UW-Parkside Names 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards. The UW-Parkside Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate and honor the rich legacy of learning and accomplishments by those graduates who have excelled in their chosen field or performed exemplary service to our community.
The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards features a recipient from four different categories, including the new Recent Alumni Award and Outstanding Alumni Award, in addition to the Alumni Achievement Award and Alumni Service Award.
Recent Alumni Award- Brandon Saldivar '21
The new Recent Alumni Award is given to an alum who has graduated within the past 10 years (2015 or later) and has made a significant impact in their chosen field and their community.
Brandon Saldivar ‘21 is the recipient of the 2025 Recent Alumni Award. A dedicated educator and coach, Brandon tirelessly serves inner-city youth, both in and beyond the classroom. He goes above and beyond to support students academically, socially, and athletically, often putting in countless hours after school. Through coaching baseball and other sports, he instills lifelong skills and values that prepare young people for success beyond school. Brandon exemplifies leadership, compassion, and service, making a lasting impact on both his profession and his community.
Alumni Achievement Award- Kelly Andrichik '16
The Alumni Achievement Award is given to a graduate who excels in their profession in areas of leadership, commitment to excellence, and lifelong learning, and has continued to grow in their profession.
Kelly Andrichik ’16 is the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award. A trailblazer in law enforcement, Kelly was recently appointed Chief of Police at UW-Parkside—becoming the first woman in university history to hold this position. Her expertise spans hate crimes, victimology, and sexual assault prevention. She has led numerous county and state initiatives, including serving on the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Response Team. Kelly’s unwavering commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and public service has elevated the university’s voice statewide and made a lasting impact on campus safety and community advocacy.
Alumni Service Award- Gilbert Atanasoff '99
The Alumni Service Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates outstanding and significant contributions to the community or UW-Parkside.
Gilbert Atanasoff ’99 is the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Service Award. After earning his master’s from Marquette, Gilbert founded a Senior Helpers branch in Colorado, providing compassionate in-home care to seniors. With perseverance and a deep commitment to service, he grew the business from zero clients to one of the top-performing franchises nationwide, now serving over 10,000 clients across locations in Colorado, Wyoming, and Wisconsin. Gilbert’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to employing hundreds of caregivers reflects his unwavering dedication to improving lives and making a lasting impact on the community.
Outstanding Alumni Award- Jennifer Ours '05 
The newly minted Outstanding Alumni Award is given to an individual who demonstrates exceptional professional achievement and whose contributions have had a positive impact on society.
Jennifer Ours ‘05 is the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award. A passionate educator and tireless advocate, Jennifer has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable student populations, including incarcerated youth and students with disabilities. Through her leadership in KUSD’s Phoenix Project and her work as a Program Support and Special Education teacher, she has transformed lives and influenced education statewide. Jennifer also champions community causes through roles in youth organizations and advocacy platforms. Her impact on education, equity, and community service stands as a remarkable testament to professional excellence and societal contribution.
To learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Awards, please visit https://www.uwp.edu/alumni/awards/
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.
Media contact:
Derek Fye
Communications Manager
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Fye@uwp.edu | (262) 771-5419