Alumni honored during commencement ceremonies

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside recently honored Dr. Michael Mullane and businessman Victor Misurelli with outstanding alumni awards.

Dr. Mullane ('81, Life Sciences) received UW-Parkside's Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. No stranger to winning awards, Dr. Mullane was the university's 1981 Outstanding Graduate before entering Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society. After residency in Minnesota, he received a fellowship at Washington University's prestigious Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. There he won the Ash/Stratton-Jaffe Award--an award given to just one person in the country each year--to fund his cancer and blood disease research.

However, rather than pursue a career in academic medicine, Dr. Mullane returned to southeastern Wisconsin to serve people in his hometown. In addition to treating upwards of 100 patients each week, people who say he is "genuinely concerned about his patients" and "dedicated to the art of healing," he also finds the time to lecture at the Medical College of Wisconsin (he has won the college's teaching award three times). He also serves on several nonprofit boards and works with Healthcare Network providing free medical care for low income people without insurance.

In winning the university's Distinguished Alumni Service Award, Victor Misurelli ('04, Geography) was called "humble, selfless, [and] dedicated" by one nominator and "an extremely caring and giving man" by another. Using his own personal adversity as a catalyst, Misurelli was instrumental in establishing Club Breakaway, a haven for people struggling with alcohol and drug problems. He has given thousands of hours to Narcotics Anonymous. He makes weekly visits to Racine Correctional Institution to work with inmates on addiction issues and help them prepare for re-entry into society. He spent six months volunteering at Wisconsin's Redgranite Correctional Institution to help inmates prior to their release. The Green Bay Packers recently honored him as a Community Quarterback.

Resuming his education in 2001 after more than three decades away from the classroom, Misurelli made a good impression on the faculty. "Vic is one of the most positive and pleasant people I have ever met. He is delightful to be around," said UW-Parkside Professor Ed Conrad. He would receive his diploma three years later joining his three daughters as UW-Parkside graduates.

The awards were presented to Misurelli and Dr. Mullane during the university's spring semester graduation ceremonies.

• 
• 
• 

ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 6/16/2009

MORE UW-P NEWS:

All current news releases
News archive
Ranger Today home