Tommies in Our Communities
Evan Hughes ’04
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Tommies in Our Communities
Location: Milwaukee, WI
When Evan Hughes chose the University of St. Thomas, he was looking for more than just an education—he was seeking a place that felt like home. Coming from Oshkosh, Wis., Hughes was drawn to St. Thomas’ ideal location, Catholic values and the close-knit learning environment he knew would help him grow. “I knew a large university, where I might just feel like a number, wouldn’t have been the right place for me to thrive,” Hughes shared.
Since graduating with a degree in Business Marketing in 2004, Hughes has built a remarkable career in the craft beverage industry. He began as Publisher of DRAFT Magazine before co-founding Central Standard Craft Distillery in Milwaukee, where he now serves as CEO. Under his leadership, the distillery has grown to a 73-person team and earned prestigious accolades, including Wisconsin’s Future 50 Award and Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honor.
Hughes credits St. Thomas with giving him the knowledge he needed to succeed. “The education I received gave me the confidence and foundation to pursue the path I was passionate about,” he said. Courses with influential professors, like Alec Johnson from the Department of Entrepreneurship, helped ignite his interests and equipped him with real-world skills.
Living out St. Thomas’ mission of working for the common good remains central to Hughes’ life. Through initiatives like Cocktails for a Cause, Central Standard supports over 100 nonprofits each year. Hughes also stays deeply involved in his community, serving on multiple boards and staying connected to St. Thomas through alumni engagement efforts.
When he’s not leading his company or giving back, Hughes enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, hunting, fly fishing and camping with his wife, Megan, and their two children, Henry and Merridy. To stay connected with Hughes, visit his LinkedIn profile.
“St. Thomas has had a profound impact on my life. It’s where I truly learned how to be an adult and take accountability for myself. The education I received gave me the confidence and foundation to pursue the path I was passionate about. For me, that path naturally led to entrepreneurship. The courses I took brought the subject to life and helped me develop the mindset and practical tools I needed to start my own businesses.”
“The St. Thomas mission of ‘all for the common good’ has deeply resonated with me throughout my life. My upbringing, my time at St. Thomas, and my strong sense of community have all inspired me to stay actively involved—whether that’s through serving on boards and committees, volunteering my time or giving back financially. I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my life, and I believe in using those blessings to make a meaningful difference.”
“Take full advantage of the tight-knit St. Thomas community—build relationships with professors, alumni and peers, because your network will be just as valuable as your degree.”
“St. Thomas offers the best of both worlds—a strong academic foundation paired with a close-knit, values-driven community that truly wants to see you succeed. From small class sizes and supportive professors to endless opportunities for leadership, service and real-world experience, St. Thomas empowers you to grow not just as a student, but as a whole person ready to make a meaningful impact.”
“Join clubs, student organizations or volunteer groups that align with your interests. Not only does this help you build a network, but it also makes campus life way more fun and fulfilling. Leadership roles in these groups can also look great on a resume.”
“Your professors are some of your greatest resources. Go to office hours, ask questions and engage in class. They can offer mentorship, write recommendation letters and even connect you to job or internship opportunities.”
“Study abroad, take a class outside your major, attend a random guest speaker event. These experiences often lead to unexpected growth and new interests. College is one of the few times you’ll be surrounded by so many opportunities in one place.”
“Try to get hands-on experience early—even if it’s just a part-time job, internship or shadowing opportunity. It’ll help you figure out what you do (and don’t) like before you graduate.”
“Balance is key. It’s easy to get caught up in stress or overcommitment, so make sure you’re eating well, moving your body and taking breaks when needed. There’s no success without wellness.”
“College is a prime time to meet lifelong friends, mentors and collaborators. Be intentional about building strong, authentic relationships. These people might be in your wedding—or your future business partners.”
“Everyone’s path is different. Don’t compare your timeline, major or experiences to others. Use college to figure out what you want out of life, and start building toward that vision.”