Board of Advisors
FORMALLY ESTABLISHED IN 1844
The University of Saint Mary of the Lake benefits from the insights and assistance provided by its Advisory Board. This board plays a role in advising and supporting university officials in various areas. It aids in the promotion of the university’s presence not only within the Archdiocese but also in wider contexts, while also advancing mission. In addition to this, the Advisory Board is a valuable resource for matters related to budgeting, finance, legal considerations, and management practices. Their consultation ensures the university’s growth, sustainability, and effective operation.
Leadership
Cardinal Blase Cupich
Chancellor
Office of the Archbishop of Chicago
Very Rev. John Kartje
Rector / President
Office of the Rector/President
Brian Schmisek
Provost and Cardinal George Chair of Faith and Culture
Office of the Provost
Jim Heinen
Chief Operations Officer
Office of the Chief Operations Officer
John Lehocky
Senior Vice President Financial Operations
Office of the Chief Operations Officer
Members
Mrs. Peggy Pandaleon
Board of Advisors Chair
Ms. Amy Davidson
Amy has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since 2019. Amy is a real estate broker…
Mr. Robert J. Platt
Bob has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since 2017. Bob grew up on the west…
Mr. David Brochu
David began his service as a member of the USML Board of Advisors in July 2021. David is Founder and…
Mr. Michael Bruni
Mike has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since 2019. Mike is a partner at HPS…
Mr. Kenneth Chua
Ken has served as a member of the USML Development Committee since 2020. He was born and raised in Manila,…
Mr. Jerome J. Claeys III
Jerry began his service on the USML Finance Committee in January 2021 and joined the USML Board of Advisors as…
Mr. Patrick J. Coleman
Patrick has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since 2016. Patrick is the President/CEO of Coleman…
Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, D. Min.
Bishop Hicks, a native of Harvey, IL, received his B.A. in Philosophy from Niles College of Loyola University Chicago. He…
Mr. Thomas R. Kiley
Tom has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since 2016. Tom is the Chief Executive Officer…
Mr. Sean T. Klock
Sean has served as a member of the USML Development Committee since 2020. Sean is married, has 3 kids (8,…
Eileen Quinn Knight
Dr. Eileen Quinn Knight is a distinguished educator and active member of the Catholic community in Chicago. She serves as…
Mrs. Julie Jansen Kraemer
Julie has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since 2013. Julie received her BA in English…
Mr. Daniel B. Love
Dan has served as a member of the USML Development Committee since 2020. Dan has been a member of St…
Mrs. Meredith Siegfried Madden
Meredith has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since 2019. Meredith is the CEO of NORDAM,…
Dr. Peter Madden
Pete has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since 2019. Pete is a physician in the…
Most Reverend Michael McGovern
Bishop McGovern, a Chicago native, attended the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary and was ordained a priest…
Reverend Donald J. Nevins
Father Nevins has been a priest of the archdiocese since 1975. He has served in Hispanic parishes and the seminary…
Mr. Jorge Ramirez
Jorge began his service as a member of the USML Board of Advisors in July 2021. A managing director at…
Mr. Michael Rigali
Mike has served as a member of the USML Board of Advisors since August 2022. Mike Rigali is the director…
Most Reverend Joseph J. Tyson, D.D.
Bishop Tyson was born on October 16 in Moses Lake, Washington and at an early age moved to Seattle with…
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, J.C.D.
Bishop Walkowiak was ordained to the priesthood June 9, 1979 by the late James Cardinal Hickey and was assigned as…
Reverend John (Jack) J. Wall
Father Wall was appointed by the Holy See as president of Catholic Extension in March 2007. In this role, Fr…
Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger, J.C.L.
Bishop Weisenburger attended Conception Seminary College in MO, graduating in 1983. He attended the American College Seminary at the Catholic…
Todd Helfrich
Todd joined the USML Board of Advisors in 2024 and previously served as a member of the Rector’s Classic Golf…
Fr. Francis Bitterman
Father Francis Bitterman is the Vice Rector and Dean of Formation at Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained in 2012 by…