Fond Du Lac Times

Members of the public are invited to attend a forum at Marian University focused on career development and industry issues. The event, titled "Conversations, Connections, and Community," will take place in the Sadoff Auditorium at the Stayer Center on Thursday, September 18, 2025. It will include panels featuring local professionals, university faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

The first session, "Classroom to Career: A Panel of Professionals," runs from 9:25 to 10:40 a.m. Panelists include Nikki Kramer (Fond du Lac County Human Resources Director), Bryan Mischler (SSM Health Treffert Studios Psychotherapist & Intern Supervisor), Megan Bornemann (Muza Sheet Metal Director of Human Resources), Jill Nielsen (BCI Burke Director of Human Resources), and Tammy Pitts (National Exchange Bank & Trust Vice President – Talent Development). They will discuss what employers look for in candidates and share advice for students preparing for their careers.

A second session from 10:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., "Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Insurance: Just Because We Can, Should We?" will address how technology and analytics are changing the insurance industry. Panelists Tim Cornelius (Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Wisconsin Deputy Chief Legal Counsel), Rick Fox (West Bend Insurance Company Senior Vice President, Chief Actuary & Chief Risk Officer), Richard Wicka (National Guardian Life Insurance Company Vice President – Associate General Counsel Regulatory and Risk), and Darren Ball (Germantown Mutual Insurance Company Vice President of Operations) will discuss data use in setting insurance rates and its implications for fairness and sustainability.

The final session from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., "Lead Where You Stand: Personal Branding, Leadership, and Civic Impact," features Sadie Howell (Envision Greater Fond du Lac President & CEO) and Joe Venhuizen (Envision Greater Fond du Lac Vice President of Membership & Resource Development). According to organizers: "Your future career isn’t just about a résumé—it’s about the story you tell and connections you build along the way. In this interactive session, explore how personal branding, leadership, and civic engagement are intertwined. Learn how to shape your professional identity, expand your network, and use your voice to make a difference in your community. Through real-world examples, hands-on activities, and conversation with local leaders, you’ll walk away with practical tools—and the confidence—to build both your career and your community."

Marian University was established in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes in Fond du Lac. The institution offers undergraduate through adult learning degrees at its main campus as well as online.