Alumni to be honored

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Council of the Wisconsin Alumni Association has selected two local educators as its 2002 Distinguished Alumni.

Edgewood College Professor Jay Hathaway and Middleton High School teacher Lisa Aarli will be honored during the GLBTAC’s annual alumni brunch Sunday, July 21, at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Pyle Center.

GLBTAC selects its distinguished alumni from among UW–Madison graduates who have made a significant contribution to their community or their profession. The honor has been given out since 1992.

Hathaway is a prominent speaker both locally and nationally on the issue of military policy regarding gays and lesbians. A veteran of the army special forces, he has testified before Congress and written widely about both military and GLB topics. In 1987, the Wisconsin State Journal named him one of “Ten Who Made a Difference” in recognition of his work on HIV infection in rural Wisconsin.

Hathaway received his Ph.D. in modern European history from UW–Madison in 1992, and he currently chairs the history department at Madison’s Edgewood College. He is the author of numerous books, articles and papers, including “Guilty as Charged,” a memoir of his court martial.

Aarli is the advisor for Middleton High School’s Alliance, a group composed of both gay and straight students that works to raise awareness of the effects of homophobia. During the 1999-2000 school year, Aarli built a coalition between Alliance and other student groups to create a Pledge of Respect. Hundreds of students signed a promise to accept all people, stop hateful language and work to make Middleton High School a safe place.

Aarli teaches English and received her master’s degree from UW–Madison in 2000. She was named the Woman of the Year by Madison’s OutReach in June 2002.

The GLBTAC Alumni Brunch serves not only UW–Madison graduates but also students, family and friends who come together to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding alumni. The brunch begins at 10 a.m. in the Pyle Center’s Alumni Lounge. Cost: $18, $15 for members of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. To register, call (608) 262-5895.