Paying tribute to a great man... Ron Anderson

Ron and Fran Anderson 

Ron Anderson played many roles in our life… not only was he Brian's Uncle, he was a key part of the Foundation.  Ron helped us with our website, when websites were new, he was always on hand to help with a special event and served on the Foundation’s Advisory Board.   

Sadly, Ron passed away last week at the age of 74.  Ron was a kind and witty man.  He was a loving husband to Fran, who now plays a pivotal part in the Foundation.  Ron enjoyed a 45-year career in multimedia including radio, television, and information technology. He was skilled in writing, public speaking, teaching, videography, photography, and editing. 

He was a great encourager of life, travel, the outdoors and the Journey.  He will be missed by many.

You can learn more about Ron here: http://www.rembsfh.com/obituaries/Ronald-R-Anderson?obId=3168321#/obituaryInfo

Where are they now?

Update from 2015 Brian LaViolette Scholarship Recipient, Donglin Zhang

I am so incredibly thankful for the Brian LaViolette scholarship and for all of the opportunities to which I have been exposed. Reflecting on my undergraduate life since receiving the scholarship, I am grateful to report three years of rich experiences at Williams College and beyond. 

Donglin with her family in 2015 after we surprised her at Ashwaubenon High School with the news that she received the $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship 

The first year was filled with building new friendships and learning to navigate my independence as a college student. I joined a dance group on campus that explores West African inspired dance and movement to expand my love for dance. After my first year, I earned an internship with a healthcare non-profit / thinktank in Boston. This internship helped me become aware of broader issues of the US healthcare system and opened my mind to thinking critically about the career I hope to pursue. 

My second year was blissfully spent living with close friends I made during my first year. I decided to major in math and stay on the pre-med track. I joined a different dance group called Ritmo Latino to learn Latin dance forms such as Salsa and Bachata. In the summer following, I interned at San Francisco Free Clinic to provide care to uninsured patients in San Francisco. However, because of the fairly intense academic demands of Williams, I was feeling a little burnt out at the end of Sophomore year, prompting my decision to study abroad my Junior fall. 

Donglin with her siblings, 2018

This past academic year, I spent fall semester in London and spring back at Williams College. London is a fabulous city that captured my heart. I loved having access to original works of art all around me with the myriad of museums (most of which were free to all visitors). The international nature of London and King's College, where I took classes, exposed me to peers and perspectives from around the world. Here I continued to explore my love for dance by joining the dance society and participating in various Latin dance socials. 

Once I returned to Williams, I had renewed energy to focus on academics and my goals to pursue medicine. I completed spring semester with my first 4.0 semester at college, and earned a 98th percentile score on my MCAT (medical college admissions test). This summer, I am in New York city working as a clinical research associate and working on my med school applications.

All this to say, I am so grateful for the experiences I have had. Honestly, I wake up every morning excited for my day and the new possibilities for my future. My family and I am so thankful that the Brian LaViolette scholarship has helped to support my pursuits, and for your family's confidence in me. 

Chapters yet to be written, by Kristin Coleman

We think you will find our latest member of our Advisory Board's story interesting, as her mom was one of the labor and delivery nurses when Brian was born....

Hello everyone!

Stepping up and becoming a part of something larger than my immediate world has been nagging my heart for some time now.   As we all know, life is short and the twists and turns can be awful and amazing in the same breath.  

Then it came to me!  Brian's Foundation was a good fit. 

One of my biggest influences in my life is my sweet mother.  We just celebrated her 85th birthday this past February.  Some of you may have met her at the gathering at Lambeau Field last August.  She was there to represent Brian as the Labor and Delivery nurse that was there on his birthday.

Kristin Coleman with her mom, Marion Skelton  

She has been an amazing role model that caused me to follow her footsteps into nursing.  She taught at Bellin College of Nursing prior to my graduating there.  

I also worked in Labor and Delivery, as a Surgical Technician prior to graduation.  Our lives further parallel as I have since embarked as a Nurse Educator after obtaining my Master's Degree in Nursing Education.

I was born and raised in Green Bay, the youngest of 5 daughters.  Yes the "estrogen pool" is very deep!  I live in the shadow of Lambeau Field with my husband Jeff and our children Jacob (age 17) and Emily (age 13).  Jeff and I will celebrate 25 yrs of marriage on August 14th of this year.

Mom was excited to have me mail the traditional "apple cap" she knits for the new babies of our family.  The one pictured is for Kim's baby.  Mom was thrilled to make one for her. 

Kim LaViolette Mosteller's son, Walker in Marion's handmade apple hat... he has room to grow into it for the winter months ahead!

I look forward to helping in any way I can to promote education and help those that are reaching for higher ground.  Thank you for allowing me to share my story with chapters yet to be written.

Sincerely,   Kristin Coleman MSN/Edu RN