Dana Ehrmann
Dana Ehrmann
Class Year
’15
Current home
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Major(s)
English and Film Studies
Current Position
Marketing Communications Manager at Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter
A Carthage graduate with a degree in English and film studies, Dana Ehrmann ’15 now works as a marketing communications manager at Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter. Ms. Ehrmann’s role focuses on increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia within Wisconsin communities. She conducts media outreach, garners local editorial news coverage, and executes the Wisconsin chapter’s social media strategy.
Being a member of the Stand-Up Comedy Club at Carthage also sparked and nurtured Ms. Ehrmann’s passion for comedy. She has performed comedy shows across Wisconsin and frequently takes her act to other parts of the Midwest.
Ms. Ehrmann continues to stay involved at Carthage in multiple ways. She helps conduct interviews for admitted students looking for scholarships and attends various Carthage events, such as doing a comedic show during 2024 Homecoming.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I love having a day job and a side hustle in stand-up comedy. At the Alzheimer’s Association, I get to bring awareness to a horrible disease, promote resources to help people cope, and shine a light on the need for a cure. I’m extremely passionate about this because my mom lives with Alzheimer’s, so it’s very special to me to get to use my skills for something so important. And it’s nice to get to blow off some steam doing stand-up comedy and laugh after thinking about something so devastating all day.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“I love that both the academic and extracurricular sides of my Carthage experience prepared me for my career. The English Department made me a good writer and analytical thinker, which is invaluable across the board. I gained design, videography, and general marketing skills in the Communication and Digital Media Department. Carthage’s career staff also guided me in my process to look for internships, which informed my path immensely.
“As a freshman, I joined the Stand-up Comedy Club. I’d never done stand-up before, but performing on campus for four years prepared me to jump into the outside world as a comic in a major city. I’ve been able to build off the foundation I laid at Carthage, and now I get quite a lot of paid work doing stand-up. I’ve even been able to perform for crowds of up to 1,600 people, and it all started in Kenosha.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“It helped that Carthage is beautiful and that it was close to home. I think what sealed the deal was that it offered a really tight-knit community and the opportunity to be ‘a big fish in a small pond.’ I wanted to choose a college where I wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. At Carthage, you can develop close relationships with fellow students, faculty, and staff, and also stand out for your accomplishments.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I took a J-Term trip my sophomore year to Puerto Rico. I didn’t previously know any of the 21 other students I traveled with, but through learning and the exploration of a new place and culture, we became like a family. It doesn’t really get more ‘Carthage’ than that. I remember my first tour of Carthage and being promised the world. I am thrilled to be able to say it delivered.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Professor Alyson Kiesel was, and still is, a mentor. In addition to really challenging and enjoyable classes, she served as my academic advisor and sounding board for any questions or hesitations I had along the college journey.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“You didn’t come to Carthage to stay the same. Start learning about the things you’ve always wanted to learn about and doing the things you always wanted to do — even the things people said you couldn’t do. Try different majors, hobbies, routines, friend groups, and whatever else because you’re not beholden to any of it. To offer a cliche: College is what you make of it, and it goes by very quickly. Squeeze every last drop out of it.”