Madison, WI – The Wisconsin School of Business is pleased to honor six outstanding alumni with awards recognizing their talent, service, and ongoing commitment to the Badger community.
Dan Kelly (BBA ’84, MBA ’85), Ricky Sandler (BBA ’91), Cheryl Stallworth (MBA ’81), and Colin Welch (BBA ’92) are the recipients 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.
Sean Jacobsohn (BBA ’94) and Amy Jo Pedone (BBA ’96) 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.
Recipients of both awards will be recognized in October at a ceremony in Madison.
“We are incredibly pleased to honor such accomplished and dedicated members of our Business Badger family,” says Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy, Albert O. Nicholas Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business. “I’ve had the privilege of working with all six of these individuals in various ways and can attest to their hard work, their contagious energy, and their tireless devotion to our university. On behalf of the entire WSB community, I congratulate each award recipient on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their many contributions.”
Learn more about each award recipient below:
Distinguished Business Alumni Award recipients
Dan Kelly (BBA ’84, MBA ’85)
Chief underwriting officer, American Family Insurance (retired)
Described by peers as the “epitome of the Wisconsin Idea,” Kelly was specifically recognized for his efforts to strengthen the relationship between WSB and his longtime employer, American Family Insurance.
Ricky Sandler (BBA ’91)
Founder, CEO, and chief investment officer,
Eminence Capital, LP
Sandler is noted for his efforts to propel Business Badgers to success across financial industries. He helped launch Badgers in Finance and continues to champion various initiatives across WSB and beyond.
Cheryl Stallworth (MBA ’81)
Co-founder, Shedlight.org
In addition to her many career achievements, Stallworth was recognized for her commitment to socially responsible leadership—a message she continues to share with WSB students.
Colin Welch (BBA ’92)
Partner and managing director,
TSG Consumer Partners
During his time on WSB’s External Advisory Board, Colin has advised the school on everything from program innovation to navigating a pandemic—and continues to be a generous philanthropist and ambassador for WSB.
WSB Impact Award recipients
Sean Jacobsohn (BBA ’94)
Partner, Norwest Venture Partners
Jacobsohn has participated in alumni networking events, served on the finance department’s advisory board, and has connected numerous corporate partners to WSB, creating countless opportunities for both students and alumni.
Amy Jo Pedone (BBA ’96)
CEO and certified master chocolatier,
Valenza Chocolatier, Inc.
Known for her contagious enthusiasm, passion for her alma mater, and can-do attitude, Pedone is a major supporter entrepreneurship initiatives and alumni engagement opportunities at WSB.
WSB alumni award recipients are selected through a nomination process.
Nominations for the 2025 WSB Alumni Awards will open later this fall.