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Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

goersab — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:35:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiencesgoersab May 21, 2026

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

Commencement is a time of celebration, reflection and anticipation. A tradition bringing ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students, families, friends, faculty, staff and supporters together.

Each semester, we ask a handful of inspiring graduates from Graduate Studies, the College of Arts & Human Sciences, and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management to share their Stout experiences, what brought them here and what's next.

Discover how applied learning, leadership opportunities, research, internships and campus involvement helped these graduates build the skills, confidence and connections needed to make an impact from day one.

Spring 2026 Inspiring Graduate Studies Graduates

Inspiring Graduate: Justin George, M.S. Applied Computer Science

Making technology more accessible to improve people’s daily experiences

Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

Deepening their work with individuals, couples and families

Inspiring Graduate: KC Maternowski, M.S. Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Ensuring organizations recognize their impact on people

Inspiring Graduate: Bex Cermin, M.F.A. Design

Prepared as an artist and designer to be an entrepreneur

Inspiring Graduate: Josh Green, M.S. Applied Industrial/Operational Psychology

Bringing a psychology and people‑centered perspective into workplaces

Spring 2026 Inspiring CSTEMM Graduates

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

Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll, B.S. Biology

Furthering her education by pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy

Inspiring Graduate: Austin Pratt, B.S. Packaging

Hired before graduation at Smurfit Westrock

Inspiring Graduate: Cassie Santelman, B.S. Plastics Engineering

Hired before graduation as a process engineer at Nolato

Inspiring Graduate: Makenna Lowell, B.S. Packaging

Hired before graduation at Midwest Packaging and Container

Inspiring Graduate: Adam Rath, B.S. Computer Science

After transferring from community college, grad finds path into industry with DigiKey internship

Spring 2026 Inspiring CAHS Graduates

Inspiring Graduate: Alexis Bellotti, B.F.A. Animation & Digital Media

Making an impact and opening minds through stories and experience

Inspiring Graduate: Porter Christenson, B.F.A. Industrial & Product Design

Hired before graduation as an associate industrial designer at Milwaukee Tool

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Production

Hired before graduation as video content media manager for Pest Badger

Inspiring Graduate: Tawny Ruppert, B.S. Psychology

Furthering her education by pursuing a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology

Inspiring Graduate: Kloie Potts, B.S. Family & Consumer Sciences Education

Shaping students’ futures through real-world applications

Inspiring Graduates

All Inspiring Graduates News

Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

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

Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here Terri Stan, inspiring grad, fall 2022, 2

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The Dean of Students is one of the main points of contact for emergency incidents. Please follow the instructions below for connecting with your student or keeping the university informed of external situations that could impact your student's attendance.

Contacting a Student During a Family Crisis

Sometimes a family member might have difficulty contacting a student in a time of crisis, such as a medical emergency or a death in the family. All emergency inquiries during business hours should be directed to Dean of Students Office via phone at 715-232-1181 or via email. After hours, contact the University Police Department at 715-232-2222.

Student Crises & Absences

In the event of a short-term illness (less than 3 days) it is best for the student to contact their instructor directly. If the student is hospitalized or experiencing a difficulty that will keep them out of school for 3 days or more, please contact the Dean of Students Office via phone 715-232-1181 or via email. If a parent or family member is concerned about their student’s health or wellness, please contact the Dean of Students Office.

A notification of student absences will be issued by the Dean of Students Office. Documentation is required. This notification does not change attendance policies put in effect by the instructor and is a courtesy memo only, letting the instructor know the whereabouts of the student. Using this process to determine excused absences and/or work assignments is determined by the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate contact with their instructor regarding any missed work or exams.

Campus Emergency Information

The university posts any large-scale campus emergency on our ��Ͽ� Alert Messaging System and website. Students will be notified by text message when there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of students.

Our Emergency Response Guide provides campus the tools to stay safe during emergencies.

Confidential Campus Health & Mental Health Resources

The Student Health Centre is conveniently located on North Campus and offers appointments for preventive and primary care needs as well as laboratory services, tuberculosis testing, and vaccines. Students can be seen for anxiety and depression and a consulting psychiatric provider is available 2 half days per month. Most services are included in the students segregated fees.

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Student Counseling Center | University of Wisconsin - Stout (uwstout.edu)

You.uwstout.edu is a self-help and well being platform. YOU helps student navigate life and campus on their terms with independent goal setting, skill building, assessments and evidence based content on well-being topics. Through this web based application students can connect with a 24/7 crisis service available via call, text, or chat and can connect to Mantra teletherapy services which are available during the day, evenings, and on weekends.

��Ͽ� (uwstout.edu)

��Ͽ� Hazing Policy

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is committed to promoting a safe and healthy campus environment, where individuals are free from hazing. The purpose of this policy is to define hazing at ��Ͽ� and establish requirements for hazing education, reporting, and response in accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

2.0 SCOPE OF POLICY

This Policy applies to all employees, registered student organizations (RSOs), students, student groups, and individuals who volunteer with RSOs and student groups.

3.0 DEFINITIONS

3.1 REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATION (RSO):

A group, composed mainly of, and directed by, students, consisting of at least four students and an advisor, and which has filed all appropriate registration forms with the Involvement Center in the Memorial Student Center and been confirmed by the Involvement Center as meeting the eligibility criteria for registration, and is active and in good standing.

3.2 STUDENT GROUP:

A group of at least two students that is established or recognized by the university, but the group does not meet the definition of a registered student organization. Examples include, but are not limited to, athletic teams and club sports (e.g., varsity sports, intramural sports), military organizations, honor societies, musical or theatrical ensembles, university bands and club sports

4.0 STATEMENT OF POLICY

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Wis. Stat. § 948.51, ��Ͽ� defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act against an individual that endangers the physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health of that individual for the purposes of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any organization or group and that causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate.

5.0 CRITERIA

5.1 HAZING CAN INCLUDE, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:

5.1.1 Brutality of a physical nature or the threat of bodily harm such as assault, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to elements, sleep deprivation, confinement, or any other activity which could adversely affect the physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health or safety of the individual.

5.1.2 Forced consumption of any alcohol, food, liquid, drug, or other substance that could adversely affect the physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health or safety of the individual.

5.1.3 Soliciting a person to participate in or be actively involved in the planning of any act meeting the definition of hazing.

5.1.4 Any activity that constitutes the violation of university policies and/or federal, state, or local law (including ordinances of the City of Menomonie), or that causes another person to commit such a violation.

5.1.5 Acts that degrade, humiliate, embarrass, ridicule, or isolate such as requiring servitude, taking away cell phones or other devices, not allowing class attendance, requiring costumes or other apparel unless that apparel is part of a uniform for employment or a university or athletic program, confinement, or any other activity that could adversely affect the physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health or safety of the individual.

5.1.6 Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts.

5.2 REPORTING

5.2.1 Campus security authorities as defined in Institutional Clery Act Compliance are required to report incidents of hazing to the university.

5.2.2 Allegations of hazing may be reported via the University of Wisconsin-Stout Incident Reporting Form

5.3 INVESTIGATION/REFERRAL

5.3.1 The Dean of Students Office is responsible for investigating and adjudicating allegations of hazing.

5.3.2 Individual students will follow student nonacademic disciplinary procedures outlined in Wis. Admin. Code UWS § 17

5.3.3 Registered Student Organizations will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in Registered Student Organization Code of Conduct

5.3.4 Hazing allegations involving individuals who are not students will be referred to the appropriate office.

5.4 HAZING PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMMING

5.4.1 Research-informed hazing prevention and awareness training will be made available to students, staff, and faculty. This training will include information about this policy and other applicable university policies, how to recognize and report hazing, and strategies for intervening when hazing is witnessed or known.

6.0 GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Not Applicable.

7.0 RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION

7.1 Approved Authority

7.1.1 Dean of Students/SSAO

7.2 Policy Manager

7.2.1 Assistant Dean of Students

7.2.2 Associate Director of the Memorial Student Center

7.3 Policy Contact(s)

7.3.1 Dean of Students/SSAO

7.3.2 Assistant Dean of Students

7.3.3 Associate Director of the Memorial Student Center

8.0 Consequences of Policy Violation or Noncompliance

8.1 Outcomes of cases are determined on a case-by-case basis upon conclusion of the investigation. Noncompliance by a respondent or victim will not preclude an investigation into the matter.

9.0 Appeal Process

Not Applicable

Appendix A: Related ��Ͽ� Policies

Institutional Clery Act Compliance

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

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:34:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille, B.S. Business Administration giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille (’26) 

Hometown: Cannon Falls, Minnesota 
Degree: B.S. Business Administration with a concentration in Management Accounting
Minors: Investment & Finance, Economics

Rosella Wille was inspired to attend ��Ͽ� by successful alumni who spoke highly of their experiences at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University. Now, after her own noteworthy academic and athletic career, Wille herself is poised to become one of those outstanding alums.

As an incoming student, Wille said, “I saw the opportunity to gain a quality, hands-on education through internships and real-world projects that would help me build my skills and prepare for my career.”

Wille was among more than 1,000 students who crossed the commencement stage on May 16. In addition to earning a B.S. in business administration and completing three internships, Wille played forward on the women’s basketball team, reaching the NCAA Division III Final Four in 2025 and earning Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Sportsmanship Team honors this spring.

“Being part of a competitive team taught me strong time management as I balanced practices, travel and academics,” Wille said. “It also strengthened my teamwork, accountability and ability to stay focused on shared goals under pressure. Those skills have made a big impact on my overall college experience and will carry into my career.”

Wille also served as student assistant coach for the Blue Devils women’s flag football team, which won the inaugural Midwest College Women’s Flag Football League Championship in 2025.

“That experience allowed me to step into a leadership role and mentor other athletes,” she said. “Coaching helped me develop stronger communication skills, patience and the ability to motivate and support others.”

After graduation, Wille will begin her career as a tax associate at Redpath and Company and make a fast break toward her next goal: studying for and completing the CPA exam.

Rosella Wille (22) was a forward on the women's basketball team, which reached the NCAA Division III Final Four in 2025.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I hope to make an impact in my field by building strong relationships with individuals and providing trustworthy guidance to help them feel more confident about their finances. Taxes and accounting can be stressful or confusing for many people, so I want to be someone clients can rely on to explain things clearly and support their financial goals. Ultimately, I want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives beyond just preparing returns by helping them make informed decisions for their future.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

��Ͽ� has prepared me well for a career in accounting by providing professors who came directly from the field and brought their real-world experiences into lectures and labs. Learning from their perspectives helped me understand how accounting concepts apply in practice, not just theory.

The business program also required me to take courses across multiple areas like human resources, business law, management and marketing. That broad foundation will help me better understand my clients’ business and collaborate with coworkers from different departments. Overall, Stout has helped me build both my technical knowledge and the well-rounded business perspective needed to succeed in my career.

What did you learn from your internship experiences?

During my college career, I completed three internships. Two were in Menomonie and one was in Minneapolis. My first internship was at a bookkeeping company, where I built a strong foundation in the basics of bookkeeping and developed strong attention to detail.

My second internship was in Minneapolis at Foundation X, where I was introduced to philanthropy and the nonprofit space. I learned how strategic giving can make a meaningful impact and how individuals and families align their financial goals with causes they care about. That experience opened my eyes to the importance of thoughtful charitable planning and finding better, more effective ways to do good.

Lastly, I worked as a finance intern at Waznik Heike Group, where I helped prepare for client meetings and learned more about financial advising and client relationships. That role reinforced how important trust, preparation and communication are when working directly with individuals.

The greatest lesson I took from my internships is that you won’t know everything starting out and that’s OK. What matters most is being eager to learn, asking questions and staying open to feedback. I realized that everyone around you has something valuable to teach you, and growth comes from being willing to continuously improve.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

My ��Ͽ� experience stands out to me because of the professors. They are genuinely invested in their students, not just academically but personally and professionally as well. They truly want you to understand the material and succeed beyond the classroom. Their willingness to share real-world experiences, offer guidance and make themselves available for questions made a big difference in my learning and overall college experience.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in earning my degree was not knowing exactly what I wanted to do at first. I changed my major a couple of times while trying to figure out where I truly fit. Instead of seeing that as a setback, I used it as an opportunity to explore different classes and speak with mentors, professors and professionals to gain clarity.

Over time, those conversations and experiences led me to this specific degree and career path. I also learned to put less pressure on myself to have everything figured out right away. Once I started focusing on learning and enjoying the journey, rather than stressing about having a perfect plan, everything began to fall into place.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am most proud of being a student athlete on the women’s basketball team. Our season ran through both the fall and spring semesters, so I never really had an off season during the academic year. Balancing practices, games, travel and a full course load was challenging at times, but I stayed disciplined and put my head down to get the work done.

That experience pushed me to grow in ways beyond the classroom. It strengthened my work ethic, resilience and ability to manage my time effectively. Finishing my degree while competing at a high level is something I am truly proud of because it reflects the commitment and perseverance I brought to my college experience.

Inspiring Graduates

All Inspiring Graduates News

Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

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

Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate Inspiring Graduate Rosella Wille on commencement stage

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Our B.S. Business Administration program leverages business and industry partnerships to offer you real-world enterprise experiences.

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

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

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

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:33:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla (’26) 

Hometown: South Range 
Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Material Science

��Ͽ� graduate Thomas Shamla can point to specific engineering course work that helped him excel at an industrial internship – an internship that led to a job offer. The connection between learning technical drawing and design software skills in class and then applying those skills to create 3D models for an employer is a prime example of the advantages of a degree at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.

“��Ͽ� has prepared me to work in my field by offering extensive exposure to the same equipment and processes used in industry,” said Shamla, who will soon begin as a mechanical engineer at Absolut Manufacturing, a maker of paper converting equipment in Iron River.

B.S. mechanical engineering graduate Thomas Shamla shakes hand with Chancellor Katherine Frank during the ��Ͽ� spring commencement ceremony May 16, 2026.

Even classes outside his major that he was initially skeptical of – such as those in speech and writing – had application in his career, Shamla found.

“I was asked to give two presentations to the senior engineers at the company where I had my internship, and I remember using some of the feedback I received in my speech class years earlier to create a clear, concise presentation,” he said.

Shamla, of South Range, was one of 1,067 Blue Devils who received degrees during the May 16 spring commencement ceremonies. 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.

“I hope to contribute to my field by bringing my knowledge to the manufacturing industry of northern Wisconsin and by using my acquired skills to offer unique and innovative solutions to problems,” Shamla said.

What brought you to ��Ͽ�?

When I was touring colleges in high school, I was very impressed by ��Ͽ�’s ability to give a hands-on education through its labs. I also think that this campus has a lot of resources dedicated to preparing students for a career after school, and I was interested in taking advantage of those opportunities to help me stand out in my field.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

��Ͽ� has prepared me to work in my field by offering extensive exposure to the same equipment and processes used in industry. My internship and senior design experience are two examples of direct exposure to my field that I had as a student. I remember learning a lot about technical drawings and design software in my Communication of Engineering Design class that I took in my second year. I relied heavily on what I learned in that class when I completed my summer internship, which involved converting legacy part and assembly drawings into 3D models.

What were the greatest lessons or projects you were involved in during your internship with Absolut Manufacturing?

I completed my internship at Absolut Manufacturing in the summer of 2025. My role there was to convert legacy drawings of parts and assemblies into 3D models. In addition to modeling the parts and determining the assembly structure, this involved determining appropriate stock for the parts to be made from, categorizing and labeling the parts within the company’s product data management system, and preparing a report on differences between the legacy system and more recent machines produced by Bretting Manufacturing, Absolut’s parent company. Because the way that the parts were modeled and categorized determined their manufacturing method, I learned a lot about how to select the most appropriate and realistic manufacturing process to produce a certain type of part.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

What stands out to me about my ��Ͽ� experience is how hands-on learning and small class sizes allow students to get the best understanding of the material being taught. One example of this was in Associate Professor Greg Slupe’s Computer-Aided Manufacturing class. In that class, everyone gets a lot of time using the lab equipment. Greg presents his knowledge on the subject matter clearly and thoroughly, and he is always available to answer questions. That class is a great example of professors providing the resources needed for each individual student to succeed.

How did your campus involvement impact your experience?

During my time at ��Ͽ�, I was involved as a member of StoutCatholic. At the weekly meetings, I met great people and had the opportunity to lead several Bible studies. Leading the studies gave me an opportunity to practice leadership and conversational skills, which are great skills to have in the professional world and in life.

I was also awarded the Rath Foundation academic scholarship, which was an incredible opportunity that helped me cover the cost of attending the university.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?

When I started pursuing my degree, there were some classes in the curriculum that I struggled to connect to practical skills for my career. I didn’t understand how taking certain classes in speech and writing could help me in the future because I believed that they didn’t relate to my future career. Because I didn’t understand the benefits of these classes, it was difficult to motivate myself to put in extra time for them.

Overcoming this challenge happened naturally through experience, as I grew to realize the need for an engineer to have skills in many of these areas. I was asked to give two presentations to the senior engineers at the company where I had my internship, and I remember using some of the feedback I received in my speech class years earlier to create a clear, concise presentation.

Career development jobs program for students honored with statewide Innovation Award

With applied and experiential learning and a career focus, students who attend ��Ͽ� know they will graduate ready to enter the work world.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

As I finish my degree, I am most proud of the knowledge I have that lets me give back to my community. In the professional world and beyond, I am leaving the university with practical skills that will help me be a more valuable employee and solve problems in my day-to-day life. I am proud that I have learned new ways to approach those problems and have practiced solving them creatively. I am also proud of the fact that I was able to maintain a GPA of over 3.9 throughout the challenges I have faced.

Inspiring Graduates

All Inspiring Graduates News

Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

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

Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing Inspiring Graduate Thomas Shamla shakes hand with Chancellor Katherine Frank

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B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Our B.S. Mechanical Engineering program covers mechanics, kinematics, thermal/fluid sciences, materials sciences, and more.

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

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

Inspiring Graduate Q&As

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Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll, B.S. Biology

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:32:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll, B.S. Biology giffeyt May 21, 2026

Furthering her education by pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy

Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll (’26) 

Hometown: Pine Island, Minnesota 
Degree: B.S. Biology
Minors: Spanish, Human Physiology

The strong sense of community – exemplified by both students and faculty – on display during a campus visit inspired Mia Schmoll to enroll at ��Ͽ�, and over the past four years she has cultivated her own campus community in classrooms, labs and athletic fields.

Schmoll said ��Ͽ�’s polytechnic approach, which complements her own learning style, helped clinch her decision to become a Blue Devil, an experience which culminated May 16 when she joined more than 1,000 students who received ��Ͽ� degrees.

In addition to being a student athlete, Schmoll interned as an assistant athletic trainer, allowing her to apply the skills she learned in the classroom and lab to her fellow competitors’ needs. And those skills will be front and center when she attends the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences to complete her doctorate in physical therapy.

“I am very excited to be able to work directly with patients as a physical therapist and help to improve their quality of life through rehabilitation,” Schmoll said.

What brought you to ��Ͽ�?

I toured ��Ͽ� as a high schooler and during my visit I met with both members of the soccer team and faculty in the biology program. I felt so welcomed and loved the sense of community that Stout had. I also really appreciated the hand-on approach that Stout boasts, as well as the small class sizes that allow you to get to know your classmates and professors well. All these reasons combined made Stout the perfect choice for me.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

Stout’s emphasis on hands-on learning and collaboration really catered to my learning style and helped me feel much more prepared as I head into a graduate-level program. One of my favorite courses I took here was the Advanced Anatomy course. We spent much of our time in the anatomy lab where we were able to study using cadavers. Not many universities are able to offer this kind of in-depth experience, and I benefited so much from it.

Mia Schmoll (27) was a member of the Blue Devils women's soccer team.

Where did you complete your internship, and what kind of projects have you worked on?

For my internship I worked as an assistant athletic trainer in the ��Ͽ� Athletics Training Room. I shadowed the trainers there and learned different rehabilitation techniques. Throughout the semester I worked there I became increasingly independent and by the end was able to work one-on-one with athletes.

During my time there I also completed a research project on ACL injuries where I compiled information from a variety of studies. Altogether, I learned so much and gained many valuable rehabilitation skills that will directly transfer to the specifics of the career field I am pursuing.

What stands out most about your ��Ͽ� experience?

The professors at Stout really stood out and made my experience here so much more valuable. They really work to get to know their students personally and care about what is going on in their lives. I have always felt like I had a great support system in the faculty here that I could turn to when I needed help with coursework.

What organizations were you involved with on campus, and how did that involvement impact your experience?

In my time at ��Ͽ� I was a part of the women’s soccer team and the women’s flag football team. I also was a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Pre-Health Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Being involved in all these different groups helped me to get to know so many different people and build a community, as well as helping me grow my leadership, communication and time management skills.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

I think that finding a balance between coursework, athletics, community involvement and social life was one of the most challenging things for me while earning my degree. However, I think this pushed me to be more organized and have impeccable time management, which are both skills that will benefit me in the future.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I think I am most proud of being able to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. It took a lot of hard work to be able to be in this position, but accomplishing this has helped provide so many opportunities for my future and allowed me to attend the graduate program of my choice.

Inspiring Graduates

All Inspiring Graduates News

Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

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

Furthering her education by pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy Inspiring Graduate Mia Schmoll receiving diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank

University Marketing

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Our B.S. Biology program combines applied research, lab experiences, and field work to prepare you to enter industry or pursue professional health programs.

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

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

Inspiring Graduate Q&As

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Inspiring Graduate: Austin Pratt, B.S. Packaging

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:31:30 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Austin Pratt, B.S. Packaging giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation at Smurfit Westrock

Inspiring Graduate: Austin Pratt (’26)

Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota
Degree: B.S. Packaging

��Ͽ� provided the right package of industry oriented-education, athletic dedication and family connection for Austin Pratt, who followed his siblings’ footsteps to earn a B.S. packaging degree.

After five seasons playing junior hockey in Canada, Pratt came to ��Ͽ�, where he completed three professional internships – with Menasha Packaging, Imagine Printing Solutions and DDL Inc. – one of which even allowed him to collaborate on a project with his sister that created retail displays for Hormel Foods products in Costco stores. Pratt was also a member of the football team for two years and was a student coach for the Blue Devils hockey team, which reached the Frozen Four during their most recent season.

Inspiring Graduate Austin Pratt is congratulated by Chancellor Katherine Frank at the May 16, 2026, ��Ͽ� commencement.

“Football taught me how to persevere through challenging times while coaching taught me how to be a leader,” said Pratt, one of 1,067 Blue Devils who received degrees during the May 16 spring commencement ceremonies. 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.

Pratt, of Lakeville, Minnesota, is among the large majority of Blue Devils hired before graduation: He accepted a job at Smurfit Westrock as a packaging sales representative. He credits ��Ͽ�’s applied learning environment with preparing him for his career.

“��Ͽ� has given me, and a lot of other students, a place where we can really be ourselves. One thing I like most is how flexible it is – you can be as involved in whatever you want. If you’re into clubs, sports, or campus activities, there are tons of opportunities,” he said “Overall, it’s a welcoming environment where you can shape your own college experience, with support from both professors and other students along the way.”

What brought you to ��Ͽ�?

After my career in the Western Hockey League, my sister and brother graduated from ��Ͽ� with packaging degrees. They both have successful jobs in the packaging industry, so I thought that would be a great career path for me, too.

My sister, Ashley, works for Hormel Foods as a senior packaging scientist and my brother, Justin, works for Central Packaging and Display as a medical packaging engineer and in sales.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I want to make an impact in the packaging field by providing knowledge I learned while attending ��Ͽ�. My hands-on experience in my packaging classes, along with being a lab assistant, has shaped my understanding of different packaging materials and equipment.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

The course work that is taught in the packaging program relates directly to the field and areas of packaging that you can work in. After the intro class, the others moving forward taught about specialized areas of packaging. The capstone classes use all the information and experiences to create solutions for real companies. At the capstone level, our groups came with a wide range of knowledge from packaging classes and co-op experience.

In the Packaging Distribution Class, I did a store walk-through to locate pallets that are being used in industry. At the store, I took measurements and pictures and collected information regarding the pallets. I used that information to go back to the Packaging Lab to scale down and rebuild the pallet to test the compression strength. This taught me that there are many different pallets and pallet patterns used in industry and each one has a specific use.

What were your greatest lessons or projects you were involved in during your internships with DDL, Imagine Printing and Menasha Packaging?

I have completed three internships. My first internship was with DDL Inc. as a packaging intern. We did distribution, integrity and aging testing for medical packaging.

My second internship was with Imagine Printing Solutions as a creative design intern. I worked with companies like Starbucks, Marshalls, etc. For one project, I designed Christmas decorations that went into Starbucks stores.

My last internship was with Menasha Packaging as a structural design intern. This internship was my favorite due to being able to work with my sister at Hormel Foods, helping design Costco display-ready case projects for the Columbus Brand. This made my decision to attend Stout come full circle and was a unique experience that many other students here would not be able to have.

Austin Pratt, right, during his time on the Blue Devil football team. / Submitted photo

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

My professors – Mary Paz Alvarez Valverde, Kate Liu and Min DeGruson – were amazing during my time at Stout. They have made my experience at Stout exceptional. They care for the students that attend their classes, wanting to see them succeed. They work hard to set up each class to be in line with what is happening in the packaging industry. They work with great companies to ensure what they’re teaching in the classroom aligns with industry. This allows students to be set up for success after graduation.

How did your campus involvement impact your experience?

I was a student assistant coach with the ��Ͽ� men’s hockey team for five years. Being able to coach great athletes over the last five years has made my time at Stout more memorable, especially this year with the team making the Final Four.

I was also on the football team for the first two years I attended Stout. During that time, I was able to meet lifelong friends. Football taught me how to persevere through challenging times while coaching taught me how to be a leader and build up others when they are going through challenging times in their own lives.

Austin Pratt, far right, stands with other Blue Devil hockey coaches while holding the 2026 WIAC Men's Ice Hockey Tournament trophy. / Photo by Owen Segna

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

Learning how to balance all my course work with playing football and coaching was challenging. Once I was able to set my schedule and knew my allotted time for studying, it really made a difference. Managing your time in school helps translate to the real world by allowing you to set schedules and determine project priorities.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am proud of my ability to persevere through challenging times. Many students encounter obstacles in college that are entirely new to them, including rigorous coursework and personal challenges. Remaining focused, disciplined, and determined in the face of these difficulties requires a high level of commitment, and I take pride in successfully maintaining that dedication.

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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

Hired before graduation at Smurfit Westrock Inspiring Graduate Austin Pratt and Chancellor Katherine Frank

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Our B.S. Packaging program provides hands-on training in package printing and design, business, quality management, and research and development.

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

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

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Inspiring Graduate: Cassie Santelman, B.S. Plastics Engineering

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:31:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Cassie Santelman, B.S. Plastics Engineering giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation as a process engineer at Nolato

Inspiring Graduate: Cassie Santelman (’26)

Hometown: Savage, Minnesota
Degree: B.S. Plastics Engineering

Cassie Santelman was drawn to ��Ͽ� by the institution’s polytechnic promise: learn by doing, on real equipment, in real conditions.

The plastics engineering program at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University delivered, giving her lab experiences that included designing an injection mold in her molding class and then creating that mold in her machining class. This end-to-end experience on industry standard equipment in ��Ͽ�’s labs honed talents that Santelman applied in two internships, one of which led to a full-time job as a project engineer for Nolato, a plastics manufacturer in Baldwin.

“These internships helped me to understand the whole process that goes into manufacturing parts by seeing all sides of the process and documentation,” she said.

Santelman was also a two-sport athlete, playing on the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference conference-winning women’s golf team and as well as the women’s flag football team, which won the inaugural Midwest College Women’s Flag Football League Championship in 2025.

Santelman was among more than 1,000 Blue Devils who received their degrees at the university’s May 16 commencement ceremonies. Now as she begins her professional career, Santelman hopes she can bring new insights into the industry and advance her chosen field thanks to the personal and professional skills she developed at ��Ͽ�.

Cassie Santelman in the plastics engineering lab.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

��Ͽ� prepared me to work in my field by having industry grade machines to learn on, so I had experience with the equipment that I am working with in industry. My favorite lab experience would be designing an injection mold in my molding class and then getting to machine it in the machining class.

Where did you complete your internships?

My first internship was with Stratasys in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, as a quality engineer. I learned what goes into maintaining the quality of products and materials in an ISO 9001 facility. My second internship was with Nolato as a process technician, where I was on the floor learning how the company works from the production level. These internships helped me understand the whole process that goes into manufacturing parts by seeing all sides of the process and documentation.

Cassie Santelman, fifth from left in back row, celebrates with fellow members of the ��Ͽ� women's golf team after winning the WIAC Championship in October 2025. / Photo by Steve Frommell / D3photography.com

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

I love how small the class sizes are, which allowed me to build relationships with my professors and classmates. This helped me to feel more confident in asking for help as well as helping others when we got confused in classes.

Cassie Santelman with the trophy after ��Ͽ� won the first-ever Midwest College Women's Flag Football League Championship.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I am involved in three clubs: the Society of Women Engineers, where I was treasurer; the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, where I was also treasurer; and The Society of Plastics Engineers. I am also a member of the women’s golf team and the women’s flag football team. Being so heavily involved around campus has greatly impacted my experience by increasing my network between classmates and industry professionals.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

I faced challenges balancing school and athletics being in two sports, but the small class sizes helped me get individualized help from my professors to stay on top of all my classwork while also excelling athletically.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am most proud of graduating my degree as a scholar athlete and conference champion, proving that academics and athletics can go hand in hand without hindering one another.

Inspiring Graduates

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Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

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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

Hired before graduation as a process engineer at Nolato Inspiring Graduate Cassie Santelman receives diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank

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B.S. Plastics Engineering

Our B.S. Plastics Engineering program will prepare you for a career leading innovation in medical, automotive, and other industries.

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

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

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Inspiring Graduate: Makenna Lowell, B.S. Packaging

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Makenna Lowell, B.S. Packaging giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation at Midwest Packaging and Container

Inspiring Graduate: Makenna Lowell (’26)

Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Degree: B.S. Packaging
Minors: Sustainability

When it came to choosing a path after high school, Makenna Lowell knew exactly what degree she wanted to get and where she wanted to get it. As a student fascinated by both engineering and art, “Packaging felt like the perfect blend of those two passions,” Lowell said.

After learning about the packaging field during her older brother’s college search, Lowell was drawn to the packaging program at ��Ͽ�, one of the few U.S. universities to offer a packaging major. Lowell appreciated the fact that ��Ͽ�’s packaging program was part of the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering, which gave her an opportunity to take engineering-focused prerequisites.

Furthermore, ��Ͽ�’s status as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University meant that Lowell could work with industry-standard equipment in on-campus labs while also pursuing off-campus cooperative opportunities within industry. Lowell applied her knowledge during co-ops at Kimberly-Clark and Ocean Spray Cranberries, in the latter instance completing a project that saved the company a projected $200,000.

Lowell was one of 1,067 Blue Devils who received degrees during the May 16 spring commencement ceremonies. Of this year’s graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, a group that includes Lowell: She’ll soon begin her career as a structural designer at Midwest Packaging and Container in Rockford, Illinois.

Outside the classroom, Lowell was both a leader in the Student Packaging Association and a campus tour guide with the Admissions Office. “Not only did I get to meet many great people, but the role significantly strengthened my public speaking, communication and time-management skills,” she said. “I always appreciated being treated as a student first, and the Admissions team was incredibly understanding and supportive of my academic schedule.”

What brought you to ��Ͽ�?

In high school, I loved both engineering and art. I completed the pre-engineering program and took ceramics, graphic design and other creative courses. Packaging felt like the perfect blend of those two passions. After researching the handful of universities that offer packaging programs, I toured several and ultimately chose ��Ͽ� for a few key reasons. The first is that the packaging program is housed under the School of Engineering, allowing me to take engineering-focused general education courses. Second, I liked Stout’s polytechnic focus and hands-on learning style. Third, I liked the mid-size of Stout because I didn’t want to be just another number. I love that I know most of the people in my major and I can build meaningful relationships with my professors.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

Sustainability has always been my driving force. I only wanted to enter the packaging industry if I could help make it more sustainable, and I hope to continue pushing the field toward environmentally responsible solutions.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

Stout’s polytechnic approach has been invaluable. I’ve gained hands-on experience with packaging equipment, testing methods and design software. Beyond coursework, Stout encouraged me to get involved. I’ve been a tour guide, lab tech, teaching assistant and president of our industry-affiliated Stout Packaging Association student organization. I’ve also attended numerous industry events, which significantly expanded my professional network.

What were the greatest lessons or projects you were involved in during your co-ops at Kimberly-Clark and Ocean Spray?

My first co-op was at Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, working on their baby and childcare team as a packaging engineering intern. I worked on optimization projects, competitor analysis, distribution testing and more. It was my first industry experience, and it helped me connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.

My second packaging engineering co-op in the food packaging industry was at Ocean Spray Cranberries in Lakeville, Massachusetts. One of my favorite projects was leading a new supplier qualification for paperboard cartons. I planned the trial, attended it independently, and validated a new carton that contributed roughly $200,000 in projected annual savings. My biggest takeaway was the importance of clear communication both across departments and with external partners.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

What stands out to me about my ��Ͽ� experience is my packaging professors and labs. Because the program is small, the professors are deeply invested in our success. They’ve supported me at every step, inside and outside the classroom.

The labs have also been incredibly valuable. I’ve worked with nearly all the equipment, including manufacturing machines, material testers, and distribution testers, which has prepared me well for full-time work.

It’s More than a Package: ��Ͽ� packaging program to host international student-led conference

Pack Jam invites industry, alumni, community to see fresh ideas April 7-9

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? How did your involvement impact your experience?

I was heavily involved in the Stout Packaging Association, our student-led, industry-affiliated club. From sophomore year through my fifth year, I served on the executive board, eventually becoming president. This involvement allowed me to attend industry events across the country, grow my network and meeting incredible people.

I’m also grateful for the Stout Foundation Scholarships and multiple industry scholarships I received. Their support motivated me to keep striving for excellence.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built. From packaging peers and professors to industry professionals, tour guides, roommates, and friends, I’ve surrounded myself with people who have shaped my college experience in ways I never expected, in a place I never expected to be.

Inspiring Graduates

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Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

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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

Hired before graduation at Midwest Packaging and Container Inspiring Graduate Makenna Lowell receives diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank

University Marketing

B.S. Packaging

Our B.S. Packaging program provides hands-on training in package printing and design, business, quality management, and research and development.

Learn More

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

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

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Inspiring Graduate: Adam Rath, B.S. Computer Science

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:29:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Adam Rath, B.S. Computer Science giffeyt May 21, 2026

After transferring from community college, grad finds path into industry with DigiKey internship

Inspiring Graduate: Adam Rath (’26)

Hometown: Savanna, Illinois
Degree: B.S. Computer Science
Minor: Mathematics

Over the course of three years at ��Ͽ�, Adam Rath went from being an undecided community college transfer student to a computer science degree-holder eager to step into the professional world with the skills to build large applications and meet industry standards.

“What I am most proud of as I finish my degree is how far I have come,” said Rath, of Savanna, Illinois. “If you had asked me what linear algebra was before, I would have said I didn’t know.”

Rath credits his transformation to the applied learning that is part of ��Ͽ�’s identity as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University. The polytechnic model gave his coursework real-world weight, culminating in a post-graduation internship at DigiKey, a Minnesota-based distributor of electronic components. He also lauds his professors, whose genuine dedication to students and passion for their fields of study impacted both students’ engagement and their preparation for future careers.

Rath was one of 1,067 Blue Devils who received degrees during the May 16 spring commencement ceremonies. 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.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I hope to impact my field by creating original products or improving existing projects to enhance aspects of people’s lives. Through this, I hope to build a reputation that allows me to take on even bigger and more impactful work, such as contributing to improvements in cybersecurity or operating systems.

What brought you to ��Ͽ�?

What brought me to ��Ͽ� was that I had just changed my major to “undecided” at my community college and was looking for the next step toward my career. Once I found that I had a liking for the field of computer science, I started looking at universities with strong computer science programs. That’s when I applied to four universities, including ��Ͽ�.

The four factors that influenced my decision to transfer to ��Ͽ� were that it was the most affordable of the four, I had a coworker at my previous job who also attended the university, it had a strong computer science program, and I was awestruck by the campus when I visited.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

��Ͽ� is a polytechnic university, which prepares students for real industry. The hands-on nature of classes, with their projects and assignments, provides real-world experience that is valuable in this field.

While I can’t say I had one specific favorite class, many of my computer science classes were among the ones I enjoyed the most. Talking with professors about course material and possible solutions was very interesting. This was especially true when I had difficulty with an assignment – discussing solutions with professors and getting their feedback was one of the best parts of the experience.

Where did you complete your internship or field experience?

As of now, I have an internship lined up over the summer at DigiKey in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, which will complete the co-op experience for my degree. My role at DigiKey will involve attending meetings and brainstorming sessions, helping with day-to-day tasks and projects, and working on a capstone project to support the company. Once that is finished, I will either have a job lined up with a different company, DigiKey may offer me a full-time position, or I will continue searching for ways to help people in the private or public sector.

How did your campus involvement impact your experience?

I am a member of the Tabletop Gaming Club and PONG (People’s Organization of Network Gaming). During one spring semester, my game was featured at Stout Game Expo, and both of my capstone projects were showcased at the STEMM Student Expo.

I also worked at North Point Dining Center on North Campus, first as a student worker and then as a student manager. Being a student manager helped me develop important leadership skills, such as understanding the people I oversee. This includes recognizing their strengths and weaknesses and learning how to communicate effectively with them.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

One of the most important things that stands out about ��Ͽ� is the professors. Whether they genuinely care about helping students succeed and learn or are passionate about the subjects they teach, it has a strong impact — not only on student engagement but also on preparing students for industry standards.

I will remember conversations about non-major topics I enjoy, like history with Dr. Christopher Marshall and American media with Dr. Joan Navarre, as well as learning more about computer science with Dr. Saleh Alnaeli, Dr. Ahmed El-Magrous, Dr. Tyler Thomas, and Dr. Scott Turner. Finally, I want to give a shout-out to the excellent math professors who made math fun and easier to learn: Dr. Derek Sturgill, Dr. Eugen Ghenciu and Dr. Laura Schmidt.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

What I am most proud of as I finish my degree is how far I have come. If you had asked me what linear algebra was before, I would have said I didn’t know. Now I understand what linear algebra is all about. Over the past three years, I’ve learned how important computer science is and gained insight into the many topics required to build large, complex applications or websites. I’ve also accomplished a lot – I helped create a video game and contributed to building two websites, which demonstrate my understanding of the concepts taught in computer science.

Inspiring Graduates

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Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

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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

After transferring from community college, grad finds path into industry with DigiKey internship Inspiring Graduate Adam Rath receives diploma

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Our B.S. Computer Science program offers project-based experiences and opportunities—from paid internships to hands-on Agile software development.

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

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

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Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

goersab — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapygoersab May 21, 2026

Deepening their work with individuals, couples and families

Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks (’26)

Hometown: Menomonie
Degree: M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy
Sex Therapy Certification

Michi Marks immigrated to the United States from Thailand when they were three months old. Their birth name, Mai Cha, carried the hopes and dreams of a new life their family envisioned after escaping the Secret War in Southeast Asia. Their family eventually settled in Menomonie.

Growing up, Marks was often told that education was the pathway out of poverty. What they discovered over time is that education can be something much deeper, a way of understanding themselves.

They originally came to ��Ͽ� as an undergraduate to study hotel, restaurant and tourism management. But as part of the Honors Program, they were required to take a human development and family studies course.

“That class changed everything. It gave me language for the human condition. It helped me understand people, relationships and systems in ways that felt deeply meaningful,” Marks said. “It also helped me understand myself better. I switched majors the following semester, and that desire to understand the human condition has continued to guide my path ever since.”

Marks earned a degree as a McNair Scholar, graduating cum laude through the Honors Program in 2011 with a major in human development and family studies and a minor in English writing.

After years of working in corporate America, climbing the corporate ladder, while starting an art and home décor business, and later building a coaching and peer-support practice, an unexpected furlough was a turning point in their career.

“This unexpected pause gave me an opportunity to pursue a dream that had quietly lived within me for more than a decade: becoming a relational and systemic therapist,” Marks said. “I often imagined that if they ever returned to Stout, it would be to pursue a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy, inspired by a professor who still teaches there today.

“Education has the ability to change lives, though not always in expected ways. For me, ��Ͽ� has been a place where curiosity, community and courage merged. It provided the skills to develop a career and created a space to grow into a fuller version of myself,” they said.

Marks received their M.S. in marriage and family therapy from ��Ͽ� on May 16, among more than 1,000 of their peers and hopes to continue working as a therapist with Edges Wellness Center, where they completed their practicum, refining their clinical skills and deepening their work with individuals, couples and families.

“Long-term, I hope to continue exploring healing not only through Western psychological frameworks but also through the wisdom found in indigenous culture, community, and embodied traditions,” they said. “My dream is to eventually help build communities of healers, spaces that bring together education, workshops, and collaborative learning around mental health, relationships, and collective wellbeing.

“I am immensely thankful for the mentors, peers, and opportunities that influenced my path here. In many ways, returning to ��Ͽ� felt like coming full circle. It’s where my curiosity about people and relationships first began, and where that curiosity has grown into a lifelong commitment to healing, learning, and community.”

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.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

More than making an impact on the field itself, what matters most to me is making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I work with. Representation matters. As a nonbinary, immigrant, neurodivergent, and queer individual, simply showing up authentically in this field can be an act of courage, and, in its own quiet way, an act of advocacy.

Growing up, I looked up to people who were unapologetically themselves. Their visibility gave me permission to explore my own identity and imagine possibilities I had not yet seen for myself. I hope to offer that same sense of openness and belonging to others, particularly for individuals and communities who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented in spaces of care and healing.

Healing does not look the same for everyone. Culture, identity, community, and lived experiences shape how people understand suffering, resilience, and recovery. Part of my work as a therapist is honoring those differences and remaining curious about the many ways people and communities make meaning, find strength, and move toward healing.

Of course, I have professional dreams as well. I am deeply fascinated by the intersections of culture, systems, and healing, and I hope to continue exploring those questions throughout my career, whether through doctoral study or by creating educational spaces, workshops and community initiatives that support collective wellbeing.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

One of the most invaluable aspects of ��Ͽ�’s marriage and family therapy program is the counseling labs. The therapy rooms include one-way mirrors that allow professors and peers to observe sessions and provide supervision and feedback.

In addition, we use a co-therapy model, meaning two therapists work together in the room. This structure creates a powerful learning environment. It allows us to slow down, reflect and receive thoughtful guidance about how we show up as therapists. Watching my cohort members work with clients has also been incredibly formative. It has helped me see different therapeutic styles, recognize my own strengths and growth areas, and deepen my understanding of relational work.

Those experiences reflect ��Ͽ�’s applied learning philosophy — learning not only through theory, but through practice, reflection and collaboration.

My practicum was at Edges Wellness Center, where I worked as an individual and relational therapist. The center has offices in Menomonie, St. Paul and Minneapolis. During my time at Edges, I also volunteered to support internal organizational initiatives that strengthened collaboration and workplace culture.

While attending ��Ͽ�, I held a full therapy caseload, which accelerated my development as a clinician and allowed me to integrate what I was learning in class directly into my work with clients. The experience was both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Alongside my degree at ��Ͽ�, I’ve pursued additional training in areas that deeply interest me, including couples therapy, attachment work, decolonizing therapy, somatic approaches and trauma-processing modalities, like Brainspotting.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

The culture. During my graduate experience, what stood out most was how our cohort fostered a learning environment based on collaboration, kindness and curiosity. We supported each other through challenging material, celebrated progress, and created a space where questions and feedback were welcomed and felt safe.

That kind of learning environment has a profound difference in therapy, where self-reflection and vulnerability are key to the work.

How did your involvement impact your experience?

Although my undergraduate involvement at ��Ͽ� was extensive, my graduate experience took place during a very different season of life. While my graduate involvement looked different, my undergraduate experience at ��Ͽ� played a profound role in shaping who I am today.

The foundation I built at Stout earlier in my life helped make the transition back to graduate school possible. Being a McNair Scholar as an undergrad, for example, prepared me for the expectations of graduate-level work and reinforced my belief that pursuing a master’s degree was within reach.

During my first year in the program, I stepped into an informal leadership role within my cohort, helping to advocate for changes, share feedback, and communicate updates between students and faculty. I also had the opportunity to speak with members of Psi Chi about pathways into graduate education and careers in therapy, which was a meaningful way to connect with students who are considering similar paths.

During that time, I served as a resident advisor, participated in the Honors Program, and held the positions of editor and president of Prometheus. As a McNair Scholar, I spent a summer conducting research at the University of North Texas, where I wrote and presented a research paper. I was also involved with the Hmong Stout Student Organization, the Black Student Union, and Alpha Phi Omega, and helped organize a multicultural campus event called One World.

Those experiences taught me leadership, collaboration and the courage to step outside my comfort zone. They also helped me build community and develop the confidence that eventually led me back to ��Ͽ� to pursue graduate education.

Looking back, both my undergraduate and graduate journeys at Stout have been invaluable. Each chapter challenged me in different ways and helped shape the person and professional I continue to become.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I faced in earning my degree was the emotional and mental load of getting a graduate degree in my late 30s. Returning to school more than a decade after earning my bachelor’s degree meant balancing graduate studies while working full time, raising two pre-teen boys and supporting my family. It’s barely seeing my kids on a weekly basis, understanding the sacrifices to sleep, health and time.

It was a struggle, but I continued to remind myself that even with the challenges came the delight of greeting my cohort every week, the shared suffering and compassion for each other, and the realization that this was only temporary, which was both a relief and bittersweet.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

My father graduated from ��Ͽ� with the same undergraduate degree I later earned in human development and family studies. He passed away three years ago, and while my master’s degree is something I pursued for myself and my family, I often find myself wishing he could see this moment. I believe he would be proud.

I am also deeply proud of the communities that helped shape me. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, but I believe it also takes a village to raise a healer. The encouragement and care of my family, friends and mentors carried me through this journey.

My father’s legacy emphasized the importance of education, but what I discovered at ��Ͽ� is that education can be more than a path forward. It can be a way of understanding ourselves, healing our communities, and imagining a more compassionate and kind world.

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Inspiring Graduate: Justin George, M.S. Applied Computer Science

goersab — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:20:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Justin George, M.S. Applied Computer Sciencegoersab May 21, 2026

Making technology more accessible to improve people’s daily experiences

Inspiring Graduate: Justin George (’26)

Hometown: Delhi, India
Degree: M.S. Applied Computer Science

Wanting to attend a master’s in computer science program that was centered around applied learning and hands‑on experiences, Justin George was drawn to ��Ͽ�’s polytechnic focus.

“Stout’s combination of affordability and high‑quality education also played a big role in my decision,” said George, who has an undergraduate degree in computer science from the University of Delhi, India. “I hope to make an impact by using data to solve real‑world problems and help organizations make more informed decisions. I want to work on projects that make technology more understandable and accessible, especially in spaces where data has the potential to improve people’s daily experiences.”

George is especially interested in the growing space of AI and Big Data, and how these technologies can be used to uncover insights that aren’t always obvious through traditional analysis. “Whether it’s improving decision‑making, optimizing processes, or creating solutions that simplify everyday tasks, I want to contribute to work that uses data and AI in meaningful, responsible ways,” he said.

During his master’s program, George completed an internship at Royal Credit Union in Eau Claire as a business intelligence analyst. He worked with dashboards, databases, and data engineering, giving him a strong technical foundation and a step toward his long‑term goals.

George received his M.S. in applied computer science from ��Ͽ� on May 16, among more than 1,000 of his peers. He hopes to gain more experience in data and analytics through a full-time position in the field.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunities and experiences ��Ͽ� has given me,” George said. “My time here has shaped not only my academic and professional path, but also my personal growth in ways I didn’t expect when I first arrived. I’m thankful for the support, the community and the chance to challenge myself in meaningful ways. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what comes next.”

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.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

��Ͽ� prepared me through its strong emphasis on hands‑on learning. Many of my classes included practical projects using real datasets, which helped me bridge the gap between theory and application. Group projects strengthened my teamwork and problem‑solving skills, and the consistent support from professors made it easier to tackle challenging concepts. Opportunities like the Career Fair and on‑campus conferences also gave me valuable exposure to industry professionals and helped me understand what employers are looking for in the field.

What was the biggest lesson you learned in your internship with Royal Credit Union?

During my internship with Royal Credit Union, I had the opportunity to work on machine learning projects, where I helped develop and refine predictive models. I continued improving these models based on feedback and performance results, and I assisted in preparing them for deployment to support real business use cases.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was how to communicate data insights to stakeholders who weren’t necessarily technical. This taught me how to translate complex analytics into meaningful information that could guide decisions.

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Through my projects, I saw firsthand how data, when used effectively, can help both businesses and customers by improving services, increasing efficiency and identifying opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The experience gave me a deeper understanding of how data and analytics play a crucial role in supporting everyday operations.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

The combination of supportive faculty, applied learning and opportunities to take on leadership roles made my time at ��Ͽ� incredibly meaningful.

What stands out most to me is how supportive the professors are. They genuinely want students to succeed and create an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and growth.

The project‑based coursework helped me build practical skills that translate directly to workplace expectations.

My experiences in my on‑campus employment as a student manager at Merle M. Price Commons Dining Services taught me a lot about leadership, communication and managing responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment. I learned how to stay organized under pressure, support a team and make quick decisions during busy hours. It was a completely different kind of learning experience, but one that helped me grow personally and professionally.

How did your involvement impact your experience?

Participating in class projects and collaborating with classmates gave me a strong sense of community. I also had the opportunity to serve as an international mentor, working with the Office of International Education to help and guide new international students during their transition to campus life. This experience allowed me to connect with students from around the world, support them through the adjustment process and give back to the community that supported me when I first arrived.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to a new country and balancing coursework with my job and internship. Managing time and staying organized helped me stay on track, and the support from classmates and professors made the transition much easier.

Being the only international student in my program also made it challenging at first to connect with classmates, but group projects, an on‑campus job and other activities helped me build meaningful relationships. Over time, these experiences helped me feel more confident, included and connected to the campus community.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I’m proud of how much I’ve grown academically, personally and professionally during my time at ��Ͽ�. Academically, I pushed myself through challenging coursework and real‑world projects that strengthened my skills and deepened my understanding of data and analytics. Professionally, completing an internship while managing on‑campus employment helped me gain hands‑on experience, build confidence and understand what it means to work in a fast‑paced, industry‑focused environment. Personally, adapting to a new country, meeting new people, and learning to balance so many responsibilities at once helped me become more independent, resilient and self‑assured. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown in every aspect of my life.

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