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Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

giffeyt — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomoniegiffeyt June 30, 2026

Muralists from around the U.S. and world join university artists and volunteers for public art event

From an artistic portrayal of the journey of Hmong refugees from Laos to Menomonie to an eye-catching image that captures the past, present and future of Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, students and staff members from ��Ͽ� Polytechnic had key roles in a just-completed effort to create 15 pieces of public art in and around Menomonie.

Murals in Menomonie drew hundreds of artists from across the United States and beyond for a five-day mural-making festival. Since 1993, members of The Walldogs – an international collective of muralists, artists and designers – have gathered annually in a new city to demonstrate their talents. From June 24-28, Walldogs from 30 states and four countries worked alongside local artists to create enduring images honoring the history and culture of the community as curious bystanders watched the process.

Among the murals was a vibrant image created in Wilson Park and designed by two ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students, graphic design and interactive media major Angelina Yang of Plover and interior design major Gao (Pretti) Zhong Thao of St. Paul.

Fifteen murals were painted during Murals in Menomonie, including this one devoted to the city's history.

The 8-foot-by-12-foot mural takes the form of a Hmong story cloth – a traditional style of embroidery that tells a story through images of everyday life, historic events and the natural world. Against a vivid blue background bordered by a triangular motif, the artwork details the journey of Hmong refugees from war-torn Laos across the Mekong River and ultimately to western Wisconsin, represented by a red barn, rolling fields, a farmers’ market and the familiar Bowman Hall Clock Tower.

Yang and Thao learned about Murals in Menomonie from Wade Lambrigtsen, a ��Ͽ� Polytechnic alumnus and lecturer who also owns Vintage Sign Shop in Menomonie. Lambrigtsen, who served as mural coordinator for Murals in Menomonie, reached out to the Hmong Stout Student Association last spring to see if any members were interested in submitting a design for the project. A mural honoring Hmong heritage had been one of the most popular options voted on by members of the public during the planning stages of Murals in Menomonie.

Volunteers paint a mural resembling a traditional Hmong story cloth.

Student gains experience in art, life

Though neither had experience making murals, Thao said she and Yang were eager to take part in the project. “This opportunity doesn’t come very often,” Thao said while taking a break from painting alongside a half dozen volunteers. “It was very exciting, and we wanted to do something to represent the community.”

Thao and Yang brainstormed the elements of the mural – which range from the mountains of Laos to the bandshell in Wilson Park – and then Yang created a digital image using Adobe Illustrator. Next, working with Lambrigtsen in his shop, they made a full-sized printout of the design, whose contours were then carefully transferred to a sheet metal surface with an electric pen.

For three days, muralists worked diligently to bring the artwork to life. While traditional story clothes are meticulous works of embroidery, this one was created with painstaking dabs of paint to create tiny figures and scenes.

Yang and Thao were joined by more than 20 volunteers in downtown Menomonie’s Wilson Park, where the mural took shape. The completed mural is expected to find a home – at least temporarily – at the Dunn County Historical Society’s Rassbach Museum.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Student Pretti Thao, left, co-designer of the Hmong story cloth mural, poses with Chancellor Katherine Frank.

“I feel ecstatic. I feel great having the whole community here,” Thao said. “I hope this inspires other people to take part in learning our history.”

In addition to the artistic skills she’s developed, the project required Thao to communicate a great deal with other artists, something she expects will help her in professional life as an interior designer.

“I feel like it’s more than an experience on my resume,” she concluded. “It’s a life lesson.”

Camilla Estes, a veteran Walldog who operates a mural business in Paducah, Kentucky, said she was privileged to help the ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students with their mural.

“The best thing about Walldogs is that so many strangers can come together and create so much love and beauty,” Estes said.

Among the ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students and staff members who helped with the story cloth mural were Evangeline Thao, a graphic design and interactive media major from Hudson; Maiyer Xiong, a graphic communication major from Eau Claire; Ghiatight Xiong, an information and communication technology major from Eau Claire; Addison Vang, an applied math and computer science major from Rosemount, Minnesota; and university employees Michael Moua, TRIO Student Support Services, and Heidi Smith, Office of Research & Sponsored Programs. Chancellor Katherine Frank even grabbed a paintbrush to help while visiting the mural sites spread throughout downtown Menomonie.

Chancellor Katherine Frank joins other volunteers to paint a mural portraying ��Ͽ� Polytechnic's past, present and future.

Campus mural embodies polytechnic tenets

Murals in Menomonie involved the creation of 15 murals, 13 in Menomonie and one each for the nearby communities of Boyceville and Ridgeland. Many immortalized historic individuals, events or institutions, including Swiss Miss hot cocoa (invented by Charles Sanna of Menomonie), the Menomonie Blue Caps Base Ball Club, and the Knapp, Stout & Co. lumber business, co-owned by the father of university founder James Huff Stout.

Stout’s most enduring legacy – the educational institution he founded – is now depicted in a mural on the east side of the Administration Building, facing Clock Tower Plaza. Painted just weeks after the word “Polytechnic” was officially added to the university’s name, the mural encompasses elements from the institution’s 135-year history: bold block letters reading “STOUT,” the logos of both the Stout Institute (1908-55) and Stout State University (1955-64), the contemporary triple-banded “S” logo and the official designation as “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University,” and pillars bearing the institution’s enduring values – Honor, Industry, Learning and Skill. Painted archways bearing the phrases “Forward from our founding” and “Forever to our future” frame a panoramic depiction of campus landmarks.

The artwork was designed by muralist Tom Seibert of California, who has taken part in about a dozen Walldogs events over the years. Seibert’s business, Murals for Schools, specializes in institutional murals like this one. Seibert said the mural was created in trompe l’oeil style (French for “deceive the eye”) and will likely become a popular selfie spot.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic alum Billie Walleen prepares to add her handprint to a mural dedicated to her family's longtime Menomonie business, Bolo Country Inn.

Frank lent a hand to the campus mural as well, praising Seibert’s design. “When we saw Tom’s expertise at creating pride through his murals, we knew we didn’t have to speak to a single point in ��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s 135-year history,” Frank said. “Tom has given us a mural that celebrates the legacy of our graduates and employees in a campus location that deeply resonates with our alumni and many others, while also inspiring future innovation in Menomonie, Wisconsin, and beyond through Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.”

Lambrigtsen said three years of planning went into bringing the Walldogs to Menomonie. Numerous community sponsors, including ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, supported the Murals in Menomonie effort, as did hundreds of volunteers. Among them were at least 10 former ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students and dozens of others connected to the university.

“I think the best part was seeing the community come together, seeing how people stepped up to help,” said Lambrigtsen, who added that the newly created artwork will attract admirers for years to come.

An art auction held June 27 at the Memorial Student Center to celebrate the conclusion of Murals in Menomonie raised nearly $34,000, one of the highest fundraising figures in Walldogs history. The funds will be held in an endowment to support mural upkeep.

The new mural on Clock Tower Plaza joins several others painted by students on campus in recent years. Students in the Graffiti and Street Art summer class have designed and created four large-scale murals on the east side of the Applied Arts Building, including one painted in early June under the leadership of Assistant Professor Mary Climes.

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Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

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Muralists from around the U.S. and world join university artists and volunteers for public art event Hmong story cloth mural part of Murals in Menomonie

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

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Hero Caption: Volunteers paint a mural on the exterior of the Administration Building on the ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Campus during the Murals in Menomonie event.

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High school students complete university-level project to create spaces that inspire

goersab — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:50:00 +0000

High school students complete university-level project to create spaces that inspiregoersab June 25, 2026

Interior design camp, industry-standard software introduces campers to career paths in residential, commercial design

Abbey Goers

Every space has its own function, whether it’s an educational studio calling on students to advance their design skills and create a space optimal for learning, or a residential studio where they’re tasked with designing a cozy living room inviting friends to sit and stay awhile. For four days in June, area high school students created their own spaces in the Interior Design: Creating Spaces That Inspire Camp at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic.

In three interior design labs within the Applied Arts Building, the campers discovered how design influences the way people live, work and connect. From sketching, mood boards and space planning to color, lighting and design conceptualization, they created projects inspired by album covers, designing great rooms that encompassed kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms for clients of their choosing.

“This is a similar project that I give to my second-year students in their first interior design studio course. The young campers practiced exactly what the college students learn. They chose their album cover and drew from the visual or emotional aspects to design their space,” said interior design Assistant Professor Nicolette Brehm, the camp instructor.

Assistant Professor Nicolette Brehm and a STEAM camper review options in an architectural design software.

They also explored both residential and commercial interiors and gained insight into the numerous career paths in interior design. “There are many career pathways outside of residential design – this is what many students come in thinking of. But there are so many great opportunities in commercial design, furniture and more,” Brehm said.

The interior design campers are just some of the more than 500 youths from around the region and country who are traveling to ��Ͽ� Polytechnic to join the Middle School STEAM and High School STEAM experiences this summer.

A STEAM camper adds texture and color to their room design.

Introducing young campers to career paths in science, technology, engineering, and art and design fits hand-in-hand with ��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s mission of preparing its students for the workforce, as 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

Using music to create spaces that inspire

With interests in architecture and design, the high school students enjoyed creating floor plans, space planning and selecting color palettes. “I was surprised by how learning that interior design is more than just choosing paint colors. It involves a lot of technical work. You also have to think about the aspects you don’t see, like electrical and plumbing,” said one of the campers.

A room design inspired by The Alchemist’s 'Yacht Rock 2' album cover.

For their unique spaces, campers drew inspiration from the following album covers:

The Alchemist’s “Yacht Rock 2,” which pictures a bird’s-eye view of a white boat floating in a sandy ocean cove. Their great room reflected feelings of calmness, with marble countertops, sea-blue tile backsplashes and a boat-shaped bookshelf. A large sofa faced a ceiling-to-floor indoor water feature and overlooked panoramic ocean views.
SZA’s “Good Days,” where the artist is sitting on a diving board over a choppy, blue sea. Their great room featured a seating area with a fireplace adorned in deep blue tiles, with a pattern that mimicked the waves. The contrast of fire and water – warmth blended with cool colors – was striking.
Drake’s “Iceman,” in which Drake is wearing Michael Jackson’s iconic white glove. Their great room’s kitchen featured stark white countertops, ice-blue wallpaper and light-colored wooden cabinetry.
“The Normal Album” by Will Wood features the photo of a man waving from an open window. The photo is set against a pattern of 1980s-style pastel zigzags. Their great room felt playful, with a center terrarium of tropical plants, a rounded green sofa covered in colorful pillows, statues of various animals and a piano against a brightly patterned wall.

A room design inspired by Drake’s 'Iceman' album cover.

As the campers thought about their great rooms, they first needed to sketch out their floor plans, practicing drawing in 1/4 scale, in which 1/4 inch on paper is equal to one foot in real life. With access to the interior design Materials Lab, the campers selected tiles, flooring, wood and fabric samples to add to their materials palettes, or mood boards. Items within the lab are donated by interior design vendors and alumni.

With Revit, an architectural design software used by university students and industry professionals, they created 3D renderings of their floor plans. Through Architextures.org, they selected digital materials to represent items on their materials palettes. The website allowed them to select tints, tones, shapes and patterns of tiles, wood, stone, wallpaper and more to integrate into their Revit models.

A room design inspired by 'The Normal Album' by Will Wood.

They also referred to industry websites, such as Bernhardt Design, Haworth, Herman Miller, and BIM Object, to search for furniture and décor accessories and downloaded 3D models of the pieces to bring into their own models.

Teaching Assistant Colby Greene, a human development and family studies student, joined the campers in creating her own great room, learning interior design skills alongside them. “I’ve worked as a nanny for eight years, and I like working with kids. This is my internship, and I’ve learned a lot of new skills,” she said.

The campers presented their digital floor plans and materials palettes to each other, learning to communicate their ideas clearly with their peers, before presenting to families and supporters during the Camper Showcase, which concluded the camp.

A materials palette, or mood board, based on 'Yacht Rock 2.'

Additional STEAM camps this summer include experiences in:

Science & Health: Freshwater science, fish conservation, anatomy, molecular ecology, psychology and gardening
Technology: Construction, 3D printing, robotics and virtual reality
Engineering: Packaging and plastics engineering
Art & Design: Claymation, comics, game design, fashion, cinema production and drawing.

The STEAM programs are sponsored by the Menomonie, Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire school districts, the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, the National Science Foundation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Xcel Energy and the ��Ͽ� Foundation & Alumni Association, in partnership with Continuing Education & Conferences.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s interior design program is part of the School of Art & Design, which also offers bachelor’s degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production; and an M.F.A. in design. ��Ͽ� also has a new program in game and media studies.

The album covers chosen by the STEAM interior design campers.

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Hero Caption: A room design inspired by SZA’s 'Good Days' album cover.

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Construction camp introduces young students to careers, degree paths

goersab — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:30:00 +0000

Construction camp introduces young students to careers, degree paths goersab June 16, 2026

Tour led by Boldt Company in Chippewa Falls gives campers a behind-the-scenes look at construction site

Abbey Goers

On a cloudy Tuesday morning, eight middle school Construction Pathways campers with ��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s summer STEAM experience watched a crane lift an air conditioning unit onto the new Aspirus Clinic that is being built in Chippewa Falls.

The site tour, led by the Boldt Company, introduced the campers to different career opportunities in the construction industry, including project management, skilled trades, labor, engineering, safety, and more, as well as what being a construction management student at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic might be like.

STEAM Construction campers and instructors with their final projects

“Students gained a better understanding of how a construction site operates with a behind-the-scenes look at how projects are planned, built and managed from the ground up. They discovered career paths in construction, woodworking and other skilled trades they may be interested in pursuing in the future,” said technology education senior Annika Schlueter, who taught the camp.

The construction campers are just some of the more than 500 children from around the region and country who are traveling to ��Ͽ� Polytechnic to join the Middle School STEAM and High School STEAM week-long experiences this summer.

STEAM Construction campers received a site tour by the Boldt Company / Annika Schlueter

Introducing young campers to career paths in science, technology, engineering, and art and design fits hand-in-hand with ��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s mission of preparing its students for the workforce, as 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

New experiences in the Woods Lab

In the Jarvis Hall Wood Prototyping Lab, the campers created their own wooden cutting boards, crafted from black walnut, ash, cherry, and maple, and personalized them with laser engraving technology.

Instructor Annika Schlueter helps a camper cut pieces for cutting board. / Annika Schlueter

Through the hands-on project, they learned foundational skills in woodworking, like tool safety and how projects are designed, managed and completed from start to finish. They used a full range of the lab’s machine, including table saws, routers, an overhead sander, a CNC (computer numerical control) machine and a laser engraver.

“Along with these hard skills, they developed important life skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, responsibility and time management,” Schlueter said. “Students gained skills they can use both in their future careers and in their everyday lives. By completing projects and working through challenges, they built confidence and gained valuable skills that will benefit them long after the class is over.”

Teaching Assistant Marrissa Haglund helps a camper with the CNC machine.

Most of the campers had done small woodworking projects before, but using the CNC machine was an all new experience. Levi Ryan, who traveled from Texas to attend the camp, didn’t even know the machine existed. “Seeing what all of the different machines can do was the best part,” he said.

Caleb Larson, of Baldwin, joined the camp to be able to work with his hands. He enjoyed “seeing all of the work come together, especially at the construction site visit.”

Campers and Schlueter prepare to use the laser engraver on a cutting board

While waiting for glue to dry or for the CNC machine or laser engraver to be available or for classmates to complete the sanding process on their cutting boards, there was time for extra projects.

“Keeping the kids busy was the hardest part,” Schlueter said. “We did a lot of additional projects on the fly, like resin-pour coasters and keychains, and other laser-engraved wood designs as gifts.”

Prepared to lead in the classroom

Originally, the STEAM construction camp was going to be taught by engineering technology Assistant Professor Kevin Dietsche, but his schedule did not line up, so he offered the camp to Schlueter. Schlueter, who serves as a lab assistant in the Woods Lab, has completed her pre-student teaching and will begin student teaching next spring. The construction camp was her first experience leading a classroom.

Campers sand their cutting boards in preparation for sealing them.

Marrissa Haglund, who also serves as a lab assistant, was asked to be a teaching assistant for the camp. Haglund fell in love with the Woods Lab after taking a couple of engineering technology courses. She graduated in May with a B.S. in business administration.

“This opportunity has given me confidence, experience, and application in my field, and I think it is a great program for the students,” Schlueter said. “This camp not only offered me technical experience but also a lot of soft skills with coordination, communication and organization. I did a lot of budgeting and planning to get ready for the camp, so it could be as time-effective as possible. I’m very thankful that I was given the opportunity to be the instructor.”

Campers, Schlueter and Haglund seal their cutting boards.

Additional STEAM camps this summer include experiences in:

Science & Health: Freshwater science, fish conservation, anatomy, molecular ecology, psychology and gardening

Technology: 3D-printing, robotics and virtual reality

Engineering: Packaging and plastics engineering

Art & Design: Claymation, comics, game design, fashion, cinema production, interior design and drawing.

The STEAM programs are sponsored by the Menomonie, Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire school districts, the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, the National Science Foundation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Xcel Energy and the ��Ͽ� Foundation & Alumni Association, in partnership with Continuing Education & Conferences.

Haglund helps campers mix coloring to add to their resin-pour keychains. / Annika Schlueter

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University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic amends name to reflect longstanding applied, career focus

giffeyt — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:15:00 +0000

University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic amends name to reflect longstanding applied, career focusgiffeyt June 4, 2026

After 135 years of innovation, ‘polytechnic’ officially added to university’s name

Tom Giffey

Throughout its long history, the educational institution that bears the name of its founder, James Huff Stout, has continuously evolved and maintained its position at the vanguard of higher education. Over the course of 135 years, two things have remained constant. The first is the presence of its founder’s name. The second is a commitment to applied learning — what was known as “manual training” in the 19th century and is called “polytechnic education” in the 21st.

Now for the first time, these two constant factors will be combined into the institution’s name: What was founded in 1891 as the Stout Manual Training School and became University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1971 will now be officially known as University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved the name change at a June 4 meeting in Milwaukee. The Regents’ decision is historic not only for ��Ͽ� Polytechnic but also for the Universities of Wisconsin as a whole: It marks the first time since 1971, when a merger created the current 13-campus system, that one of Wisconsin’s public universities has changed its name.

The new name reflects what ��Ͽ� Polytechnic truly is: A distinctive institution with a proudly held polytechnic identity.

“At a time when the relevance of higher education is being questioned by many, ��Ͽ� Polytechnic has proven its relevance and shown its impact on the state of Wisconsin and far beyond through a focus on our educational mission and the subsequent success of our graduates,” said ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Chancellor Katherine Frank. “Our distinctiveness as a university is now called out in our name, and we are proud to be ��Ͽ� Polytechnic.”

��Ͽ� Polytechnic students and faculty members examine a coffee table designed by 2024 graduate Micah Loder during a tour of Room & Board headquarters in Minneapolis.

Following the unanimous Board of Regents vote, the decision was lauded by Universities of Wisconsin leaders.

“Employers increasingly seek graduates who can contribute on day one, and ��Ͽ� Polytechnic stands apart by embracing the meaning of ‘polytechnic,’” said Universities of Wisconsin Regent President Amy B. Bogost. “This designation reflects the university’s fundamental commitment to applied learning.”

“The significance of the polytechnic name is that it clearly communicates the value proposition of a ��Ͽ� Polytechnic degree,” added Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter. “It represents an education intentionally designed to meet the needs of students, employers and communities now and into the future.”

��Ͽ� Polytechnic environmental science major Cayanna Erickson spoke about her research on zebra mussels in Lake Menomin at Research in the Rotunda March 11, 2026.

New name emphasizes polytechnic advantage

As a polytechnic university, ��Ͽ� Polytechnic is focused on applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences. The campus has three times as many labs as traditional classrooms. Each year, students take part in approximately 1,000 co-op and internship experiences, more than one-third of which lead to job offers. In fact, this spring 77.4% of ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students were hired before graduation, while in recent surveys 99% were hired or pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. Those graduates’ average starting salaries – $59,000 for undergraduates, according to the most recent survey – are consistently higher than their regional peers.

In recent years, Blue Devil graduates have gone to work for hundreds of firms with household names or Fortune 500 rankings, including Amazon, Cigna, General Motors, Citigroup, Ashley Furniture, Andersen Windows, Boeing, Milwaukee Tool, Boston Scientific, Harley-Davidson, FedEx, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Nike, Oshkosh Corp., Rockwell Automation, Target and 3M.

Labs at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic feature industry-standard equipment, such as this Stratasys powder bed fusion 3D printer in Fryklund Hall.

Over the past five years alone, 3M has hired 29 ��Ͽ� Polytechnic graduates, whose degrees range from manufacturing engineering to management and packaging to graphic design.

“��Ͽ� Polytechnic has been a valued talent partner for 3M Menomonie for more than 50 years,” 3M Menomonie Site Director Janice Neitzel said. “In fact, ��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s presence was a key factor in 3M’s decision to open the Menomonie manufacturing plant in 1974. We continue to value ��Ͽ� Polytechnic graduates for their strong foundational knowledge, hands-on experience, and readiness to contribute from day one across engineering, operations, supply chain, and other key functions.”

Andersen Windows also relies on a strong partnership with ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, having hired 37 graduates over the past five years from a dozen degree programs, including management and leadership, risk control and safety management, and computer networking and infrastructure engineering.

“Our relationship with ��Ͽ� Polytechnic provides Andersen with a reliable pipeline of career-ready talent across manufacturing, supply chain, IT and operations leadership roles,” said Stanley Lichucki, senior director of operations at Andersen. “The combination of applied learning and a strong internship-to-full-time pipeline strengthens our workforce while supporting long-term manufacturing competitiveness in western Wisconsin.”

The university’s polytechnic advantage means finding impactful solutions to real problems. Like conducting sustainable plastic research for John Deere. Creating equipment solutions for Ashley Furniture. Designing furniture for Room & Board. Developing award-winning packaging for Pringles. Mitigating the danger of space debris. Helping manufacturers adapt with AI. Measuring the economic impact of statewide conservation measures. Increasing access to cultural heritage objects through 3D imaging. Using AI to research products that meet the nutritional needs of GLP-1 users – and much more.

The Menomonie campus of ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, the only polytechnic university in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Name evolves, mission continues

The name change is the culmination of a decades-long effort to enhance the university’s polytechnic identity. In 1974, just a few years after adding “University of Wisconsin” to its name, the institution was designated by the Board of Regents as a “special mission university,” dedicated to preparing students for a distinct array of professional careers focused on the needs of society.

In 2001, ��Ͽ� became the first university to win the coveted Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest award for performance excellence. A few years later, in 2007, the Board of Regents voted to officially declare ��Ͽ� as “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University,” and in 2024 the board amended Regent Policy Document 1-1 to place ��Ͽ� in its own “Polytechnic University” category, further distinguishing its core mission and differentiating it from other universities in the system.

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Chancellor Katherine Frank discusses the importance of polytechnic universities after the Board of Regents modified RPD 1-1 to recognize ��Ͽ�.

Fewer than 3% of the universities in the United States are designated as polytechnic. ��Ͽ� Polytechnic is the only one in Wisconsin or Minnesota on the list, which across the nation includes the likes of MIT, Cal Poly and Georgia Tech.

Since its founding in 1891, the university has had six different names:

Stout Manual Training Schools (1891–1908)
The Stout Institute (1908–1955)
Stout State College (1955–1964)
Stout State University (1964–1971)
University of Wisconsin-Stout (1971–2026)
University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic (2026-present)

The polytechnic tradition dates to the institution’s founder, James Huff Stout, a businessman, philanthropist, legislator and education reformer. Stout’s approach, as described during his lifetime, was decidedly polytechnic: “The best education is that which best equips a young person for practical life work” and that gives “the greatest usefulness and encourages the highest and best citizenship.”

Now, as ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, the university requests that members of the media and other outside organizations use University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic or ��Ͽ� Polytechnic rather than ��Ͽ� or Stout.

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Hero Caption: Visitors, including philanthropists Ronald and Joyce Wanek, tour the ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Robotics Lab in March.

Katherine P. Frank

Katherine P. Frank became the eighth chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, after a distinguished career as an administrator and faculty member.

Before her appointment as chancellor, Chancellor Frank served from 2016 in two roles at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., as Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Life and Vice President of Academic Innovation. She also held the rank of Professor of English.

From summer 2014 until spring 2016, she was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Frank served as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Indiana University East, Chair of English and Foreign Languages at Colorado State University-Pueblo, and a faculty member and administrator of programs involving student writing, faculty professional development, and student success.

Chancellor Frank, the first female leader of ��Ͽ�, grew up in Colorado and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Bates College, Lewiston, Maine. She has master’s and doctorate degrees in English from the University of Washington, Seattle. Frank’s research interests include Romantic and Victorian English Literature, rhetoric and composition, the scholarship of teaching, and academic leadership.

“I am delighted to join ��Ͽ�,” Chancellor Frank said. “Throughout the search process, I became increasingly impressed by the high-quality work and creative thinking exhibited by faculty, staff, and students at ��Ͽ�, as well as the strong, reciprocal relationships among the university, community, and regional partners. Everyone demonstrated dedication to the university and exhibited true focus on ensuring student success.

“As beautifully stated by one alumna, ‘Stout is where you need to be.’ I could not agree more and am honored to join this exceptional community of educators, learners, partners, and friends.”

“Dr. Frank has demonstrated throughout her academic career that she is a strategic, dynamic leader,” said UW System President Ray Cross. “She handles challenges extremely well. Her visionary perspective on the future of ��Ͽ� will serve the institution and the state of Wisconsin very well.”

Chancellor Frank and her husband, Joe Dvorsky, live in Menomonie with their three rescue cats. She is an outdoor activities enthusiast, including running, road cycling and mountain biking, and has a love of animals, travel, and adventure.

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��Ͽ� welcomes more than 1,100 community members, area children for summer activities

goersab — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:30:00 +0000

��Ͽ� welcomes more than 1,100 community members, area children for summer activitiesgoersab June 1, 2026

Polytechnic experiences offered at hands-on STEAM camps, professional development workshops, Murals in Menomonie festival

Abbey Goers

The academic year may have ended, but the summer is just heating up at ��Ͽ� with community classes, youth camps and a mural festival, featuring some of the world’s best mural artists.

As part of ��Ͽ�’s year-round campus activities, more than 1,100 community members and area children will join in hands-on, applied learning in campus labs and studios.

Registration for many opportunities is still open:

The Middle School STEAM Experience and the High School STEAM Experience introduce young students to exciting career paths in science, technology, engineering, and art and design, while nurturing creativity and critical thinking skills. STEAM camp scholarships are available for Wisconsin students.
Adult learners are invited to personal and professional enrichment courses and workshops designed to help advance careers or build connections through a new hobby, offered through Continuing Education and Conferences.
Young athletes can improve their skills at sports camps and Stout Adventures’ Youth Climbing League, led by university coaches and staff.

And for four days, international artists will descend upon the city during Murals in Menomonie, featuring the Walldogs. From Wednesday, June 24, to Sunday, June 28, artists, residents, and visitors will come together to celebrate creativity, wellness and community pride in this one-of-a-kind event. The mural created for the ��Ͽ� campus will be painted on the eastern side of the Administration Building, facing the Clock Tower Plaza.

STEAM Experiences for young campers

Each STEAM camp is designed to engage and provide hands-on learning experiences and is led by ��Ͽ� faculty and university students. Unique tracks within the disciplines of STEAM include:

Science & Health: Freshwater science, fish conservation, anatomy, molecular ecology, psychology and gardening
Technology: 3D-printing, robotics and virtual reality
Engineering: Construction, packaging and plastics engineering
Art & Design: Claymation, comics, game design, fashion, cinema production, interior design and drawing.

Continuing Education classes for community members

Continuing Education & Conferences is collaborating with faculty and staff to develop in-person courses. Explore details and register to join on campus:

June 11: The popular Discovering Japan series offers a workshop on Creating with Brush and Ink: A Japanese Calligraphy Experience.
June 25: Protein Done Right invites participants into a ��Ͽ� kitchen classroom to bust diet myths and cook a meal together.
June 30-Aug. 11: The six-day course on Citizen Journalism builds skills to write compelling stories that reflect the people, events and issues shaping the community.
July 8-Aug. 5: In five two-hour sessions, learn how to turn Memories to Memoir: Crafting Your Story by reading and analyzing memoirs and through structured writing time.
July 13-17: Build analytical and synthetic thinking skills by practicing established creative problem-solving methods in a one-credit Creative Problem-Solving course.
July 15: The Discovering Japan series continues with Steeping in Tradition: A Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience, an introduction to the history, hospitality, mindfulness and artistry of tea ceremonies.
Aug. 1-2: Metal Art Workshop: Ring-making will introduce learners to basic metalsmithing techniques, materials and tools as they make rings in the Metals Lab.
Aug. 25: The third Discover Japan workshop, The Art of Giving in Japan: A Furoshiki Experience, focuses on the traditional Japanese art of cloth wrapping.
Open Enrollment: A new series on Eldercare launches with its first course, focused on Death and Bereavement.

Continuing Education & Conferences is also conducting a survey for community members to understand public interest in personal enrichment classes and usage of university labs, studios and other spaces.

Discovering Japan: Culture and Community Workshop Series

Experience Japanese traditions—past and present—through engaging community-based workshops that bring culture to life

Sports and activities

Athletics offers multiple summer sports camps led by university coaches, staff and student athletes. Camps include baseball, softball, basketball, football, flag football, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, track, volleyball and dance.

Youth Climbing League offers introductory activities, designed to empower kids ages 6 to 12. Experienced instructors lead activities for all skill levels. Two sessions will be held from Tuesday, June 9, to Wednesday, July 15; and Tuesday, July 21, to Wednesday, Aug. 26.

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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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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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Xcel Energy Cedar Falls Hydro project supports construction students’ industry experiences

goersab — Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Xcel Energy Cedar Falls Hydro project supports construction students’ industry experiencesgoersab May 12, 2026

Collaboration encourages students to consider impacts of infrastructure on greater community

Abbey Goers

Donning hard hats and safety vests, construction management and risk control students from ��Ͽ� recently stood at the base of the Cedar Falls Hydroelectric plant and peered up at the 60-foot-tall dam that creates the 1,800-acre Tainter Lake, north of Menomonie.

Cedar Falls Hydro is one of 19 hydroelectric facilities in Wisconsin operated by Xcel Energy, with a total generating capacity of about 272 megawatts of renewable and carbon-free electricity.

Xcel Energy is in the midst of a multi-year, $50 million+ project designed to improve the safety and increase spillway capacity of the Cedar Falls Hydro Dam. The phased upgrade first involves upgrades to the spillway, including tie-back anchors and mass concrete infill work. Future phases involve installing upstream cofferdams to install new spillway gates and constructing a downstream stilling basin to help reduce erosion of the riverbed at the dam.

Students in the Heavy Construction Methods & Equipment class, led by Assistant Professor Janelle Skoyen Hestekin and Lecturer John Beckfield, visited the site to see Xcel Energy’s project in operation and witness real-world applications surrounding the major community asset and capital project.

“Xcel Energy supports investment in educating the next generation of construction professionals by providing exposure to real-world construction projects and practical work experiences with ��Ͽ� students interested in the field of engineering, design and construction,” said Xcel Energy Project Manager Anthony Witkowski.

Prior to their visit, students worked together as a mock construction company to develop a broad-based construction plan for a mass concrete infill project, inspired by the Cedar Falls Hydro project. They presented their plan, which included materials, equipment, scheduling, staffing, permits, environmental quality, safety and job hazard analysis, and cost estimates to Witkowski and other Xcel Energy staff at the Cedar Falls site.

“It is clear the students put a significant amount of thought and preparation into their presentations in the areas of construction planning, construction safety, project scheduling and project cost estimating. I appreciated the clear written and verbal communication presented by the students,” Witkowski said.

Xcel Energy is an active member of ��Ͽ�’s Construction Industry Advisory Committee, from which the collaboration and learning opportunity arose. Hestekin adapted her course structure to incorporate the project and guided students throughout the process.

The class project kicked off with a visit from Witkowski and Dean Steines, chief dam safety engineer – hydro operations, who introduced the project background and design goals to the students from the owner’s perspective. They also met with Shane McFadden, CEO of Engineering & Construction Innovations, Inc. (ECI), the project's prime contractor, and ECI project staff to compare their planned approach to how ECI is actively completing the work.

“The project exposed students to the heavy civil sector of construction work, where new talent is needed to grow the workforce. A sincere thank you to Xcel Energy for offering this opportunity to the students,” said Hestekin, who is looking forward to additional opportunities for students to collaborate at the Cedar Falls site and other nearby facilities.

Students from Associate Professors Calvin Chen’s Building Electrical and Control Systems class and Assistant Professor Ashely Der’s Construction Safety / Risk Control class also visited the site to see the operations of the power distribution network to the nearby cities, and safety management procedures, such as hot work – welding, cutting, soldering, and other tasks that produce heat, sparks or flame – and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), a safety procedure used to protect workers by preventing the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment.

Presenting a complete construction plan

The Cedar Falls dam, constructed in 1910, is one of a few remaining Ambursen dams – hollow dams with open sections between the buttresses on the downstream side of the dam. It is the hollow sections that will be filled with mass concrete, which was the focus of the students’ presentation.

Their broad-based construction plan and estimate for a mass concrete infill project, presented to Xcel Energy as the owner, included staff wages, material and machinery costs, transportation of material, equipment and personnel, and overhead costs.

The students’ simulated work would consist of four separate concrete pours in each of the dam’s 18 bays, with work beginning on Aug. 10 and completion on Nov. 12, taking into account rainfall, river flow and potential temperature-related concrete issues.

Their safety plan listed OSHA safety training requirements; the inspection of equipment, causeway, the local road and dam; and more.

Allie Hubbard, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, Ben Larson, of West Salem, and Blake Bargender, of Abbotsford, think the project was the most beneficial experience in the course, allowing them to visualize their classroom learning in a real-world setting.

“What stood out most was experiencing the project as if we were part of an actual company. I gained a better understanding of how important communication is across all team roles. I also learned the importance of maintaining strong relationships with subcontractors, since the construction industry is highly interconnected,” said Hubbard, who is also majoring in interior design.

Being able to visit the site and talk to the people actually working on the project gave Larson a new perspective and helped him see what the student group did well on their project and what they could have done better, Larson said.

Bargender plans to one day serve as a project manager for a commercial construction company. “This research project, presentation, and site visit significantly helped me prepare for my future career because it simulated a very realistic situation of estimating and planning in the role of a project manager,” he said.

Students contributing to the greater community

Xcel Energy’s long-standing partnership with ��Ͽ� continues to grow in meaningful ways, said Community Relations Manager Tim Bartels. “We are pleased to connect students directly with real-world infrastructure and community assets. We’re especially proud that these collaborations support broader commitment to sustainability, giving students the opportunity to engage with projects that advance clean energy and the communities we serve,” he said.

Hubbard thinks that with industry partners and collaborators, like Xcel, that encourage hands-on learning, “Stout students can continue to make lasting impacts on community and environmental projects by applying what we learn in class to real-world situations. Projects like the hydro facility show how we can contribute to the greater community. I am most interested in the opportunity to contribute to how our world is built in the future and to make a lasting impact on the places people use every day,” she said.

Larson and Bargender agreed and added that students can also make an impact on community or environmental projects by getting involved with student organizations, like the Student Construction Association, Women in Construction, and Sigma Lambda Chi, and by volunteering or joining a construction competition team to gain real experience.

“The more you put in, the more you get out of it,” Larson said. “What I like most about my construction management major is how many opportunities it opens up. In our program, we are exposed to a little bit of everything. So, when we graduate, there are so many directions within the industry. I like that flexibility and the fact that the possibilities are pretty much endless.”

As a construction management and interior design double major, Hubbard enjoys being a part of the entire process “from the very beginning, meeting with clients, understanding their needs and wants, and then bringing their vision to life. It’s especially rewarding to guide clients through the process and ultimately hand over the keys to a finished structure they can be excited about,” she said.

Xcel Energy provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Its spillway modernization project was approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in 2021, with the multi-year project beginning in 2022. The project is part of Xcel Energy’s investment in a cleaner electric system, as it drives toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.

Graduates from ��Ͽ�’s B.S. construction management program reported a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $70,000, according to the latest university First Destination Report.

��Ͽ�’s School of Management offers 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates that build students' leadership skills in operations and management, business, hospitality and technology innovation, and military science fields.

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Collaboration encourages students to consider impacts of infrastructure on greater community

Collaboration encourages students to consider impacts of infrastructure on greater community Construction management students at Xcel Energy's Cedar Halls Hydro Dam

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Engineering seniors design portable toy tractor manufacturing machine to engage kids in making process

goersab — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:45:00 +0000

Engineering seniors design portable toy tractor manufacturing machine to engage kids in making processgoersab May 5, 2026

Capstone concludes three-year professorship, collaboration with Urban Forestry Board

Abbey Goers

While Wisconsin farmers are out in their tractors preparing their fields, engineering students at ��Ͽ� have designed a portable manufacturing cell – a semi-automated assembly machine – to produce wooden toy tractors for area children.

The cross-disciplinary Taft Wooden Toy Assembly System group is made of five mechanical engineering and manufacturing engineering seniors: Owen Coon, of Appleton; Ben Gurka, of Beloit; Kierce Hemauer, of Menomonie; Ryan Kahl, of Menomonie; Aili Klein, of Lakeville, Minnesota; and Dominick Widi, of Stillwater, Minnesota.

Owen Coon, Kierce Hemauer, Ben Gurka, Aili Klein, Ryan Kahl and Dominick Widi

The two-semester-long project concluded their Engineering Technology Capstone 2 course, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Kevin Dietsche. The manufacturing cell is 40 inches wide, 38 inches long and 36 inches tall. Its height makes it accessible to elementary children, as Dietsche plans to transport the machine to area schools to demonstrate the toy manufacturing process. He can also show the cell on campus tours and at industry conferences. The machine is fully enclosed with safety features, allowing Dietsche to pause assembly and talk about the process.

Constructed to be able to fit in the back of Dietsche’s minivan, the two-part portable cell can be easily assembled and disassembled by one person, and its lightweight aluminum extrusion and plexiglass frame meets OSHA’s standards for a two-person lift. It can produce 20 tractors in an hour, including the main body, front and back wheels, and two dowel axles.

On May 1, the group showcased their system to engineering and technology faculty, as well as retired faculty members John Schultz and Professor Emeritus Jerome Johnson and City of Menomonie representative Megan Hines, environmental program coordinator with the Urban Forestry Board.

They presented again on May 4 to faculty, peers, industry partners, family and community members as part of the Senior Design Experience, which blends the university’s polytechnic tenets of applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences.

The wooden toys, ducks and tractors are constructed from ash tree lumber provided by the City of Menomonie’s Urban Forestry Board.

An interactive toy manufacturing experience for kids

Challenges for the Taft Wooden Toy Assembly System group began on day one, as they essentially needed to redesign the previous group’s manufacturing cell from scratch. The previous design had broken and was not usable for testing.

However, this also gave them the opportunity to revamp the design in their own way. Their concept ideas in CAD included updating the sheet metal frame to a stronger aluminum extrusion and plexiglass frame. This was also a durability and safety consideration. The original sheet metal frame had sharp corners and was not as solid – features the group deemed unsafe, since the machine is meant to be accessible to children.

With Dietsche as their project sponsor, the group’s lead capstone instructors were Assistant Professor Nathan Spike and Senior Lecturer Glenn Bushendorf, to whom they presented their initial research and design concept for critique. The group was aided by Instrumentation Coordinator-Instructor Paul Craig and Lecturer Brandon Dick for coding and controls and Lecturer Mike Miller with sensors.

“The build phase brings a spark to see the fully functional machine. Our overall design has changed a lot. It’s two inches bigger and wider than our initial concept. The cell originally had seven doors, but after talking with Paul, we changed it to have one plated door on top. This cut down on the number of safety latches that we needed,” Hemauer said. “The machine also has an emergency stop button, and if the door is opened during production, the machine will stop.”

The wooden tractor components are fed by Dietsche through the top door into 3D-printed gravity-fed chutes. Then, like a mini-Henry Ford assembly line, five actuators – one for the body and one for each wheel – feed the components through the machine.

At first, the group designed the machine to be automated. “But we switched to have the dowels be manually inserted through the wheels, so kids can engage in the making process,” Klein said. “We also included a human-machine interface (HMI) touch screen for kids to give them an industrial feel. The screen shows images to guide kids through the steps of making the tractor.”

It was Hemauer’s idea of a Pez dispenser that evolved into the bolt-action idea of the manual insertion of the dowels, similar to how a ball is launched in a pinball machine. The insertion of the dowels is a press-fit operation, with no glue involved.

In their research, the group found that the pull force of a 6- to 10-year-old child is 22 pounds. They made the pull factor of the wheels 60 pounds for added safety and durability, knowing children would try to remove the wheels. They also imagined children would attempt to sit on and ride the tractor, although it is only 6 inches long and 3 inches high. With extra-strong dowels, made of oak, and chamfered wheels for structural integrity, the tractor can support up to 200 pounds.

A controls box mounted on the front of the machine houses the circuit board. They also added a plaque commemorating the professorship project, as well as ash wood brackets to cover the metal brackets on the exterior casing, giving the machine a warmer appearance.

The group enjoyed the cross-disciplinary project and understands the importance of the experience as they prepare to graduate and enter the workforce. “Working across majors helps you see other people’s point of view and their strengths,” Gurka said. “We’re building communication skills and the confidence to ask each other questions. It’s being able to admit when you don’t know something and being able to fall back on each other for knowledge.”

A collaboration connecting people to people

The project concludes Dietsche’s three-year G.A. Taft Manufacturing Engineering Endowed Professorship, in which various groups of students designed toys with first-graders, created AI rapid prototypes of toys with kindergartners and built a two-wheel toy assembly system to produce a wooden duck, including its body, wings, wheels and dowel axle.

Professor Emeritus Jerome Johnson gives a brief history of the collaboration during the capstone presentation.

The collaboration between the engineering and technology department and the city’s Urban Forestry Board began nearly a decade ago with the support of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant. As the city’s ash trees were dying and trees were being cut down, the grant funded the cutting, acquiring, milling, and kiln-drying of the ash wood. The repurposed wood was then used in student projects, creating benches for the City of Menomonie parks.

The projects were fostered under the guidance of Johnson and Nancy Schofield, a former ��Ͽ� professor and member of the Urban Forestry Board, who has since passed.

“Students wanted to see something that they built be used out in the city. Students became leaders and produced projects I never imagined possible,” said Johnson, who was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Menomonie Urban Forestry Board in 2021.

Professor Kevin Dietsche presents Environmental Program Coordinator Megan Hines with a toy wooden tractor and duck.

Students produced more than 20 city benches from the repurposed ash wood between 2018 and 2021, when Johnson retired and Dietsche stepped in to take his place. “This project has impacted how I teach. It follows a high-impact practices model (HIPS), which reinforces the importance of partnerships and hands-on activities, creating a whole team of student leaders,” Dietsche said.

“This project is something special. We’re able to take something dead and dying and give back to the city, with an end goal of showing kids the engineering process – from mechanical and technical to packaging. The real key is connecting people to people,” he added.

Dietsche plans to continue similar projects with the addition of artificial intelligence and circular design practices in the research and development, as well as construction and repair processes.

Graduates from ��Ͽ�’s mechanical and manufacturing engineering programs reported 99.5% employment rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of more than $70,000, according to the latest university First Destination Report.

��Ͽ�’s Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering is home to five ABET-accredited programs that also include computer and electrical engineering, engineering technology and plastics engineering, as well as a sixth bachelor’s program in packaging. A master’s in manufacturing engineering is available on campus or online.

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Animation, video seniors' short films featured alongside seasoned storytellers at Unspooled, May 9-10

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Animation, video seniors' short films featured alongside seasoned storytellers at Unspooled, May 9-10goersab April 21, 2026

Teen drama ‘Badge of the Dead’ and supernatural comedy ‘You Must Destroy’ among diverse lineup

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Girl Scouts and turkeys and zombies! Oh, my! Animation and digital media and video production seniors are busy wrapping up their capstone projects before setting their cinematic monsters loose at the 4th Annual Unspooled Film & Animation Festival on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, at ��Ͽ�’s Harvey Hall Theatre.

“Badge of the Dead” – a six-minute animated short, created by a team of nine students under the name Studio Juice – invites viewers to camp out with three scouts as they navigate life, death and teen drama in the zombie apocalypse.

“You Must Destroy” – a 15-minute short film written and directed by Doran Acero – is a supernatural comedy love letter to growing up in an exceptionally strange and beautiful place.

Sana, Charlie and Mack ready for an epic zombie battle in 'Badge of the Dead.' / Studio Juice

Unspooled showcases the very best in independent filmmaking and animation from both emerging and seasoned storytellers, offering a diverse lineup of genres and styles to enjoy.

Beyond the screenings, the festival offers unique workshops led by industry professionals, guest speakers, and lively panel discussions. Gain insights into the filmmaking process and get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of cinema.

Purchase tickets to Unspooled, part of ��Ͽ�’s Spring Showcase lineup of events.

‘Badge of the Dead’ by Studio Juice

After they’re left to the mercies of the undead during a zombie apocalypse, scouts Charlie, Mack and Sana must find a way to get along and work together to escape camp or be eaten by an onslaught of other campers and zombified forest creatures.

“Badge of the Dead” is created by Studio Juice:

Creative director, writer: Hannah Brown, of Appleton
Technical producer, master editor: Mady Hill, of Monroe
Character design lead: Jenna Good, of Victoria, Minnesota
Key art, background, merchandise: Kaleigh Kahl, of Mazeppa, Minnesota
Background, cleanup, social media: Renee Smith, of Janesville
Background, sound design: Novie Touchstone, of Waukesha
Special effects, compositing, editing: Jordan Grover, of Minneapolis
Rough animation: Paige Atherton, of Elysian, Minnesota
Rough animation, cleanup: Jack Carson, of St. Paul.

Studio Juice members Jenna Good, Kaleigh Kahl, Mady Hill, Renee Smith, Novie Touchstone, Paige Atherton, Jordan Grover and Hannah Brown.

Brown was a Girl Scout and would often play around with the idea of apocalyptic survival scenarios. She was inspired to make “Badge of the Dead” during an animation class last summer. “I created this weird art in class of a hardened warrior-scout with a nail bat and a gas mask,” she said.

“Every good idea starts with a piece of art,” Grover added.

'Badge of the Dead' movie poster and early concept art by Hannah Brown. / Studio Juice

With a heavy emphasis on character relationships, “Badge of the Dead” is geared toward teenagers and pre-teens. The setting is similar to the popular graphic novel-turned Netflix hit “The Last Kids on Earth.” Their style of animation in Good’s character designs and Kahl’s stylistic backgrounds are reminiscent of the Disney XD show “Gravity Falls.” Their capstone advisor, Professor Michael Heagle, worked with Touchstone to compose several soundtracks.

Studio Juice’s biggest challenge came in a moment they called “Bus Gate.” Scene six of “Badge of the Dead” is an action sequence – the piece de resistance – when the scouts must find a way to escape on a bus. “We animated scene six early on because it’s so big, but there was a huge continuity issue between shots of the bus in the background created by different animators,” Touchstone said.

Either the door placement was wrong, or the bus would be facing different directions from scene to scene. “In early production, there is such a cinematic importance to have 100% agreement by the team,” said Good, who created the team’s 10-page animation style guide.

Angular animation styles in 'Badge of the Dead' are reminiscent of the popular show 'Gravity Falls.' / Studio Juice

Studio Juice received a Student Research Grant through ��Ͽ�’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to study how having the biggest animation capstone group to date affects their productivity and project management. They’re looking to prove that a larger capstone group works if structured right and will set ��Ͽ� up to have better animated shorts in the future, replicating the industry standard for larger crews.

Historically, ��Ͽ� has had small capstone groups. With Studio Juice having nine members, they feel that their group is the most on track this semester to have their project completed ahead of time. From December through mid-April, they clocked 1,037 hours working on “Badge of the Dead.”

“Larger teams allow people to work at their best within their niche. It leaves room for specialization,” Good said. “It also helps with consistency between shots because it’s easier to catch errors with more eyes in the editing process.”

Relationship building between the characters Sana, Mack and Charlie is a major theme in 'Badge of the Dead.' / Studio Juice

The grant funds supported the purchase of ToonBoom Harmony licenses for each animator. “This is the animation software that’s available on Stout’s campus computers, but we wanted our own personal Mac licenses so that we could work wherever. That way, we aren’t chained to the computer lab to get work done, which has greatly improved our productivity,” Brown said.

Follow the progress and view concept art for “Badge of the Dead” on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

‘You Must Destroy’ by Doran Acero

“You Must Destroy” is set in the fictitious town of Devils Kettle in northern Minnesota and follows two U.S. Forest Service personnel, Glen and Joey, who are tasked by Head Ranger Rusty to destroy their old mascot costume, Twigs the Turkey. When they improperly dispose of the suit, they find out why there were strict protocols in place – it’s alive and is coming back after them.

'You Must Destroy' Director Doran Acero on set with crew outside of Grand Marais. / Doran Acero

Growing up in Grand Marais in the north woods on Lake Superior, Acero has both heard stories of and borne witness to natural wonders, the metaphysical world and strange true crime.

“I was lucky enough to grow up in this environment, and I wanted to make a short film that captures some of its humor and magic. This world has been bouncing around in my head for so long,” he said.

In his research, Acero found that the U.S. Forest Service had a protocol for destroying its old mascot costumes of Woodsy Owl, and that the costumes should be disposed of by incineration beyond recognition. “I don’t know. It seems extreme. It seems weird. It inspired me to make a short film,” he said.

U.S. Forest Service Rangers Glen and Joey, played by SJ Olson and Kelly Harris. / Doran Acero

Acero also wanted to work with people he already knew. The main cast of characters is:

Rusty: He's got to wear a lot of hats – boss, father figure, medic. Played by Audric Buhr, theater director at ��Ͽ�.
Glen: The youngest old-timer you will ever meet, who is utterly bored with the town of Devils Kettle, but who is also expected to take over the department when Rusty retires. Played by SJ Olson, director of education at Duluth Playhouse.
Joey: A new recruit – it’s literally his first day. Played by Kelly Harris, a video production student from Eau Claire.

Head Ranger Rusty, played by Audric Buhr. / Doran Acero

Filmed in Grand Marais, featuring local establishments like The Fisherman’s Daughter and Hungry Jack Canoe Outfitters off the Gunflint Trail, Acero leveraged the perks of coming from a small town and generous community. And with filming completed in just three days, Acero acknowledged that “something like this, you cannot do as a team of one.”

“You Must Destroy” crew includes video production alumni, students and friends: assistant director MG Gillis-Gambrell, director of photography Ethan Kullinski, assistant camera Bennet Johnson, runner Shelby Kraco, gaffer Nick Houchin, craft services Hartley Newell-Acero, script supervisor Brynn Crandal, sound Adam Trampel, and production assistants Cammi Bertossi and Nina Kitts.

The cast and crew of 'You Must Destroy.' / Doran Acero

The short film is supported through generous donations on the crowdfunding platform Seed & Spark. Acero also received a Student Research Grant through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to obtain a professionally-made turkey mascot costume. The suit arrived just two and a half weeks before shooting.

“I was getting nervous, but all’s well that ends well,” said Acero, who hopes to continue to build the folklore and supernatural stories surrounding his characters. “I do want to keep doing projects like this – to make fun, creative narrative stuff in this place that I love. I have wanted to make something like this for a very long time, just ask my mom. She has had to put up with a thousand half-baked supernatural comedy plot lines for years now.”

Additional Spring Showcase events

Saturday, May 2, 6 p.m.: Stout Fashion Show, showcasing innovative capstone collections from fashion design and development seniors.
Tuesday, May 5: Research Day, celebrating the research and creative work of students, faculty, and staff from all fields.
Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.: Stout Game Expo (SGX), western Wisconsin’s largest game developer exhibition.
Friday, May 8, 6 p.m.: School of Art & Design Senior Show, celebrating more than 120 graduating seniors’ creative works.
Wednesday, June 24, to Sunday, June 28: Murals in Menomonie, featuring the Walldogs, is a collaborative group of community organizations bringing in international mural artists.

��Ͽ�’s School of Art & Design offers bachelor’s degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, and an M.F.A. in design. ��Ͽ� also has a new program in game and media studies.

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A ��Ͽ� supported community event showcasing innovative works of film and animation by students and independent producers.

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Hero Caption: Glen, played by SJ Olson, stares into the soul of Twigs the Turkey in 'You Must Destroy.'

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PODCAST: Beyond the Bell highlights ��Ͽ� STEAM Summer Camps

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PODCAST: Beyond the Bell highlights ��Ͽ� STEAM Summer Campsgiffeyt April 17, 2026

Sixth- to 12th-grade students can delve into science, technology, engineering, design and more in university labs

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A new episode of “Beyond the Bell,” a podcast of the Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance, explores ��Ͽ�’s hands‑on Middle School and High School Summer STEAM Camps, where students in grades 6-12 dive into science, technology, engineering, art/design, and math in real labs and studios at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.

Beth Hein, ��Ͽ�’s executive director of Educational Pathways and Outreach, shares with host Jill Niemczyk how these programs spark curiosity, build confidence and connect youth with engaging mentors and creative learning experiences – helping families and out‑of‑school‑time programs understand what makes these summer opportunities so impactful.

Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance, the state’s leading organization for out-of-school programs and youth organizations, is a program of Marshfield Clinic Sanford Health. Learn more about WOSTA online at wiafterschoolnetwork.org.

More than 300 youths from around the Midwest discover career paths at ��Ͽ� summer camps

Robotics, cinema students have hands-on experiences in science, engineering, animation, marketing, design

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Student gains experience in art, life

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First student-designed mural is ‘part of the legacy, history of art at the university’

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University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic amends name to reflect longstanding applied, career focus

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Name evolves, mission continues

Op-Ed: The Unmatched Value of Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University

���Ͽ� welcomes more than 1,100 community members, area children for summer activities

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Continuing Education classes for community members

Discovering Japan: Culture and Community Workshop Series

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

The courage to keep moving forward

Career educator Albrecht honored with Distinguished Alumni Award

‘To lift up the people coming after us.’

‘We are far more capable than we believe.’

‘Our learning does not conclude today.’

Graduates recognized at Stanley Correctional Institution

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Xcel Energy Cedar Falls Hydro project supports construction students’ industry experiences

Presenting a complete construction plan

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Animation, video seniors' short films featured alongside seasoned storytellers at Unspooled, May 9-10

‘Badge of the Dead’ by Studio Juice

‘You Must Destroy’ by Doran Acero

Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

B.F.A. Animation & Digital Media

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PODCAST: Beyond the Bell highlights ���Ͽ� STEAM Summer Camps

More than 300 youths from around the Midwest discover career paths at ���Ͽ� summer camps

High School STEAM Summer Camps

Middle School STEAM Summer Camps

��Ͽ� welcomes more than 1,100 community members, area children for summer activities

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

PODCAST: Beyond the Bell highlights ��Ͽ� STEAM Summer Camps

More than 300 youths from around the Midwest discover career paths at ��Ͽ� summer camps