Class Notes Archive —
2020's
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2023
G.
Thomas
Allen
—
Chicago, IL,
affectionately known as "Sir Thomas,” has joined Berklee College of Music as an associate professor of voice.
Allen previously served as a faculty member at Columbia College Chicago, where he specialized in contemporary, jazz, and popular music styles, and led its premier ensemble, Chicago Vox. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has also held key positions at ChiArts Conservatory as director of contemporary and jazz voice, and at Carthage College as a diversity fellow scholar.
A celebrated countertenor, Allen's work spans opera, sacred music, and jazz. He made a historic operatic debut in 2014 with the Los Angeles Opera and has appeared on platforms like Saturday Night Live, NPR, and CNN, with notable performances at The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Vatican. In the sacred music domain, he has been featured on two Grammy-nominated projects with gospel icon Ricky Dillard.
In 2021, Allen became the first male winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, propelling him to global prominence. His debut self-titled album topped the iTunes jazz charts, and his latest release, Love Affair: Serenades of the Heart, continues his success. His dedication to music education is evident through presenting at conferences such as ACDA, GMWA, and NCGCC.
Allen holds dual B.A. degrees in speech communication and vocal performance from Morgan State University, and a Master of Music in music theatre vocal pedagogy from Carthage College.
Submitted: August 20, 2024 — Category: Other News
2022
Madison
Zaleski
—
Chicago, IL,
joined Gulf Coast News as a reporter in March 2025.
Before joining the team, she honed her skills at WTHI in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she worked as a weekend anchor, reporter, and fill-in weather forecaster.
Madison holds a bachelor's degree in communications with double minors in film and studio art from Carthage College. Her passion for journalism began during an internship at WGNO in New Orleans in 2021.
Submitted: March 27, 2025 — Category: Personal Achievement
Seyi
Ajibade
—
Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria,
Is a member of the Concert Team for the Àkójọpọ̀ Music Foundation. The Àkójọpọ̀ Music Foundation is a non-profit e-commerce marketplace for Pan-African art music that connects global audiences to authentic African digital sheet music, workshops, lessons, and a vibrant Pan-African music community. Seyi has played a pivotal role in the launch of the Àkójọpọ̀ Music Foundation. While at Carthage, Seyi earned his Master's in Education and Piano Performance, and is now a Ph.D. student in Ethnomusicology at the University of Pittsburgh. Seyi's research focuses on African Art Music, specifically focusing on Àkójopò’s African Art Music Commissioning Project.
Submitted: December 3, 2024 — Category: Career Update
Natalie
(Krause)
Stremlau
—
Milwaukee, WI,
is the founder and owner of NRS Quilting, an Oak-Creek based business that creates quilts from t-shirts. Her and her husband Kyle were married on October 21, 2022, and have two children, Blake and Bristol.
Submitted: August 28, 2024 — Category: Other News
Autumn
(Williams)
Adam
& Austin
(Adam)
2022
—
Zion, IL,
married in June 2023.
Submitted: July 10, 2023 — Category: Marriage Announcement
Katrina
Seabright
—
Antioch, IL,
Ms. Katrina Seabright has just been cast in Don Carlo at the Lyric Opera Chicago in a speaking role.
Submitted: September 21, 2022 — Category: Other News
2020
Karina
Lee
—
Racine,
was selected as an Emerging Leaders and Distinguished Educators programs. Each year, PDK International recognizes a select group of rising professionals in education through the Emerging Leaders fellowship, highlighting individuals under the age of 40 who demonstrate leadership and impact in their schools, districts, and communities. Additionally, the Distinguished Educators fellowship honors experienced professionals who have made significant contributions to the education field through their expertise, service, and mentorship. Congratulations to Karina for being selected!
Submitted: March 27, 2025 — Category: Personal Achievement
Rachel
Roschi
—
Charlotte, NC,
graduated with her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in May of 2024. She is now practicing as a small animal veterinarian in Charlotte, NC.
Submitted: July 24, 2024 — Category: Other News
Sydney
Kummer
& Maxwell
(Behnke)
2020
—
Sheboygan, WI,
married on July 17, 2021.
Submitted: July 15, 2021 — Category: Marriage Announcement