Alumni Stories

Architecture and Construction

As a young man, Frank left the family farm near Ashland to enroll at Northcentral Technical College (NTC). He took a job at Wausau Homes to help pay for his education. Read more Architecture and Construction alumni stories.

Arts, Audiovisual Technology and Communications

Mark’s calling as a designer surfaced at a young age. His elementary school teacher put his drawing on display in the school hallway and he knew that was what he wanted to do. After attending UW–Madison, he transferred to Madison Area Technical College (Madison College), where he studied Commercial Art and Illustration. His associate degree helped him land a design job in Denver. Read more Arts, Audiovisual Technology and Communications alumni stories.

Business, Management and Administration

Karmen completed her first technical college degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in 1987 and went on to take an entry-level position at Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC). In 1994, Karmen returned to college part-time to advance her education and career, gaining an associate degree in Marketing. The next step on her educational path landed her a bachelor’s degree from Lakeland College in 1998, and her career has advanced along with her education. Read more Business, Management and Administration alumni stories.

Finance

In recent years, as the economy declined, Kim found her tax preparation business declining as well. As a non-traditional student at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), Kim didn’t want to wait to get into classes or dig deep into the theory of accounting. Read more Finance alumni stories.

Health Sciences

Eddie excelled in his military career and wanted to continue to help others. Passionate about health care, he became a registered nurse and combined his military interests with his interest in helping others. Through his company he is helping some of the same men and women he served with, providing nursing care for quadriplegic clients. Read more Health Sciences alumni stories.

Hospitality and Tourism

When Joel was four, he lost his eyesight due to a tumor on his optic nerve. However, he never lost sight of his dream of becoming a chocolatier. Read more Hospitality and Tourism alumni stories.

Human Services

After graduating from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech), Deb transferred to Upper Iowa University where she completed her bachelor’s degree. As a Disability Benefits Specialist, she provides benefits counseling to adults with physical disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. She is putting her passion to work through the support she gives to others. Read more Human Services alumni stories.

Information Technology

Thom customized his own degree - combining studies from different program areas. He ended up taking 11 different certificates, and at one time was taking 29 credits in one semester. Read more Information Technology alumni stories.

Law, Public Safety and Security

Tom has had a distinguished career with the Green Bay Police Department, including six years as Assistant Police Chief. He was the first recipient of the Wisconsin Attorneys General Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. In addition, the police department gave Tom a Medal of Valor after he jumped into the Fox River to save a woman. Read more Law, Public Safety and Security alumni stories.

Manufacturing

His technical education from Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) has given Ryan global influence. TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd. is the sole distributor for Toshiba Machines line of Industrial robots in West/Central/Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Russia, and India. Read more Manufacturing alumni stories.

Marketing, Sales and Service

Debra didn’t think she had the time to go to school for four years or more. She wanted to get to work and appreciated that she could take meaningful, applicable classes without taking courses that would not help in her career. Read more Marketing, Sales and Service alumni stories.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Amy had always planned on becoming an electrical engineer. Her first step was to enlist in the Air Force and train as an avionics technician. At Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), she was the first student to complete the engineering transfer agreement with Marquette University and she’s now a product manager for a division of a multi-billion dollar company. Read more Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics alumni stories.

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

Entrepreneur Scott Wichlacz has achieved a high degree of career success, and according to him, it all began at Lakeshore Technical College (LTC). Scott’s hard work has been recognized numerous times through awards, including: Machine Shop of the Year, Automotive Machinist of the Year, and the Charles W. Yount Award in recognition of distinguished service presented by the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA). Read more Transportation, Distribution and Logistics alumni stories.

Transfer Programs

Eric entered Nicolet Area Technical College as a high school senior through the Youth Options Program. He wanted to get a jumpstart on college and save on tuition expenses at the same time. Eventually, all his credits from Nicolet transferred to the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics. Read more Transfer Programs alumni stories.

Alumni Stories by Career Cluster

• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
• Architecture and Construction
• Arts, Audiovisual Technology and Communications
• Business, Management and Administration
• Finance
• Health Sciences
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Law, Public Safety and Security
• Manufacturing
• Marketing, Sales and Service
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
• Transfer Programs