Prominent lawyer Don Wruck ’96 joins Carthage board
Carthage College has added Don Wruck ’96, founding partner of multistate law firm Wruck Paupore PC, to its Board of Trustees.
“Don brings remarkable entrepreneurial experience, a deep commitment to the liberal arts, and a legacy of family connection to Carthage and Kenosha,” said Carthage President John Swallow. “I’m thrilled he has joined the board.”
A native of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, Mr. Wruck launched an early career in radio at just 15, working at WLIP, WIIL, and WLUM in Milwaukee while still in high school and throughout college. By 17, he became the youngest DJ in a top-25 radio market in the country.
At Carthage, Mr. Wruck majored in economics, served as president of the Beta Phi Epsilon fraternity, and co-founded the campus radio station. As part of his political economy studies, he traveled to Mexico during J-Term to study NAFTA and to several European countries to examine the emerging European Union.
After graduation, he worked for Snap-on at its distributor in Madrid, Spain, before returning to the United States for law school. Law degree in hand, Mr. Wruck co-founded Wruck Paupore, representing individuals with serious personal injuries and victims of nursing home abuse. He is also general counsel for the Lake County CASA program, representing children who have been abused and neglected by their families.
Mr. Wruck’s courtroom advocacy led to his selection as lead attorney in the critically acclaimed documentary series “Juvies,” which aired on MTV and later as part of MSNBC’s “Lockup” series. The show, which provided unprecedented access to the juvenile justice system, received strong ratings and earned a Gracie Award for Best Documentary Production.
Outside of his law practice, Mr. Wruck is an instrument rated private pilot and an avid golfer. He and his wife, Amy, have a teenage daughter and divide their time between the Midwest, Florida, and Spain.
“I’m forever grateful for the education I received at Carthage — it taught me to think critically and adapt in a changing world,” said Mr. Wruck. “I look forward to working with John Swallow and my fellow trustees to help Carthage do the same, while staying true to its history of educating not just workers, but thinkers — curious about the world and ready to adapt to whatever changes their careers may bring.”
In 2024, Carthage honored his parents, Kurt ’66 and Terri Wruck, with the inaugural Light that Travels Award for their enduring philanthropy. Don has continued this legacy through the family’s endowed scholarship and other ongoing support for the College.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate governing and fiduciary responsibility for the College.