WCTC to celebrate 2023 grads at fall commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Monday, Dec. 11, 2023) – Waukesha County Technical College December graduates are preparing to cross the stage at the fall 2023 commencement ceremony, set for this Saturday, Dec. 16.

The 10 a.m. ceremony will honor students in programs within the schools of Applied Technologies, Business, Health, Protective and Human Services, and, for the first time, Arts and Sciences, as the College will award its first two Associate of Arts degrees. WCTC began offering liberal arts transfer degrees – the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science, in January.

The ceremony will be held on the main Pewaukee campus in the Anthony J. Natalizio Center (AJN Center), Building S, and it represents a significant academic milestone for students earning certificates, technical diplomas and associate degrees. Around 200 students are slated to participate in the fall commencement exercises.

Four Outstanding Student Award recipients – those who embody the spirit and mission of WCTC -- will be honored Saturday. These students are selected based on their academic performance, credits completed, leadership experience and involvement in campus activities. They include (pictured, from left):

•  Melissa Carmody – IT- Cybersecurity, School of Business (student speaker)
•  Madison Rowe -- Paramedic Technician, School of Protective & Human Services
•  Jennifer Striegel  -- Health Information Technology, School of Health
• Zachary Sheridan – Tool and Die Making, School of Applied Technologies

In addition, the Grit Award will be presented to one graduating student who demonstrates the characteristics of courage, resolve, strength of character, perseverance and determination in reaching his or her long-term goals. This fall’s recipient is Jaimie Sponder, who will earn associate degrees in Human Resources and Leadership Development.

Mary V. Poehls, longtime organizational transformation and quality leader, instructor and corporate trainer at the college, who retired this fall, will serve as commencement speaker.

Besides the official College graduation ceremony, students in several programs have held celebrations throughout the month, including the police academy graduation, nurse pinning ceremony and program showcases.  Several students were also honored at the fall awards and honor societies induction ceremony on Dec. 6.