planning.
Bruce Lammers, a 1978 Lakeland graduate who is the chairman and chief executive officer for Ridgestone Bank, with branches in Brookfield, Wis., and Schaumburg, Ill. Lammers' extensive work in the banking industry focuses on commercial banking, asset management and corporate strategy. Lammers previously served as the president of the Green Bay and Northeastern Wisconsin Region of U.S. Bank (formerly known as Firstar Bank), and the senior vice president and senior commercial loan officer of the Sheboygan office of U.S. Bank.
Bob Loffredo, a 1970 Lakeland graduate who is vice president of industrial for Snap-on Incorporated in Kenosha, Wis. Snap-on is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Loffredo directs the entire North American region with gross volume sales in excess of $200 million.
Dennis Reimer, a 1974 Lakeland graduate who is the owner and president of Midwest Specialty Products in Winneconne, Wis. Midwest Specialty Products is a converting manufacturer that concentrates on the specialty napkins and wiper markets. He and a partner purchased the company in 2005 and, despite of the difficult economic environment, have nearly doubled the size of the company.
Lola Roeh, a 1973 Lakeland graduate who is general manager of the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake. The Osthoff is considered one of the premier resort destinations in the Midwest and has earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating. Under her leadership, the resort has experienced tremendous growth. In 2002, the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association presented her with the coveted "Innkeeper of the Year" award.

The science group included:

Debra Gander, DDS, a 1977 Lakeland graduate who is an oral and maxillofacial radiologist with emphasis in imaging for dental implants. In 2010, she was elected president of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. In addition to her practice, Gander shares her knowledge on advanced imaging with national organizations and study clubs.
Ben Kosewski, a 2009 Lakeland graduate who is a genetic counselor with Bellin Health in Green Bay. He has specialized training in genetics and counseling with special interest in oncology, hematology, prenatal and pediatrics. In his current role, Kosewski works with patients, families and health care providers to identify and explain genetic risks and hereditary disorders.
Bruce Stockmeier, a 1975 Lakeland graduate who is an environmental health, occupational safety and occupational health (ES&H) professional of more than 35 years experience. Since 1991 he has worked at Argonne National Laboratory, and his primary assignment is with the Lab's Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM). He participated in the four most recent National Nanotechnology Initiative workshops held to review the U.S. strategy for ensuring that proper attention is devoted to ES&H concerns posed by the emerging technology.
Anne Vechinski, PharmD, a 2000 Lakeland graduate who is a board certified pharmacist practicing at Walgreens in West Bend. In addition to filling prescriptions and counseling patients, Vechinski specializes in compounding unique prescription formulations that are customized to the needs of patients or animals.

Each group started the day with a panel discussion. The business discussion drew nearly 200 current and prospective students, while approximately 100 current and prospective students attended the science discussion. After lunch, the alumni led breakout sessions on a variety of business and science topics, allowing students a better opportunity to ask questions and network. The alumni offered practical advice and information, and helped students to understand the value of a Lakeland education.

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