Nick Lombardino and Zach Blumenfeld, Founders of CultureCon.
Memorial Alumni Redefining Workplace Culture
Some friendships are forged in high school and last a lifetime, while others take shape years later through shared passions. Although Zach Blumenfeld (’09) and Nick Lombardino (’06) overlapped at Madison’s Memorial High School, they didn’t truly connect until adulthood. Their experiences at Memorial helped shape their personal and professional identities, ultimately leading them to co-foundCultureCon—a company dedicated to workplace transformation. Today, as best friends and business partners, they bring people together to inspire positive change in organizational culture, right in the heart of their hometown.
Join us for a weekend of fun and nostalgia as we celebrate our 20th reunion!
Start the weekend with a tour of LaFollette High School on Saturday, June 28, followed by an evening social at Loxley in Fitchburg from 6-10pm. Reconnect with old friends, enjoy food, music, and memories, and make new ones! Then, bring the whole family for a picnic on Sunday, June 29.
What: Food, music and memories will be provided. Cash/Credit bar available with alcohol and N/A drinks.
PLEASE NOTE:Due to capacity at the venue, limit one guest per person. All guests must be 21+. No refunds at this time. Please use the LaFollette Class of 2005 Facebook group if you need to offload your tickets after purchase. A wait list will be established in the event of a sellout.
Sunday, June 29
Family Picnic
Cost: $TBD
BYO Food & Beverages
Family & friends welcome, no limit on the number of guests
For Lynne Gruneberg, growing up on Madison’s west side meant more than just attending school—it meant building lifelong friendships, discovering new passions, and gaining experiences that continue to shape her today. A proud graduate of Memorial High School’s Class of 2008, she began her educational journey at Huegel Elementary and Toki Middle before making her mark as a Spartan.
Will Blanchard, a 2014 graduate of Memorial High School, has always thrived at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation. Now, as the founder and CEO ofWattShift—a groundbreaking startup focused on modernizing the electric grid—he reflects on how his Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) education set the stage for his success.
From 1975 to 2025! Join in this special celebration.
Thursday, July 31 – Saturday, August 2, 2025
Return to renew friendships. Do it out of curiosity. Do it for friends. Do it for the memories. Do it for your classmates. Do it for you.
We were a class of 600 strong and we’re expecting a record crowd for this milestone event - the Big One. We know many of you stay in touch with dear friends from those Ash Street days, but please make a special effort to join us. The only two refrains we’ve heard from past reunions are “It was better than I ever expected” and “I wish I’d gone.” We’re benefiting from classmates who run a brewery and a winery, play music professionally, and plan alumni events for a living to ensure that this is a memorable, convenient, and excellent weekend.
Rosa and her family on the first day of school in MMSD, marking the start of the school year for four out of five Thompsons.
Empowering the Next Generation Through Education and Community Building
Rosa Thompson, a proud 2004 graduate of East High School, has remained deeply connected to her roots on Madison’s east side, a place she still calls home. From her early days at Lapham Elementary through her experiences at Marquette Elementary, O’Keeffe Middle School, and East High, Rosa’s journey has been shaped by determination, personal growth, and a dedication to supporting education and her community.
Ali Zuba (right) poses with her fellow organizers, celebrating the success of the West High Class of 2004’s 20th reunion.
Crafting a Life of Purpose
After graduating from West High School, I left Madison to attend UW-Eau Claire, where I initially pursued my college education. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize how vibrant and dynamic the City of Madison truly is, prompting my return after graduation. My early career at UW-Madison included roles in student services and IT project management, where I honed my skills and explored various professional pathways. During this time, I also earned my MBA from the Wisconsin School of Business, which further enriched my understanding of business dynamics and leadership.
On a beautiful day filled with nostalgia and pride, the Madison Metropolitan School District marked a historic moment in time with open houses and ribbon-cutting ceremonies at its four comprehensive high schools: La Follette, Madison East, Madison West, and Vel Phillips Memorial High Schools. These celebrations commemorated the community’s overwhelming support of the 2020 referendum, which provided essential facility upgrades and modern, 21st-century learning environments.
West High Class of 2004 celebrates their 20-year class reunion at Butterbird restaurant.
This summer and fall, the Madison Public Schools Friends & Alumni Network had the privilege of supporting a series of wonderful reunions that brought former classmates together in celebration of their shared history and achievements. Reunions are more than just gatherings; they represent the enduring connections forged during our K-12 education and the bonds that tie us back to Madison and our schools. Each year, alumni from various graduating classes come together to reminisce, reconnect, and celebrate the unique experiences that have shaped their lives.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of these reunions is the opportunity to come "home"—whether to the city that nurtured our growth or to the schools that played a pivotal role in our education. It’s a chance to revisit old haunts, rekindle old friendships, and take pride in the lasting impact Madison has had on our lives. It’s also a time to see who traveled the farthest to be there, adding a fun competitive edge to the festivities.
As Ali Zuba, one of the reunion organizers for the West High Class of 2004 shared, “I love connecting and bringing people together for a purpose! I think amazing things happen when we come together, and we definitely felt that connection at our reunion. It was like walking back in time, and being proud of how far we've all come in 20 years!”
We’re thrilled to share that Donnel Thompson, a proud Madison West High School alumnus and former UW Badger football star, has been inducted into the UW Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. This remarkable achievement adds a new chapter to Donnel's storied career and reflects his profound impact on both the University of Wisconsin and the football world.
Erin (right) with her husband, Jeramie, and daughter, Zuri.
Navigating Challenges, Embracing Potential
Erin Bailey, PhD, MS, is a 1999 graduate of Madison West High School and now serves as the Associate Director for Community Engaged Research for the Collective for Research Impact and Social Partnerships (CRISP) at UW-Madison’s College of Letters & Science. As the daughter of a white mother and a Black father, Erin’s educational journey through the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) was shaped by both triumphs and challenges, as she navigated a system where privilege and disadvantage often coexisted in the same classroom.
No one grows up dreaming they’ll wear a giant piece of cheese on their head and tell people where to go for a living. But life has a funny way of surprising us. I graduated from Madison West Senior High School in just three years, transferring college credits back to join the class of 1985 instead of 1986. Back then, we didn’t have the internet, cell phones, or laptops—so it’s ironic that I now rely on all of those things as a travel influencer.
Ismael and Maria Covarrubias with their five children (clockwise from left): Danny, Jorge, Hector, Julie and Cindy
A Legacy Rooted in Education at MMSD
The Covarrubias family has deep roots in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), representing a multi-generational commitment to education and community service. From Maria Del Rosario Covarrubias, who dedicated three decades to teaching in the district, to her five children—Cinthya (Cindy), Jorge, Daniel, Hector, and Julie— who all attended Madison’s public schools, their story is one of enduring dedication and impactful contribution. Today, the legacy Maria built is carried forward by her children, many of whom have chosen careers within MMSD, continuing to nurture and support the academic and personal growth of students across the district.
Arleen (Muldowney) Casey grew up as the youngest of six children, experiencing a rich and vibrant childhood. Her parents built their home in 1948 on what was then the edge of town near Seminole Highway and Highway 12/18. Arleen attended Nakoma Grade School and Cherokee Junior High before graduating from West High School in 1974.
East Side Leader: Antonio Cruz-Rodriguez's Commitment to Educational Advocacy
Born in Mexico, Antonio Cruz-Rodriguez moved to the United States with his family when he was just a few years old. The Cruz-Rodriguez family settled on the east side of Madison, where Antonio's educational journey began. He attended Lapham Elementary for 4K, then moved to Hawthorne Elementary, and later to Sandburg Elementary due to new district lines. He continued his education at Sherman Middle School and graduated from East High School in 2010.
Scott with his wife, MacKenzie, at the Ingold Family Foundation Event
Sustaining the Family Impact at La Follette
Scott Swanson’s deep connection to the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) reflects his family’s long-standing history with the district. Growing up on the far east side of Madison, Scott attended Kennedy Elementary, Whitehorse Middle, and La Follette High School, graduating in 2002. His journey through MMSD was profoundly influenced by his parents, Paul and Ruth, both of whom were esteemed teachers and Athletic Directors at La Follette.
Madison Memorial class of 2013 alumna Paige Decent grew up on the west side of Madison, attending Huegel and Akira Toki for elementary and middle school, respectively. Her early education within the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) laid a strong foundation for her academic and personal growth, setting her on a path toward future success.
Rooted in Madison: Anthony Kiefer’s Journey from MMSD Student to Community Advocate
Anthony Kiefer grew up on the east side of Madison, attending Elvehjem Elementary and Sennett Middle before graduating from La Follette High School in 2006. Sill rooted in Madison, Anthony currently manages an R&D team at IFF, focusing on the physiology of probiotic bacteria—a role that merges his passion for science with a commitment to innovation. He is heavily involved in the community outreach efforts at IFF, spearheading the Adopt-a-School partnership with Sennett Middle School, where he relishes the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young scholars, paying forward the support and guidance he received during his formative years in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD).
From navigating through the uncertainties of post-grad life to finding her calling at Summit Credit Union, Hannah Altwegg's journey came full circle to empower others and shape futures.
Dr. Gothard’s selection is the culmination of a search process, supported by Alma Advisory Group, that began in May 2023 and was hallmarked by community involvement, most recently evidenced by two days of intensive stakeholder-led interviews of the three shortlisted candidates.
It also marks a homecoming for Dr. Gothard, a native Madisonian who attended MMSD schools throughout his elementary, middle, and high school years, before going on to serve as a staff member at Lincoln Elementary School and Principal at both Akira R. Toki Middle School and Robert M. La Follette High School, as well as the District’s Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools.
Rosa and her family on the first day of school in MMSD, marking the start of the school year for four out of five Thompsons.
Ali Zuba (right) poses with her fellow organizers, celebrating the success of the West High Class of 2004’s 20th reunion.
(Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Erin (right) with her husband, Jeramie, and daughter, Zuri.
