May 2023 Commencement Program

~ 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

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Responsive • 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

Mark Holzman

Suzann Holland

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

BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Commencement 2023

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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

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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.

BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Commencement 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 2023

Stephanie 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.

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

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blackhawk.edu Career Services CareerCenter@blackhawk.edu

BTC Foundation/Alumni Lhurda@blackhawk.edu

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Dual 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