John DeDakis Receives for Recent Book
- Jun. 13, 2025

Enemies Domestic, the latest political thriller by John DeDakis ’77, received the Grand Prize for Chanticleer’s Clue Award for Best Suspense/Thriller. DeDakis was presented the award in Bellingham, Washington, by J.D. Barker, one of James Patterson’s co-authors. In Enemies Domestic, protagonist Lark Chadwick is White House press secretary, pregnant, and ambivalent about becoming a single mother. Abortion is a crime, and a dictator becomes president. DeDakis is a former editor on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and is currently a writing coach, manuscript editor, public speaker, and podcaster.
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Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
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Paula Glocke Spindler ’95 was recently promoted to assistant vice president of brand management at Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Paula received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the UW.
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Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
Elmer Clemans Beale, who was a student at UW–Madison passed away on May 7, 2025, in Little Falls, MN due to an accident. He survived a massive stroke in 2021 and spent his remaining years at home enjoying the company of his family and dogs. A cele...
Paula Glocke Spindler ’95 was recently promoted to assistant vice president of brand management at Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Paula received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the UW.
Matthew Becker ’96 is CEO of the Zambian Carnivore Programme, which is now one of the largest and longest-running programs of its kind. Matt is a wildlife ecologist and was named CEO in 2008. He oversees research, conservation, and education effo...
Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
Elmer Clemans Beale, who was a student at UW–Madison passed away on May 7, 2025, in Little Falls, MN due to an accident. He survived a massive stroke in 2021 and spent his remaining years at home enjoying the company of his family and dogs. A cele...
Paula Glocke Spindler ’95 was recently promoted to assistant vice president of brand management at Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Paula received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the UW.
Matthew Becker ’96 is CEO of the Zambian Carnivore Programme, which is now one of the largest and longest-running programs of its kind. Matt is a wildlife ecologist and was named CEO in 2008. He oversees research, conservation, and education effo...