Meet Peter Olesen ’05 & Brian Glines ’08

Each year, the Prairie Golf Classic brings our community together for more than just a day on the course. It’s a celebration of connection, tradition, and support for student scholarships. Behind the event are alumni whose passion for Prairie runs deep – including Peter Olesen ’05 and Brian Glines ’08, both of whom serve on the Golf Classic Committee.

We caught up with them to hear about what being a Prairie Hawk means to them, the traditions they hold dear, and why they’re committed to supporting Prairie today.

 

What does being a Prairie Hawk mean to you today?

Peter: Being a Prairie Hawk today means investing in something greater than myself. Like lining up a long putt, it takes focus, intention, and a commitment to the long game. As both an alum and a current Prairie parent, I’ve come to appreciate how Prairie doesn’t just educate — it inspires, challenges, and uplifts. That’s why I serve on the committee for the annual Golf Classic. It’s more than a great day on the course; it’s a meaningful way to help open doors for families who value what Prairie offers but need support to access it. Supporting need-based financial aid helps more students grow into thoughtful, capable leaders, just like I was fortunate enough to do. Being a Hawk means stepping up when it counts and helping others take their shot.

Brian: These days, being a Prairie Hawk means that I am a proud parent of three students at the school. I love showing my ‘Prairie Hawk Pride’ by supporting wonderful fundraising efforts like the Golf Classic!

 

A favorite Prairie memory or tradition.

Peter: There are so many that it’s hard to choose, but the spring trimester of my senior year stands out. Our varsity golf team was a tight-knit group — myself as a senior, three juniors, and a freshman — led by our fearless coach, Mr. Will. The season itself was a grind: we missed a lot of school, logged countless miles in the Prairie Suburban, and battled everything from sleet to flat tires. But through it all, we stuck together, relied on each other’s scores, and built something special. We capped it off with a state championship win at University Ridge, clinching the title by 10 strokes. The victory was unforgettable, but just as memorable was the journey that got us there: the laughs, the grind, and the bond we shared as teammates.

Brian: The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of those Prairie events that sounds a little kooky until you experience it firsthand. Seeing it from a parent’s perspective has really cemented its role as my favorite Prairie tradition. There’s something about little kids singing that always gets me!

 

What have you been up to since graduation?

Peter: After graduating from Prairie in 2005, I went on to UW–Madison where I studied Finance, Investments & Banking, and Real Estate & Urban Land Economics. I began my career in strategic consulting before returning home to join our family business, O&H Danish Bakery, now in its fourth generation. Today, I serve as President, working alongside an incredible team to continue growing a company that’s been a part of our community for over 75 years.

My wife Kimberly (also Prairie Class of ’05) and I have four young children, two of whom are now Prairie Hawks, with the next two soon to follow. Life is full, joyful, and often loud. We love to travel and spend as much time outdoors as we can, especially as a family. I’m also passionate about giving back and currently serve on the Prairie Golf Classic committee as well as the board of a local charter school focused on educational access and excellence.

Brian: After graduation, I went to college and then started my career in Tempe, AZ. I was fortunate enough to meet my wife, Sarah, while in school at ASU. We moved back to Racine in 2014 so that I could work with my parents at our family business, Marlo, Inc. After that, I received my MBA from Marquette. Since then, Sarah and I have settled in the Wind Point area, not far from Prairie. We have three sons who are all now students at Prairie, and we couldn’t be prouder to have three “lifers” in the making!

 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Peter: It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d say I’m most proud of helping to carry forward our family business while raising a family of my own. Leading O&H Danish Bakery as a fourth-generation owner has been incredibly meaningful, honoring the legacy of those who came before me while also innovating for the future. But even more fulfilling is doing that alongside my wife, Kimberly, and watching our four kids grow up with the same values and community that shaped us. Seeing our children walk the halls of Prairie where we once did is a full-circle moment I don’t take for granted. It’s the kind of accomplishment that really takes the Kringle.

Brian: In both a professional & personal sense, I am very proud of what we’ve built at Marlo. We are a Racine-based business that has been around for over 50 years. We now employ 120 people and are proud to support the community through many organizations, Prairie being one of our favorites!

 

How did Prairie prepare you for life after graduation?

Peter: One of the most valuable skills I took with me was creative writing. Whether it was crafting essays, analyzing literature, or learning to express ideas with clarity and purpose, Prairie gave me a foundation in written communication that stood out the moment I got to college, and has continued to serve me ever since.

But more than anything, Prairie instilled a sense of character and community. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about becoming a thoughtful, responsible person. That’s the kind of education that lasts, and one of the biggest reasons Kimberly and I chose Prairie for our kids.

Brian: I’ve always felt that Prairie made all of us better, more confident communicators & leaders. The traditions of excellence that persevere at Prairie make all of us natural leaders in whatever groups or organizations we find ourselves. I’ll always appreciate my opportunities to be a leader while I was at Prairie.

 

Is there a teacher, coach, or mentor from Prairie who had a lasting impact on you?

Peter: There were so many, it’s hard to highlight just one. Coach Kevin Will had a huge influence. As our golf coach, he taught us how to compete with integrity and lead with humility (with a healthy dose of humor thrown in). Al Hagopian, my middle school homeroom advisor, somehow convinced a group of 12-year-olds that properly executed push-ups were a life skill — and honestly, he wasn’t wrong. Dave Drewek helped me tap into an artistic side I didn’t know I had (and most wouldn’t have guessed existed). And nearly every math teacher I had taught me more than just equations — they taught me how to approach problems thoughtfully, persistently, and with deep curiosity until they were solved.

Brian: I have so many teachers and coaches to thank for making a lasting impact, but Kevin Will certainly stands out. Not only was he my teacher, but he was also the golf coach. We spent countless hours in the school Suburban, travelling to and from golf tournaments with the rest of the team. Those are some of my best memories from Prairie, and I thank Kevin for helping make them!

Oh, and I still ‘walk with a purpose’ thanks to Mr. McKinney!

 

What advice would you give current Prairie students?

Peter: Take it all in. Prairie offers you more than just an education. It’s a place where you learn how to think, how to communicate, and how to treat people. Don’t rush through it. Build real relationships with your teachers and classmates, challenge yourself, and don’t be afraid to fail once in a while — that’s often where the best learning happens.

Brian: Have a family someday! Your career and professional advancement should always be a priority. However, there is nothing more rewarding and fulfilling than the work it takes to raise children. Go change the world, just don’t forget to bring your kids along!