This fall, members of the Business Badger community came together to honor and celebrate the recipients of the Wisconsin School of Business’ 2025 Alumni Awards.
On October 10, WSB hosted an awards ceremony to officially recognize the recipients of the Distinguished Business Alumni Award, WSB Impact Award, and the inaugural WSB BOLD Award. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues in a festive and elegant ballroom, Karen Monfre (BBA ’86), Will Hsu (BBA ’00), and Ousmane Kabré (BBA ’15, MAcc ’16) were present to receive their awards.
The founders of The Bascom Group—Derek Chen (MBA, MS ’91), Jerry Fink (BS ’87, MBA ’90), and David Kim (BBA ’89)—were also the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Business Alumni Award. They were presented with their award during a separate event with WSB’s real estate department and other school leaders.
Terry Warfield (center), Emeritus PwC Professor in Accounting, talks with leadership and personal development coach John Leffin before the October 10 ceremony gets underway at The Madison Concourse Hotel.
Dean Samba embraces Karen Monfre, a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Business Alumni Award.
As the crowd enjoys lunch, Dean Samba opens the ceremony with remarks and a few anecdotes about the award recipients.
Karen Monfre poses with her award alongside Dean Samba. Monfre, a retired partner at Wipfli, LLP, is also the founder of Monfre Consulting.
Will Hsu, recipient of the WSB Impact Award, stands alongside Dean Samba. Hsu is president of Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises, Inc.
Dean Samba presents Ousmane Kabré with the inaugural WSB BOLD Award. Kabré is the founder and CEO of Leading Change Africa and Yam Education.
Jerry Fink and Dean Samba enjoy a laugh prior to the presentation of the Distinguished Business Alumni Award. Fink is recognized alongside fellow founders of The Bascom Group, including Derek Chen and David Kim.
Real estate staff and faculty, including Jacques Gordon (far left), Yongheng Deng (left) and Mark Eppli (BBA ’83, MS ’84, PhD ’91) (right) pose for a group photo with Kenny Chen (son of Derek Chen), Jerry Fink, and David Kim.
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Read more about the recipients of the 2025 WSB Alumni Awards. You can also nominate an alum today for award consideration in 2026.