After nearly six years with the La Follette School and a career spanning healthcare communications, technology, and newspaper reporting, Communications Director Lisa Hildebrand retired in December 2021.
In her time with the La Follette School, Hildebrand wrote hundreds of news stories about the School and its community. Hildebrand also started the School’s first email newsletter and supervised communications, including website content, social media, and an annual highlights report.
In 2019, the La Follette School received a transformative $10 million gift from retired US Sen. Herb Kohl. Hildebrand oversaw stewardship of the gift, including a video series on its impact.
“Lisa was exceptionally generous and always willing to share her talents,” said La Follette School Director and Professor Susan Webb Yackee. “It was her great joy to mentor students. I know she will be missed by them and her colleagues who treasured her guidance and support.”
Hildebrand began her career as the Green Bay Press-Gazette’s first female sportswriter. She worked for many years as a newspaper reporter and editor, in the technology field, and in healthcare communications.
Hildebrand started at the La Follette School in 2016 as senior university relations specialist and transitioned to communications director in 2019.
Taking up the reigns as communications manager is Lauren Weitkamp, who joined the La Follette School in January 2022.
In her previous role as program manager for the UW–Madison Cellular and Molecular Biology program, Weitkamp strived to publicize student, alumni, and faculty accomplishments. She also worked in faculty governance at MIT and coordinated events for an environmental outreach center in UW–Madison’s Division of Extension.
Weitkamp graduated from UW–Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Boston University.