MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Since the launch of intercollegiate athletics in 2000, Alverno College has built a program grounded in opportunity, leadership, and empowerment for women. Behind that growth stands a group of visionary leaders and advocates whose commitment turned a bold idea into an NCAA Division III program.

These five individuals, enshrined in the Alverno Athletics Hall of Fame, represent the heart of what it means to be a Trailblazer for Alverno Athletics.
Virginia Wagner
As Associate Vice President for Student Services, Wagner was one of the earliest and most influential supporters of intercollegiate athletics at Alverno. Alongside key campus leaders, she was instrumental in conducting the research and developing the proposals that ultimately led to the creation of the Athletics Department and the launch of intercollegiate programs in 2000.

An alumna of Alverno, Wagner earned her bachelor's degree in education in 1969 and carried her deep love for the institution into her leadership work. Her belief that athletics could enhance the student experience helped shape a strategic vision that attracted more traditional-aged students and expanded campus life.

In 2004, the Athletics Department established the Virginia Wagner Award in her honor. Presented annually, the award recognizes a student-athlete whose leadership, commitment, and service positively impact the Alverno community — a lasting tribute to Wagner's own legacy of servant leadership.
Roy & Bobbi Reiman
Longtime champions of Alverno College and its mission, Roy and Bobbi Reiman have played a transformative role in the growth of Inferno Athletics.

Through the generosity of the Reiman Foundation, a landmark campus beautification project in 2006 reshaped Alverno's physical landscape. The project included monumental entrance signage, extensive landscaping improvements, a 500-car parking structure, and the development of NCAA-regulation softball and soccer fields — a pivotal moment in elevating Alverno Athletics.

The dedication ceremony on October 7, 2006, celebrated not only infrastructure improvements, but also the Reiman's deep belief in women's education. Bobbi was honored that same year as the 21st recipient of an honorary doctorate from the college. Roy, a former member of the Board of Trustees and founder of the Reiman Foundation, has long emphasized that college is a place where students discover their unique talents and bring them "to full bloom."
Gary Grunau
For nearly three decades, Gary Grunau served Alverno College as a dedicated trustee, including seven years as Board Chair. During his tenure in that leadership role, Alverno officially launched the Inferno Athletics program — a defining chapter in the college's history.

Grunau recognized athletics as a vital opportunity for women to grow in confidence, leadership, and resilience. His steady guidance helped position the program for long-term success, and he continued to support it by co-chairing the Alverno Athletics Golf Outing to generate critical funding for teams.

Alongside his wife, Joanne, Gary received the Ambassador Award for distinguished service to the college. Both were passionate advocates for student scholarships and leadership supporters of Alverno's largest capital campaign. Gary's expertise in urban development and campus construction projects left a visible and lasting mark on the college.
Jim Oppermann
Serving more than 18 years as Vice President of Finance and Management Services (Chief Financial Officer), Oppermann was a founding supporter of Alverno Athletics. As a former Division III student-athlete himself, he understood firsthand how athletics enhances the collegiate experience.

Working closely with Virginia Wagner, Oppermann helped develop the proposals that integrated athletics into the college's strategic plan. When athletics officially launched in 2000, he oversaw the renovation of the gymnasium and locker rooms and the creation of athletic offices, a fitness center, training room, and team room.

He also guided Alverno through the rigorous four-year process of gaining membership in the NCAA, culminating in the college's acceptance into NCAA Division III and conference affiliation. The addition of NCAA-regulation soccer and softball facilities in 2006 further solidified the program's competitive foundation.

Jim also supported athletics by serving as an assistant coach for nearly a decade, with his first year of service under Brad Duckworth in 2009-10 and finishing his time as an assistant in 2020-21, years after his retirement from his role as a VP of Finance.
Brad Duckworth
Serving as Director of Athletics from 2007–2016, Duckworth also led the basketball and golf programs, becoming the winningest coach in Alverno basketball history and earning his 100th career victory in 2011. Beyond the sidelines, his impact was transformative.

Duckworth launched the women's tennis and women's golf programs, secured facilities, and strengthened fundraising efforts to position Alverno as a competitive Division III institution. He also represented the college nationally, chairing NCAA committees and serving in leadership roles that elevated Alverno's visibility.

A 2014 graduate of Alverno's MBA program, Duckworth later earned his doctoral degree from UW–La Crosse, focusing his dissertation on NCAA Division III student-athletes' perceptions of Title IX, further underscoring his commitment to advancing women in sport.

Today, he continues his leadership in collegiate athletics as Director of Athletics at UW–Stevens Point, carrying forward the same passion that shaped the growth years of Inferno Athletics. From research proposals and boardroom discussions to fundraising campaigns and championship wins, these Trailblazers transformed a vision into opportunity.

Because of their leadership, investment, and belief in the power of women's athletics, Alverno student-athletes compete not only for victories — but for growth, confidence, and lifelong impact.