Van Straten ’91 to deliver UW-Green Bay commencement address
A woman who has made her mark on civic, corporate and philanthropic matters communitywide since her 1991 graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will deliver the commencement address at her alma mater Saturday, May 16.
Julie Van Straten is an attorney whose award-winning corporate career includes more than 20 years with UnitedHealthCare — an operating division of the largest single health carrier in the United States. She served through July 2014 as vice president, general counsel and member of the executive team with significant responsibility in corporate and regulatory matters, risk management and business development support.
In 2010 she received the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s Athena Award, given to those who have demonstrated excellence in their business or professions, have generously assisted in the advancement of women, and have devoted time and energy to serving their community. In 2013 she was presented the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Van Straten currently focuses her attention on family and community. She serves on the Redevelopment Authority for the City of De Pere, and as a board member with the charitable foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay.
She was for many years president of the Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay, a member of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and a board member for organizations including the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, United Way of Brown County, and the American Foundation of Counseling Services.
Van Straten attended Green Bay Southwest High School. After earning her bachelor’s at UW-Green Bay, she went on to receive her law degree from Marquette University Law School. She has been an advocate for young people and education, telling her audience at a 2012 speech at UW-Green Bay she believes that “education is the No. 1 way to combat poverty.”
About 5,000 people are expected to fill the Kress Events Center for Saturday’s ceremony, which begins at 11:30 a.m.
