~ 2023 ~ Commencement
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023
A Special Welcome
On behalf of the District Board and the entire Blackhawk Technical College community, I welcome you to the May 2023 Commencement Ceremony.
Graduates, you have made real what was once an aspiration. You have worked tirelessly to achieve your goals, and you have succeeded. Today is indeed a proud moment for you, your families and us as a college.
As you leave Blackhawk and embark on your journey towards your future, I would like to remind you that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. You have demonstrated your intellectual abilities, your capacity for hard work and your commitment to excellence. I encourage you to use the skills you have gained to make a positive impact in the world. Use your education and your passion to make a difference in your community.
Remember, graduation is not an end, but a beginning. Take risks, try new things, and take every opportunity to learn and grow.
Finally, I want you to know that you will always be part of the Blackhawk family, and we will always be here to support you in your endeavors. We take immense pride in your achievements, and we are confident that you will continue to make us proud in the years to come.
Congratulations once again, and I wish you all the very best for your future.
Dr. Tracy Pierner Blackhawk Technical College President
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Mission
We help you build your future with flexible education in a supportive environment.
Vision
Delivering innovative education to enrich our communities.
Values
EResponsive • Collaborative Empowering • Strategic Process-driven • Inclusive
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE District Board
Barbara J. Barrington-Tillman, Chairperson
Eric A. Thornton, Vice Chairperson
Rich Deprez, Secretary
Rick Richard, Treasurer
MEMBERS:
Rachel Andres Robert Hendrickson Suzann Holland
Mark Holzman Kathy Sukus
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Executive Council Members
Dr. Tracy Pierner, President
Dr. Karen Schmitt, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Renea Ranguette, Vice President of Finance and Operations/CFO
Anthony Landowski, Executive Director of Student Services
Kathleen Broske, Executive Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development
Dr. Jon Tysse, Executive Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness
Liz Paulsen, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
Julie Barreau, Assistant to the President and District Board
Welcome
Eric Thornton, District Board Vice Chairperson
National Anthem
Sheri Krogman, Singer
President's Welcome
Dr. Tracy Pierner, President
Faculty Address
Michelle Weirich, Faculty of the Year
Student of the Year Speaker
Hope Hopper, Early Childhood Education Graduate
Student Speaker
Stephanie Paustch, Early Childhood Education Graduate
Distinguished Alumni Speaker
Kris Corwin, Trauma Program Coordinator at Mercyhealth
Presentation of the Class of 2023
Dr. Karen Schmitt, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Conferring Degrees
Dr. Tracy Pierner, President
Closing
Dr. Tracy Pierner, President
BLACKHAWK
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TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
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BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
Michelle Weirich
2022-2023 Faculty of the Year
Michelle Weirich, Early Childhood Education instructor, was voted Faculty of the Year by students as part of the annual Student Awards Ceremony. This award honors an instructor who contributes in significant ways to their respective program, division/department, or the larger Blackhawk community.
Students chose Michelle for her inspiration and commitment to Blackhawk as well as her ability to make learning fun and engaging.
Since she was a child, Michelle wanted to be a teacher. She worked for more than a decade in a childcare center before joining Blackhawk Technical College. She recently celebrated her 20th anniversary at the college.
She has been a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Early Childhood Education State Curriculum Committee since 2005. In addition, she also led the efforts with University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to develop an articulation agreement for Blackhawk students in the Early Childhood Education program.
2023
Hope Hopper
2022-2023 Student of the Year
Originally from Phoenix and now a resident of Beloit, Hope enrolled in Blackhawk’s Early Childhood Education program because she loves children and wants to make a difference in their lives. She chose Blackhawk for its small class size, location and affordability.
Hope has been the President of the Student Government Association for the past two years. In this role, she represented the Blackhawk student body at all monthly District Board meetings. She also has been a member of Business Professionals of America and the Blackhawk Improvement Group. She is also has been a student representative for the Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee.
Hope, who was voted Student of the Year at this year's Student Awards Ceremony, was chosen to be a student speaker for her leadership and hard work. After graduation, she plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree.
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
Paustch Student Speaker
After graduating from Monroe High School in 2019, Stephanie enrolled in Blackhawk’s Early Childhood Education program with the dream of becoming a teacher. Her decision to attend Blackhawk was not only to earn a degree, but she knew the experience would better prepare her for life.
Throughout her time at Blackhawk, her instructors have become mentors and her classmates have become friends. In part, she credits her success to her dad who always says “Hard work pays off!”
Stephanie has received honors from the National Society of Leadership and Success, Phi Theta Kappa and The Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement.
Stephanie was chosen to be a student speaker because of her dedication and perseverance. After graduation, she will begin her teaching journey as a daycare teacher for children ages 1 and 2.
Stephanie
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
Kris Corwin
2022-2023 Alumni of the Year
Kris Corwin, the Trauma Program Coordinator at Mercyhealth Rock County, is the recipient of Blackhawk’s Distinguished Alumni Award, which honors an outstanding Blackhawk graduate who has demonstrated the value of a technical college education through career accomplishments, community service, continued personal and educational growth, and support of the technical college system.
Kris received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Blackhawk in 1991. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Viterbo University in La Crosse in 2004 and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006. She also holds multiple certifications, including Trauma Certified Registered Nurse, Certified Emergency Nurse and Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse.
Kris had worked in the pediatric unit and the emergency department before becoming the Trauma Program Coordinator. Her career path as a nurse and her community involvement demonstrates how her Blackhawk education provided a foundation to not only succeed but also make a difference.
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
ACCOUNTING
Associate Degree
Kelli Bell*
Francesca M. Borgia
Mayra D. Deanda
Amanda Hudy*
Emily M. Landphier
Tonya M. Miller*
Kaitlynn J. Porstmann*
Tayana Q. Roman
Kimberly Zuniga Dobbs
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT
One-Year Technical Diploma
Jared W. Brewer
Amanda Hasselmann
Lisa Hudson
Hailey L. Mackey Tillett*
Gritly Mcnett Seriphin
Kimberly Zuniga Dobbs
AGRIBUSINESS SPECIALIST
One-Year Technical Diploma
Noah R. Fenrick*
AGRIBUSINESS/SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
Associate Degree
Trevor J. Bausch
Issa Conombo*
Ashley K. Letcher
Kalee Schaefer
AUTOMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
Associate Degree
Heather L. Goold*+
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN
Two-Year Technical Diploma
Antonio A. Aranda
Hunter J. Burkhamer*
Kimberly R. Colson*
Brian U. Gonzalez*
Hunter T. Goodwin
Bradley R. Grzeca
Jovany R. Manriquez
Jameson J. Runde
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Associate Degree
Skye E. Archambault
Alexa L. Benjamin
Liliana A. Cummings
Matthew Drew
Sam E. Enger
Wendpagnagde S. Gamene*
Sherry Gertsch
Lanetta L. Hanna
Taylor L. James
Tyler S. Johnson
Aaron C. Kahl*
Devyn R. Klingaman (RUHS)*
Sharriea Mcatee
Kimberly C. Mcmillan Goodwin
Mia C. Rice*
Alexia L. Schroeder
Natalie M. Spicer (RUHS)
Jessica L. Strelecki
Amy L. Swenson
Emily Truman*
Charis Turner
Ciria E. Velazquez
Kaitlyn R. Wendt*
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Technical Diploma
Cristian Rodriguez Aranda*
Cynthia Rodriguez*
COMPUTER SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Technical Diploma
Matthew Busby
+Veteran | *Honor Cord Recipient (3.5 or Higher GPA)
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES
Associate Degree
Christian R. Beltran+
Saharra M. Cappis
Shyann Clark
Hannah A. Derrickson*
Maxwell A. Greco
Andrew Hegle (RUHS)*
Ashliey B. Lerma-Ruelas
Megan McGuire
Jenna O'Connor
Charles T. Prater*
Will E. Sanft
Nicholas W. Weinfurter
CULINARY ARTS
Associate Degree
Chelsea A. Coakley*
Faith E. Davis
Alyssa B. Judge
Keri M. Mertens*
Johanna R. Quintero
Emma R. Riese
DENTAL ASSISTANT
One-Year Technical Diploma
Rachel L. Bailey
Vaughn L. Barker*
Kaylin M. Dilley*
Allison E. Dorsey
Madelyn Joy Finley*
Jill M. Freeman
Lauren A. Knox*
Ia O. Lao*
Amity R. Rogers
Piper D. Roush
Kimee T. Townsend*
Madie L. Wanless*
DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY AND VASCULAR TECHNOLOGY
Associate Degree
Jennifer J. Baker*
Kelsey A. Blankenheim*
Marion M. Clark*
Ann M. Davis*
Lauren Fralka*
Amber Hammack*
Keira Lamphier*
Rachael Ohanian*
Katherine O. Raisbeck*
Bobbie J. Sanders*
Elizabeth Steinke*
DIESEL & HEAVY EQUIPMENT
TECHNICIAN
Two-Year Technical Diploma
Reese W. Bemrich
Wyatt A. Borchardt
Aidan Holub
DIGITAL MARKETING
Associate Degree
Justice A. Falbo
Pamela M. Flock*
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Associate Degree
Juliann M. Baertschi*
Jennifer J. Busse
Hope J. Hopper*
Kira S. Huddle*
Trinitie Lissa*
Stephanie L. Pautsch*
Maddilynn Pfund
Heather Ramos
Teagan D. Rupiper
Miranda L. Swenson
Coreen L. Wittwer
ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION
One-Year Technical Diploma
Henry J. Amborn
Luke A. Collas
Carter C. Cunz
John Cust*
Vincenzo De Angelis
Tristan J. Furseth
+Veteran | *Honor Cord Recipient (3.5 or Higher GPA)
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION, CONT'D One-Year Technical Diploma
Avery K. Lettman*
Tyler Mason*+
Casey Mccoic
Drexel D. Norman
Connor M. Opdahl*
Joaquin Rosas
Johnathan J. Stout
Denis R. Wilson
John C. Ziegeweid
ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
Associate Degree
James Mathesius (RUHS)*
Dakota J. Pryce
FIRE PROTECTION TECHNICIAN
Associate Degree
Gracie Henthorn
Mike Kaspar
Zyon I. Phiffer*
FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Associate Degree
Haleigh J. Bosin*
Trayvon A. Crain (RUHS)*
Ivan J. Estrada
Amy Gerber
Lakira M. Monroe*
Dillion Moore*
Kaylani B. Whitt*
HUMAN RESOURCES
Associate Degree
Darshan M. Dave
Amber S. Froemming
Megan E. Larson*
Amy E. Powell*
Cynthia Quinones
Kensie J. Stoikes*
Meaghan E. Sweeney*
Zyanya L. Vazquez*
HUMAN SERVICES
Associate Degree
Maya Douglas*
Alysia D. Endl
Tracy J. Grassi*
Ezra G. Johnson*
Katelyn Justice*
Chasity Mobley
Reagan P. Popp*
Ricardo A. Valdez+
Brittany K. Yahnke
Kristin Young*
HVAC/R
Associate Degree
Nijel D. Anderson
Tanner J. Branch*
Casten Dallman
Wesley C. Richards*
Jesse Washington
INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE MECHANIC Two-Year Technical Diploma
Michael Dominy*
Kory L. Hanson
Hayden R. Klapp
Michael J. Larson
Matthew H. McGlynn*
Herbert Tree
Ethan G. Woodward*
IT-NETWORK SPECIALIST
Associate Degree
Joshua T. Bennett
Alex Jensen
Brandon T. Paul
Logan M. Shapiro
Anabella I. Splinter*
Gunnar M. Wileman*
IT-WEB SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
Associate Degree
Wesley R. Bartz
Logan K. Dahlke*
+Veteran | *Honor Cord Recipient (3.5 or Higher GPA)
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
IT-WEB SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, CONT'D
Associate Degree
Alyssa R. Giannone*
Jade Graves
Estefania Martinez Avalos*
Samantha A. Mullen*
Emmanuel Noriega
Luisangel Rodriguez
Jordan Steurer
Desirae D. Stiefel*
JOURNEYWORKER
Associate Degree
Jason R. Trumpy*
LABORATORY FOOD SCIENCE
TECHNICIAN
Associate Degree
Jonah Levia*
Melinda S. Needham*
MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE CODER
Associate Degree
Tashlee A. Condon*
Alexis R. Evans
Paola Martinez*
Danielle Ruiz*
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
One-Year Technical Diploma
Annamarie D. Aaron
Alanna R. Colunga*
Alexis Fields*
Alexiana L. Guzman
Artasia D. Jones*
Riese M. Krueger
Alexa R. Marty*
Anna M. Payson*+
Brooke A. Pehl*
Mary F. Roth+
Adrianna Saynor*
Alejandra Torres*
Amber R. Upton*
Veronica L. Yanke*
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Associate Degree
Alexandra Castillo*
Jennifer Hansen
Lakeia C. Jackson
Jenna M. Krueger*
Tara M. Mick+
Shelby M. Purdy*
Katie L. Raskovic
NURSING
Associate Degree
Baleigh R. Anderson*
Kristy D. Antonelli
Selenna Bautista-Solis*
Juanita R. Bonilla*
Kara Briggs*
Miranda Coleman*
Bertha Cruz Herrera*
Krista A. Cummings*
Emily D. Denio*
Casey L. Dennis-Twardzik
Amanda K. Deremo-Behrend
Cora R. Hjelmberg*
Crystal Hobbs*
Brittany L. Huffman*
Jessica Krause*
Rebecca C. Leonhardt*
Alexandrea J. Lindquist*
Sadie Minor*
Emily Parker
Sabrina L. Richardt*
Samuel Rohloff*
Emily Y. Stoll
Raegan Trunkhill*
Brian R. Warson*
Nicole Webnar*
Hailey Wedige*
PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN
Short-term Technical Diploma
Georgina Y. Amaya
Larasia Bell*
+Veteran | *Honor Cord Recipient (3.5 or Higher GPA)
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Commencement 2023
PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN, CONT'D
Short-term Technical Diploma
Albana Emini
Artijola Emini
Casandra L. Hernandez
Monica E. Hernandez
Karen C. Montes
Karli D. Montgomery
Makaela Tyler
Carly J. Young
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Associate Degree
Sophie C. Fulk*
Jacob Graham*
Francesca R. Hoerz*
Monica Miller*
Taylor Sarver
Lindsay B. Travis*
Alexander M. Wallin*
RADIOGRAPHY
Associate Degree
Megan E. Baumgartner
Taylor N. Borchardt*
Chanler M. Brown*
Victoria J. Cairns*
Emili A. Douglas
Cora K. Kienbaum*
Andrea S. Kittleson*
Madelin J. Meglic*
Hailey N. Reck*
Chrissol Saenz*
Christopher A. Schultz*
Brooke Teubert*
Jenna E. Volciak*
SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION
Technical Diploma
Morgan J. Cherry
Cynthia Jackson-Ausler
Katelyn Justice
Mandy M. Lange*
Stephanie L. Schober*
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR
Associate Degree
Teresa Mcallister
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Associate Degree
Paul M. Henderson
Erik Jacobson
Madalynn M. Krutzik*
SURGICAL TECHNICIAN
Associate Degree
Theodore A. Braman*
Alexis M. Graves*
Elizabeth A. Green*
Mikayla A. Hoey*
Anne Morris*+
Mary L. Moulding*
Hannah N. Tierney
Lauren M. Turner*
Cassandra M. York*+
WELDING
One-Year Technical Diploma
Monique J. Addison*
Elizabeth A. Baron*
Caitlinn L. Briggs*
Tanner S. Christopherson*
Collin Deets*
Alexander W. Doane (Janesville Craig)*
Evan B. Ellis*
Lily L. Foreman*
Tyler L. Fudge
Noah Gillespie*
Vanessa M. Hartwig (Monroe High School)*
Connor J. Piala*
Andrew M. Scherwitz*
Isaac J. Schumacher
+Veteran | *Honor Cord Recipient (3.5 or Higher GPA)
Stay Connected
blackhawk.edu
ECareer Services
CareerCenter@blackhawk.edu
BTC Foundation/Alumni
ELhurda@blackhawk.edu
EDual Enrollment Graduate
Students who are graduating from high school and Blackhawk Technical College simultaneously are designated with their high school listed (i.e. RUHS = Rock University High School).
Commencement Program
This Commencement Program lists the names of individuals who have applied for graduation on the presumption that all the requirements have been, or will be, met by the end of the semester. To be listed in this program, individuals were required to apply for graduation by the respective posted dates. Names listed in this program are subject to verification that all graduation requirements have been met.
Nondisclosure of Directory Information
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students who have chosen not to release directory information to public disclosure (which includes, but is not limited to, degrees conferred) will not appear in this program.
Blackhawk Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to manage inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator/Equal Opportunity Officer, 6004 S County Road G, P.O. Box 5009, Janesville, WI 53547-5009, (608) 757-7796 or (608) 757-7773, WI Relay: 711.
6004 S County Road G • Janesville, WI 53546