Five distinguished alumni, faculty, staff, and community members will be honored by the UW-Superior Alumni & Friends Foundation for their accomplishments and lasting contributions to the university. The 2025 Alumni & Friends Awards will be presented during the Superior Soirée, a fun, semi-formal event held on Friday, October 3, at UW-Superior.

Open to all, the event supports both students and alumni, with proceeds directly benefiting university programs. Learn more and purchase tickets at uwsuper.edu/Soiree.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Stephanie Hilton ’02

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni whose professional success and personal journey inspire current and future students. This year’s honoree is Stephanie Hilton, Class of 2002.

As a first-generation college student, Stephanie immersed herself in campus life – serving as Vice President and President of Student Senate, singing in the A Cappella Choir, performing with University Theatre, and working as a Student Ambassador. She also held jobs in the Admissions and University Advancement offices, along with several off-campus roles.

Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with an emphasis in broadcast journalism and a minor in theatre. After graduation, she worked with the United Council of UW Students, advocating on behalf of UW students before the Board of Regents and Wisconsin Legislature. She later served as a legislative assistant in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

After earning her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2013, Stephanie returned to northern Wisconsin as a law clerk in Oneida and Vilas Counties. She went on to serve as an assistant district attorney in La Crosse and Dane Counties, prosecuting cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, homicide, and sexual assault.

In 2019, she became Legislative Director for Governor Tony Evers, and in 2020, joined the Wisconsin Department of Justice as an Assistant Attorney General. There, she co-led the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Kit Initiative and advanced statewide policies to improve prosecution and training. In April 2025, Governor Evers appointed Stephanie to the Dane County Circuit Court, Branch 8.

Stephanie remains deeply involved in her community. She serves on the boards of JustDane and Prairie Moraine Friends, and previously held a seat on the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board. From 2004–2011, she also served on the UWS Alumni Association Board. Stephanie lives in Madison with her husband, daughter and two rescue dogs.

Recent Alumni Achievement Award: Erica Hansen ’15

The Recent Alumni Achievement Award honors alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and have made significant professional or personal achievements. This year’s recipient is Erica Hansen, Class of 2015.

After earning her degree in transportation and logistics management, Erica began her career at J.B. Hunt Transport Services in Arkansas, where she quickly advanced through roles focused on pricing strategy and analytics. She was also an active member of GROW, the company’s employee resource group supporting women in the workplace.

In 2022, she joined CHS Inc., a leading farmer-owned cooperative, as a Senior Pricing Analyst, where she develops data-driven strategies that directly impact national operations. In 2025, Erica was selected to co-lead CHS’s Women in Leadership employee resource group, mentoring and connecting women across the organization.

Erica remains closely connected to UW-Superior, frequently returning to speak with transportation and logistics management students. Her dedication to mentoring the next generation of professionals makes her not only a standout in her field, but a proud and inspiring representative of UW-Superior.

Honorary Alumni Award: Dr. Khalil “Haji” Dokhanchi

The Honorary Alumni Award is given to individuals who are not alumni but whose service and impact on the university embody the spirit of UWS. This year’s honoree is Dr. Khalil (Haji) Dokhanchi.

Since joining the Social Inquiry Department in 1992, Haji has built a legacy of hands-on, globally-focused education. He developed the International Peace Studies program and has led experiential learning initiatives such as the Landmine Exhibit and Refugee for 75 Minutes, which have educated both students and the community.

Haji co-developed three international study-away programs:

• War and Peace in Bosnia & Herzegovina
• War and Peace in Northern Ireland
• Justice in Post Holocaust Berlin

He also advises three student organizations, each with a strong presence:

• Changemakers Association, which travels to Washington D.C., Madison, and St. Paul
• International Peace Studies, participating in national Model UN conferences
• Amnesty International, which hosts the annual “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”

Nominations praised Haji’s decades of impact:

“Over his 30-plus years at UWS, Haji has touched the lives of at least 6,000 students. His warmth, inclusivity, and dedication embody the UWS spirit.”

“He may not be an alumnus by diploma, but his legacy makes him one in every meaningful way.”

James Rainaldo Outstanding Mentor Award: Dr. Cindy Graham ’88

The James Rainaldo Outstanding Mentor Award honors current or former faculty or staff members who have profoundly influenced students’ lives. This year’s honoree is Dr. Cindy Graham, Class of 1988.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from UW-La Crosse, Cindy worked in leadership roles with the Girl Scouts before earning her master’s in communicating arts at UW-Superior. She then joined the faculty, teaching courses in interpersonal and honors communication.

Cindy was instrumental in launching the department’s online programs and taught both in-person and online for over 15 years. She also advised many first-generation students and supported international students through the Kobe exchange program.

Cindy earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas and later held leadership roles as assistant vice chancellor and director of enrollment. She continued her career at the UW System, and later as interim dean of students at UW-Parkside.

A mentor through and through, Cindy has kept in touch with many former students and celebrates their successes. She regrets being unable to attend the ceremony due to a prior commitment.

Edward and Betty Kossak Service Award: Brad Lindahl ’83

The Edward and Betty Kossak Service Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in time, leadership, and support to UW-Superior. This year’s recipient is Brad Lindahl, Class of 1983.

Brad majored in political science and international studies, and fondly remembers traveling to the Soviet Union as part of the university’s Soviet Seminar. He later earned a master’s in international relations from the University of Southern California and spent 29 years working for the City of Redondo Beach, retiring in 2022.

After attending an alumni event in Los Angeles, Brad became leader of the Southern California UWS Alumni Chapter, organizing gatherings, museum visits, and fundraisers. He has also opened his home to alumni, hosted students on career visits, and spoken in political science classes.

Brad served on the Alumni Association Board, including a term as chair, and he and his family generously support scholarships through the Alumni & Friends Foundation, including a scholarship in honor of Dr. Charles Kenny.

His lifelong support and service reflect his deep pride in UW-Superior and its community.

To nominate someone for a future Alumni & Friends Award, please visit: uwsuper.edu/Alumni/Recognition