The Royall Alumni Association inducted three new members into its Royall Hall of Recognition last Saturday. The association submitted the following profiles of the new inductees.
Steve Brady
Steve Brady has led a distinguished career in the legal profession. His decades-long career culminated in his tenure as the president/CEO of the Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company. He is an expert in all facets of property/casualty insurance. Steve has shared his expertise with the next generation of lawyers through his participation in the University of St. Thomas Law School Mentoring Program. Outside of his professional contributions, Steve has volunteered his time and talents serving on the boards of multiple community organizations, coaching youth sports teams, and working with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Twin Cities.
He graduated from Royall High School in 1971, received his bachelor’s from UW-Madison in 1975, and graduated from Hamline University Law School in 1982.
He was a mentor at the University of St. Thomas Law School from 2009–2019. He is a board member for the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, Communidades Latinas Unides en Servicio, Family Services, Inc., and Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest.
Mary Masters Kolar
Mary Masters Kolar has led a life of service to our country on the national, state and local level. Mary served a 28-year active career in the U.S. Navy, culminating in the rank of captain. Her post-military accomplishments include service on multiple boards and commissions. Most notably, she served as a Dane County Supervisor from 2013–2019. Mary is currently a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, where she serves as the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Mary has consistently volunteered in church and other local organizations in the multiple communities in which she has lived.
She graduated from Royall High School in 1976 and received a bachelor’s degree from UW-La Crosse in 1980. She also earned a master’s degree at Navy War College.
During her military career, she received Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal.
Also, she served as Director of Operations at Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and was a Dane County Supervisor from 2013–2019.
Plus, she was vice president of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation Board of Directors and secretary for the State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
She also received Heroes for Healthcare, Distinguished Service Award.
Kurt Meckstroth
Kurt Meckstroth has had an impressive career in both the military and private sectors of the legal profession. An accomplished graduate of the United States Military Academy, Kurt went on to law school at the University of Michigan and served as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) officer in the Pentagon. Following his Army active-duty service, Kurt advanced to Partner at Foley & Lardner, one of the largest law firms in the Midwest.
In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Kurt is the consummate family man, raising five children with his wife of 45 years, fellow Royall alumna Jodeen Chambliss Meckstroth, and was an active volunteer in his local community, with a focus on youth sports.
He graduated from Royall High School in 1973 and received a bachelor’s degree from West Point in 1977. In 1984, he earned a law degree from the University of Michigan.
He also was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Among his Army recognitions are the following: Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Expert Infantryman’s Badge.
He was a prosecutor in Benning, Ga., from 1985 to 1987, and he was a partner at Foley & Lardner in Milwaukee from 1997 to 2007.
Also, he was active in the Mequon-Thiensville Youth basketball and baseball organizations, serving as coach from 1993 to 2001 and as a board member and officer from 1997 to 2005.
