20
May
2018
|
00:00 AM
America/Chicago

Congratulations, Class of 2018!

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More than 600 graduates participated in two spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 19, to celebrate and recognize their achievements of earning a technical diploma or associate degree. The spring ceremonies drew record attendance.

The morning ceremony celebrated students in the schools of Applied Technologies and Protective & Human Services, while the afternoon ceremony recognized those in the schools of Health and Business.

Wisconsin State Rep. Dale Kooyenga, who has been active in education reform and is a proponent of technical education in Wisconsin, served as the keynote speaker for the events. In his remarks, he noted the important role technical education plays in shaping students for rewarding careers, and the comprehensive experience students receive.

Student speakers for the event were Max Czechowski, Automation Systems Technology graduate and Jessica Eddy, Baking and Pastry Management graduate.

Several awards were also presented at the ceremonies.

  • Terry Lutz, former owner of Signicast Corp., was given the WCTC Citizen Service Award. This is awarded to an individual who has given generously of his or her time, talents, skills and resources. Lutz has donated more than $2.8 million to WCTC to expand the Integrated Manufacturing Center, provide updated equipment and fund training opportunities.

     

  • Four students received Outstanding Student Awards. These are given to those who demonstrate remarkable success in and out of the classroom.

    • Victoria Perlongo -- Foundations of Teacher Education program, School of Protective & Human Services

    • Max Czechowski -- Automation Systems Technology program, School of Applied Technologies

    • Heather Orr– Dental Hygienist program, School of Health

    • Jessica Eddy– Baking and Pastry Management program, School of Business

       

  • Brandii Steinbach, Phlebotomy Technician graduate, was given the Grit Award, which recognizes a student who has worked through challenges and obstacles, and has made sacrifices along the way to achieving a specific goal.

In addition, for the first time, Dual Enrollment Academy (DEA) students participated in WCTC’s formal commencement exercises. Nearly 80 high school students participated in DEA in 2017-18, and those who participated in WCTC’s commencement exercises wore the cap and gown from their respective high schools.

In addition to the formal commencement event, other special events were recently held to honor new grads, including the nursing pinning (May 11), which welcomes graduating nurses into the profession, and the graduation ceremony for those who completed the Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Academy (May 10).

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