Campus Connection

With its homemade sweets, vintage charm and nostalgic atmosphere, The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor has been a downtown La Crosse destination for more than three decades.

Today, sisters Dani Peterslie (’11) and Azia Thelemann (’16) are carrying on the legacy their parents began, blending tradition with new ideas while remaining true to the business' original mission — creating a welcoming place where families can gather and make memories.

Growing up in the family business sparked an early appreciation for entrepreneurship. But both sisters briefly explored opportunities elsewhere before realizing La Crosse was where they wanted to build their futures.

“I gained appreciation for the natural beauty and charm of our area,” Peterslie says. “We truly have a good community, good people and, as my dad would say, 'a world-class river' among the bluffs.”

Their UWL educations prepared them in different but complementary ways.

Peterslie's communication studies coursework emphasized organizational culture, customer relationships and inclusive leadership — skills she now uses daily while managing employees and serving customers.

Thelemann's business management degree, along with minors in environmental science and sustainable business, gave her a strong foundation in finance, operations and sustainable business practices.

The sisters continually look for ways to evolve while honoring The Pearl's history. New flavors, thoughtful community partnerships and a commitment to quality keep customers returning year after year.

“Our parents started The Pearl to be more than an ice cream shop — they built a place for connection, nostalgia and community,” Peterslie says. “Today, we carry that mission forward, watching new memories form every day. La Crosse is a gem, and we hope families continue to make memories here at The Pearl for years to come.”

Mid-City Steel | Building opportunity

Paul Bagniefski, ’06, knows career paths don’t always run in a straight line.

After beginning college at UWL, he realized he wasn’t yet sure what direction he wanted to pursue. He transferred to Western Technical College to study heating, ventilation and refrigeration before spending more than a decade working in the HVAC industry.

Years later, with a clearer vision for his future, Bagniefski returned to UWL to complete an accounting degree — a decision that ultimately transformed his career.

“Returning to college after spending years in the workforce gave me a completely different perspective,” Bagniefski says. “I was more focused, had a greater appreciation for the opportunity and was highly motivated to make the most of it.”

That second chance eventually led Bagniefski to become CEO of Mid-City Steel, a company that has grown over more than 50 years from a regional fabricator into a nationally recognized supplier serving bridge, hydraulic, industrial and commercial projects.

Despite investments in advanced technology and automation, Bagniefski believes the company’s greatest strength remains unchanged.

“Our greatest asset by far is our people,” he says. “The skill, dedication and craftsmanship of our team are what truly set Mid-City Steel apart.”

Bagniefski remains closely connected to UWL through the university’s Community Engaged Learning Program, partnering with students on real-world business projects that prepare them for the workforce.

The collaboration reflects Bagniefski’s own educational journey — one built on combining classroom knowledge with practical experience.

“If there’s one lesson I’ve taken from my experience, it’s that your path doesn’t have to be set,” he says. “It’s never too late to learn something new, change direction or pursue a goal you’ve put on hold."

Dr. Sarah's Essentials | Pursuing her purpose

When Sarah Slaby, ’99, founded Dr. Sarah’s Essentials in 2006, she wasn’t simply starting a business; she was answering a call.

As a veterinarian committed to natural animal health, Slaby recognized a growing need for trustworthy education and sustainable products that help people care for their animals while supporting the health of the land.

“I wanted to help fill that gap by providing trusted education, effective products and practical resources,” she says.

Her passion for science began at UWL, where she earned a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. While coursework provided a strong foundation, Slaby says the interpersonal support she received from faculty left the deepest impression.

“The most valuable aspect of my time at UWL was the compassion and encouragement of the professors,” she says. “They taught me to maintain hope no matter how difficult circumstances became and to persevere despite the challenges of my newly identified disability. Their support helped shape not only my education, but my outlook on life.”

Originally from nearby Galesville, Slaby chose UWL after watching her older brothers thrive there and decided to remain in the area because of its natural beauty and strong sense of community.

Twenty-plus years after launching Dr. Sarah’s Essentials in Arcadia, her values continue to guide every business decision.

“I have remained true to who I am and the mission behind the business rather than allowing outside pressures or trends to dictate our direction,” Slaby says.

Looking ahead, Slaby hopes aspiring entrepreneurs remember that success is rarely achieved alone.

“My biggest piece of advice is to find a mentor,” she says. “Seek out someone who truly believes in you and is genuinely invested in your success. The right mentor can make a tremendous difference in helping you reach your full potential.”