Fox Valley Technical College | Focus Magazine | Fall 2021

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Special Insert: Explore Fox Valley Tech Degrees

Fox Valley Technical College

LEARN BY DOING Our students know there’s no substitute for hands-on learning.

Inside:

Woodworking grad builds his career Page 5

Planting happiness Page 6 Internships provide real know-how Page 7

volume 15, issue 2 • Fall 2021

your future

contents

Whatever your Focus is published bi-annually for the communities of Fox Valley Technical College.

Director of College Marketing Barb Dreger Executive Editor Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

we’ll find a way.

Art Director Cara Jakubiec Editor Casey Britten Contributing Editor Susan Lucius

Whether you’re starting down a new path, chasing

Photographers Gary Brilowski, Lucky Cha, Brandon Landwehr

your dreams or simply working your way towards

President Dr. Chris Matheny

your future, it’s good to have someone to look out

Fox Valley Technical College

doing your banking where you’re

baughman@fvtc.edu (email inquiries)

an owner. You get the straight-

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission since 1974.

forward tips, tools and answers

FVTC offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs, and instruction related to 15 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. The college serves about 45,000 people annually, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin.

you need to live your best life.

TAKE CONTROL WITH OUR BEST-IN-CLASS APP

© 2021 Fox Valley Technical College.

Fox Valley Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including members of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, females, veterans and individuals of all abilities. For questions regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policy, contact: Rayon Brown – brown@ fvtc.edu (Affirmative Action), TitleIX@fvtc.edu (gender discrimination, including sex-based violence) or Elizabeth Burns – burnse@fvtc.edu (disability related discrimination).

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APPLETON (6) FVTC Appleton Campus BELLEVUE (subject to campus availability) KIMBERLY

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2-7 Learn By Doing

Our students know there’s no substitute for hands-on learning.

8

Beyond the Classroom

9

GREENVILLE MENASHA (2) NEENAH (4) MANITOWOC TWO RIVERS NEW LONDON

NICHOLS OSHKOSH (3) WAUPACA

OUR MISSION IS TO: Provide relevant technical education and training to support student goals, a skilled workforce, and the economic vitality of our communities.

OUR VISION IS TO BE: A catalyst in engaging partners to bring innovative educational solutions to individuals, employers, and communities – transforming challenges into opportunities.

Clubs round out college experience for student Kimberly Martin.

Alumni Spotlight

11

Open for Business

Class project leads to business startup for Business Management grad.

12 Foundation

Scholarship helps Stacy Morton

pursue goal of being a sheriff’s deputy.

Two FVTC Culinary Arts graduates

are corporate chefs at Jones

Dairy Farm.

13

10

14-16 Around FVTC

- LOANS THAT REWARD YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH US

then talk to us today. We’ll find a way for you.

11

8

1825 N. Bluemound Dr., P.O. Box 2277 Appleton, WI 54912-2277 1-800-735-3882 • www.fvtc.edu TTY (hearing impaired) 711 State Relay System

for your best interests. That’s the advantage of

•

7

Developing the Workforce

FVTC helps AriensCo grow its own employees through ongoing education.

Win a $50 rd!

Amazon gift ca

by t reader survey Complete a shor a r fo 22 20 January 31, chance to win.

ocusSurvey www.fvtc.edu/F

Foxes Social

What students like best about being back on campus.

See what’s making news.

LEARN BY DOING Our students know there’s no substitute for hands-on learning.

Best of Both Worlds Combining a love of aviation and fixing things, Eric Barry found fulfillment maintaining airplanes.

When Eric Barry was 12 years old, he fell in love with airplanes.

“After high school, I went to flight school and gained my private pilot's license and an instrument rating,” he says. Marriage and kids came next, and flight school took a back seat as life took over. “I kept running out of money. My last flight instructor had been an airframe & powerplant mechanic, and he told me that training made him a better pilot. I decided that would be a good way to get back into aviation and possibly eventually pursue my goal of being a commercial pilot.”

He enrolled at Fox Valley Tech, and was energized by the hands-on training. “I'm a visual learner, so the amount of time we spent in the hangar really helped me. I can read a book 10 times and still not be comfortable with what I’m supposed to do, but walk me through the process once or twice and I will have it down. That’s one of the things I loved so much about FVTC.” Eric graduated from the Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics program in 2020, and promptly got a job at Myers Aviation in Oshkosh as an A&P Mechanic. In 2021, he completed the Aircraft Electronics program.

“Being part of the miracle of flight is a dream come true,” he says.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Aviation

“

I love working with my hands, and I love fixing things. But being part of the miracle of flight is a dream come true.

”

Eric Barry

2 2

www.fvtc.edu www.fvtc.edu Fox Fox Valley Valley Technical Technical College College

focus fall fall 2021 2021

3

Wisconsin Woods Industry

Fast Track to a Healthcare Career

The secondary wood processing industry accounts for 40,000 jobs in the state of Wisconsin.

The Medical Assistant field is expected to

Hands-on classes prepped Shaquita Martin for a rewarding career as a Medical Assistant.

grow by 19% by 2029,

FVTC’s Wood Manufacturing Technology program typically places 100% of its graduates in positions like project manager, cabinet maker, millwork fabricator and aircraft interior fabricator.

much faster than the average for all occupations.

Shaquita Martin was looking for a program she could complete in a short amount of time and make a decent salary. “I was working jobs I wasn’t

The growth of the aging population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians.

As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

happy with, and needed to find a career that would provide both a stable income for my family and a stable schedule,” she says.

She found her solution in the FVTC Medical Assistant program. In December 2019, she graduated from the 32-credit program in 18 months, landing a job as a Medical Assistant at Aurora Health Care in Oshkosh before graduation.

“The Medical Assistant program is built to prepare you for real-life

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

situations by providing a clinic-like space in the classroom. Every single day we had to do something hands-on, which makes the training much more real,” explains Shaquita. “I’m a hands-on learner. I can watch something

97%

over and over, but in order to truly learn, I have to do it.”

grad employment for Medical Assistant grads

And she loves her job. Working in pain management, she not only helps people with their physical pain, she also lends a much-needed ear. “I’m

Source: 2020 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report

a people person,” she says. “We have people who come in and they just need somebody to talk to. I can be that for them. That’s my favorite part.”

Patrick Volkmann

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/HealthScience

Building His Own Career Patrick Volkmann’s love of woodworking and drive to finish school created a unique educational journey.

Patrick Volkmann of Oshkosh discovered his fascination for woodworking in seventh grade, when he took his first woodworking class. Now, at the age of 18, he has already turned his passion for building furniture into a career.

“I took every possible woodworking course that I could get my hands on from seventh grade through tenth grade,” Patrick explains. “When there were no more options at Oshkosh West, I thought I’d get an apprenticeship my senior year of high school.”

But as that last year approached, Patrick still had two high school credits to complete and no apprenticeship lined up. With help from his mom, as well as an Oshkosh West counselor and an FVTC advisor, Patrick was able to dual enroll and start

“

“Getting the technical diploma is more than what I planned to do after high school,” Patrick explains. “But the program led me to many opportunities and I had a job at Black Wolf Design in Omro before I graduated."

“I think the program is great for anyone who has even a slight interest in woodworking. The instructors each have different skill sets so you get their expertise in different areas."

Patrick’s greatest joy in his new profession is the idea of taking a piece of wood that came straight from the saw mill, so rough you can’t even see the grain, and creating a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture.

“Having a customer say they can’t find what they want and asking me if I can make it, that’s a great challenge,” Patrick says. “I have to think about the process and how I’m going to build it. Then, knowing what I made for the customer could stay in their home for generations, that’s exciting.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Wood

the program at FVTC. He spent his senior year at the S.J.

I’m a hands-on learner. I can watch something over and over, but in order to truly learn, I have to do it.

”

Spanbauer Center in Oshkosh working toward a technical diploma, which also satisfied his two final high school credits.

In June, he graduated from Oshkosh West High School.

In August, he graduated from FVTC’s Wood Manufacturing

• • • Hear more from Patrick:

www.fvtc.edu/Wood21

Technology program.

Shaquita Martin

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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

focus fall 2021

5

Luis Leon

Planting Happiness

Hands-On in the Real World

Working with plants brings fulfillment to Horticulture students.

Marketing program requires a hands-on internship in the employment sector.

The members of the first-ever all-female FVTC grounds crew team joined us to share their experience with the Horticulture program. While each has her own story for why she chose this field, there is one common theme: joy.

How did you decide to go into Horticulture?

How are the classes preparing you for the future?

Emily Schultz, Neenah: I was laid off from my job as a receptionist. Secretly I was really happy because I didn’t want

Lily: I’m actually learning how to do a job instead of just reading a textbook.

Deirdra: We’re getting the opportunity to meet people in the

to work in an office for the rest of my life, so I took it as an opportunity to finally do what I wanted: work with my hands,

industry. Having employers come in and see the jobs you’ve

work with plants, work outside.

done is a great takeaway.

Deirdra Moon, Appleton: At the start of COVID, I left my job in the medical field and had the world in my hands. I chose

What do you like most about your classes?

Emily: There’s literally a greenhouse on campus that we can

to come back to school. I love plants, gardening and just being outside. To get an education and play with dirt all day was a

just go in and play with plants!

Deirdra: Growing. We started vegetables and crops in the

definite goal!

Lily Kocha, Holland: I was enrolled at a private four-year

hydroponics lab in the winter, then transitioned them to the

university, but it wasn’t for me. I’ve always been a gardener and

greenhouse, outside, and then we got to harvest. I get to see the

like working with my hands, so watching things grow seemed

bounty of the food that we grow. I’ve never felt so accomplished.

like a fulfilling job.

I love that feeling.

Paige Williamson, Seymour: My family owns greenhouses, and I’ve always wanted to study horticulture and work in the

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Horticulture

family business.

• • • More of this interview available online at:

Luis Leon of Shiocton understands the value of handson training, even when that training extends beyond the classroom.

“Everything I’ve learned at FVTC, I am already using at work,” Luis says.

Graduating this December, Luis completed an internship as part of the curriculum in his Marketing program. When his internship at Performance Pallet in Seymour ended, he was offered a full-time marketing associate position.

“The internship started in HR & Safety,” Luis explains.

“Now as a full-time marketing associate, I create marketing materials for our Sales team so we can expand our reach.”

Luis is the first high school graduate and soon-to-be first college graduate in his family.

“I chose the associate degree route because I knew I’d get straight into my program,” Luis says. “I may go back for a bachelor’s degree one day. But I’m already working and using everything my instructors taught me.”

Being bilingual, Luis saves his employer time and money by creating marketing content in both English and Spanish.

“I write everything in English and then translate it to Spanish myself, instead of seeking another source to provide the translation.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Marketing

Real Learning

www.fvtc.edu/Horticulture21

Access to technology was vital for Electro-Mechanical Technology grad Andy Tysver.

From L to R: Paige Willamson, Lily Kocha, Deirdra Moon and Emily Schultz

Andy Tysver doesn’t hesitate when asked why he chose Fox Valley Tech.

“The hands-on training,” says the 2021 graduate of the Electro-Mechanical Technology program. “Here you get to work on the equipment you’re going to work with in real life.”

Andy has always learned best by doing, and after high school he took some electronics classes. While he didn’t finish his degree then, he always knew that one day he’d go back. In 2019 he enrolled in the Electro-Mechanical Technology program.

“The lab was a big reason why I came back,” he says. “It’s amazing. There’s equipment for just about anything you can think of. With the relatively low cost of credits combined with this expensive equipment you get to learn on, it’s hard to put a value on that.”

“

Fox Valley Tech has been an open door and a warm place.

”

Deirdra Moon

6

Andy now works as a Controls Engineer at Trident Automation, a consulting

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

engineering firm in Kimberly that helps ethanol plants keep their production up and running.

• • • More of this story available online at: www.fvtc.edu/Electromechanical21 Andy Tysver

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ALUMNI

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Shaping the Whole Person Clubs round out college experience for student Kimberly Martin.

Returning to school as a young mother, joining a club was the furthest thing from Kimberly Martin’s mind. “I thought, ‘I’m just going to focus on my classes and get out of there’,” admits the 27-year-old from Oshkosh.

Fast-forward three years: Kimberly has not only served multiple leadership roles in both the Natural Resources club and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), she also worked as a Peer Leader.

“I realized, what fun is going to school if you’re not going to meet other people?” Kimberly explains. She attended her first Natural Resources club meeting upon the encouragement of an instructor, and was hooked. “There were students of all ages, and everyone was so helpful. The camaraderie was amazing.”

Natural Resources club members also volunteer in the community to gain experience. “Every year we help with things like tree planting, installing deer fencing, and chopping wood,” she says. “I’ve made connections and gotten experience that I never would have had if it wasn’t for the club.”

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has helped Kimberly round out her education beyond her program; PTK projects

“

FVTC makes sure you’re not only getting an education in the classroom, but that there are opportunities to learn outside the classroom as well.

”

Kimberly Martin

help the broader FVTC community. For example, one of last year’s PTK projects focused on improving student-instructor communications in a virtual learning environment, which won an international award. “We wrote papers, applied for grants, interviewed students and talked to employers,” Kimberly explains, “You’re protecting the image of the college as well as PTK, so you learn valuable public relations skills, and how to speak on a professional and personal level.”

Q & A with Becky Cambridge and Kate Lulloff

FVTC Peer Leaders support other students by helping them navigate college life. “I met so many other students as a Peer Leader, and made lots of friends,” she says.

In her classes as a double-major in Natural Resources Technician and Wildland Firefighting, Kimberly loves the hands-

Becky Cambridge and Kate Lulloff didn’t know each other before they started as Foodservice Key Account Sales Managers and Corporate Chefs at Jones Dairy Farm. However, they quickly learned they have a strong connection: both are graduates of FVTC’s Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management programs.

on training. “Ninety percent of my coursework is hands-on,” she says. “Everything is outside. I’ve learned how to use chain saws, a skid steer, survey equipment, a compass—we just go out to the field and use it.”

Upon completion of her FVTC degrees, Kimberly plans to transfer to UW-Stevens Point to major in Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management. For now, she will continue

Kate Lulloff

Becky Cambridge

to make the most of her college career and encourage others to get involved. “I don’t believe that the college experience is complete unless you join a club,” she says.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/StudentLife

What is a Corporate Chef?

Becky: At Jones Dairy Farm, a premium breakfast meat manufacturer, I use my culinary background to assist in

What training did you receive at FVTC that’s so valuable at your workplace?

Becky: I had great leaders in the classrooms. The

foodservice sales opportunities, product innovation and

instructors saw my potential and continued to mold me to

recipe development. As a Wisconsin-born chef, I could not

become a better chef, but also as a young leader entering the

be happier working to promote a family-owned Wisconsin

industry.

company.

Kate: We work with large accounts to develop custom food items for them, and we see the project through from concept to completion. I’ve also been fortunate to do video segments to educate people about the attributes of Jones Dairy Farm products. It’s been a great creative outlet for me.

What first brought you to FVTC? Becky: I participated in the Youth Options program, which allowed me to take Culinary Arts classes at FVTC while in high school. After graduation, I enrolled full time and added

What did you enjoy most at FVTC? Kate: FVTC’s Cultural Cuisine event will always be a favorite. I was fortunate to be chosen as general manager for the 2015 event. Also, I think my age lent itself to being perceived as the “kitchen mom” to some of the younger students, which was fun. I still keep in touch with many of them today.

• • • More of this interview available online at:

www.fvtc.edu/Culinary21

the Hospitality Management degree before obtaining my bachelor’s degree at UW-Stout.

Kate: I’ve worked in the hospitality industry since I was 14.

My life path took me in a different direction and I owned a trucking company while raising my children. But my passion for food was always there and in 2013 I decided to obtain my Culinary Arts degree. It’s one of the best decisions I ever made.

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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

A Culinary Arts degree can lead to a variety of jobs Catering manager Sous chef Pastry chef Banquet manager Personal chef

Restaurant owner Food stylist Sales and marketing coordinator and more...

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DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Instructors Janet Braun and Michele Paulsen

Go to Work, Go to Class

Fire Starter

It’s Wednesday afternoon at AriensCo and production at the

In the final project for the Business

FVTC helps AriensCo grow its own employees through ongoing education.

Class project leads to business startup for Business Management grad.

Start-up & Launch Experience class,

outdoor power equipment maker is in high gear. But nearby,

students are required to come up with

more than a dozen employees are equally as busy in the

a comprehensive business plan. As

classroom, where they’re enrolled in a new certificate program

the culmination of everything they’ve

facilitated by Fox Valley Technical College.

learned in class, it’s an important

“Ariens asked FVTC to create a customized program in

assignment.

quality for its employees,” explains Janet Braun, department

The idea that student Emily

chair of manufacturing operations at FVTC. “The company

Nechodom came up with was so good,

picked courses it thought were most applicable to their

she decided to turn it into an actual

training needs and together we created the AriensCo Quality

business. Enter Fire Bricks.

Technician Certificate.”

Fire Bricks are a product made from

The program’s first cohort started one year ago with courses

recycled materials and pressed into a

being taught in person by FVTC instructors at the company’s Brillion headquarters. The company covers tuition and associated costs, but students must work with supervisors to make time for class.

“The first students in the program have already earned their certificate,” Janet says. “Once they earn further training credits at Ariens Academy, FVTC will award credit for prior learning, and some students are positioned to graduate in May with an

The effort to build bench strength is already underway with a second cohort of students starting the program this fall.

“This idea of employers paying for an employee’s education is an attractive way to get workers in the building,” Janet says.

“More employers are looking at this option as a way to not only train their employees, but retain them as well.”

to grow our employees internally,” says Tracy Tuschl, senior manager of human resources at AriensCo. “AriensCo looks forward to continuing this offering well into the future.”

brick form. They can be used in a woodburning fireplace or firepit, or easily transported on camping trips with no mess or restrictions.

“Our family goes camping a lot, and the idea came from hauling firewood— it’s messy,” Emily explains. “I had seen other people take old newspapers and

associate degree in Quality Engineering Technology.”

“This program was created as a developmental pathway

The associate degree in Quality Engineering Technology is available to anyone at FVTC. The majority of classes are online but some courses do offer in-person options.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/ManufacturingAutomation

make a product with it. That’s where my idea stemmed from. I just put a twist to it.” The twist is a secret mix of excess materials from area companies.

“I wanted to repurpose these clean materials and make a new product out of it,” she explains.

Ariens Academy

Packaged in a box of six with some shredded paper, Fire Bricks are ready-made for burning. “They are clean, lightweight and easy for kids to carry and start a fire,” Emily says.

“You basically just open up a box and arrange your bricks like you would with firewood. Everything is safe to burn and cook over.”

Production is a family affair. “I started with the help of my husband who owns a welding/fabrication shop that also makes unique fire pit bowls,” she says, adding that she uses the business space to make the bricks, with the help of their three daughters.

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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Emily Nechodom

FVTC Entrepreneurship Instructor Doug Schacht helped Emily bring her

great practice presenting and reaching out to potential investors.”

idea to reality. “Emily’s business idea

Starting a business wasn’t on the

was great!” he says. “Not only did she

agenda for Emily, who enrolled in the

have a sound value proposition for the

Business Management program to

customers—ease of transport, less

move up the ladder with her current

mess, etc.—she also arranged to have

employer. “It wasn’t my intention to start

the majority of her supplies donated

a business, but now that I did, I’m very

from other companies that saw it as

prepared to run a business from what

waste. So not only does her product

I learned in my classes. I plan to keep

fulfill a need, it’s made from recyclable

going with it on the side, and someday

materials.”

maybe my kids can take over.”

Doug liked the idea so much, he encouraged Emily to pitch it at the annual FVTC Fox Trap Pitch Event, a competition where students pitch business ideas before a panel of judges

• • • Learn more:

www.fvtc.edu/BusinessManagement • • • You can find Fire Bricks online at:

www.facebook.com/EmilysFireBricks

for cash prizes. She won first place. She then advanced to a regional competition, where she placed second. “The events were cool experiences,” she says. “I got

focus fall 2021

11

“

FOUNDATION

It’s great to see our campuses filled with students again. Being back in-person seems to agree with our students as well.

I love my current job but graduating from the academy allows me to be a deputy and go on patrol. I can be a role model for my daughter and make a positive impact on my community.

”

We recently asked our students what they like best about being back…

Stacy Morton

Paying Her Own Way

Scholarship helps Stacy Morton pursue goal of being a sheriff’s deputy.

Stacy Morton at the FVTC Public Safety Training Center

need to spend money to make money,” more than Stacy

social

Being closer to a degree for my dream job.

Graduating in December and on-campus dining.

No one may identify with the proverb, “Sometimes you

foxes

– Annalee F.

– Lexi P.

Morton. Stacy is paying her own way through Fox Valley Technical College’s Law Enforcement Academy.

“Many law enforcement agencies can sponsor recruits to go through the academy,” Stacy explains. “The Portage County Sheriff’s Office, where I work, cannot sponsor recruits. But my goal is to become a deputy, so I am here on my own. And that’s why I am so grateful

Returning to the campus for class and the coffee shop!

for this scholarship.”

Stacy is one of four Law Enforcement Academy students who recently received scholarships from the FVTC Foundation, Inc. The scholarships, specifically

All the FVTC Student Life events!

benefiting those who are paying their own way through the academy, can reduce the cost of the program by up to 10%.

Seeing my teachers again.

– Ted V.

– Jack M.

– Wyatt G.

Stacy appreciates every dollar. The mother of two worked full time as a corrections officer at the Portage County jail while earning her associate degree in Criminal Justice at FVTC. She is still working full time as she completes the academy, while commuting between Appleton and the Marshfield area.

Growing up and living in Wood County, Stacy is often

Being more handson and hopefully returning to a more normal in-person teaching experience.

asked why she did not choose a school closer to home.

“When I came to the Public Safety Training Center for

I’m really excited to be learning so many unique skills that I wouldn’t be able to learn anywhere else.

work, I got a good look at it,” Stacy says. “It’s a one-ofa-kind training facility. If I can be a part of the best, then I want to do it.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Foundation

– Jade B.

– Nikki K.

Something to share? Follow us and tag #FutureFoxes or #FVTCproud to be featured on our website and social channels.

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@FoxValleyTech

@FoxValleyTech

@FoxValleyTech

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13

AROUND FVTC

AROUND FVTC

News Briefs

Dr. Chris Matheny Named President

For the latest Fox Valley Technical College news, visit www.fvtc.edu/News.

Dr. Chris Matheny began his new role as president of Fox Valley Technical College on August 1.

He has been with the college for 17 years and most recently served as executive vice president

• The FVTC Foundation welcomed 160 golfers to its 33rd

for instruction and chief academic officer at FVTC.

Dr. Matheny fills the position left open by Dr. Susan May, who retired on July 31 after 38 years

of service with the college, including 13 years as president.

He was selected after the college conducted a nationwide search.

“As I begin my new role as president of FVTC, I am hopeful for our future and thankful for the

• The Trucking Industry Defense Association recently awarded $6,500 to the FVTC Truck Driving program for helping to shape the future of the trucking industry. The funds will be used for student scholarships.

annual Foundation Scholarship Golf Outing. The event, held Aug. 4 at Royal St. Patrick’s golf course in Wrightstown, raised more than $110,000 for student scholarships.

• Student Mike Scepanski recently competed in the 2021

dedication of the nearly 1,500 full- and part-time staff members who serve our students every day,”

• Holly Maas has been named the

SkillsUSA competition in the Diesel Equipment Technology category. Mike placed first in Wisconsin and went on to secure a second-place finish at the national level.

Dr. Matheny says. “We are committed to keeping Fox Valley Technical College a regional, state, and national leader in technical education and to improving educational outcomes for our students, customers, and partners.”

Dr. Chris Matheny

• Outdoor Power Equipment Technology student Nic Hansen earned a first place award at the 2021 national SkillsUSA competition.

Back to Class and Back IN Class

• Mike Gawel, a financial aid facilitator at FVTC and a Purple Heart recipient for his valor as a member of the U.S. Army, was chosen to represent Wisconsin as part of the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project. With this distinction, Gawel traveled to New York for a multi-day event honoring the courage and sacrifice of those wounded in combat.

Campuses and centers welcome back students.

Students returned to classes at Fox Valley Technical College on August 23 with most being held in-person on campus. The college saw a 15% increase in the number of class selections being taught in person and a 15% decrease in the number of online classes. In total, FVTC will deliver more than 3,800 class sections in person, online and via virtual classroom.

recipient of the Fox Valley Technical College 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award. Holly is a 2016 graduate of the Forensic Science program and currently works as an Evidence Technician at the Ashwaubenon Department of Public Safety. Holly has the distinction of being the first full-time civilian property room manager/evidence technician in the state of Wisconsin.

Holly Maas

Looking for Outstanding Alumni

Mike Gawel

Several programs started the semester at capacity, including

FVTC is seeking nominations for its 2022 Outstanding Alumni Award. Each year, this distinguished honor is presented to a deserving alumnus who has completed a Fox Valley Technical College associate degree, technical diploma or apprentice program.

The nomination deadline is noon (CST) on Feb. 15, 2022.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Alumni

Criminal Justice, Electricity, Phlebotomy, Cosmetology, several Auto Technology programs and several Nursing programs.

FVTC also started several innovative programs: Surgical Technology, Data Specialist, Virtual Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Technical Education Instruction and Foundations of Teacher Education.

Also coming soon, the college will offer a new collegiate transfer degree that focuses on general education course work. In a cooperative agreement with Madison College, this option allows students to complete a 60-credit associate in arts or an associate in science degree through FVTC. These credits maximize transferability to many four-year universities in several pre-major disciplines, such as Engineering, Education, Math, Science and Technology, and Arts and Humanities.

SOLD: Student-Built House

Latest home by Residential Building Construction students has new owners.

The real estate market has been particularly active in 2021 and that activity fared well for students in the Residential Building Construction program at Fox Valley Tech. They finished their latest

Take A Class Learn a new skill, explore a new career, and stay close to home taking classes that will transfer to other colleges. New classes are added regularly, so visit often for the most current options. Search for classes and register online at www.fvtc.edu/TakeAClass.

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home build in June and new owners purchased it in October.

Read | Watch | Share

The 1,613 square foot 3-bedroom, 2-bath home was built in

See something you like? The articles in this magazine are easily accessible with additional links, photos and videos at www.fvtc.edu/Focus.

building projects by purchasing the lot, paying all construction

the Village of Harrison. The FVTC Foundation funds these home expenses and listing the finished home for sale.

Once the home is sold, the Foundation recovers its investment and uses any profits from the sale for more building projects and scholarships.

focus fall 2021

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AROUND FVTC

New Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Center Dedicated Only center in U.S. featuring full-size Boeing 777.

Fox Valley Technical College and Appleton International Airport (ATW) hosted a dedication ceremony for the ATW Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Training Center on Oct. 15.

While the facility opened and began training opportunities in June 2020, a formal dedication ceremony had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event included a tour of the facility, an emergency fire fighting mock drill and a dedication ceremony. Senator Tammy Baldwin, who helped secure a $12 million grant from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) for the project, attended the ceremony and gave formal remarks.

Other guests included Congressman Mike Gallagher, Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson and many community partners, including Oshkosh Airport Products.

The facility is one of the nation’s premier centers for ARFF training, which includes a one-of-a-kind Boeing 777 Specialized Aircraft Fire Trainer and Cessna Skyhawk training prop. The facility has already hosted firefighters and rescue crews from across the country and around the world.

Credit Transfer Adds Up

Save money and stay close to home at Fox Valley Technical College. Earn your two-year associate degree first then transfer your credits to a four-year college. Fox Valley Tech has 2+2 transfer agreements with the following colleges and universities, making the credit transfer process seamless: University of Wisconsin System UW-Green Bay UW-La Crosse UW-Oshkosh UW-Platteville UW-River Falls UW-Stevens Point UW-Milwaukee UW-Stout

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/4Year

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“

Private Universities Ashford University Bellevue University Concordia University Franklin University Grand Canyon University Herzing University Lakeland University Marian University Milwaukee School of Engineering Northern Michigan University Viterbo University

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

FVTC saved me valuable time and money in my pursuit toward my bachelor’s degree, without having to sacrifice value in the classes being offered.

”

Scholarships = Worry-Free Tuition Paying for college is a big concern for our students.

One way to ease your mind and help you hold on to your hard-earned money is through FVTC Foundation scholarships. This is money that does not need to be paid back!

Application deadlines for Fall 2022:

High school seniors: March 11, 2022 Returning adults: May 1, 2022

Apply today: www.fvtc.edu/Scholarships

Scholarships are available for high school seniors as well as adults returning to school.

It’s free and easy to apply! Just complete one form and we’ll match you up with scholarships that match your needs.

Graham Kunde Alumnus, Marketing

focus fall 2021

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 700 MILWAUKEE, WI

Visit Fox Valley Tech

ON CAMPUS

Touring the college is the best way to see if it’s the right fit for you.

On campus or online––whichever way you’re most comfortable, we’ll help you get closer to your decision.

Explore our virtual tour or schedule an in-person appointment at www.fvtc.edu/Visit.

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