Betty Lou Tikalsky '46

2004 Distinguished Alumna Award for Community Service

Betty Lou (Barthels) Tikalsky '46 is a proud and dedicated alumna who has devoted herself to community service and life-long learning. She has generously shared these qualities with her alma mater. A native of Green Bay, Wis., Betty Lou was the first in her family to pursue a college education. Upon arrival on campus, Betty Lou quickly became involved in a variety of activities and organizations. She was President of Beta Chi Theta and Intersorority council, as well as a member of Kappa Sigma Delta, Beta Beta Beta, Hinakaga staff, House Council secretary, and student court. One of her fondest memories of Carroll was her experience as a sorority sister, where she made many wonderful and lasting friendships.

Graduating in 1946, with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and psychology, Betty Lou spent an early part of her career working at Carroll in the Admissions department. In 1949, Betty Lou married her sweetheart, Donald J. Tikalsky. Waukesha was where they settled, and put down roots to raise their family. They had four children: daughters Terry Ann and Susan, and sons, James and Steven.

The Tikalsky family is well known for their deep commitment and roots in the local Waukesha community. Betty Lou served in a variety of capacities including service with the Waukesha County Community Foundation, particularly their Women and Girls Fund; served on the board for Waukesha Memorial Hospital Foundation; involved with Interfaith Caregiving Network; and served on the Capital Campaign Board for the Waukesha Women's Center. She has been active with the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra, Waukesha Service Club, Children's Service Society, Parent's Place, Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum, Waukesha YWCA, and Friends of the Library.

Among her many involvements, Betty Lou holds Carroll most dear. She served as Chair of Friends of Carroll, Development Committee for the Campaign for Carroll, Waukesha Area Alumni Committee for the Gateway Campaign, and the Distinguished Alumni Awards Committee.

Beyond her time commitments, Betty Lou also has been financially generous to Carroll. She has been a member of the Old Main Society for many years. In 2011, Betty Lou continued her generosity by providing the resources to renovate the beautiful facility that houses the Department of Communication and Sociology. The Betty Lou Tikalsky House is an important resource for Carroll’s sociology and communication faculty and staff, providing them the space for planning, meeting, and mentoring the students with whom they work.