The Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is pleased to honor six outstanding alumni with prestigious awards recognizing their talent, service, and ongoing commitment to the Badger community.
Cynthia “Cindy” Ihlenfeld (BBA ’75) is the recipient of the Distinguished Business Alumni Award. This award honors individuals with exceptional careers who have made far-reaching impacts in their community, their industry, and at UW–Madison.
Kurt Kober (MBA ’07) and the three founders of Happi Co.—Sam Rockwell (BBA ’10), Justin Samuels (BBA ’10), and Jeremy Reich (BBA ’10)—are the recipients of the WSB Impact Award. This award recognizes individuals who have volunteered their time and talent to advance the Wisconsin School of Business, and have a demonstrated track record of service to the school.
Marcus Alston (MBA ’19) is the recipient of the WSB BOLD Award. This award recognizes Badgers of the last decade (BOLD) who have achieved outstanding professional accomplishments in their field since graduation.
Recipients will be honored at various events throughout Fall 2026.
“To be able to recognize such accomplished and dedicated members of our Business Badger family is a personal honor,” says Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, Albert O. Nicholas Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business. “These individuals live and breathe the traits that define what’s special about Business Badgers. They’re extremely hardworking and dedicated to service, yet humble about their many personal and professional successes. On behalf of the entire WSB community, I congratulate each award recipient on their well-deserved recognition.”
Learn more about each award recipient below:
Distinguished Business Alumni Award Recipient
Cynthia “Cindy” Ihlenfeld (BBA ’75)
Artist and community volunteer
A foundational pillar of the Badger community, Ihlenfeld has contributed to the university in countless ways, including playing a leading role in the largest and most successful comprehensive campaign in UW–Madison’s history.
WSB Impact Award Recipients
Kurt Kober (MBA ’07)
Co-founder and principal, KYT Group
Chief executive officer, Glo Skin Beauty
A longtime supporter of and advocate for WSB, Kober eagerly connects students, alumni, and faculty to opportunities in brand leadership, entrepreneurship, and consumer business.
Happi Co.
Sam Rockwell (BBA ’10), Justin Samuels (BBA ’10), and Jeremy Reich (BBA ’10)
Founders, Happi Co.
Beyond building a multimillion-dollar company, the founders of Happi Co. have become indispensable partners to WSB and helped build a first-of-its-kind pitch competition to support student entrepreneurs.
WSB BOLD Award Recipient
Marcus Alston (MBA ’19)
Senior people partner and head of HR for AI software and platform, Cisco
Founder, DreamVest
In addition to building an impressive career in HR, Alston is channeling his energy and talents to help adult students complete college, as well as skilled trade and professional certification programs, through his nonprofit.
Award recipients are selected through a nomination process. Nominations for the 2027 WSB Alumni Awards are now open.