Eric Nielsen ’84, erstwhile mentor and teacher, has new assignment
- Jul. 06, 2023

For 17 years, a man in black with a clerical collar could be seen walking up and down State Street at least daily on a pedestrian commute to St. Paul’s Catholic Student Center, often wearing a smile and usually sporting an unassuming hat. Fr. Eric Nielsen has been a spiritual guide and companion to thousands of UW students since 2006, as well as a quiet servant to the homeless and a fixture in the downtown community. His vision and tireless effort built the new St. Paul’s church, which now adorns Library Mall and which is sure to be a welcoming home to future Badgers for decades or even centuries to come. Fr. Eric departs Madison this summer for a new assignment in Janesville. He leaves behind a legacy, a wit, and a warm presence that will not soon be forgotten.
More Alumni Notes
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...
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...