Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU

MIAD Alum Designs His Way Forward

Brady VanderHart is a Milwaukee‑based creative professional with a strong foundation in brand design, illustration, and visual identity systems. In 2024, Brady earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), where he was also active as a teaching assistant, supporting product and communication design coursework. Among his accomplishments at MIAD, he was named a “Student to Watch 2024” by Graphic Design USA magazine. He currently works as a graphic designer at Retailworks, Inc., a Milwaukee-based firm that provides commercial interior design, display, and branding solutions to the retail industry nationwide. He develops cohesive brand experiences that blend strategic thinking with expressive, art‑driven design.

Brady interned with the company as a MIAD student before earning a permanent position on the Retailworks team. Prior to this role, he gained agency experience at Savage and Hoffman York, both in Milwaukee, contributing to projects across branding, packaging, digital design, and marketing campaigns. Alongside this work, Brady maintains an active freelance design and illustration practice and serves as an adjunct faculty member at MIAD, teaching communication design to product designers.

Brady points to his MIAD education as foundational to his professional success. “I found that MIAD’s small, close-knit community was exactly what I needed to build a successful career in the creative field,” he shares. “By building connections with my professors and peers, I was able to create a strong network to leverage for a series of internships, and later employment and freelance opportunities.”

Beloit College Assistant Professor of Political Science Gregory Koutnik, second from left, has been named a recipient of the 2026 James R. Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Funded by the Alliant Energy Center Foundation, the award honors educators who shape future leaders by going above and beyond to connect with students, bring their subject matter to life, and inspire a lasting love of learning.

Pictured left to right are Beloit College Provost and Dean of the College Donna Oliver, Gregory Koutnik, Alliant Energy Sr. Community & Public Affairs Specialist David Aguayo, and Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Chief Operating Officer Jennifer deHart.

Our Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Achievers accomplish great things.

As a first-year student at Beloit College, Lily H., from Beloit, initially planned to major in business management. The flexible course offerings, along with encouragement from advisors to pursue courses that interested her, allowed her to explore new areas.

After taking content creation and marketing courses, Lily realized that economics and math would provide the foundation for building a career rooted in her passion for the creative process and connecting with audiences through a variety of strategies.

She now plans to declare a marketing major, a new program at Beloit College, with a minor in visual studies.

“With this Wisconsin Grant, I am able to take advantage of more and different options available for students on and off campus,” she says.

Read more about Lily and other Wisconsin Achievers at https://www.wisconsinsprivatecolleges.org/info/publications/

BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION! Sign up at https://bit.ly/3R4gk2B to support our advocacy efforts for the Wisconsin Grant Program and all Wisconsin’s private college students.

Guided by Purpose: Dr. Malika Siker’s Journey from Residency to Impact

From residency to leadership, Dr. Malika Siker’s journey is a powerful example of what Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU make possible.

A graduate of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s (MCW) Department of Radiation Oncology Residency Program, Dr. Siker chose MCW for its world-class reputation, rigorous clinical training, and commitment to cutting-edge research. Just as importantly, it allowed her to stay rooted in Wisconsin, building a career in Milwaukee while remaining close to her community.

During her residency, Dr. Siker experienced a pivotal life moment. “I gave birth to my first child,” she says. “It was intimidating to consider how to adapt to life as a new mother, given the demands of being a resident. Fortunately, my department had several female role models, including co-residents, faculty, and staff, who shared with me valuable advice and support.”

Today, she pays that support forward, mentoring others as they navigate similar transitions.

Dr. Siker is affiliated with the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, where she practices radiation oncology. She finds purpose in every aspect of her work, from guiding patients through their cancer journeys to mentoring the next generation of physicians. “It is a meaningful privilege to share these vulnerable moments with patients,” she reflects, emphasizing the human connection at the heart of her profession.

Her message to prospective students is clear. Wisconsin’s private colleges open doors to opportunity, innovation, and impact. “The state of Wisconsin needs brilliant professionals who seek to develop the innovations of tomorrow to advance transformative change in our region from health to tech to beyond, Dr. Siker adds.

“Through these diverse networks, there are so many opportunities to make a local, regional, or even global impact. Our institutions have the tools and resources to help any student reach their dreams and challenge them to become their best.”

Congratulations to Dallan Lopez, Ripon College’s 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr., Achievement Award recipient. The award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, community engagement, and strong potential for future professional impact.

Pictured from left to right are Ripon College President Dr. Victorica N. Folse, Dallan Lopez, Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson, and Alliant Energy representative Ms. Shirley Stibb.