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Top left: Laomani Sisongkham (BBA ’25) and Ayo Kolawole (BBA ’25), right, pose in front of Multicultural Spotlight Wall Unveiling. Bottom Left: Kathyrn Kvas (BBA ’16)  talks to students at the Pre-College Girls Exploring Business. Right: Associate Dean Page Moreau addresses the audience at AI Day.

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🎓 8 to Watch | Spring/Summer 2025

Meet Jean Robert “J.R.” Petnkeu (BBA ’17)
Marketing Manager, East Market Area, Ford Motor Company | New York, NY

Why He’s One to Watch:
J.R. is helping lead Lincoln’s transformation into a modern automotive powerhouse. In just seven years at Ford, he’s risen through the ranks, overseeing East Coast sales and contributing to Lincoln’s milestone of 100,000 U.S. sales in 2024—the brand’s best since 2007.

“It’s been a great challenge and a tremendous ride for a brand that is over 100 years old. We’re still here today, and we’re continuing to write our history.”

Driven to Uplift:
Originally from Cameroon, J.R. immigrated to the U.S. as a child in pursuit of better educational opportunities. Now, he’s passionate about paying it forward—mentoring his team, building their confidence, and helping them grow into future leaders.

“I always tell them that my job is for them to take my job—and hopefully go past me in the organization.”

When navigating complex challenges, J.R. draws on a key lesson from WSB:
“I’m keenly aware of the fact that I don’t have all the answers, but I work with the right folks to identify the root cause and help solve the problem.”

Advice to Students:
“Be a learning machine. Real learning starts when you get out there in the game.”

Fun Fact:
A fluent French speaker, J.R. journals in French every morning and keeps the language alive through French TV and media.

See the link in bio for more! 

#8ToWatch #UpdateMagazine
📣 WSB alumni, your voice matters!

Join the WSB Alumni Voice Panel and help shape the Business Badger experience.
✅ Influence programs
✅ Share your insights

👉 See the 'WSB Alumni' link in bio to join today! 

#WSBAlumni #OnWisconsin #AlumniImpact

Update Magazine

Cover for the Spring/Summerer 2025 issue of Update Magazine, featuring Zena Stephens Joy

Spring/Summer 2025

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