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#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)

jasperb — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:52:42 +0000

#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)jasperb July 10, 2026

James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach.

Brenna Jasper

Cindy Pawlcyn / Submitted photo

Before "farm-to-table" became a movement, before shareable small plates appeared on menus across the country and before Napa Valley became as well known for its food as its wine, Cindy Pawlcyn '77 was already helping shape the future of American dining. Over a career spanning more than four decades, the James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and cookbook author has helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. Her impact extends far beyond the iconic Mustards Grill, the Napa Valley restaurant she opened at 28 years old and continues to lead today. It lives on in the chefs and hospitality professionals she has developed and the generations of guests who have made her restaurants part of their family traditions.

For Pawlcyn, however, success has never been measured by awards or accolades. "I've made people happy," she said. "I've made customers happy. I've made purveyors happy. I've made my staff happy. I've given them the wherewithal to have their houses, have their lives and have their children. That's what I'm most proud of."

Cindy leading a 1975 Haute Cuisine dinner. / ��Ͽ� Polytechnic

That people-first philosophy has guided her career from the very beginning. Growing up in Minneapolis, Pawlcyn knew she wanted to become a chef long before it was common for women to pursue careers in professional kitchens. While attending ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, she immersed herself in hands-on learning, leading one of the university's renowned Haute Cuisine dinners while building the practical business knowledge that would later prove just as valuable as her culinary skills. Although accounting and hospitality law weren't her favorite classes, they became essential when it came time to understand financial statements, navigate legal issues and confidently run a business.

Cindy with chefs in Belize. / Submitted photo

After graduating, Pawlcyn studied cooking in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu and La Varenne before joining the Chicago-based restaurant company Lettuce Entertain You, where she learned how strong operational systems create space for creativity. There she met her future business partners who eventually invited her to California, setting in motion a career that would help transform Napa Valley into one of the country's premier culinary destinations.

Opening Mustards Grill at just 28 years old was the realization of a goal that Pawlcyn had been working towards for years. Mustards Grill featured its own garden when it opened in 1983, reflecting a commitment to seasonal, locally grown ingredients years before farm-to-table entered the culinary mainstream. At Fog City Diner in San Francisco, Pawlcyn introduced shareable small plates long before the concept became common in American restaurants. Rather than chasing what was popular, she built restaurants around the experiences she enjoyed herself.

"I always tried to base my restaurants on what I loved," she said. “As a chef, I love trying food!”

Cindy at Mustard's 40th anniversary celebration in 2023. / Submitted photo

Having worked for chefs who led through intimidation, Pawlcyn intentionally built kitchens where respect, collaboration and leading by example came first. She made a point of investing in her employees as people, taking an interest in their families and creating an environment where they wanted to stay. In an industry known for high turnover, some have worked alongside her for more than 35 years, while others spent decades in her restaurants before pursuing careers in other professions.

Her philosophy extends beyond the kitchen staff to the farmers, fishermen and suppliers who help make every meal possible. Pawlcyn has always viewed partnerships with farmers, fishermen and suppliers as essential to the restaurant's success. Many of those relationships have lasted decades. Those relationships have also helped Mustards Grill weather more than four decades of change, from economic downturns and shifting consumer tastes to wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through every challenge, Pawlcyn has remained committed to listening, adapting and never becoming complacent.

"The most important thing you can do is stay on the balls of your feet," she said. "Not get so confident that you know everything."

Cindy, her granddaughter and her husband. / Submitted photo

Now, families who first visited Mustards Grill decades ago are bringing their own children and grandchildren through its doors, creating new memories around the same tables. Pawlcyn herself recalls watching her granddaughter devour a plate of Mustards Grill's barbecue ribs, sauce covering her face as she eagerly reached for another bite. Pawlcyn was reminded of why she opened the restaurant in the first place: great food brings people together and creates memories that outlast the meal. For Pawlcyn, that was always the goal. "I want customers to be happy. I want them to be full. I want them to come back again," she said.

Looking back, Pawlcyn credits ��Ͽ� Polytechnic with providing not only the technical skills needed to succeed in hospitality but the practical foundation to adapt throughout her career and continue learning long after graduation.

Cindy and her family. / Submitted photo

When asked what makes her StoutProud, her answer reflects the same mindset that has shaped her life's work. "It gave me the backbone that I needed," she said. "I got as much out of my education as I could."

From pioneering culinary concepts that influenced restaurants across the country to mentoring hospitality professionals and creating places where people gather for generations, Pawlcyn's legacy isn't defined by a restaurant or award but by the lasting impact she's had on an industry built around bringing people together. It's a philosophy that has influenced an industry and reflects the practical, people-first foundation she built at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic.

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#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)

James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach.

#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)

Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide.

#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)

��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations.

James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach. Cindy Pawlcyn

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#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)

jasperb — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:13:34 +0000

#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)jasperb July 6, 2026

Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide.

Brenna Jasper

Michael Hilliger '22 / Submitted photo

Millions of viewers have seen the work Michael Hilliger ’22 has helped bring to life across film, streaming and gaming. Early in his career, he contributed animation to Amazon Prime Video’s "The Boys," an experience that quickly opened doors to larger responsibilities. Not long after, he stepped into a lead animator role on Apple TV+’s "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!", where he helped guide production on fast-moving episode schedules, supported remote teams working under tight deadlines and ensured fellow animators had the tools and clarity they needed to succeed.

His career has continued to expand across the entertainment industry, with work tied to projects for Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video and Wizards of the Coast, including Magic: The Gathering. He has also contributed to productions connected to major franchises such as Spider-Man, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Final Fantasy VII, building a portfolio that spans some of the most recognizable names in modern animation and entertainment.

Hilliger pictured with a billboard for The Boys. / Submitted photo

Animation has been Hilliger’s passion for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, he always knew he wanted to pursue a career in art. “I was really inspired by Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, and I just grew up always wanting to make cartoons,” he said. “On my first day of kindergarten, I came with drawings in hand to show my teacher.”

Although he initially considered attending a private art school, ��Ͽ� Polytechnic offered a more accessible path into animation. At ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, Hilliger studied under professors Michael Heagle, Kim Loken and Jerry Hui, who each influenced different parts of his development. Heagle met students where they were in their skill level, Loken challenged students to think and operate like professionals and Hui emphasized mastering the fundamentals that carry through every stage of production.

Hilliger pictured at “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act” animated movie premiere in Hollywood along with Lead Animator Kevin Temmer. / Submitted photo

The structure of the animation program also reflected the collaborative nature of the industry. Team-based projects taught Hilliger how to communicate clearly, manage deadlines and adapt to shifting production needs while also learning how different creative roles depend on one another to bring a story to life. Those experiences became especially relevant when he accepted an opportunity to work on "The Boys" while still completing his final semester. While working on "The Boys", Hilliger stood out not only for his technical work but also for his willingness to support teammates. He helped other animators troubleshoot complex production software, an approach that caught the attention of project leaders.

After graduating, Hilliger continued building his experience through an internship with Minneapolis animation studio MAKE, where he assisted with several projects, including "House on the Outlands," "Dead Moon Walking" and "Sunny Side Down." When the same studio he had worked with on "The Boys" later began production on "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!", they invited him back, this time stepping into a lead animator position after previously entering the industry in an entry-level role.

Promotional art for Hilliger's senior film, the animated short "Marcus the Teenager's Never-Ending Quest for Popularity." / Submitted photo

Leading a fully remote animation team during a period when studios were still redefining production workflows reinforced the importance of communication, clarity and adaptability alongside artistic skill. In that role, Hilliger’s impact extended beyond animation itself, helping teams stay aligned, supported and on schedule in an environment where miscommunication could easily derail production. Today, Hilliger continues working across major entertainment projects while developing his own creative work for future release. His ��Ͽ� Polytechnic senior film now serves as the pilot for a project he is expanding into future episodes and plans to crowdfund. He also recently contributed animation work to a newly announced series of shorts for Adult Swim Smalls, "Soup Frogs".

For students hoping to follow a similar path in the entertainment industry, Hilliger emphasizes one lesson above all else: relationships matter. “I’ve never gotten a job by submitting my résumé,” he said. “It’s always been talking to someone over coffee, staying in touch and them remembering I exist.”

That emphasis on relationships is something he traces directly back to his time at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic. Looking back, the most lasting impact of ��Ͽ� Polytechnic came not only from technical training but from the people who shaped his growth along the way. “At the end of the day,” he said, “you only really need two or three good professors. Those relationships change everything.”

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#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)

James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach.

#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)

Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide.

#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)

��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations.

Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide. Michael Hilliger Yo Gabba Gabbaland

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#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)

jasperb — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:27:25 +0000

#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)jasperb July 1, 2026

��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations.

Brenna Jasper

Wade Lambrigtsen '00

As communities across the country prepare to mark America's 250th anniversary, many are taking a closer look at how history, industry and culture shape the places they call home. In Menomonie, ��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni Megan McDowell '25 and Lin Boland '25 and current student Lily '27 are helping tell those stories through Murals in Menomonie, a community art initiative led by ��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumnus and 2024 Luminary Alumni Award winner Wade Lambrigtsen '00. Together, they are using public art to celebrate local history, strengthen community pride and create spaces that invite people to connect.

Lambrigtsen, owner of Vintage Sign Shop, believes public art does more than beautify a space. "It's about community pride,” he said. “These murals tell the story of Menomonie and celebrate the people, industries and events that shaped our community. We have such a rich history and bringing it to life through art is something everyone can experience. It also brings people downtown to explore, support local businesses and see our community in a new way."

Megan McDowell '25

In addition to Murals in Menomonie, McDowell, Boland and Lily are artists who participated in the 2024 Graffiti and Street Art course at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, taught by Lambrigtsen and professor Cynthia Bland. Their class collaborated on a campus mural that introduced the students to the importance, significance and impact of public art.

McDowell, an animation graduate now working as a freelance illustrator and animator, says that experience expanded how she understands storytelling beyond digital media. She returned to participate in Murals in Menomonie to continue developing her mural work and collaborating with other artists. “I hope the murals make people stop, smile and feel connected to where they are,” she said. “It’s about taking stories that live in a place and making them visible in everyday life.” Today, she continues using visual storytelling to help audiences see the world in new ways.

Lily '27

As a future art educator and apprentice with Vintage Sign Shop, Lily hopes to make creativity accessible to every student while using public art to strengthen connections between people and place. She returned to contribute to new mural work that invites public engagement and highlights local identity, and was on the team that painted the mural on the ��Ͽ� Polytechnic administration building. “Art should be something everyone can access,” she said. “Murals give people a way to see themselves in the story of their community.” She plans to bring that philosophy into the classroom, creating spaces where students and communities alike feel seen and connected.

Lin Boland '25

Boland, a former Vintage Sign Shop apprentice, credits the 2024 mural project with providing hands-on experience in collaborative public art that continues to shape her classroom today. As an elementary art teacher in Altoona, she introduces young learners to creativity, confidence and self-expression while showing them their ideas can make an impact. “I want my students to see that their ideas matter and can exist beyond the classroom,” she said. “When they see their work in a shared space, they understand they are part of something larger.”

For Lambrigtsen, seeing his former students return as fellow artists reflects the lasting impact of ��Ͽ� Polytechnic's applied learning and the relationships built through public art. "Seeing former students come back as artists is incredible," Lambrigtsen said. "We have 10 former students participating this year, and watching their confidence grow has been one of the most rewarding parts. Some are now creating murals in their own communities. Seeing them take what they learned at Stout and use it to make an impact makes me incredibly proud."

While the murals have transformed public spaces in Menomonie, their impact extends far beyond the city. For the artists involved, the project provided the opportunity and experience to continue creating public art, inspiring others and strengthening communities wherever their careers take them.

Additional returning artists participating in Murals in Menomonie who studied under Lambrigtsen at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic include: Aaron Hoyt, Lloyd Schlomer, Gao ‘Pretti’ Zhong Thao, Angelina Yang

Former Vintage Sign Shop apprentices participating in the project include: Camile Lemm, Alexandra Lubahn, Wren Path

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#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)

James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach.

#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)

Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide.

#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)

��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations. Wade Lambrigtsen

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#StoutProud: Britta Rotering ('03, '09, '15, '25)

jasperb — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:06:06 +0000

#StoutProud: Britta Rotering ('03, '09, '15, '25)jasperb June 10, 2026

Britta Rotering has expanded educational opportunities that connect students to hands-on learning and clear pathways to college and careers.

Brenna Jasper

Britta Rotering / Submitted photo

Four-time ��Ͽ� Polytechnic graduate Britta Rotering is helping reshape how students prepare for their futures. As supervisor of career and technical education (CTE) for the School District of La Crosse, she oversees career pathways, dual-credit opportunities, youth apprenticeships that connect students with paid workplace experiences and the district's four academies, including La Crosse Polytechnic School. Under her leadership, the district has expanded career pathways, grown industry partnerships and created new opportunities for students to become future-ready.

Her passion for career and technical education began early. "As a middle school student, I took my first CTE course and fell madly in love," Rotering said. "That was where everything clicked."

By high school, she knew she wanted a career that combined teaching, service and career-focused learning. When a teacher told her about ��Ͽ� Polytechnic's family and consumer science education program, she scheduled a campus visit. "Even though it was pouring rain during my campus tour, I knew I had found home," she recalled.

Britta (right) during her time while deployed. / Submitted photo

Rotering attended ��Ͽ� Polytechnic while serving in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, balancing military commitments with her studies. She went on to earn four degrees from the university: a bachelor's degree in family and consumer science education, a master's degree in education, an Educational Specialist degree in career and technical education and a Doctor of Education in career and technical education leadership.

One of the most memorable chapters of her educational journey came during her deployment, where she continued coursework toward her master's degree. "Stout did everything they could to work with me," she said. "I had VCR tapes mailed to me and I hand-wrote papers in a notebook. I completed coursework whenever I had downtime. That connection to learning helped me stay focused and gave me something to work toward."

Britta was awarded an award of merit at the 2026 Region III CTE Conference. / Submitted photo

After 16 years as a teacher, Rotering moved into administration, where she could expand opportunities for students on a larger scale. Today, she oversees a wide range of initiatives designed to help students explore careers, earn college credit and gain real-world experience before graduation.

One of her proudest accomplishments has been expanding opportunities across all 16 career pathways in the district. Those pathways include stacked coursework, dual-credit options, work-based learning experiences, career and technical student organizations and industry-recognized credentials. Rotering also serves as coordinator for the La Crosse Youth Apprenticeship Consortium, which placed more than 100 students in paid apprenticeship experiences last year. "I get to build strong career pathways for students, families and community members," Rotering said. "The goal is to help students become future-ready."

Her work has also transformed opportunities in areas that previously had little or no presence in the district. When Rotering arrived in La Crosse, the district had no agriscience program and students interested in agriculture had limited or no in-district pathways. By creating a staffed program with three educators, supporting FFA chapters and adding a greenhouse, Rotering built an agriscience program from the ground up, expanding it into multiple student opportunities where students can earn leadership experience and gain hands-on skills in a facility that mirrors real-world environments.

Rotering also supports La Crosse Polytechnic School, a project-based learning environment where students explore interdisciplinary challenges and discover new passions. In her role overseeing career and technical education, she works in partnership with the school’s principal to align programming with the broader polytechnic philosophy that shaped her own education at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic.

Britta (center) at her ��Ͽ� Polytechnic doctoral degree graduation. / Submitted photo

Throughout her career, Rotering has carried Stout's polytechnic philosophy with her. She credits faculty members such as Diane Klemme, Urs Haltinner and Deanna Schultz for shaping her approach to leadership and lifelong learning. "I can't think of one professional accomplishment that wouldn't have been possible without ��Ͽ� Polytechnic," she said. "Stout prepared me, supported me and encouraged me through every stage of my career."

Whether she is developing new career pathways, mentoring educators or helping students discover their future, Rotering carries the lessons of ��Ͽ� Polytechnic with her every day.

"Stout is home," she said. "It's the place that helped me become who I am."

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#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)

James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach.

#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)

Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide.

#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)

��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations.

Britta Rotering has expanded educational opportunities that connect students to hands-on learning and clear pathways to to college and careers. Britta Rotering

Alumni

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#StoutProud: Chuck Appeldoorn ('78)

jasperb — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:13:17 +0000

#StoutProud: Chuck Appeldoorn ('78)jasperb June 3, 2026

Chuck Appeldoorn’s professional journey spans cable recovery, hospitality and brewing, all centered on building opportunity and community growth.

Chuck and Marilyn Appeldoorn / Submitted photo

Chuck Appeldoorn has spent decades building businesses that create opportunity, bring people together and leave a lasting mark on the communities around them. His entrepreneurial journey has spanned industries ranging from cable operations to hospitality, recreation and tourism. At the height of owning a cable recovery business, Appeldoorn managed a nationwide operation that recovered more than one million cable boxes annually and supported a network of 600 to 800 independent contractors. In northern Minnesota, his family’s growing portfolio of resorts, golf properties and recreation businesses has helped drive tourism, create jobs and transform aging properties into destinations where families gather, celebrate milestones and return year after year. Through every venture, Appeldoorn has remained focused on creating experiences, opportunities and long-term community impact.

Submitted photo

Growing up in Northfield, Minnesota, Appeldoorn’s parents owned a hardware store and he saw firsthand the realities of operating a small business. In high school, he wasn’t especially focused on academics, and after graduating he set out on a cross-country trip in a Volkswagen bus during the Vietnam era, unsure of what direction his life would take. A stop in southwest Wisconsin introduced him to a vocational program in retail sales, and that experience gave him a starting point.

Chuck became deeply invested in his education, discovering an interest in business. That path led him to the UW–Stout Polytechnic, where he found an environment that emphasized applied learning and real-world application. He built lasting friendships, connected with faculty who made learning engaging and developed a mindset grounded in taking initiative. “That’s really where the story shifted for me. I came to ��Ͽ� because they accepted my associate degree, and I didn’t have a clear direction at the time. I just knew I needed to keep moving forward, and Stout gave me that next step.”

After graduating, Appeldoorn explored a variety of ventures. He sold products, ran routes, and tested different ideas before identifying an opportunity in the early cable industry. Companies struggled to recover disconnected equipment, and Appeldoorn developed a practical, disciplined system to do it more effectively. He mapped territories, streamlined processes, and focused on consistency, approaching the work with a level of organization that set him apart.

His performance led to expanded responsibilities, additional markets, and eventually a network of independent contractors operating under his model. The business scaled rapidly, reaching cities across the country and securing national contracts. At its peak, Appeldoorn managed 600 to 800 contractors and oversaw operations that recovered over a million pieces of equipment annually. Along the way, he created flexible income opportunities for others, reinforcing a philosophy he still believes in: when you help others succeed, growth follows.

Aerial view of Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort on Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota. / Submitted photo

In 2004, Appeldoorn purchased a former fishing resort on Mille Lacs Lake that had fallen into disrepair. Over time, the resort grew into Appeldoorn’s Sunset Bay Resort, expanding to include cabins, event spaces and amenities designed for weddings, reunions and multi-generational gatherings.

“When we bought the resort, the vision was always to turn it into a place where families could come together,” he said. “Seeing weddings, reunions and families coming back year after year is probably the most rewarding part of it.”

Chuck also owns Northwood Hills Golf. / Submitted photo

That same philosophy carried into additional investments in recreation properties, including golf courses and RV developments designed to support family travel and tourism in the region. Fiddlestix RV Park and Mini Golf was made into a large-scale RV destination, with space intentionally designed to encourage connection and long stays.

More recently, Appeldoorn’s portfolio has expanded into the beverage industry. “We’re involved in some breweries too,” he said. “That’s just starting, more on the investment side. It’s another example of how things evolve when you stay open to opportunity and relationships.”

Appeldoorn’s work supports seasonal employment in a rural region, strengthens local tourism and contributes to a broader ecosystem of family-oriented destinations around Lake Mille Lacs. His leadership style reflects a mix of adaptability and persistence, shaped by decades of building, adjusting and continuing forward.

Chuck along with fellow Stout alumni in New Orleans. / Submitted photo

Appeldoorn credits ��Ͽ� Polytechnic with giving him both direction and lifelong relationships that continue to influence his life and work. Looking back, Appeldoorn does not measure success by a single venture or milestone, but by the full scope of experiences and opportunities created along the way.

“If you use the game of baseball as life, show all your hits, strikeouts, home runs and errors,” he said. “Just don’t show you didn’t play the game.”

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#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)

James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach.

#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)

Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide.

#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)

��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations.

Alumnus Chuck Appeldoorn turned early business lessons into a career spanning cable, hospitality and brewing that support jobs and community growth. Chuck and Marilyn Appeldoorn

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#StoutProud: Chuck ('85) and Patti ('86) McGinnis

jasperb — Thu, 28 May 2026 20:43:18 +0000

#StoutProud: Chuck ('85) and Patti ('86) McGinnisjasperb May 28, 2026

Through sustainable infrastructure leadership and human-centered design, Chuck and Patti McGinnis are shaping spaces where people learn, heal, work and live across North America.

Brenna Jasper

Chuck and Patti McGinnis have spent decades shaping the way people experience buildings, campuses, workplaces and healthcare environments across the country. As the sustainable infrastructure vice president of sales and development for North America with Johnson Controls, Chuck oversees energy and infrastructure initiatives that influence billions of dollars in guaranteed energy savings annually. He and his teams have helped organizations modernize facilities, improve sustainability and rethink how buildings support the people inside them. Chuck’s work has spanned university campuses, hospitals and large-scale infrastructure systems across North America. Each year, the projects his teams oversee account for roughly $6 billion in guaranteed energy savings.

Patti focused her career on designing environments that support and enhance our human experience. As an interior designer within the commercial architectural field, she found success in responding to and prioritizing the changing dynamic of the new ways that people work, live and heal. She prioritizes solutions that go beyond aesthetics, considering how light, sound, air quality, color and materials within an environment can be used to influence emotion, comfort, health, productivity and human behavior. This approach has served her clients well and continues to guide her work today at McGinnis Design LLC. Together, Patti and Chuck’s careers reflect the power of applied learning, a holistic mindset and the education they received at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic.

Chuck and Patti McGinnis / Submitted photo

Chuck and Patti met while attending technical college in Madison. Patti discovered her passion for interior design and decided to continue building on that foundation. ��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s strong reputation and willingness to accept transfer credits made it the right fit. Chuck, initially focused on baseball and real estate, followed Patti to Stout and redirected his career path, which led to early leadership opportunities on campus and beyond.

At ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, Patti benefited from interdisciplinary, project-based learning that mirrored professional design challenges. Her senior design project required collaboration across disciplines, bringing together students in graphic design, marketing and business strategy to develop a concept focused on a community wellness and rehabilitation center. The experience strengthened her skills and validated her instincts when the project earned first-place recognition, an early confidence boost in her career. “At Stout, we worked across disciplines and integrated all of our ideas together. It mirrored the real world in a way that was incredibly valuable,” Patti said. “I had an amazing portfolio when I left Stout, and I was told that repeatedly in interviews. I received a great education at ��Ͽ�. It served me well.”

For Chuck, the turning point came from an unexpected place. After being told his academic record would likely limit his opportunities, he leaned into the recommended coursework, enrolling in technical classes ranging from power mechanics and electronics to strength of materials and alternative energy systems. As a result, Chuck developed a practical understanding of complex systems that would later distinguish him professionally. While many business students learned theory in the classroom, ��Ͽ� Polytechnic gave him direct experience working with real equipment and systems, helping him quickly understand the technical side of buildings and infrastructure once he entered the workforce. “That applied, lab-based education gave me an advantage,” he said. “You can take business classes anywhere. The industry and technology piece was what changed everything for me.”

That applied learning environment became the foundation for a nearly 40-year career in energy and infrastructure leadership. Chuck joined Honeywell immediately after graduation before eventually building a national leadership career with Johnson Controls during a period of massive transformation in the energy industry. Early in his career, energy efficiency was often treated as an afterthought. Today, it sits at the center of organizational strategy, sustainability planning and long-term infrastructure investment.

Chuck with Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm in 2024. / Submitted photo

His work focuses on helping organizations create smarter, more sustainable buildings by integrating technologies and systems in ways that deliver measurable operational and financial results. Universities, healthcare systems and major institutions rely on those projects not only to reduce energy consumption, but to improve the overall human experience within their facilities. “What we do is make buildings better for people to live in, from an experience perspective, from a safety perspective and from a sustainability perspective. The work is technical, but ultimately it impacts the human condition.”

One of Chuck’s most impactful projects helped transform a major public university campus through a $275 million modernization effort. His team replaced an aging coal-fired steam plant, upgraded core infrastructure and reimagined student housing to better support today’s learners. The project reduced outdated housing inventory by 1,000 beds while creating a more connected residential experience centered around modern amenities and community spaces.

Chuck presenting at the National Association of Energy Service Companies Conference in 2026. / Submitted photo

Today, Chuck’s leadership extends far beyond technical systems. He mentors and develops teams across North America, helping lead an organization that supports hundreds of employees and their families. Much of his work now focuses on coaching leaders, building high-performing teams and helping organizations adapt to changing demands in energy, infrastructure and sustainability.

While Chuck’s work transforms large-scale systems, Patti’s work shapes how people feel and function within them. Early in her career, she developed a strong foundation in commercial interiors and space planning, skills directly shaped by her education at Stout and strengthened through years of work with architectural firms and commercial design teams.

As Patti’s career evolved, so did her focus on the deeper relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. “Design is about supporting human needs. That became my driving force,” Patti says. “I realized I actually had the ability to change the way people work, heal and live through the spaces around them.”

One of Patti's designs for construction company JF Findorff & Sons. / Submitted photo

One project stands out as a testament to that philosophy: while leading the redesign and expansion of a hospice care facility, Patti helped pioneer a deeply human-centered approach to healthcare interiors. Rather than beginning with finishes or furniture, the team focused on the emotional and sensory experiences of patients, families and caregivers. Acoustics, lighting, air quality and material choices were all intentionally designed to create calm, dignity and comfort during some of life’s most difficult moments. The project became deeply personal for Patti, whose own experiences navigating care for her parents further reinforced the importance of environments that support both physical and emotional well-being. More than two decades later, the facility still reflects the intentionality of that work, a lasting testament to the power thoughtful design can have on human experience.

After years of experience in commercial and healthcare interiors, Patti launched McGinnis Design in 2015 with a deep understanding of both the technical and emotional dimensions of design. In addition to her client work, she continues exploring the relationship between design, color theory and human behavior, including research and writing focused on how environments influence emotion and well-being.

The common thread throughout Chuck and Patti’s work is the understanding of how environments influence people’s lives. Their projects influence how students experience campus life, how patients and families navigate healthcare environments, how organizations reduce energy consumption and how people feel in the spaces they occupy every day.

Their pride in ��Ͽ� Polytechnic is rooted in the foundation the university provided. For Chuck and Patti, it was the place where curiosity became confidence and hands-on learning opportunities allowed two students searching for direction to discover careers that would ultimately shape industries, communities and countless lives.

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Through innovative design and sustainable infrastructure, Chuck and Patti McGinnis are creating spaces that help people learn, heal and thrive. Chuck and Patti McGinnis

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#StoutProud: Erik Gordon ('12)

jasperb — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:10:43 +0000

#StoutProud: Erik Gordon ('12)jasperb May 27, 2026

Partnering with global outdoor brands and helping raise millions for cancer research, Erik Gordon shows how creativity can inspire action and drive impact.

Brenna Jasper

Erik Gordon / Submitted photo

Erik Gordon has never approached life conventionally. What began with a solo cross-country bike trip and a Craigslist van eventually grew into Carabiner Coffee, a nationally recognized lifestyle brand that partnered with outdoor industry leaders including Patagonia, The North Face and Smartwool. Today, as marketing director for Curebound in San Diego, he helps create large-scale events featuring artists such as Elton John and Pink that draw tens of thousands of attendees and raise millions of dollars for cancer research. Across every chapter of his career, Gordon has used creativity, community and storytelling to create experiences that inspire people to connect, take action and pursue lives driven by purpose.

Growing up in Waconia, Minnesota, Erik was both an artsy and outdoorsy kid. He spent his teenage years performing as the frontman of a local band, exploring music and performance before deciding to channel his creativity into visual arts. That decision led him to UW–Stout Polytechnic, where he pursued a degree in studio art with a focus on oil painting.

Erik pictured with a group from Stout Adventures. / Submitted photo

At ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, Erik discovered experiences that would shape the trajectory of his life and career. He joined the Freshman Wilderness Experience, a weeklong deep-water kayaking trip that fostered resilience, teamwork and lifelong friendships. On campus, he became part of the art floor, a residential cohort where students progressed together through the art curriculum, building technical skills while creating a collaborative, supportive community. When he first tried rock climbing on the campus climbing wall, it sparked a passion that became a defining thread in his personal and professional life. These experiences reinforced Gordon’s belief in exploration, collaboration and pursuing what inspires him.

“So much of what shaped me at Stout happened outside of the classroom just as much as inside it,” he says. “The people I met, the shared projects, the late nights and the creative energy of being surrounded by other students all built this foundation of collaboration and curiosity that I still rely on today.”

After graduation, Erik embarked on a three-month solo bike journey across the country, which not only satisfied his love of adventure but also introduced him to his first real cup of coffee. That experience planted the seed for Carabiner Coffee, a business that combined adventure, storytelling and entrepreneurship.

Taken during Erik's 4000 mile solo bike tour across the country shortly after graduating in 2012. / Submitted photo

Starting with a van bought off Craigslist, Erik traveled the country selling coffee, building a following and forging partnerships with outdoor brands such as Patagonia, The North Face and Smartwool. These collaborations amplified his message, connecting with audiences worldwide and turning coffee into a vehicle for inspiration. He says, “Once I started working with larger, global brands, everything began to snowball in a way I didn’t expect. Those partnerships didn’t just expand the reach of the business, they validated the story I was already trying to tell and helped connect with audiences I never could have reached on my own.”

Through Carabiner Coffee, Erik not only sold coffee but also built community. He mentored others, supported creative collaborations and turned the brand into a platform where stories and ideas could intersect. His work showed that impact is not just about what you do but how it touches the lives of others.

“I realized I wasn’t really selling coffee. I was creating a way for people to step into a lifestyle where they felt like they could go out and build the kind of life they wanted for themselves. Coffee just happened to be the medium that brought people into that conversation,” Erik recalls.

Captured during Erik's second visit to Mt. Everest Basecamp in 2018. / Submitted photo

Today, Erik brings that same philosophy to his role as marketing director at Curebound, a San Diego-based cancer research nonprofit. He designs immersive experiences, including large-scale stadium concerts featuring artists such as Elton John and Pink, that raise millions of dollars for research while connecting with thousands of attendees. He has also developed partnerships with local businesses to create everyday touchpoints for cancer support, making the cause tangible and accessible. Every campaign is rooted in the lessons he learned at Stout: how to foster connection, create meaningful experiences and inspire action.

“When you are working in something like cancer research, you realize quickly that you only have a few seconds to make someone feel something real. If you can create even a brief moment where people connect emotionally to the mission, that can be the difference between awareness and actual action," he says.

Reflecting on his journey, Erik notes that the ��Ͽ� Polytechnic community continues to shape his work. “The people I met on the art floor and in the climbing community are not just friends, they are collaborators, mentors and co-creators,” he says. “The creativity, resilience and curiosity I developed at Stout are present in everything I do.”

For Erik, being #StoutProud means carrying his sense of possibility into every endeavor and inspiring others to do the same. “Positivity and belief have carried me through every chapter of my life. If there is anything I hope people take away from my journey, it is that you do not have to wait for the perfect plan or moment. You just start building, keep going, and let the story unfold as you create it.”

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Partnering with global outdoor brands and helping raise millions for cancer research, Erik Gordon shows how creativity can inspire action and drive impact. Erik Gordon

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Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits ��Ͽ� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

goersab — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:09:58 +0000

Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits ��Ͽ� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’goersab May 18, 2026

Student speakers at May 16 ceremonies encourage peers to act with compassion, courage, and to continue learning

Abbey Goers

Outstanding and retired educator Bryan Albrecht, a three-time alum at ��Ͽ�, crossed the commencement stage once again on May 16 – not to receive an additional diploma, but as a guest speaker to address Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University’s Class of 2026.

During three commencement ceremonies, celebrating 1,067 graduates in Johnson Fieldhouse, Albrecht encouraged students to keep moving forward with courage and compassion, even when their lives’ scripts don’t go as planned.

Albrecht is a recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Wisconsin Association for Career and Technical Education, as well as ��Ͽ�’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

The three student speakers joined him in sharing messages of the importance of lifting each other up, having the courage to follow your own path, and to always continue to learn:

Noah Rosenberger, of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, B.S. hotel, restaurant and tourism management, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management speaker.
Sumnima Devkota, of Kathmandu, Nepal, B.S. psychology, College of Arts and Human Sciences speaker.
Cory Bloomer, of Stevens Point, M.S. risk control and safety management, Graduate Studies speaker.

On May 6, at ��Ͽ�’s annual Leadership Awards, Rosenberger and Devkota were awarded the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, alongside 12 of their peers. The Wood Medallion is the university’s highest nonacademic honor for students, for their outstanding leadership, involvement and service.

Of this year’s graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, while 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

The courage to keep moving forward

When Albrecht graduated with his bachelor’s in industrial education in 1984, he believed his life had a clear script. “I planned to become a teacher and a coach. Over time, that path expanded into roles as an educator, a state administrator, and eventually a college president. It was a career filled with purpose, growth, and opportunities to serve others — and ��Ͽ� was the foundation that made it possible,” he said.

Career educator Albrecht honored with Distinguished Alumni Award

Bryan Albrecht has received ��Ͽ�’s highest award bestowed on a former graduate.

For many years, Albrecht’s life followed a script that felt predictable and steady. A Fond du Lac native, he began his professional life as a career and technical education teacher in the Cornell and Kewaunee school districts. In 1987, he joined the state Department of Public Instruction in technology education and earned his master’s in technology education in 1988. He went on to earn his Education Specialist degree in 2008.

Albrecht was named president of Gateway Technical College in Racine in 2006. Then, shortly after he retired in 2022, everything changed when his wife, Lisa, passed away in a tragic accident.

“In an instant, the script I thought I was following disappeared. The future I imagined suddenly looked very different,” Albrecht said. “Many people in this room will face moments like that in life. Moments when the path forward is unclear. Moments when life does not unfold the way you expected.

“But here is something I learned during that difficult time: Even when life goes off script, it can still be filled with meaning, purpose and hope. The world you are entering needs people who are resilient. People who are compassionate. People who are willing to step forward when life goes off script. And that is exactly the kind of graduates ��Ͽ� prepares,” he added.

Albrecht reminded the Class of 2026 that ��Ͽ� has given them more than a degree. “It has given you the ability to solve problems, to think creatively, to collaborate with others, and to turn ideas into real solutions that improve the world. The skills you carry with you today are powerful. But even more powerful are the values you developed here – curiosity, persistence, integrity, and the courage to keep moving forward. The future will be shaped by people exactly like you. Go forward ready to change the world in ways both big and small.”

‘To lift up the people coming after us.’

Rosenberger knew he wanted a four-year degree in hospitality, and with the help of his high school culinary instructor, he connected with industry professionals to find “the right fit.” That fit for Rosenberger was ��Ͽ�.

“Little did I know then how much the people here would change the trajectory of my life. The ‘Stout community’ transformed from a phrase in a brochure into a lived reality,” he said. “This is a place that pushes us, reinforces us and ultimately defines us. There is a unique magic in our shared identity.”

But this community doesn’t end at graduation, added Rosenberger, the Stout Student Association president. “That’s what StoutProud means to me: being part of a community that genuinely cares and carrying that forward into my career and back to this place.

“We all have a responsibility to lift up the people coming after us. Impact comes from showing up and believing we all belong. My message to you is straightforward: stay StoutProud, and when you’re in a position to help, do it for the next class – the way those who have crossed this same stage before have helped us. We have a world to change, and I know we are the ones who can do it,” he said.

‘We are far more capable than we believe.’

After graduating high school in Kathmandu, Devkota took a gap year to figure out what she wanted to do in life. She moved to the land of dreams – the USA – and enrolled at ��Ͽ� as a computer networking major.

“A path that wasn’t for me,” she said. “It didn’t feel right, but I stayed. I convinced myself that it was too late to change my mind. I told myself to keep on going and to push through. And I did … until I couldn’t anymore.”

So, in the second semester of her junior year, at a time when it felt like everyone else had their lives figured out, Devkota changed her major to psychology. “There was a huge lingering feeling of uncertainty. What if this isn’t for me either? What if I fail here, too? I am already behind everyone else.

“But what I didn’t realize then is something I understand now. I was never behind. I just started from a different place,” she said. “As a first-generation college student, navigating a new country, a new culture, and a new version of myself, I wasn’t running the same race. My starting line was different. Once I understood that, everything began to shift.”

Each of these experiences at ��Ͽ� has shaped Devkota into who she is today, challenged her to become a better version of herself, and connected her to something bigger than herself, she said.

“I stand here as someone who came across the world uncertain, questioning and still searching,” Devkota said. “And if there is one thing I have learned, it’s this: If I can take those risks, face that uncertainty, and still find my way forward, then so can you. Not because it’s easy, but because we are far more capable than we believe.

“So, as we step into what comes next, don’t wait until you feel ready. Don’t wait until everything makes sense. Don’t wait until you are certain. Because certainty is rare. But courage? Courage is a choice.”

‘Our learning does not conclude today.’

Bloomer’s early life felt quite hopeless, he said. Growing up in fear of an abusive father, he later spent two years as a ward of the state in protective services. His hopelessness festered into anger and resentment.

“I dropped out of high school at 17, and I was not a contributing member of society as a young man. I spent time in a 6x9 cell for petty crimes, and I hit bottom after a reckless endangering safety felony conviction,” he said, noting the irony that he later pursued a risk control and safety management degree.

Bloomer became a father at age 24 and was awarded full-time custody of his son when he was 33. “This was a spark that forever changed me,” he said.

He earned his GED and was inspired to keep learning. At Blackhawk Technical College, he studied process engineering and management and was voted Phi Theta Kappa chapter president. He earned cum laude designation at UW-Green Bay, where he studied leadership.

Bloomer went on to achieve credentials in project management, Lean Six Sigma, engineering sustainability and completed the fire academy to become a volunteer firefighter.

“At 48 years old, I stand in front of you with a promise. Our learning does not conclude today,” Bloomer said. “We are forever students in this life. The path that brought you here today may have been a different path than mine; at least I certainly hope it was. Today, we share this space together, and I’m hopeful that our paths will cross again. Until then, go forward, engage, be kind and always continue to learn.”

Graduates recognized at Stanley Correctional Institution

In addition to those who graduated in Johnson Fieldhouse, a smaller cohort of students celebrated commencement in a different setting: inside Stanley Correctional Institution. Six students received B.S. management and leadership degrees May 20 as part of a recently launched program inside the institution.

"��Ͽ�'s polytechnic identity – applied, industry-informed, career-focused – pertains to our students wherever they learn,” said ��Ͽ� Provost Glendalí Rodríguez. “Our first cohort at of six B.S. management and leadership graduates from Stanley Correctional Institution has demonstrated this at every stage: crafting realistic business plans with professional feedback in Business Finance, conducting original qualitative research on their own experience in the Prison Education Initiative, and facilitating a three-hour re-entry simulation to help community members understand the challenges people face upon re-entering society. These aren’t approximations of a polytechnic education – they’re the real thing. We congratulate the Class of 2026 on earning a University of Wisconsin-Stout polytechnic degree.”

The program is part of the University of Wisconsin Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (UW CHEP), a collaborative delivering in-person college courses, certificates and degree pathways to students in seven correctional institutions across Wisconsin.

The UW CHEP collaborative is coordinated by UW-Madison through its Prison Education Initiative (PEI), in partnership with ��Ͽ�, UW-Green Bay, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. This spring’s graduates were the first incarcerated students to receive degrees from Universities of Wisconsin schools in more than 50 years.

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Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here

Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille, B.S. Business Administration

Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

Student speakers at May 16 ceremonies encourage peers to act with compassion, courage, and to continue learning Spring Commencement 2026

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#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)

jasperb — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:45:24 +0000

#StoutProud: Ashley Abts ('19)jasperb May 13, 2026

Ashley Abts helps guide strategic site decisions at Krispy Kreme, influencing where the brand grows and creating spaces that bring lasting value and connection to communities

Brenna Jasper

Ashley Abts / Submitted photo

When a new storefront opens, most people see the finished result. For Ashley Abts, the vision starts long before opening day. As a manager of real estate development at Krispy Kreme, Abts helps identify and secure locations where the brand can extend its reach into communities across the country while also managing landlord relationships and communicating portfolio recommendations to company leadership.. Her work helps determine where businesses grow and where communities gain new gathering spaces nationwide. Each site represents a multimillion-dollar investment and a long-term presence in a community, making early decisions critical to both business success and local impact.

“We’re all consumers,” Abts said. “It’s fun to work with brands that people recognize and care about. Being part of bringing something into a community that creates joy is really rewarding.”

Abts was born in the San Francisco area before moving to Wisconsin with her family at a young age. After high school, she initially enrolled at Arizona State University to study interior design, but after a year she realized the path was not quite right.

“I still wanted to be around the world of design and architecture,” she said. “I just realized I didn’t necessarily want to be the one doing the creative work.”

Ashley at her ��Ͽ� graduation / Submitted photo

That realization led her to the real estate property management program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Abts immersed herself, joining the Institute of Real Estate Management student club and building connections through industry tours and internships. Faculty members like John Sobota and Fred Prassas and an internship with Weidner Apartment Homes helped students understand the many directions a real estate career can take while encouraging them to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. Those experiences gave her early exposure to the full lifecycle of development and helped her build the professional network that launched her career. Her background in studying property management also gave her a strong foundation in building relationships with landlords, tenants and community partners — skills that continue to play an important role in her work today.

After graduating, Abts moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in real estate development. From there, she gained experience working for developers, launching veterinary clinics in new markets and working with global brands including Tiffany & Co., where she supported real estate operations for one of the world’s most recognized luxury retailers.

Today, part of her work at Krispy Kreme focuses on evaluating potential sites and guiding projects from concept to reality. That process involves coordinating with brokers, engineers, city planners and community stakeholders to determine whether a location will support both the company’s goals and the long-term needs of the surrounding area — decisions that ultimately shape whether a project moves forward. Long before construction begins, Abts and her team analyze zoning requirements, traffic patterns, accessibility and neighborhood fit to ensure each project can succeed long-term. Those early insights help prevent costly missteps while ensuring each new location adds value to the community it serves.

Submitted photo

In one recent project in Fridley, Minnesota, the team worked toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability and thoughtful development. This effort required careful planning and collaboration to reduce environmental impact while creating a space that fits naturally within the surrounding neighborhood. The result is a space designed not just for efficiency, but for long-term community benefit.

“We look at things like how employees will get there, how the site fits into the neighborhood, building attributes and what the long-term impact will be,” Abts said. “It’s about making sure the location works for everyone involved.”

Looking back, Abts credits her time at Stout with helping launch a career that allows her to shape how businesses grow and how communities evolve.

“I’m proud of the community I built at Stout,” she said. “The friendships, the connections and everything I learned there helped shape where I am today.”

As she continues helping companies expand into new markets, Abts remains energized by seeing projects come to life. For Abts, the impact is about creating places people return to again and again. “It’s exciting to watch something go from an idea to a real place where people gather,” she said. “Being able to help create those spaces is something I’m really proud of.”

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��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations.

Ashley Abts (’19) helps guide where Krispy Kreme grows, creating spaces that bring people together and add lasting value to communities. Ashley Abts

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#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)

jasperb — Thu, 07 May 2026 16:48:56 +0000

#StoutProud: Chad Johnson ('97)jasperb May 7, 2026

Chad Johnson ’97 has helped put Washington wine on the map, blending science, creativity and accessibility through his work as co-owner of Dusted Valley.

Brenna Jasper

Chad Johnson / Submitted photo

For more than two decades, Chad Johnson has helped shape the evolution of Washington’s wine industry by crafting wines that reflect place, process and personality while expanding how people experience and access them.

As co-owner and co-winegrower of Dusted Valley, his impact extends beyond the vineyard. His work has helped elevate Washington wine on a national stage, challenge traditional perceptions of the industry and create more approachable entry points for consumers while staying grounded in craftsmanship and community.

Raised in western Wisconsin, Chad’s path to wine was not direct. After graduating high school, he relocated to northern California where he worked in fine dining and was introduced to the wine industry. Realizing he had always loved fermentation science, Chad decided to pursue a degree at ��Ͽ� with a renewed sense of purpose.

Chad, Janet and Chad's parents at his ��Ͽ� graduation / Submitted photo

As a nontraditional student, Chad enrolled in the food systems and technology program and created a chemistry minor. With deep family ties to ��Ͽ� — his mother, grandfather, siblings and extended family all went or worked at Stout — he found a community that already felt like home. That foundation, paired with applied learning and strong faculty support, gave him direction and momentum.

“I remember going to visit my grandpa when he worked at the student center. We'd do a tour, have lunch and go back to his office for a glass of milk and a chocolate chip cookie. Coming back to Stout gave me a fresh start,” he said. “But it also felt like coming home.”

After graduating, Chad worked in food science and quality control before moving into pharmaceutical sales. Eventually, he made the decision to step away from corporate roles and build something of his own.

With encouragement from his wife Janet, a 1997 ��Ͽ� business administration graduate, Chad relocated to Walla Walla, Washington, alongside Janet’s sister and brother-in-law. That formed the foundation of a family-run business that, by 2003, had become Dusted Valley.

Dusted Valley owners Chad Johnson, Janet Johnson, Cindy Braunel and Corey Braunel / Submitted photo

From the beginning, Chad approached winemaking with a balance of science and instinct. His background in food systems translated directly into fermentation, quality control and production, while his curiosity pushed him to experiment and refine his craft.

“It all starts with the science, but making wine is the easy part,” he said. “Making great wine isn’t. I’ve had people tell me all the things I’m not supposed to do, and the wines taste better when I do them anyway.”

Submitted photo

Chad recognized early that for Washington wines to gain broader recognition, they needed to reach beyond traditional audiences. That approach led to the creation of Boomtown, a label designed to deliver high-quality wine at a more accessible price point. At the same time, Dusted Valley maintained a commitment to small-lot wines that highlight the character of the grapes and the region.

“It’s agriculture, it’s science, it’s business and it’s also connection,” he said. “Wine creates moments. It creates community.”

Balancing accessibility with craftsmanship has allowed the winery to connect with both everyday consumers and more experienced wine enthusiasts, resulting in national recognition. Dusted Valley has been named among the top wineries in the world by leading wine publications, with wines that consistently earn high scores and accolades, including Washington wine of the year honors. The Boomtown label has also been recognized globally as one of the top value wine brands, reinforcing Chad’s belief that quality and accessibility can coexist.

Chad and Corey in the Dusted Valley cellar / Submitted photo

A partnership with a respected, Burgundy-based importer further expanded the winery’s reach, positioning its wines alongside some of the most established producers in the world and helping bring Washington wine to a broader audience.

Chad’s influence extends beyond his own winery. Through his service on the Washington State Wine Commission and involvement in industry organizations, he has helped advocate for small growers and elevate the profile of Washington wine nationwide. That commitment carries through to his work. Whether it’s an everyday wine opened at the dinner table or a special bottle marking a milestone, his goal is to create something meaningful and memorable.

Chad said, “When someone tastes the wine and genuinely loves it - when they choose to spend their money on something we created… that’s everything. That’s what’s most rewarding.”

For students pursuing careers in food science, entrepreneurship or beyond, Chad emphasizes action and openness: “Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity,” he said. “Get out there, try things, get your hands dirty. You’ll figure it out by doing.”

That foundation continues to shape his journey, one defined by resilience, curiosity and a lasting impact on both his industry and the people who experience it. And for those looking to see that impact firsthand, Chad offers an open invitation to visit the tasting room in Walla Walla, where his work continues to evolve one vintage at a time.

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