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The University of Dubuque Honors Seven Alumni and Friends at Homecoming

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque recognized seven outstanding alumni and friends for their achievements on campus, in their communities, and around the world during the 2026 Alumni Award Presentation at the President's Homecoming Celebration on Friday, October 9, 2026, in Babka Theatre, Heritage Center. Award winners were also celebrated at halftime of the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 10, 2026, on Chalmers Field.

The honorees were Stan Hasselbusch (C'70), Alumnus of Distinction Award; Kevin Foley (C'93, MBA'02), Professional Achievement Award; Antonio Mouzon (C'11, MAC'19), Award of Merit; Britni Farber (C'06), Service to Community Award; Jorge and Patti Rangel, Volunteer Recognition Award; and Colonel Werner Hellmer, USMC, Retired (C'70), Veterans Award for Distinguished Service.

Learn more about this year's award winners:

 

ALUMNUS OF DISTINCTION AWARD
Stan Hasselbusch (C'70)

Stan Hasselbusch graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1970 with a degree in business administration. He began his college education at Clinton Community College in Clinton, Iowa, earning his associate degree before transferring to UD to complete his bachelor's degree. While at UD, Stan was a member of the Phi Omicron Fraternity.

After completing his education at UD and an active-duty stint in the US Army Reserve, Stan moved to Chicago and began his professional career with L.B. Foster Company. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, L.B. Foster is a publicly traded company that manufactures and distributes products for the railroad, transportation, and infrastructure industries. The company has been involved in major infrastructure projects, including rebuilding efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, the Panama Canal, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the expansion of major freight and transit lines across North America and the United Kingdom.

Stan spent 40 years with L.B. Foster, serving in a variety of roles including sales, product management, and chief operating officer. He spent his final decade with the company as president and CEO before retiring in 2012. Under Stan's leadership, the company expanded its sales and operations into Canada and the United Kingdom. He also led corporate initiatives focused on quality, safety, productivity, and LEAN manufacturing, emphasizing operational excellence and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

During Stan's time with L.B. Foster, the company and its facilities received several recognitions. In 2007, the company was selected for Forbes Magazine's "Top 200" Best Small Companies in America. In 2008, L.B. Foster received the Supplier of the Year Award from Union Pacific Railroad. In 2011, L.B. Foster's Pueblo, Colorado, facility received IndustryWeek's Best Plants recognition for excellence in manufacturing and its commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Along with his professional career, Stan has remained active in his community. He has served on the boards and committees of Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, the Autism Housing Development Corporation of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Since joining the University of Dubuque Board of Trustees in 2019, Stan has been a strong advocate for the University. He also serves on the Executive, Advancement, Finance, and Investment committees. Together, Stan and his wife, Patti, also support an endowed scholarship at UD, the Wendt Center for Character and Leadership, and the Office of Career Success and Community Engagement.

Stan and Patti also remain committed to Stan's hometown of Clarence, Iowa, providing scholarships to North Cedar High School students and contributing to local charities. They support Pittsburgh area nonprofits as well, including Animal Friends and Literacy Pittsburgh.

Stan and Patti have been married since 1997 and reside in the Pittsburgh area. They have three children, Erich, Kevin, and Ana. Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Stan enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends at their Nevada home.

 

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Kevin Foley (C'93, MBA'02)

Kevin Foley graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1993 with a degree in aviation management and a minor in flight operations. He later earned his master of business administration from UD in 2002. During his time as a student, Kevin was a member of Alpha Chi, named a Crescent Aviation Honored Senior, worked as a flight instructor, and completed an internship at the Dubuque Regional Airport.

Kevin began his professional career at the Dubuque Regional Airport in 1993 as an operations supervisor, helping establish the airport's first operations department. He later served as the Dubuque Air Service FBO Supervisor and as a part-time corporate pilot.

In 2000, Kevin returned to the University of Dubuque as an associate professor in the Department of Aviation. He taught management and ground school courses, provided flight instruction, managed the aviation internship program, and served as an FAA Airman Certification Representative. He was especially passionate about mentoring students and helping them achieve their professional goals.

In 2008, Kevin joined the Des Moines International Airport in Des Moines, Iowa, advancing through several leadership roles before being named executive director in 2014. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding commercial airline service and airport activity. Under his leadership, the number of nonstop destinations increased from 17 to 33, while the airport's market area and passenger traffic grew by 50 percent. He also helped advance construction of the airport's new passenger terminal before retiring in 2025. His 17 years with the airport marked the culmination of a career dedicated to advancing aviation in Iowa, from educating future aviation professionals to strengthening airport operations, expanding commercial air service, and advancing critical infrastructure.

Kevin's commitment to service extends beyond his professional career. He has served on the Iowa Public Airports Association Board, the Iowa and Nebraska Chapter of the American Red Cross Board, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership Economic Development Committee. He currently serves on the Finance Council at Christ the King Catholic Church and co-chairs the church’s capital campaign.

His leadership has earned numerous honors, including the Transportation Security Administration Exemplary Partnership Award in 2017 and the Business Record Business Leader Legacy Award in 2025. Kevin considers his greatest accomplishments to be helping students achieve their career goals, contributing to the growth of aviation in Iowa, and supporting critical airport infrastructure.

Kevin and his wife, Geraldine, have been married for 47 years and reside in Des Moines, Iowa. They have two children, Ryan and Alicia, and two grandchildren. He credits his family, along with the faculty and staff at the University of Dubuque, for providing the support and foundation that helped shape his career and lifelong commitment to aviation.

 

AWARD OF MERIT
Antonio Mouzon (C'11, MAC'19)

Antonio Mouzon earned his bachelor's degree in health, wellness, and recreation from the University of Dubuque in 2011 and his master of arts in communication in 2019. Antonio came to UD through the Bridge Scholars Program. As a first-generation college graduate, he became the first in his family to earn a high school diploma, bachelor's degree, and master's degree. In 2026, he earned his doctor of philosophy in higher education from Azusa Pacific University.

While at UD Antonio was actively involved through several organizations including his leadership roles in Black Student Union (BSU) and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Through these organizations, he worked to foster a sense of belonging, service, and connection for students.

Antonio's commitment to helping others has also shaped his work as an entrepreneur and community leader. As a former small business owner in downtown Dubuque, he created a space centered on health and wellness, with a focus on helping historically underrepresented members of the community recognize their strengths, build confidence, and pursue their personal goals. Antonio shares his experiences nationally as a speaker, working with higher education institutions and organizations on emotional intelligence, inclusive practices, and intentional leadership.

He previously served as executive director of the Multicultural Family Center where he expanded youth and family programming, increased volunteer engagement, and helped foster community connection, culture, leadership, and opportunity.

Antonio currently serves as director of the City of Dubuque’s Office of Community Impact and Neighborhood Support. He leads initiatives that strengthen community partnerships, improve neighborhoods, increase civic engagement, expand economic opportunity, and develop resident leadership. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Dupaco Community Credit Union.

Antonio has remained closely connected to the University of Dubuque. After experiencing the impact of the Bridge Scholars Program as a student, he returned to UD as a personal empowerment instructor, helping students explore emotional intelligence, leadership, purpose, and personal growth. He later served as a mentor in the Bridge Scholars Program, bringing his own experience with the program full circle. Outside of his service to students, Antonio facilitated emotional intelligence workshops for faculty and staff, served on the President's Committee for Hospitality and Inclusion, and co-chaired New Faculty Orientation. Grounded in faith and guided by a commitment to serving others, Antonio has focused his career on education, leadership, and strengthening communities. His work as an educator, entrepreneur, community leader, and national speaker reflects his commitment to creating opportunities for others and helping individuals recognize their strengths and potential.

Antonio and his wife, Alicia, reside in Dubuque, Iowa, and have five children, Avionnah, Avaeah, Avahni, Adonis, and Amias. Outside of his professional and community work, he enjoys spending time with his family and credits their support and encouragement as an important part of his education, career, and service to the community.

 

SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AWARD
Britni Farber (C'06)

Britni Farber graduated cum laude from the University of Dubuque in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in speech communication. During her time at UD, she was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta and was active in campus life through the student newspaper, cheerleading, student government, Delta Phi Sigma, theatre, and music.

Following graduation, Britni studied esthetics at Capri College in 2007 and makeup artistry at the Make-up Designory in 2008 and launched a career as a professional film and television makeup artist. She later studied clinical psychology at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, expanding her interest in graduate studies working towards a masters in psychology.

Britni's path to leadership with NAMI Dubuque began in 2013 when she connected with the organization as a support group participant and family member seeking services. As a Dubuque native, her personal connection to the community helped shape her commitment to mental health and brain health advocacy. Today, she serves as the organization's first president and CEO.

Under Britni's leadership, NAMI Dubuque has grown from an all-volunteer working board into a recognized, award-winning mental health nonprofit serving communities throughout eastern Iowa. She led the opening of the organization's first program center in 2023 while expanding access to mental health education, advocacy, wellness services, and no-cost peer-led programming in Dubuque, Jones, and Delaware counties.

Her influence extends beyond the local level. Britni has participated in the NAMI National Executive Director Leadership Exchange and served as a national presenter. In 2026, she presented nationally on peer education and support for individuals with serious mental illness in correctional facilities. She was instrumental in launching the "Laundry Pilot Program" in partnership with the Attendance Matters Leadership Cohort and colleagues at the Alternative Learning Center in Dubuque, Iowa, working to address chronic absenteeism among students.

Britni has built meaningful community connections through events and partnerships, including the Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour (April 2026) and the Sunset Community Walk, which began at the University of Dubuque during National Suicide Prevention Month and continues today.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Britni remains active in community leadership. She serves on the Board of Directors for the local FEMA Chapter and as vice chair of the Board of Directors for Centrally Rooted. Her dedication has also been recognized through honors including the Rising Star Award in 2022, the NAMI Dubuque Impact Award in 2023, and the Women’s Leadership Network Women of Achievement Award for Service and Support of Nonprofit Work in 2025.

Britni continues to stay involved with the University of Dubuque, from exhibiting her artwork on campus to partnering with UD through NAMI Dubuque programs and events, including the annual Suicide Prevention Walk.

Britni resides in Dubuque, Iowa, and is the mother of her two sons, Hudson and Cruz. In her downtime, she enjoys traveling, the arts, and spending time with her family and friends.

 

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
Jorge and Patti Rangel

Jorge and Patti Rangel's connection to the University of Dubuque began as parents. Their daughter Sidney (Rangel) Kohl (C'11, MBA'16) was the first to attend UD, introducing Jorge and Patti to the University and its campus community. They loved coming to campus and supporting Sidney throughout her college experience. Their connection to UD grew even stronger when their daughter Chelsea Rangel (C'16) also chose to become a Spartan, making the University an important part of the Rangel family.

Several years later, Jorge's connection to UD expanded when he joined the University as an aviation campus shuttle driver supporting the Babka Aviation Learning Center. What began as a role helping students has grown into a larger opportunity to serve the University community. Today, Jorge serves as coordinator of university programs and strategic initiatives, while Patti is a customer service specialist with Gallagher.

In his role at UD, Jorge remains focused on helping students succeed. He describes his work as "selling dreams and helping them come true" and finds great joy in making a positive impact on their goals and future careers. He also helps build Spartan spirit by coordinating pep rallies and other events that foster community and connection across campus.

As self-proclaimed "UD cheerleaders," Jorge and Patti generously volunteer their time and talents throughout the University. They are familiar faces at athletic events and concerts, cheering on and supporting UD students. Together, they support alumni events and host the Aviation Homecoming Tailgate, while Patti has also volunteered during Campus Visit Days, helping with setup and welcoming prospective students and families. In addition, Jorge and Patti support campus beautification efforts, contributing more than 25 hours to power washing and cleaning outdoor areas across campus and painting residence hall lounges. They have also donated games for students to enjoy in the residence halls.

Their support of students often extends beyond campus. They have welcomed countless students into their home for home-cooked meals and games, provided rides to campus or shopping trips, loaned their truck to help students move or pick up furniture, and donated food and treats for student events. No matter the need, for Jorge and Patti, their service is about supporting students, serving UD's Mission, and paying it forward.

In addition to their service, Jorge and Patti are proud UD parents. Sidney now serves as head strength and conditioning coach at the University. Chelsea, a graduate of UD's nursing program, is returning to school after 10 years as a nurse to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist in California. Jorge and Patti are loving grandparents and enjoy spending time with their family.

Jorge and Patti reside in Dubuque, Iowa. Outside of work and volunteering, they enjoy working on projects around their home and traveling out west together. They consider themselves blessed to be part of the University of Dubuque and are grateful for the people and relationships that have made UD feel like home.

 

VETERANS AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Colonel Werner Hellmer, USMC, Retired (C'70)

Colonel Werner Hellmer graduated cum laude from the University of Dubuque in 1970 with a degree in history and a minor in political science. During his time at UD, Werner was deeply involved in campus life, serving as a Student Senate class representative and president of the Student Government Association. He also participated in the campus radio station WGVU, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and the Veterans Club.

Following graduation, Werner earned his juris doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1976. He went on to complete extensive military and professional education, including earning a master's degree in national security affairs and strategic studies from the Naval War College in 1991.

Werner built a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps as a judge advocate, serving as a prosecutor, defense counsel, military judge, and staff judge advocate. He advised senior military leaders and served in assignments across the United States and around the world, including Japan, Germany, and Somalia.

Among his many accomplishments, Werner served as chief prosecutor in what was then the longest court-martial in military history and later served as assistant legal advisor at Headquarters, United States European Command in Germany. During Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, he served as civil-military operations officer for Marine Forces Somalia, helping coordinate humanitarian assistance efforts. He was also selected as the Marine Corps nominee to serve as military legal advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.

Werner's military service earned numerous honors, including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1996, he continued practicing law and serving others. In 2026, he retired from active legal practice after 50 years as a member of the Iowa Bar. Throughout his career, he remained committed to pro bono legal work, veteran advocacy, and community service.

His commitment to veterans has continued throughout his retirement. Werner has participated in hundreds of military funeral honors ceremonies, memorial events, and Color Guards throughout the tri-state region. He also helped bring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial "Moving Wall" to Dubuque in 1998 and regularly speaks at veteran recognition events. Werner continues to support veterans through organizations including the American Legion, Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans.

Werner's connection to the University of Dubuque has remained strong. He served as a guest instructor for UD students interested in law and continues to support the University and its veterans programming.

Werner and his wife, Michelle, whom he met while attending UD, have been married since 1970. They have two children, Werner K. and Jessica, and two grandchildren. Werner remains grateful to the University of Dubuque for the foundation it provided and continues to embody a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, military service, and dedication to veterans and his community.