KAW (Karaoke Always Works) Connects Community
- Sep. 21, 2023

Since September 4, 2022, Kristine Marie Gallagher ’91, MA’94, known in the comic community as “MOMic,” has, along with her daughter, Amanda Benin Gallagher, cohosted and produced an open mic outside the Madison Children’s Museum during the Dane County Farmers’ Market. They invite and sometimes entice passersby to try karaoke. What has happened as a result has been sweet, silly, and actually incredible! Like last KAW, as it’s called: a woman, after belting out several numbers told the story of how she lost her two-year-old son through a tragic accident. Embracing strangers and amplifying voices is what it’s all about.
More Alumni Notes
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
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.
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
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.
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
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.