Eleven successful University of Wisconsin Oshkosh graduates have been chosen to receive top honors for 2023 by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. In the months leading up to Homecoming—during which they’ll be honored at an on-campus ceremony—we will introduce you to these outstanding alumni. The full list of award winners is available here.
There are two simple reasons Brody Karmenzind has been described as the most popular alumnus from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh advertising, multimedia journalism and public relations (AMP) department.
There’s the successful career in the tech industry. And there’s his passion for giving back.
“Why is he so popular? Because he’s a big deal at Meta, while also giving immense amounts of time and energy to support UW Oshkosh and marginalized communities in the Midwest,” explained Sara Hansen, a professor in what until recently was known as the journalism department.
Brody Karmenzind
Karmenzind graduated in 2014 with a degree in journalism and an emphasis in advertising. He’s now working as a client partner at Meta. He’s also one of three people who this fall will receive UW Oshkosh’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award for their professional and civic accomplishments within 15 years of receiving their degrees as well as their future promise.
Before landing what he’s called his “dream job” at Meta, Karmenzind rolled a senior-year internship at Pandora into a full-time job as an account development specialist with the company in Oakland, California. From there the Ripon High School grad climbed to account representative until 2016—when the company then known as Facebook came calling.
Now settled in Chicago after some time in Austin, Texas, Karmenzind has ascended to client partner, where he leads a team that managers a $100 million-plus book of business for Meta’s highest priority advertisers. “This is the most prestigious enterprise sales position at the company,” he said.
Outside of his work with Meta, Karmenzind have found myriad ways to give back to communities that have impacted him, UW Oshkosh included. He’s always a “yes” when the University asks for his perspective or inspiration for students. He’s made more than 50 presentations for classes and clubs at UWO, assisted with mock interviews for students at Career Services, helped with digital marketing student projects in the College of Business and spoke at the journalism department’s 50th anniversary.
He’s also used his expertise to help nonprofits, including volunteering for the American Lung Association’s national marketing team and the Chicago Small Business Center.
“Brody lives each day by sharing the biggest talent and giving heart that I have ever seen in my time working with students and alumni at this University,” Hansen said. “His national success in the highly competitive technology and social media sector is impressive. But his willingness to always imagine, connect and invest with his community—from UWO to inner-city Chicago to anyone who can benefit from his knowledge—shows his integrity and care for all.”
The 2023 Alumni Awards Celebration will be held Oct. 27 at the Culver Family Welcome Center, with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by the dinner and program beginning at 6 p.m. The cost of the event is $40 per person. For more information, contact UWO’s Alumni Relations Office at (920) 424-3449 or alumni@uwosh.edu. Register for the Alumni Awards Celebration here.
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