Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences

Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here
May 31, 2023

Commencement is a time of celebration, reflection and anticipation. A tradition bringing UW-Stout students, families, friends, faculty, staff and supporters together.

It's a time for students to celebrate the accomplishment of earning their college degree. A time to reflect on their successes, struggles and steps on the journey that brought them to this moment. And the great anticipation of what's to come – a career, a higher degree or an embrace of the unknown.

Each semester, we ask a handful of inspiring graduates to share their Stout experiences, what brought them here and what's next. Catch up with our graduates in their Q&As, and join us in celebrating their graduation from UW-Stout.

Spring 2023 Inspiring Graduate School Graduates

MFA design graduate rediscovers his Hmong culture through traditional art of story cloths and Paj Ntaub

Jackson Yang’s ‘spiritual journey’ of transforming textiles into modern-day storytelling exhibited at new Library Art Lab
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Inspiring Graduate Megan McIlheran, M.S. School Counseling

‘UW-Stout gave me the opportunity to grow in ways I didn't imagine I could.’
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Inspiring Graduate Avery Deacon, M.S. Applied Psychology

‘The program gives its students real experience to provide us with necessary skills to work in a world of professionals.’
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Inspiring Graduate Abbie Sonstegard, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

‘I am most proud of the education I received and that I am already employed in the field.’
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Inspiring Graduate Pablo Sotomayor, M.S. Food Science and Technology

‘The ability to interact one on one with each of your teachers makes the educational experience more beneficial.’
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Spring 2023 College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management Inspiring Undergraduates

Inspiring Graduate Anna Brooks, B.S. Applied Science

'I am extremely grateful for all the doors that Stout has opened for me.'
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Stout Scholar is a ‘dedicated and passionate math teacher,’ hired before graduation

Follow O’Brien’s senior year as she steps from the court into the classroom
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Stout Scholar proud of dual STEM degrees, leadership and volunteering on campus

Follow Thompson’s senior year as the third-generation student graduates early
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Inspiring Graduate Alejandro Calixto Martinez, B.S. Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management

'Almost everywhere I know in the hospitality industry, Stout is always known.'
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Inspiring Graduate Kennadi Shumaker, B.S. Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

'Stout has prepared me incredibly well for work in my field of study.'
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Inspiring Graduate Ben Olkowski, B.S. Construction

'The people at Stout have been the difference-maker.'
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Inspiring Graduate Anna Kent, B.S. Packaging

'Stout’s ability to encourage students to delve into industry before they graduate is incredible.'
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Inspiring Graduate Dylan LaFontaine, B.S. Digital Marketing Technology; and B.S. Information and Communication Technologies

'I appreciate the variety of hands-on individual and collaborative experiences I’ve had.'
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Inspiring Graduate Jordan Kunze, B.S. Applied Science

‘My experience at Stout helped me to discover the specific areas in which I have the most interest in.’
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Inspiring Graduate Matthew Ryan, B.S. Computer and Electrical Engineering

'It's the people that make it all worth it.'
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UW-Stout graduate bikes 2,700 miles coast to coast in search of ‘one more big adventure’

Zachary Helget pedaled from San Diego to Jacksonville before starting his career as a data analyst
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Spring 2023 College of Arts & Human Sciences Inspiring Undergraduates

Inspiring Graduate DJ Walker, B.S. Applied Social Science

‘The training provided by Stout has done a stellar job of making me into a dynamic, flexible person.'
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Inspiring Graduate Kacey King, B.S. Human Development and Family Studies

'The faculty, staff and friends I have at Stout believe in me and care about me as a person.'
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Inspiring Graduate M Hampton, B.F.A. Studio Art

'I’ve learned to be a professional artist with a professional practice.'
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Inspiring Graduate Nick Kostka, B.S. Special Education

'Education is one of my biggest passions in life.'
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Inspiring Graduate Grace Minder, B.S. Applied Social Science

'This time has given me the confidence to go out into the world and do my part in making my community a better place to be.'
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Inspiring Graduate Pa Chie Vang, B.S. Human Development and Family Studies

'My Stout education has taught me more about human services, professionalism and the community.'
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Inspiring Graduate Lauren Couves, B.S. Dietetics

'I have learned the importance in surrounding myself with supportive people and challenging what I think I know.'
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Inspiring Graduate Joanna Lee, B.S. Marketing and Business Education

'With all of the experiences Stout has provided me, I feel confident going into my first year as a teacher.'
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Inspiring Graduate Cecilia Knudsen, B.F.A. Graphic Design and Interactive Media

'I can see the level of my work improve, and I will continue to be motivated to achieve what seemingly can’t be done.'
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Fall 2022 Inspiring Graduate School Graduates

Inspiring Graduate Kate Johnson, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

'My education at Stout provided me the support and guidance I needed to trust in my own abilities.'
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Inspiring Graduate Terri Stan, M.F.A. Design

'My experience at Stout, both as an undergraduate and graduate, has changed me to become a better designer.'
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Inspiring Graduate YJ Doe, M.S. Technical and Professional Communication

'These learning experiences surely helped me to incorporate my upgraded skills in the classroom for my students.'
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Inspiring Graduate Casey Holmes, M.S. Applied Psychology

'Projects in my courses involved conducting research and evaluations with real world clients.'
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Inspiring Graduate Kristen Ziegler, M.S. Career and Technical Education

'I was able to obtain dual credit from the courses I took at Stout to count toward my professional development.'
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Fall 2022 Inspiring Undergraduates

Inspiring Graduate Ben Larson, B.S. Supply Chain Management

'The polytechnic experience aided my learning more than anything.'
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From Syria to the commencement stage, brothers will graduate together on Dec. 17

Abdul and Karam Mounir inspire with their story of ‘how the human spirit can overcome tumultuous challenges’
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Inspiring Graduate Rachel Croft, B.S. Professional Communication and Emerging Media

'The hands-on projects and community and client partnerships prepared me to work in the field.'
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Inspiring Graduate Willa Rodencal, B.S. Retail and Merchandising Management

'The polytechnic environment is one that we are taught in from day one.'
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Inspiring Graduate Grace Jones: B.S. Engineering Technology

'The hands-on labs and instruction were key to my achievement.'
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Inspiring Graduate Jade Krol, B.S. Special Education

'UW-Stout has given me so many opportunities to connect with other educators.'
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Inspiring Graduate Sarah Webber, B.S. Packaging

'My Stout experience was about becoming a valuable member of society, learning about how to make an impact and understanding the world around me.'
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Inspiring Graduate Devin Dumke, B.S. Computer and Electrical Engineering

'The experiential learning has given me the technical skills and soft skills I need to succeed.'
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Inspiring Graduate Abdulaziz Basharaheel, B.S. Engineering Technology

'My university experience has made me a more experienced and open-minded person.'
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Inspiring Graduate Ari Ben-Ami, B.F.A. Graphic Design and Interactive Media

'Collaborative efforts lead to the creation of the most innovative solutions.'
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Inspiring Graduates


Inspiring Graduates

All Inspiring Graduates News
Graphic design graduate awarded competitive Fellowship through the BrandLab Featured Image

Graphic design graduate awarded competitive Fellowship through the BrandLab

Seringa McHugh helping with projects to impact Target’s branding, marketing
UW-Stout graduate bikes 2,700 miles coast to coast in search of ‘one more big adventure’ Featured Image

UW-Stout graduate bikes 2,700 miles coast to coast in search of ‘one more big adventure’

Zachary Helget pedaled from San Diego to Jacksonville before starting his career as a data analyst
Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences Featured Image

Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences

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