Fox Valley Technical College | Focus Magazine | Fall 2014

focusFox Valley Technical College volume 7, issue 2• fall 2014

your future

Inside:Dental grad finds success. Page 7

IT student gets hands-on training. Page 12

Training from the top truck driving school took this grad on the road. Page 14

CAREERmIndEd Employers need people now with the right skills

Advanced mfg. Gradsmatt VanWie (left) &

Joey VanWie

Focus is published bi-annually for the communities of Fox Valley Technical College.

Director of College Marketing Barb Dreger

Executive Editor/Manager of Media Relations Chris Jossart

Art DirectorCara Jakubiec

Contributing Editors Sue Anderson, Casey Britten

Contributing Writers Joan Neumahr, Amy Vander Stoep

Photography Gary Brilowski, Gary Gawinski, Patrick Kelly, Adam Shea

President Dr. Susan A. May

Fox Valley Technical College1825 N. Bluemound Dr.P.O. Box 2277Appleton, WI 54912-22771-800-735-3882TTY (hearing impaired) [email protected] (email inquiries)

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

FVTC offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs, and instruction related to 15 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. The college serves about 50,000 people annually, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin.

© 2014 Fox Valley Technical College.

All rights reserved. Equal Opportunity Employer/

Educator.

Engineeered to SucceedCurrent student Dan Steiner and graduate James Koop both looked to FVTC for high-tech careers in engineering technology.

Tech BrothersRipon natives Joey and Matt VanWie are teaming up to install and service high-tech automation systems for the global paper industry.

Computer Central IT student Jessica Meshke is gaining valuable experience with computer technology while helping others along the way.

Networked to SucceedNo two days are alike for IT grad Josh Breyer, thanks to FVTC.

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8in every issue

Instructors here provide students with a range of practical knowledge and skills while sharing their experiences from industry. This helps you succeed whether you’re taking one class or completing a degree program. My classes have given me confidence and prepared me for a career in hospitality.

Mercedes MarcouexCulinary Arts and Hotel & Restaurant Management

contents

138Around FVTC A quick look at what’s making news at FVTC.

Focus on Workplace TrainingAn innovative partnership with Walker Forge is building a model workforce for this economy.

Focus on the Entrepreneur One entrepreneur is sketching his talents around the globe.

Focus on High-Demand Careers For one FVTC grad, the path to a rewarding career as a dental hygienist started with training as an assistant.

Focus on Alumni Q & A with Truck Driving grad Robin Grapa.

Focus on the Foundation Scholarships helped two recent agri-business grads continue family traditions.

Focus on the Student Experience Students in FVTC’s Horticulture Technician program landscaped an eye-opening makeover for a nursing care community.

welcome!

6what’s now

Success at Every TurnThe new Student Success Center brings achievement to students through many supportive resources.

7

13

Fox Valley Technical College’s Agriculture department received

the 2014 Outstanding Post-Secondary Agriculture Program

award at the Wisconsin Association of Agriculture Educators

(WAAE) professional development conference in Middleton.

The department received the distinction for establishing

an innovative partnership with Case IH and Service Motor

Company, its commitment to new technologies and hands-on

learning labs, and producing outstanding graduate employment

rates for students. In addition to the Ag-related programs

at FVTC, the Horticulture and Outdoor Power Equipment

programs were part of the nomination process toward earning

the award.

WAAE is the professional association for agriculture

educators in Wisconsin. Members include 295 middle school,

high school, technical college, and university educators. The

focus of the association is to provide professional development,

legislative support, and educational resources for teachers to

enhance their local agriculture education programs.

Growing # 1FVTC’s Ag Program Named Top in State

around FVTC

Members of Fox Valley Technical College’s Agriculture department

2 www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Eight StraightFor the 8th consecutive year, FVTC was voted the best

Local College/University by the Post Crescent’s annual “Best

of the Valley” People’s Choice Awards.

News Briefs

• Mary Downs has been named executive director

of the Fox Valley Technical College Foundation, Inc. and Community Relations. Previously, Downs

served as system vice-president of Spine &

Orthopedic Service Lines for ThedaCare.

• FVTC’s2014 Graduate Employment

Research Report cites a record 38 degree and

diploma programs with 100% job placement.

• ThreestudentsfromtheBusinessManagementandMarketing

programs earned top five finishes at the Collegiate Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA) International Career Development Conference in Washington, D.C.

The student team of Colin Welbes and Ryan Wolf took 3rd place in

the sports and entertainment marketing competition, while fellow

student Ben Hanson earned a top five finish in a role play category

for restaurant and food service. Students Denni Lecus, Brittney Workentine, and Brooke Wiegman each earned a top 10 finish at the

conference.

• Jared Huss, chief instructor for the Aeronautics-Pilot Training program, was voted one of four

recipients in the Northwestern’s annual

“4 Under 40” campaign, recognizing rising

community leaders in the Oshkosh region

who are under the age of 40.

• Julie Matulle, a graduate of the Truck Driving

program, won the 4th annual Mike O’Connell Memorial Trucking’s Top Rookie award. She

earned the national honor out of a record

pool of 55 nominations.

focus fall 2014 3

The new Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) is a premiere

national facility designed to better prepare those who

respond to emergencies and protect our communities. Here

is a snapshot of the PSTC, scheduled to open in January as

a result of a successful 2012 public referendum:

A Matter of Public Safety

Mary Downs

75 acres of indoor and outdoor tactical training space to enhance best practices in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, forensic science, and wildland fire.

30 foot + ‘ant hill’ for confined space drills.

6–story burn tower for fire training and four firearms ranges for police training, including one that is 300 yards.

River City, a simulated training village with a motel, homes, and convenience store, provides scenarios that simultaneously involve police, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel.

Emergency response training and other related crisis scenarios will take place on a Boeing 727 aircraft donated by FedEx.

Three train cars present a derailment that requires specialized, multi-disciplinary responders.

Other areas include a spacious fire apparatus training bay, an expanded Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, a water rescue pond, and more.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/PSTC

Jared Huss

News Flash!For the freshest FVTC news, see our revamped NewsCenter at

www.fvtc.edu/News.

Julie Matulle


on workplace trainingfocus

Forging a Strong Workforce An innovative partnership between Walker Forge and Fox Valley Technical College is building a model workforce for this economy.

As a recent Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year

award winner, Walker Forge builds success through

exemplary partnerships. A premier producer of

carbon alloy steel forgings for the energy, agriculture,

transportation, railroad, and construction industries,

the company relies on Fox Valley Technical College

and its Business & Industry Services division to

develop programs to cross-train its workforce.

President/CEO Rick Recktenwald credits FVTC

with listening to his company’s needs and then

providing the right training. “Walker Forge has made

Fox Valley Tech a part of our culture in retaining and

developing talent,” he states. “All of our designers

are Computer Aided Design (CAD) graduates of the

college, and for the past 15 years, virtually every maintenance

department associate is either enrolled or has completed the

State of Wisconsin Apprenticeship program and maintains

journeyperson status.”

Recktenwald believes that Walker Forge’s continuing success

comes from its strategy of cross-training all employees. “With

the integration of computers into every aspect of our work, it is

essential for everyone to understand all aspects of the business,”

he says.

According to Recktenwald, most of his company’s workplace

training comes from FVTC. “Fox Valley Tech is light years ahead

of other schools,” he says. “No one matches this college’s fast

response in setting up new programs. An example is the new

metallurgy program that started here in September.”

Walker Forge also sponsors FVTC scholarships for high

school students as a way to encourage young people to go into

manufacturing. “These are big hurdles and Fox Valley Tech

provides a great bridge,” says Recktenwald. “When we have a

need or a potential problem, we know where to go for help.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/BIS

Partnering by the numbers:Here is a snapshot of Fox Valley Technical College’s impact on

training Walker Forge’s workforce over the past decade:

Rick Recktenwald in Walker Forge’s Robotics Training Lab

169,000training hours, representing

26 different skill sets.

training by the numbers:Fox Valley technical College is a state leader in workforce training:

More than 26,000 employees

and 2,000+ employers trained for instructional

contracts and professional development classes, representing nearly 1/5 of all Wisconsin Technical College System participants

enrolled in customized training.2012-13 data from FVTC’s annual Purpose Monitoring Report

Walker Forge has made Fox Valley Tech a part of our culture in retaining and developing talent.

Rick Recktenwald

“”

on the entrepreneurfocus

Drawing on SuccessOne entrepreneur is sketching his talents around the globe thanks to training from the Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center.

When Amy Pietsch, director of the Fox Valley Technical College

Venture Center, asked Mick Walsh to do a visual recording of

the Pro-SeedTM Business Model Design Workshop, she opened

the door to a new career.

Walsh, a well-seasoned art/creative director and illustrator,

had never really done visual recording before—the process of

taking notes and drawing sketches on huge charts during an

actual presentation or meeting. “I did the first project for the

Venture Center and loved it,” he says. “I then decided to start

my own business, and with Amy’s encouragement I enrolled in

the E-seedTM Express Training Series.”

E-seed helped Walsh launch his new business, SketchBIZ,

LLC. “I started putting numbers together for my business plan,”

he says. “One big key was the research I had to do, which

resulted in finding an international organization that already

does visual recording.”

Today, business is booming. Walsh has traveled all over

the country for such clients as the Smithsonian Institute,

Dell Computers, Molson Coors Brewing Company, and the

Canadian Legal Department. “I usually get an agenda and then

draw, in real time, what’s being said at the actual meeting,” he

states. “With my illustrations, the clients can literally see what’s

being presented or discussed.”

Walsh heartily recommends the E-seed series. “The Venture

Center is focused on helping you succeed,” he says. “I still keep

in touch with several of my former classmates. We’ve become

cheerleaders for each other and have built a network. They are

like my own PR group.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/VentureCenter

focus fall 2014 5

The Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center showcased its exemplary approach to entrepreneurship during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November. “We highlighted the real impact that entrepreneur training within the Wisconsin Technical College System has on our economy,” states Amy Pietsch, director of the Venture Center.

some of the activities during the week included:

•a small business Job Fair •a business model Cup Challenge at FVtC’s riverside campus in Oshkosh •a look at rural entrepreneurship throughout Waupaca County

The Venture Center is focused on helping you succeed.

Mick Walsh

“ ”

sPOtLight On gLObaL entrePreneurshiP

Amy Pietsch and Mick Walsh


This September marked the opening of the two-story Student

Success Center (SSC) at Fox Valley Technical College’s

Appleton campus, a result of the college’s successful 2012 public

referendum that passed by a two-to-one margin. The new facility

is designed to provide students with easy access to all of FVTC’s

academic services.

“In previous years, it was a bit challenging for students to find

the individual help that they needed,” says Dr. Patti Jorgensen,

vice president of student and community development. “We now

have one central place where students can go to get assistance.

During the first two weeks the center was open, about 600

students connected with tutors or study groups.”

The SSC’s services include peer and faculty tutoring and other

academic support, in addition to easy access to meeting rooms,

computers, and an expanded library that creates a learner-

friendly setting. “Almost every student will come through here

frequently during his or her academic career to use these support

services,” states Jorgensen. “We have everything from stress

management classes to career preparation training, and more.”

The SSC serves as an ideal environment to prepare

students with skills that employers are seeking—teamwork,

communication, collaboration, critical thinking, leadership, and

more. These soft skills, coupled with technical knowledge, make

FVTC students well-positioned for success in this economy.

Growing Success The Student Success Center’s centerpiece is the

Tree of Success, a 24 ft. handcrafted tree with 57 leaves under a center skylight.

Each leaf is inscribed with a motivational word that students developed based off of what success means to them. The trunk and branches of the tree were built by students in FVTC’s Wood

Manufacturing Technology program in Oshkosh.

FVTC collaborated on the project with Banker Wire, Custom Metals, Inc., Miron Construction, and Eppstein Uhen Architects.

Success at Every Turn The new Student Success Center brings achievement to students through many supportive resources.

What’s NOW We now have one central place where students can go to get assistance.

Dr. Patti Jorgensen

“”

focus fall 2014 7

on high-demand careersfocus

A Dental DoubleFor one FVTC grad, the path to a rewarding career as a dental hygienist started with training as an assistant.

Katarina Auler always knew she wanted a career in

the dental field. After touring Fox Valley Technical

College as a student at Oshkosh West High School,

she was sold. “I enrolled in Fox Valley Tech’s Dental

Assistant program to get started on my dental

education,” recalls the 26-year-old. “I loved it!”

After completing the program, Auler began working

as a dental assistant. Shortly afterward she was

accepted into FVTC’s Dental Hygienist program. “I

was able to work in the field while taking classes

to advance my career,” she says. “And, because I

could keep my job while in school, I could pay for my

classes as I took them.”

Today, Auler works as a dental hygienist for

Bellevue Family Dentistry near Green Bay—three

days a week as a hygienist and two days as a dental

assistant. “Taking both programs was a great career

path for me,” she says. “I get to do it all.”

As a dental hygienist, Auler gets to know her

patients. She finds it especially rewarding when

they come back for return visits and she sees their

improvements. “I feel I am making a small difference

in their lives,” she says. “As a hygienist, I can talk to

them about overall health matters, as well as their

oral health.”

Auler still keeps in professional contact with her FVTC

dental instructors. “The instructors are all professional

hygienists themselves, and they encourage you to

do your best,” she states. “To this day, I feel they are

standing by my side. I still email them when I have

questions. I’m happy as a dental hygienist, and they

certainly played a major role in helping me get here.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/HealthScience

Katarina Auler

I was able to work in the field while taking classes to advance my career.

Katarina Auler

“”

focus fall 2014 7

92%

$53,000

job placement for graduates of both FVTC’s Dental Assistant & Dental Hygienist programs over the past two years.

FVTC’s Graduate Employment Research Reports, 2013 & 2014

average annual salary for graduates of FVTC’s Dental Hygienist program six months after graduation.

FVTC’s Graduate Employment Research Report, 2013


Dan Steiner was, in many ways, destined to become an Electrical Engineering Technology student. The 20-year-

old Appleton native inherited his father’s love for problem-solving, math, and mechanical work. After graduating from

Appleton North High School, he confidently chose Fox Valley Technical College as the next logical step in reaching his

career goals.

“I love all my classes, from learning basic circuits and measurements to using formulas to predict what would happen

when you switched on the power,” says Steiner.

Steiner, who will graduate this fall, is taking advantage of FVTC’s transfer agreement with the Milwaukee School of

Engineering. “I not only got accepted, but I received a scholarship too,” he says.

Steiner finds that the diverse student body at FVTC offers a great learning environment. “Everyone in my classes

has a lot of life experience, and they treat you with respect,” he says. “I now have friends who are much older than me

because we share common interests. I’ve always felt that being treated like an adult was a much better option for me

than going to a frat party.”

Steiner also believes in the FVTC approach to teaching. “The instructors know

what they’re talking about and give you the advantage of their experience,” he says.

“Unlike traditional schools where you do textbook learning, at Fox Valley Tech you

spend the majority of your time building things, doing experiments, and learning how to

troubleshoot.”

Engineered to SucceedStudent Dan Steiner and graduate James Koop both looked

to FVTC for high-tech careers in engineering technology.

Student Dan Steiner, with instructor Steve Saindon


“I’ve always felt that being treated like an adult was a

much better option for me than going to a frat party.

- Dan Steiner

”

• • • View video: www.fvtc.edu/EET14

focus fall 2014 9

Like many people, James Koop enrolled in a four-year college right after high

school, but he soon realized it wasn’t for him. “I lacked motivation and after

dropping out, I drifted for a few years,” he recalls. “I returned home and did the

smart thing: I enrolled at Fox Valley Technical College.”

Koop first earned an associate degree at FVTC in Culinary Arts. The

Appleton native loved the hands-on approach to learning and soon found a

great job as a chef. However, married with a baby on the way, he needed

more family-friendly hours. He once again turned to FVTC, enrolling in the

Electronic Engineering Technology program. “This program was my second

love,” he says. “I landed a really great entry-level job.”

Today, the 30-year-old Koop is a technician with Ducommun, a global

provider of manufacturing and engineering services for the aerospace, defense,

industrial, and medical markets. He is responsible for working on circuit card

solutions for the medical industry. “Ducommun hired me before I graduated. I

wake up every morning and am happy to go to work,” he says. “The people are

great, the work is challenging, and I am never bored.”

Eventually Koop hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering. For now,

he’s busy enough keeping up with his three-year-old daughter and family life.

“I wish I had gone to Fox Valley Tech right out of high school,” he says. “The

teachers are great, and they all have real experience in their fields. Best of all,

there are lots of career opportunities in this industry.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Engineering

focus fall 2014 9

James Koop

96% job placement during the past three years for FVTC graduates of the Electrical Engineering

Technology program.FVTC Graduate Employment Research Reports, 2012,

2013, 2014

256 full-time job openings in the New North region for

careers in engineering-related fields. 2014 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report &

Wisconsin TechConnect

“Ducommun hired me before I graduated.

- James Koop

”

10 www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College10 www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

“I was debt-free from my Fox Valley Tech days within

one year of working here.- Joey VanWie

”

“Fox Valley Tech gave me the skills I needed for this

great career.- Matt VanWie

”

focus fall 2014 11

Joey VanWie entered the manufacturing field in 2011 after

he graduated from Fox Valley Technical College with an

associate degree in Automated Manufacturing Systems

Technology. “I tried a four-year school, which I didn’t like, and

then did odd jobs,” says the 31-year old. “I saw robotics at

work and then discovered that Fox Valley Tech had a related

program and the tuition was reasonable,” he says.

As a service technician for Tissue Excellence Center

in Appleton, a Tissue Machinery Company from Italy

that provides training, service, and parts for packaging

machines in North America, Joey handles installations and

troubleshooting. “This equipment is half the size of a school

bus and it wraps individual rolls into different configurations of

packages,” he says.

Joey has worked at paper companies across the continent.

“I’m on the road about 70-80% of the time,” he says. “It gets

hectic, but the extra pay is great. I was debt-free from my Fox

Valley Tech days within one year of working here.”

Matt VanWie, 29, came to FVTC on the advice of his older

brother, Joey. “I heard him talk about what he was doing

there,” says Matt. “I was living in South Carolina and decided

to move back.”

Matt enrolled in FVTC’s Electro-Mechanical Technology

program. “Fox Valley Tech made it very easy for me to

return to school,” states Matt. “My original plan was to get an

associate degree and then a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

That’s when Joey recommended me for a job at Tissue

Excellence Center.”

Like his brother, Matt travels across the country as

a service technician handling everything from original

installations to updates and troubleshooting. “Fox Valley Tech

gave me the skills I needed for this great career,” he says.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Automation

100% job placement for graduates of both the Automated Manufacturing

Systems and Electro-Mechanical Technology programs.2014 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report

$43,700 average annual salary for graduates of both the Automated

Manufacturing Systems and Electro-Mechanical Technology programs. 2014 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report

Ripon natives Joey and Matt VanWie are teaming up to install and service high-tech automation systems for the global paper industry.

brothersTECH

focus fall 2014 11

• • • View video: www.fvtc.edu/ams14


Saginaw, Michigan, native Jessica Meshke loves working in the

field of Information Technology (IT). “Computers used to look

really complicated to me,” she says. “Going to Fox Valley Tech

makes computer technology easy to understand.”

Meshke took her first PC classes at a nearby university but

was frustrated by the lack of hands-on learning. Seeking a more

student-friendly learning environment, she moved to Appleton

and enrolled in Fox Valley Technical College’s Help Desk

Support Specialist program. “You get to learn how computers

work, not just read about them in an owner’s manual,” she says.

After completing that program, Meshke enrolled in FVTC’s

Computer Support Specialist program. “I’m now learning about

the bigger picture—things like architecture, networking, and

security,” she says. “This broadens what I can do for both

individuals and businesses.”

Meshke keeps busy working at the on-campus Student Help

Desk and serving as vice president of the college’s Association

of Information Technology Professionals. “We’re trying to bring

technology to others,” she explains. “We work with students from

other departments, like in business and nursing for example, to

help them advance their careers by becoming more proficient in

computer applications.”

Meshke wants to open her own computer support company

in the near future. “I want to show others that computer

technology can be a lot of fun,” she adds. “The more comfortable

you get with it, the better off you will be, whether it’s for personal

or professional use.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/NetworkComputerSupport

IT student Jessica Meshke is gaining valuable experience with computer technology while helping others along the way.

335 full-time job postings in one year for computer support specialists

in the New North region.2014 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report

$45,500 average annual salary after five years in the workforce as a

computer support specialist.2014 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report

Computer Central

“Going to Fox Valley Tech makes computer

technology easy to understand.

- Jessica Meshke

”

• • • View video: www.fvtc.edu/IT14

focus fall 2014 13

A lifelong technology enthusiast, Hortonville native Josh

Breyer has always been interested in how computer systems

work. “I wanted a tech college rather than a four-year school

to help me launch my career faster,” he says. “I took classes

at Fox Valley Tech while I was a senior in high school and

really liked them.”

Breyer enrolled in Fox Valley Technical College’s Network

Specialist program right after graduation. “Since I’d already

completed six classes, I was able to take fewer courses per

semester, earn dual credits, and work full time,” he says.

Today, the 24-year-old Breyer is an IT specialist for

Performa, Inc., a planning, architecture and engineering design

and consulting firm in nearby De Pere. “I’m the sole IT person

at Performa,” he says. “I do everything from maintaining

hardware and software to monitoring and configuring server

equipment.”

Performa just completed a major expansion to its

facilities, and Breyer was in charge of relocating the entire

IT infrastructure. “I worked with vendors and contractors to

strategically relocate computers, networks, and servers,” he

says. “I had to make sure that everything related to computers

worked for all the departments and the entire company.”

Breyer feels he made the right choice in schools. “At

Performa, I am always analyzing new technology and learning

how to implement it,” he says. “Fox Valley Tech really helped

prepare me by encouraging continual learning and problem

solving.”

Breyer is doing well in his personal life as well as in his

career. Recently married, he and his wife just purchased a

new home.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/NetworkComputerSupport

No two days are alike for IT grad Josh Breyer, thanks to Fox Valley Technical College.

Networked to Succeed188

full-time job listings for careers in the New North region in the IT-networking field.

2014 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report

$56,000 average annual salary for graduates of FVTC’s Network

Specialist program five years after graduation.2014 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report

“I took classes at Fox Valley Tech while I was a senior in high school and really

liked them.- Josh Breyer

”


What first brought you to Fox Valley Technical College?A few years ago my husband, Adam, and I

started talking about driving truck over the road

as a team. He already had his CDL, and I decided to search

training options on Google. Fox Valley Technical College came

up in my search, and I remembered seeing its trucks at the

Appleton campus while driving along Highway 41. The college

is basically in my backyard, and the web search revealed that

it is one of the top truck driving schools in the nation.

How did FVTC impact you?I think about my experience in learning how to drive a semi-

truck at Fox Valley Tech every day. Applying what still seems

like a million details and hands-on knowledge all come

together to focus on safety. There is a lot of responsibility that

goes into this career, and Fox Valley Tech’s instructors do a

great job of taking what feels overwhelming and making it all

understandable.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/TruckDriving

What do you enjoy most about your career? As a team driver I get to work and share experiences on the

road with my husband every day. My office has windows and

the scenery changes by the second. I always look forward to

driving through the salt flats and the mountains, along with

seeing prairies and foothills.

This career is also about hard work. At the end of a busy

delivery day, I reflect on all that was accomplished, and that

can include driving through busy traffic in a tight downtown

area or a really tough backing situation.

What advice can you give others about selecting a college today?Explore all of your options carefully and go with what is the

best fit for not only a career, but your happiness as well.

Don’t write off truck driving as part of your options! It’s a fun

career and there are many jobs available with flexible routes.

If you’re looking for something with quick job placement, I

graduated from Fox Valley Tech on a Friday and started

working the following Monday.

on alumnifocus

The 35-year-old Phillips, Wisconsin, native is seeing the country while enjoying a great career with V&S Midwest Carriers.

Q & A with Truck Driving Grad Robin Grapa

Robin Grapa

nOminate an Outstanding aLumni Fox Valley Technical College is seeking nominations for its 2015 Outstanding

Alumni Award. The annual award recognizes an FVTC alumnus who has demonstrated the value of technical education through career

advancement, community service, personal and educational growth, career success, and support of the Wisconsin Technical College System.

The nomination deadline is noon (CST) on March 2, 2015.

nomination guidelines: www.fvtc.edu/alumni

I graduated from Fox Valley Tech on a Friday and started working the following Monday.

Robin Grapa

“”

focus fall 2014 15focus fall 2014 15

1 in 4 area high school students attend FVTC each year.If you plan to attend FVTC in fall 2015, apply for a

scholarship today!

40 high school scholarships available, $500-$1,000 each.

Scholarships can be based on need, merit, program, or even just where you live!

application deadline: February 28, 2015.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Scholarships

on the foundationfocus

A Foundation FamilyScholarships from the Fox Valley Technical College Foundation helped two recent agri-business grads continue family traditions.

Kaitlyn Tesch, a 20-year old Oconto Falls

native, received both the Heartland Women

for Agriculture and Fox Valley Technical

College Foundation scholarships. A fifth-

generation dairy farmer, Tesch always

knew she wanted to study agriculture. “I

was just going to take one semester at

Fox Valley Tech, but I enjoyed it so much

that I stayed and earned my degree,” she

says. “I learned a lot about dairy, livestock,

agronomy, and the business side of

agriculture.”

Tesch is currently working at the regional

United States Department of Agriculture

Farm Service Agency, connecting local

farmers and producers to related agriculture

support programs. She is also completing her bachelor’s degree online with

another school. “Though I worked full time while going to Fox Valley Tech,

the scholarship helped me stay out of debt and it boosted my confidence,”

she says.

The Heston Allen Scholarship winner, 21-year-old Justin Schwahn,

hopes to eventually oversee his family’s 90-cow dairy farm. The Reedsville

native spent last year as a volunteer state officer for the National FFA

Organization, traveling throughout

the state educating consumers

and agriculture professionals.

He is currently working full time

on the family farm. “I call myself

a manager,” he says. “I train

employees, manage the herd’s

reproductive dairy activity, and

help with financial records.”

Both Schwahn and Tesch believe that FVTC gave them the support

and education they needed, as well as the confidence to reach their goals.

“The scholarship brought me out of my shell,” says Schwahn. “I never

would have believed that I’d be doing what I am today without help from the

Foundation and Ag department.”

The scholarship helped me stay out of debt and it boosted my confidence.

Kaitlyn Tesch

“”

THE TIME IS NOW TO THINK FVTC

Justin Schwahn and Kaitlyn Tesch.

16 www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College16 www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

focus on the student experience

Brewster Village, located right next

door to Fox Valley Technical College’s

Appleton campus, offers short-term

rehabilitation, long-term nursing home

services, and more. Thanks to the

help of students in FVTC’s Horticulture

Technician program, the village now

offers something else—a special outdoor

ambiance for its residents.

As a project management learning

experience with hands-on activities,

students helped design, plant, and

maintain the facility’s grounds as part of

a large-scale makeover. “We maintain

the village’s annual and perennial

flower beds, trees and shrubs, and pot

vegetables that individual residents can

grow in the facility’s courtyards,” states

Jim Beard, FVTC’s landscape architect

and horticulture program instructor.

The partnership between FVTC and

Brewster Village began four years ago

and provides FVTC students with real-

world, professional experience. “Once

they start working on a project, we

guide them to plant what’s needed to

make their vision a reality,” says Beard.

“We plant about 8,000 to 10,000 plants

there every year. It’s no small job, but

students learn the value of providing

something beautiful that others can

enjoy.”

Horticulture student Mason Boucher is

currently volunteering at Brewster Village

as well. In addition to grounds-keeping,

he and other students are responding

to additional needs to help the residents

enjoy a better quality of life. “The

residents asked for a butterfly garden,

so we planted a variety of flowers such

as milkweed, daisies, and cornflowers to

attract butterflies,” says the 20-year-old

Shawano native. “If there’s something I

can do to make someone’s life or stay

there better, it makes me happy.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Horticulture

This program gives me the knowledge and freedom to make someone else’s life better.

Mason Boucher Horticulture Student

“

grounded in LearningStudents in Fox Valley Technical College’s Horticulture Technician program landscaped an eye-opening makeover for a nursing care community.

”

Instructor Jim Beard talks with students in the Horticulture

Technician program

Miles of Makeovers The efforts of the Horticulture program students at Fox Valley Technical College are seen throughout the region:

•Design,construction,andlandscapework for a 9/11 Memorial in Greenville.

•GardeninstallationatRiversideMedical Center in Waupaca.

•Retainingwallandwalkwayconstructionat Neenah YMCA.

•VeteransMemorialimplementationfor White City Park in Kaukauna.

•Courtyardgardenredesignandlandscaping at Edison Elementary in Appleton.

•LandscapeworkforMilitaryVeterans Museum in Oshkosh.

•ConstructionofGreenRoofRestStationon FVTC’s Appleton campus—a gold-award winning project from the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association.

focus fall 2014 17

focus on the student experienceBut don't just take our word for it. hear what employers are telling us:

“FVTC grads come to

the job prepared with

appropriate course

work, lab activities and

clinical experience.” Karla Repta, Affinity Medical Group

“In the past 18 months,

we’ve hired nearly 100

Fox Valley Tech graduates.

They’re incredibly well-prepared.” Mike Norder, Schneider National, Inc.

“I’ve hired several FVTC

grads in the past few years,

because they come to us

so well-prepared to work in

this industry.” Kendal Bielke, Richmark Patterns

www.fvtc.edu/FastForwardLearn more:

“Students coming right out

of high school don’t realize

the opportunities the

manufacturing industry

really has.” Anna Ewerdt, Alliance Laundry

These high-demand career programs offer expanded options like evenings, weekends and accelerated. Start training now for a great career. Employers are waiting for you!

TRANSPORTATION

www.fvtc.edu/FastForward

We’ll help you get started today!

BUSINESS

ADVANCED

MANUFACTURING

heaLth Care agriCuLture

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDFVTC

Documents

Fox Valley Technical College | Focus Magazine | Fall 2014