Hired Before Graduation
What’s next for members of the Carthage Class of 2023?
Our graduates always have big plans — many of which were in place well before their Commencement.
Below, meet members of the Class of 2023 who were hired for full-time positions before they even graduated.
Have you been hired before graduation?
Kaitlynn Libricz ’23
Teacher
Majors: Studio Art and Education
New job: Teacher at a middle school in Racine
When hired: Sept. 2019, with a start date in Aug. 2022
“I am excited to be in a community of teachers and be able to learn from all of the veteran teachers. I am also excited to serve kids who are typically looked over or thought not to have the same potential as others, but I will be able to directly show them they can do more than they think.”
Sierra Sonnemaker ’23
Tax Staff
Majors: Accounting and Finance
Minors: Economics and Data Science
New job: Tax staff at Plante Moran in Schaumburg, Ill.
When hired: Aug. 2022, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am excited to work for an outstanding company that places a high value on work-life balance and has fantastic staff members that are always willing to help each other with any problems.”
Chase Gibson ’23
Baseball Systems Operator
Major: Biology (Pre-Health)
New job: Baseball systems operator for the Detroit Tigers
When hired: Feb. 2023, with a start date in March 2023
“Never be afraid of change. I was one of the kids who thought they knew what their career would be since middle school. It wasn’t until my last semester that I realized I was passionate about something else. If you feel that way, go for it with everything you got it.”
Luisa Nava ’23
Environmental Protection Agency Intern
Majors: Criminal Justice and Sociology
Minors: Spanish and Women and Gender Studies
New job: Environmental Protection Agency intern at Grand Canyon University
When hired: Dec. 2022, with a start date in March 2023
“I’m excited to work with the federal government in every aspect possible and network with various members in distinct branches of government.”
Madison Mueller ’23
Inside sales representative
Majors: Marketing and Management
Minor: Data Science
New job: Inside sales representative for Ortho Molecular
When hired: Nov. 2022, with a start date in June 2023
“I’m most excited to be selling something I’m passionate about in an environment that promotes my growth and personal wellness.”
Annalisa Bucaro ’23
Registered Nurse
Major: Nursing
New job: Observational medical-surgical unit at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital through Loyola Medicine
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I have loved every second of my time at Carthage, and it is bittersweet to be leaving such a wonderful environment. Thank you to all of my professors, friends, family, coaches, and advisors who have pushed and inspired me to succeed.”
Adam Gilmeister ’23
Warehouse Management Development
Major: Marketing
Minor: Data Science
New job: Warehouse management development program at Uline
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in June 2022
“I would like to thank my professors in the business and marketing programs for their wisdom and for teaching me to become a young professional. To my fellow and future Carthage graduates: Follow your own path and do not feel the need to have the same jobs or internships as your peers while in school. There are excellent positions around every corner.”
Olivia Wolf ’23
Graduate Student
Majors: Neuroscience and Biology
Minor: Psychology
New job: Graduate student at Case Western Reserve University
When hired: Nov. 2022, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I cannot wait to experience a new city, travel, and complete clinical rotations at Cleveland Clinic.”
Kaylie Teschner ’23
Recreation Specialist
Major: Social Work
Minor: Criminal Justice
New job: Recreation specialist
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in May 2023
“I am excited about getting to make a difference! Hearing the participants talk about how they enjoy programs and forming relationships with them is the best feeling in the world.”
Chloe W. Harper ’23
Graduate Student
Majors: Biology and Classical Archaeology
New job: Graduate student in the Master of Studies in Classical Archaeology program at the University of Oxford
When hired: May 2023, with a start date in Oct. 2023
“I really want to thank Professor Thomas Carr and Professor Christine Renaud for encouraging me to go this far and believe in my abilities. It’s not just them, either — thanks, everyone, for everything. My friends, my professors, my club, my squad, my peers — everyone has taught me something during my time here, whether it’s lessons about myself or about the world around me. I finally feel comfortable and confident in myself again after a long time spent in the dark.”
Daniel Collins ’23
Harvest technician
Major: Management
Minor: Communication
New job: Harvest technician
When hired: Feb. 2023, with a start date in Feb. 2023
“I am excited to work in the cannabis industry.”
Kaitlyn McWane ’23
Teacher
Majors: Elementary Education and Special Education
New job: 7th grade language arts teacher
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am most excited to be teaching my favorite subject and establishing positive relationships with students. I look forward to making memories, impacting students’ lives in meaningful ways, and having fun.”
Noah Jensen ’23
Corporate Analytics Specialist
Majors: Mathematics and Data Science
Minor: GIS
New job: Corporate analytics specialist at Uline
When hired: Oct. 2022, with a start date in June 2023
“My mother, who works at the College as an admin assistant, Cherie Puidokas, was my biggest motivational factor in College to strive for greatness.”
Hannah Huss ’23
marketing Manager
Majors: Marketing and Management
New job: Marketing manager at Galway Companies
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I am most excited about putting what I have learned into real-life experiences and pursuing my passion in marketing.”
Iyan Rock Pelfree ’23
Community Outreach Intern
Major: Psychology
Minor: Business Administration
New job: Community outreach intern with the Green Bay Packers
When hired: Dec. 2022, with a start date in Jan. 2023
“I am most excited about giving back to the wonderful community of Green Bay and Wisconsin as a whole. Doing it at the highest level with the Packers was a huge motivator.”
Melissa Brulz ’23
Special Education Teacher
Majors: Elementary and Special Education
Minor: Criminal Justice
New job: Special education teacher at Lakewood Elementary School
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am most excited about working with a supportive team who all has the same goal-helping students who have differing needs. I am also beyond excited to meet the students on my caseload and work in a small school.”
Ever Figueroa ’23
Surgical Assist and RVT
Majors: Environmental Science and Biology
New job: Surgical assist and registered veterinary technician
When hired: Jan. 2023, with a start date in Jan. 2023
“I am most excited about using my skills and knowledge to treat and extend the life of people’s pets.”
Cameryn Eickstead ’23
Ph.D. Candidate
Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology
New job: Ph.D. student in behavioral neuroscience at the University of Alabama Birmingham
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in July 2023
“I’m most excited to take the next step in my career goal and to gain more knowledge about research methods in neuroscience.”
Madison Mueller ’23
Inside Sales Resource
Majors: Marketing and Management
Minor: Data Science
New job: Inside sales resource
When hired: Nov. 2022, with a start date in June 2023
“I’m excited to start because of the traveling I will get to do with the company! I will be working in Barrington, Ill., but my territory I will be assisting us in the south. In my second week of work, I will be flown down to the south to meet and get mentored by an account executive.”
Selina Costabile ’23
lab aide
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Dance and Studio Art
New job: Lab aide at Derick Dermatology
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I am most excited about working in a medical atmosphere and knowing that the sooner my team can process samples, the sooner patients can be treated.”
Kaylee Feest ’23
Treasury Analyst
Major: Finance
Minors: Economics and Criminal Justice
New job: Treasury analyst at Snap-on Incorporated
When hired: Jan. 2022, with a start date in Feb. 2023
“I am most excited to be starting my career at Snap-on and to be completed with my Bachelor’s Degree.”
Marc Arias ’23
Account Representative
Majors: Marketing and Management
Minor: Spanish
New job: Account Representative at CDW
When hired: Jan. 2023, with a start date in July 2023
“I am most excited about having the ability to incorporate skills and lessons I have learned in the classroom to be used in the real world. It will be an exciting opportunity to figure out how to navigate the sales world through CDW. It also begins a new chapter in my life that I am looking very forward to.”
Katelyn Smith ’23
Teacher
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Urban Education
New job: Elementary teacher for first grade
When hired: Jan. 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“Ever since I was little, I have wanted to become a teacher. I have felt my purpose is to give back, and I feel as if teaching is a direct way to do that. I am so excited that my dream is finally coming true! I can’t wait to have my own classroom and share my passion for education with my future students.”
Marielle Shiring ’23
Leadership Assistant
Majors: Arts Administration and Theatre
Minor: English
New job: Leadership assistant and acting company at Hope Repertory Theatre
When hired: Jan. 2023, with a start date in May 2023
“I am so excited to be both performing and working on the administration side of theatre! To be able to continue performing means so much to me, and I’m so ready to return to the amazing Hope Theatre community that brings me so much joy and happiness.”
Fangyiduo wang ’23
Musical theater performer
Major: Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy
New job: Musical theater performer at The Edge Theater in Chicago
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in May 2023
“I am most excited about my first show in Chicago.”
Jillian Arbeiter ’23
Human Resources Business Partner Coordinator
Majors: Marketing, Management, and Finance
Minor: Spanish
New job: Human resources business partner coordinator for Kohl’s
When hired: Aug. 2022, with a start date in June 2023
“Having an incredible internship experience this past year with Kohl’s, I am so excited to continue working and growing at such an amazing company. While I have been with the company for a year, my new job will be in HRBP rather than Compensation. As such, I am thrilled to be able to learn about another area of the business while working closely with such welcoming and creative individuals.”
Allison Herkey ’23
Interpretive Park Ranger
Major: Environmental Science
Minor: Business Administration
New job: Park ranger at San Juan Island National Historical Park
When hired: Nov. 2022, with a start date in April 2023
“I am excited about all of the opportunities this job offers, and it is allowing me to grow in many different ways. In the short time I have been here, I have learned so much about the Pacific Northwest and the San Juan Islands. Being able to educate and better the experience of visitors who travel great distances to be here is so inspiring. It is exciting to teach others the importance of the land, resources, and rare/endangered species found here.”
Caitlin Preuss ’23
Administrative Intern
Majors: Music Theatre and Self-Design Directing
New job: Administrative intern at Peninsula Players Theatre
When hired: Feb. 2023, with a start date in May 2023
“I am so excited to work at an Equity theatre and live with many successful theater-makers. I cannot wait to hear their thoughts and be around individuals who are true theater makers and do it for their career.”
Peter Themis Georgitsis ’23
Tax Staff Associate
Major: Accounting
New job: FSO tax staff associate at EY
When hired: Aug. 2022, with a start date in Jan. 2024
“I am most excited about building my career and paying off my college debt.”
Siobhan Makeiah Haggerty ’23
Actuarial Consulting Analyst
Major: Math
Minor: Data Science
New job: Actuarial consulting analyst at Deloitte
When hired: Aug. 2022, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I’m most excited about being able to fund my passions and excel in my career.”
Michael Thomas ’23
Real Estate Broker
Major: Business Innovation and Design
New job: Real estate broker at Coldwell Banker Realty
When hired: Feb. 2023, with a start date in Feb. 2023
“I am most excited about developing key connections in the real estate industry and helping individuals with their property needs. Real estate is an environment where individuals come together to work, live and play. Real estate is everywhere and a part of everything we do as a society.”
Amy Sharp ’23
Social Services Specialist
Major: Psychology
New job: Social services specialist for Ascension Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in May 2023
“I am really excited for the opportunity to get more experience in the mental health field before going to grad school in the future. I am passionate about helping those who feel like they are stuck to find their way again. I can’t wait to put my helping skills to use in this position.”
David Budzisz ’23
Client Service Associate
Major: Business Design and Innovation
New job: Client service associate at Strategic Wealth Partners
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I am excited to take the next step in my professional career and play a role on an innovation-driven team.”
Jenna Watkins ’23
Graduate Student
Majors: Psychology and Studio Art
New job: Master of Education in Visual Arts and Social Studies Education student at the University of St. Francis
When hired: Dec. 2022, with a start date in Jan. 2023
“I’m most excited to apply everything I’ve learned at Carthage in my own classroom to help educate and support students. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the amazing things students are capable of.”
Cade Wilson ’23
Project manager
Majors: Criminal Justice and Management
Minor: Pre-Law
New job: Project manager for a Roofing Business
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I am most excited about getting into the workforce and making a difference in my community as well as developing skills that can only be taught on the job site. While schooling has prepared me with expanded knowledge of business management, this opportunity will teach me more about specialized skills in a specific field of business.”
Lindsey Neu ’23
teacher
Majors: Art Education and Art Studio
New job: Elementary art teacher for KUSD Schools
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I’m excited to meet my students and begin to form some relationships with them. I look forward to helping them learn to love art and improve their creative thinking skills!”
Halle Borree ’23
Upper School Teaching Associate
Majors: Psychology and Criminal Justice
Minor: Spanish
New job: Upper school teaching associate at Open Wings School
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in Sept. 2023
“I am most excited to form meaningful relationship with the students, aid them in their development and improvement, and watch them grow and blossom within the classroom! I can’t wait to make a difference in these students lives, and see how they will also make a difference in mine.”
Jillian Shorten ’23
Clinical Nurse — Labor and Delivery
Major: Nursing
New job: Clinical nurse – labor and delivery at Northwest Community Healthcare Hospital
When hired: April 2023
“I most excited about transitioning roles on my unit! I have been a patient care tech on this unit for the last year, and I am ready to step into the nursing role! As a nurse I will get to spend more time with the patients and use my education to provide safe, compassionate care.”
Jayme Fischer ’23
Forensic Case Manager
Major: Social Work
Minor: Spanish
New job: Forensic case manager at Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan in Madison, Wisconsin
When hired: April 2023 with a start date in July 2023
“I want to thank Professors Becki Hornung, Debbie Kelly, and Dani Jarvis for supporting each and every one of their social work students throughout our four years at Carthage. Each of them pushed me to be a better social worker and inspired me to find my passion in this field.”
Alexis Menendez ’23
Biomedical Research Intern
Majors: Biology and Environmental Science
New job: Biomedical research intern at UW-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to conduct research, building my scientific professional skills, and provide a pathway into graduate school.”
Kylie Figgins ’23
Graduate Student
Major: Social Work
New job: Master of Social Work student at Loyola University Chicago
When hired: Feb. 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“Your professors want to see you succeed in all you do! Do not be afraid to reach out to them for anything. I want to thank all of my professors for how much they guided and inspired me these past four years!”
Gabrielle Tifft ’23
Technician
Major: Technical Direction — Theatre
Minors: Costume Design and Dance
New job: Technician at Upstaging Inc.
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in July 2023
“I am most excited to learn even more about technical productions and to train with new equipment.”
Emily Frost ’23
Graduate Student
Major: Political Science
Minors: Women’s and Gender Studies and Religion
New job: Graduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago
When hired: Start date in Aug. 2023
“Thank you to the Women’s and Gender Studies Department for supporting me over these years!”
Cole Vercelli ’23
Inside Sales Representative
Majors: Management and Marketing
New job: Inside sales representative at HealthWorks
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I am most excited about meeting all the new people I will be working with every day, along with starting my career in the industry I wanted to.”
Yelka Bello ’23
Teacher
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Spanish
New job: 3rd-grade dual language teacher
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am most excited about working with students to engage in their love for learning in multiple languages! I have wanted to be a dual language teacher since middle school, so I am excited to be fulfilling my dream finally!”
Ally Kline ’23
Teacher
Major: Music Education (Vocal)
Minor: Theater
New job: Music teacher for Elementary Schools in Kenosha
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I’m most excited to connect with my students and create a fun and safe environment for them to learn about and make music!”
Alexandria Naber ’23
Nurse
Major: Nursing
New job: Mother and infant nurse
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in July 2023
“I look forward to treating patients with respect, compassion, and Christ-like service because I believe every human being is made in the image of God and that each individual has value and dignity.”
Luke Barach ’23
Regional Account Executive
Majors: Management and Marketing
New job: Medical device sales for Becton Dickinson
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in April 2023
“I am most excited about helping people get the devices out company has to offer.”
Caitlyn Malecki ’23
Sales and Marketing
Major: Marketing
New job: Sales assistant and marketing coordinator
When hired: May 2023, with a start date in May 2023
“I am most excited about going into the world, learning new skills, and applying my knowledge from Carthage.”
Victoria Olvera ’23
Teacher
Majors: Studio Art and Art Education
New job: Art teacher at District 6 in Zion, Ill.
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am most excited about teaching different art techniques and styles to upcoming generations.”
Alexandra Rynders ’23
Medical Student
Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology
Minors: Biology and Spanish
New job: Completing a medical school degree with the hopes of specializing in neurology
When hired: May 2023, with a start date in July 2023
“I am most excited to continue learning about what I am truly passionate about and experience a new chapter in my life.”
Alex McNall ’23
Teacher
Major: Exercise and Sport Science
Minor: Secondary Education
New job: Elementary PE teacher at Clara Barton School in Milwaukee
When hired: May 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I’m most excited to work with my students and teach them exercise and movement is something to be loved.”
Destiney Ramon ’23
Nurse
Majors: Nursing
New job: Labor and delivery RN in the Women’s Health Pavilion at Ascension All Saints in Racine
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in July 2023
“I am most excited to begin my career as a new graduate nurse.”
Emily Zank ’23
Teacher
Major: Biology
Minor: Secondary Education
New job: High school biology teacher at Bradford High School in Kenosha
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am most excited to start this next chapter as a high school science teacher and to have my own classroom. I loved getting to know my students through student teaching and helping them grow as individuals. This experience has really taught me that I am going into the right field because I absolutely love teaching.”
Jess Smith ’23
Graduate Student
Major: Neuroscience
Minors: Psychology and Biology
New job: Attending Rush University for their Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program
When hired: March 2023, with a start date in Sept. 2023
“I’m really looking forward to diving into the clinical side of occupational therapy school. I can’t wait to work alongside experienced therapists and healthcare professionals in a variety of settings and apply what I’ve learned during my time at Carthage in the process!”
Kathrine Boffer ’23
Credit Analyst
Majors: Finance and Management
Minor: Economics
New job: Credit analyst at Uline
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I am most excited to apply what I have learned these past four years in the real world and with real-life experiences.”
Lukas Rekasius ’23
Sales
Major: Marketing
New job: Selling insurance to schools and companies
When hired: Jan. 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“Professor J.J. Shields is the best professor in the business school.”
Hanna Snedecor ’23
Account Executive
Major: Management
New job: Account executive for the Rockford Rivets
When hired: May 2023, with a start date in May 2023
“I am most excited about being in the same league I was in last summer — the Northwoods League — and learning more about how to work with fans one on one while enjoying a fun-filled summer of baseball! Go, Rivets!”
Monika Junkovic ’23
Nurse
Major: Nursing
New job: Labor and delivery nurse at Ascension All Saints in Racine
When hired: May 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I am most excited about supporting mothers throughout their birthing process. It is the most rewarding feeling knowing you have comforted a patient or made a difference in their experience.”
Kerigann Ballard ’23
Chemist
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Spanish and Biology
New job: Analytical chemist at a pharmaceutical company
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I am excited to improve my analytical and instrumental technique at a top-notch pharmaceutical company in preparation for medical school.”
Kaitlyn Schroeder ’23
Teacher
Majors: Elementary Education and Cross-Categorical Special Education
New job: Special Education Teacher in Kenosha
When hired: April 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am most excited to work with my students and help them succeed in their learning!”
Zoe Wilda ’23
Behavioral Specialist
Major: Social Work
New job: Behavioral Specialist
When hired: May 2023, with a start date in June 2023
“I love working with children and adolescents & cannot wait to create more bonds with new kids. Making any small impact in their lives reminds me of why I’m going into this field.”
Maile Riedel ’23
Teacher
Major: Music Education
New job: Elementary Band Teacher and Music Teacher in the Waterford-Graded School District
When hired: May 2023, with a start date in Aug. 2023
“I am most excited to have my own classroom!”
Congratulations to all our graduates!
Have you been hired before graduation? Complete our form to be featured!