Always a Ranger: UW-Parkside Celebrates Homecoming 2025
Kenosha, WI — The University of Wisconsin-Parkside celebrated Homecoming 2025, “Always a Ranger,” which took place Thursday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 5. The celebration brought together alumni, students, families, friends, and community members for a weekend filled with connection, tradition, and Ranger spirit.
A Weekend of Ranger Pride
Homecoming 2025 featured something for everyone. The festivities kicked off with the lively Ranger Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 3, complete with food grilled by Rangers Athletics coaches, a performance by the band Would You Kindly?, and fun for all ages. Attendees also cheered on the Ranger volleyball team with complimentary admission to the game.
Throughout the weekend, the campus was alive with events ranging from athletic competitions, live music, and the annual 5K race to family favorites like trick-or-treating and Haunted Trail adventures. Students, alumni, and members of the community had countless opportunities to reconnect and create new memories. Uriel DeSantiago earned first place in the annual 5K race with a time of 19 minutes and 46 seconds.
A highlight of the weekend was the recognition of four outstanding graduates during the Distinguished Alumni Awards. Honorees were celebrated for their achievements, service, and impact, reminding the Parkside community of the lasting power of a UW-Parkside education.
The Distinguished Alumni Award winners were:
• Recent Alumni Award- Brandon Saldivar '21
• Alumni Achievement Award- Kelly Andrichik '16
• Alumni Service Award- Gilbert Atanasoff '99
• Outstanding Alumni Award- Jennifer Ours '05 
Parkside Athletics was proud to announce the induction of seven individuals and one historic team into the Parkside Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. The 2025 Hall of Fame class celebrates a legacy of excellence across wrestling, baseball, softball, women's basketball, men's soccer, and service to the university. These honorees have made lasting impacts on Parkside Athletics through competitive success, leadership, and dedication to their teams and the Ranger community. The inductees were:
• The 2009-2010 Parkside Wrestling Team
• Luke Rynish, Wrestling, 2009-2012
• Dillon Bera, Wrestling, 2010-2013
• Casey Garms, Baseball, 2003-2007
• Heather (Bogenschneider) Toscano, Women's Basketball, 1994-1998
• Meloney (Strohbusch) Thorman, Softball, 2001-2006
• Oscar Toscano, Parkside Men's soccer, 1988-1992
• Honorary member: Gary Smith ‘94, public address announcer for Parkside Basketball for more than 30 years
Thank You, Rangers!
UW-Parkside extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined in Homecoming 2025—whether by attending events, cheering on our athletes, supporting alumni, or volunteering behind the scenes. Your enthusiasm and pride are what keep the Ranger spirit strong.
Devon Borst, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Community Partnership, said, “Homecoming is a time to celebrate everything that makes UW-Parkside special—the people, the traditions, and the connections that last a lifetime. Always a Ranger.”
To relive the weekend or see highlights, visit uwp.edu/connect/Homecoming.
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