Emily Santeler is the newest member of the St. Joan Antida Development team serving as Development and Events Specialist. Santeler is originally from Delavan, WI but moved to Milwaukee to serve with AmeriCorps and College Possible. Prior to her position at SJA, she completed two terms of service with the organization as a coach, acting as a near-peer mentor for college students (including working closely with SJA alumnae!)

The grants will fund mentorships, third-grade reading and high school programs at local nonprofits and organizations focused on helping students achieve educational success.

"Our investment in Milwaukee's education system is focused on areas shown to have a significant impact on a student's overall success," Eric Christophersen, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, said in a statement.

"Supporting third-grade reading proficiency, mentorship and high school programming demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring our city's children and youth reach their highest potential."

The SJA Alumnae Association is pleased to announce Deidre "DeeDee" Merritt, '88 as our 2019 Alumna of the Year. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an SJA alumna to her profession and/or community - in support of the SJA mission.

Merritt currently serves as the acting Director of Leadership Development at the NCAA in Indianapolis, IN. At the national level, Merritt plays a key role in fulfilling the missions of both the organization and her department, and has been instrumental in asserting her group as the prominent national leader of student-athlete development in intercollegiate athletics. Merritt's role at the NCAA allows her to fulfill her passion for serving others and providing them with transformational opportunities.