Fox Valley Technical College | Focus Magazine | Spring 2022

focus Fox Valley Technical College

OUR ALUMNI GO PLACES Fox Valley Tech provided the starting point for these inspiring alums.

volume 16, issue 1 • Spring 2022

your future

Whatever your we’ll find a way.

Whether you’re starting down a new path, chasing your dreams or simply working your way towards your future, it’s good to have someone to look out for your best interests. That’s the advantage of doing your banking where you’re an owner. You get the straightforward tips, tools and answers you need to live your best life.

•

TAKE CONTROL WITH OUR BEST-IN-CLASS APP - FREE CREDIT MONITORING - REMOTE CHECK DEPOSIT

- DEBIT & CREDIT CARD CONTROLS - SAVING & SPENDING TOOLS - PERSONALIZED ALERTS

•

GET THE MONEY & CREDIT YOU NEED - LOW RATE CREDIT CARDS FOR PEOPLE STARTING OUT - EASY ACCESS ONLINE EDUCATION LOANS - LOANS THAT REWARD YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH US

If this sounds like a better way of doing your banking, then talk to us today. We’ll find a way for you.

(920) 830-7200 • communityfirstcu.com

Call, go online or visit us in person at any of our 26 Northeast Wisconsin locations.

FVTC Appleton Campus (subject to campus availability)

APPLETON (6) BELLEVUE KIMBERLY

DARBOY DE PERE HOWARD

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

NICHOLS OSHKOSH (3) WAUPACA

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

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

4

Art Director Cara Jakubiec Editor Casey Britten Contributing Editor Susan Lucius Photographers Gary Brilowski, Lucky Cha, Dave Jackson, Laura Lachowecki, Brandon Landwehr

12

7

President Dr. Chris Matheny Fox Valley Technical College

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 baughman@fvtc.edu (email inquiries) Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission since 1974.

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. © 2022 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).

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.

2-8

Our Alumni Go Places

9

Foxes Social

10

Developing the Workforce

11

Open for Business

12

Foundation

13

Beyond the Classroom

Fox Valley Tech provided the starting point for these inspiring alums.

Check our social happenings.

Innovative partnership benefits students, employers and community, meeting regional needs.

Alumni: you’re welcome here!

There are thousands of proud Fox Valley Tech alumni. If you’re one of them, as someone who has been through our doors and knows us well, you have access to a variety of additional resources. And who knows?

Further involvement with FVTC just might open up some new doors for you.

Venture Center helps Steven Kettenhoven elevate his woodworking business.

Scholarship helps Alex Skibicki build a career in Residential Building Construction.

Through school, clubs and networking, 20-year-old Abby Frisk is living college life to the fullest.

14-16 Around FVTC

See what’s making news.

• • • Learn more about resources

available to you:

www.fvtc.edu/Alumni

OUR ALUMNI GO PLACES Fox Valley Tech provided the starting point for these inspiring alums.

2 2

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

History-Making Career Xiong Yang is one of only a few Hmong firefighters in Wisconsin.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

Xiong Yang takes his unique status in stride. In 2011 he graduated with an associate degree in Fire Protection and was hired by the La Crosse Fire Department. That’s where he learned he was only the third Hmong firefighter in Wisconsin at the time.

“I’ve brushed that detail off in the past, but then someone mentions it again,” Xiong explains. “And I’m reminded it is something cool. I want children who look like me to see me and think they can be a firefighter too.”

Growing up in Oshkosh, Xiong was drawn to the career after watching 9/11 unfold on TV. “I watched firefighters risk their lives for strangers,” Xiong says.

“I thought it was a noble cause and I just decided to do it.”

As a first-generation-born in the United States, Xiong relied on family and instructors to help him navigate college at Fox Valley Tech. His siblings, who had also attended the college, helped him apply for financial aid. And his instructors continually reinforced that Xiong was exactly where he belonged.

“There were times I wondered if I was in the right program.

Most classmates were bigger, taller and no one looked like me,” Xiong explains. “But my instructors were so knowledgeable and kept encouraging me. They always said that if they could do it, I could do it too. I just needed to keep believing in myself.

“What also helped was FVTC required an internship before graduation. I did mine with Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue (NMFR) and that was a great real-life experience. It reaffirmed my decision to be a firefighter.”

Six years ago, Xiong returned to NMFR but this time as a full-time firefighter. He’s now 10 years into his career and he confirms his passion for the job remains strong.

“We are there to help. We try to make someone’s worst day of their lives just a little bit better. It’s a profession to be proud of.”

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

• • • Hear more from Xiong:

www.fvtc.edu/XiongYang

focus spring spring2022 20222 3 focus

Evidence in Action 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award winner Holly Maas exemplifies technical education.

By Casey Britten

Holly Maas loves her job as an evidence technician.

“I’ve never had a day where I was staring at the clock wondering whether it was time to go home yet,” she says about her job with the Ashwaubenon Department of Public Safety. “On any given day, I could be pulling analysis for investigators on active cases, in the lab dusting for prints, or in the field processing a scene. That’s exciting.”

Holly got her start in this field in 2016 with an associate degree in Forensic Science. She chose Fox Valley Tech to pursue her degree because of its reputation in the field of public safety. “FVTC provided me with the hands-on skills necessary to be able to complete this job, so I was able to start out on day one knowing what to do,” she says.

But what Holly appreciates the most about FVTC is the instructors. “The amount of care the instructors have for their students and classes is amazing. They are clearly passionate about what they do,” she says. “Plus, they’re actively working in their fields, so you start to build professional networks.”

As an adjunct instructor, Holly is now one of those professionals sharing her knowledge with students; she teaches Intro to Forensic Science at FVTC. She is also the recipient of the 2021 FVTC Outstanding Alumni Award, for demonstrating the value of technical education through career advancement, community service, and personal and educational growth.

About technical education, Holly says, “I wish more people understood that you’re getting such a great, broad education.

You’re getting your core sciences and mathematics, as well as the intensive, program-specific classes. It’s an incredible stepping stone to go on for a four-year degree, and further.”

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

Outstanding Alum Hall of Fame Each year, a deserving FVTC alumnus is honored for achieving a high level within their chosen field of expertise. To view all past recipients, visit www.fvtc.edu/OutstandingAlumni.

Holly Maas analyzes evidence.

4

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Faith Technologies, Inc. has

hired FVTC graduates almost every year since 2002, with most grads coming from business or electrical-related programs.

Tom Clark

Getting Real in the Classroom Classroom lessons still guide Tom Clark’s career journey at Faith Technologies, Inc.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

“What still sticks out to me about my time at Fox Valley Tech is the instructors I had when I was there,” Tom explains. “I can recollect how many of them brought their real-world experiences to the table. While we were learning content and theories behind marketing, they always related it to what we were going to do in the real world. We learned how to take theory and apply it.”

After graduating from FVTC, Tom entered the workforce

Tom Clark’s career journey has been nothing short of

and ultimately pursued a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from

impressive. Before joining Faith Technologies, Inc. (FTI) in

Lakeland University while working full time.

2008, where he is now Chief Experience Officer, Tom previously

At Faith, Tom coordinates all sales and marketing, and

held positions at respected local companies such as School

internal communications efforts for three divisions of FTI: Faith

Specialty, The Boldt Company, American Medical Security and

Technologies, energy division EnTech Solutions and Excellerate,

Hoffman, LLC. With such a remarkable professional resume, you

the manufacturing arm of the company. FTI has been a great

might speculate that Tom’s time as a college student in the mid-

fit for Tom for more than a decade. He feels strongly Faith is a

‘90s was just a blip on the radar.

great fit for future FVTC graduates.

But, you would be wrong.

“Fox Valley Tech has been a major part of what I’ve been

“Our culture as an organization fits an FVTC grad very well,” Tom says. “We are focused on the development and growth of

able to do in my career,” says Tom, who graduated with an

the person and that’s one of the great things about FVTC. It’s

associate degree in Marketing in 1995.

a bit smaller and there is a caring culture for the students to

After high school, Tom was unsure what he wanted to do so he enrolled in a few classes at the local UW center. A business class introduced him to marketing and he was hooked. After

develop. And they’ll get that type of environment at Faith.”

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

doing some research, he enrolled in FVTC’s Marketing program.

focus spring 2022 2 5

The Sweet Life Passion, flexibility & hard work are the ingredients to a successful culinary career.

By Casey Britten

It all started with macarons.

Laura Lachowecki made some handpainted beauties for her daughter’s birthday party and posted them on Instagram. “A writer for Indianapolis Monthly magazine asked if they could be featured,” says the 31-year-old New London native. “That article helped launch my brand. Filigree Bakery was official shortly after.”

Laura operates Filigree Bakery out of her Indianapolis home that she shares with husband and two children.

She specializes in French macarons, cakes and desserts, and also provides consultation and contracting services.

Her career began with Fox Valley Technical College. When Laura was a senior at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in 2009, she had her pick of culinary schools. “I visited the culinary program at The Art Institute in Chicago and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America as well as Johnson and Wales,” she says.

However, it was her FVTC tour that sealed the deal. “The chef instructors were so welcoming,” she says. “It really set them apart.”

Laura went on to earn her associate degree in Culinary Arts in 2012, then relocated to Indiana where, among other things, she supervised a staff of eight in the kitchen at the University of Notre Dame. She also earned multiple culinary industry awards and completed a bachelor’s degree in management online from UW-Stout.

She credits FVTC with providing the foundation for her career. “FVTC gave

6

Laura Lachowecki and her daughter, Willie

me the resources to run my business.

the future of food is exciting. Technology

Sanitation, food costing, inventory

allows us to learn and collaborate with

management, accounting—these are

others digitally, and COVID pushed us to

things that I use on a daily basis.”

expand dining from just the dining room

In addition to her respect for the instructors at FVTC, Laura enjoyed the

table.”

Above all, her advice to aspiring

diversity during her time here. “I made

culinarians is simple: “Be passionate, be

great friends and the support I received is

flexible and work hard.”

indescribable. It was great to be in class

• • • More of this story available online at:

with people of different generations and walks of life.”

She believes anyone passionate about food should pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. “People are always going to enjoy food and dining out. With the focus on sustainability, local vendors and farming,

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

www.fvtc.edu/LauraLachowecki

• • • Find Filigree Bakery on Instagram:

@filigree.bakery

A Seamless Transfer A transfer agreement between FVTC and MSOE positioned Dan Steiner for success.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

Dan Steiner remembers well the sage advice a teacher once gave him.

“A high school teacher suggested I had four choices for my future: get a job, go to a two-year school, a four-year school or join the military,” Dan shares. “When you’re 18 years old and unsure what you want to do, his advice made it easier to sort things out.”

Watching his father run a small electrical business, Dan enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Technology program. Once he started, he

“

I received a quality, yet affordable education at FVTC. And the transfer option created a great opportunity without a huge sacrifice.

learned the college had a transfer agreement with Milwaukee School of

”

Dan Steiner

Engineering (MSOE).

“I liked that I immediately had options. I could finish at Fox Valley Tech in two years and get a good-paying job,” Dan explains.

“Or I could continue for my bachelor’s degree. I was in a great position.”

After graduating with an associate degree, Dan went on to MSOE where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He still lives in Milwaukee and is a project manager at Ingeteam, a global company that makes variable frequency drives for electric motors.

In hindsight, Dan’s grateful for his teacher’s advice and the educational path he chose.

“I wasn’t ready for a four-year school, so I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start,” Dan says. “My instructors made sure I took the correct classes and had the resources I needed to make a seamless transfer to MSOE.” • • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Engineering

Dan Steiner on the job at Ingeteam.

focus spring 2022 2 7

Helping Hands

Inspired by her nieces, Chanel Becker is on a mission to help disabled adults thrive.

By Casey Britten

Chanel Becker’s path to Occupational Therapy began when she was around eight years old. Her niece, Malayna, was born with a rare genetic disorder which caused cognitive and motor disabilities, so she received in-home care from occupational therapists. Chanel was fascinated. “It looked so interesting and I saw the difference it made, so I chose to become one myself,” she says.

Today, the 25-year-old Eldorado native is a graduate of the FVTC Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program (2020).

Inspired by Malayna (now 19 years old) as well as another niece, Kinsey, who has severe autism, Chanel is on the cusp of launching two businesses in Rosendale to meet a local need for care centers, with her father and sister by her side.

Onward Adult Day Center will provide services for cognitively impaired adults in a community-based group setting. These services are available to adults who have aged out of the school system, but still need help in a safe environment outside the home during the day.

“There are only two other adult day centers in Fond du Lac County that are licensed through the state,” explains Chanel, so they hope to create a community of adults from nine surrounding high schools. “We want to create a place where people can not only receive personal and daily care, but also a place of safe, fun and goal-driven opportunities to help enhance their quality of life.” They plan to start building this summer.

At the same time, Chanel and her dad are also in the process of taking over ownership of a Rosendale assisted living facility. She is currently learning all she can about the residents, staff and everything involved in operating a community-based residential facility.

Chanel found Fox Valley Technical College after graduating from UW-Stevens Point with a bachelor's degree in Health Science, Pre-OT. “Originally I was planning to go on to grad school,” she says. “However, when I discovered the OTA program at FVTC and realized it was so much more hands-on, I was hooked. It was perfect for me."

“Coming to FVTC provided the whole foundation for my life right now,” she adds. “Fox Valley Tech is very focused on you and what you’re trying to achieve. My instructors instilled so much confidence in me.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/OTA

8

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Chanel Becker in the FVTC Occupational Therapy Assistant lab.

foxes

Social Sampler

social

New Facebook group for parents of FVTC students!

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

@FoxValleyTech

@FoxValleyTech

focus spring 2022 2 9

DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE

Building Skills in Clintonville

Innovative partnership benefits students, employers & community, meeting regional needs.

By Casey Britten

Two miles down the road from their high school, nine Clintonville juniors and seniors attend classes at the FVTC Clintonville Regional Center. They’re learning valuable handson skills in industrial maintenance, and earning college credit at the same time.

“These classes are giving me skills that will apply outside of this building, right now—whether that’s at work, home or at school in the future,” says student Hunter Sirna.

Now in its third year, the grant-funded Automation & Engineering Academy is a partnership between the high school, area employers and Fox Valley Technical College.

FVTC offers industrial maintenance and automation technology classes, and students complete an Industrial Maintenance Certificate (IMC), allowing them to find a full-time job right after graduation.

The program began in 2019 after FVTC Clintonville Regional Center Manager Kim Manteuffel and Automation Technology Department Chair Jason Vosters pitched the idea to Clintonville High School and local businesses like Walker Forge, Creative Converting, and Deluxe Plastics.

“The IMC program is a great benefit to our students and community,” says Clintonville High School Principal Kelly

Students program robots at the Clintonville Regional Center in January 2022.

10

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Zeinert. “Students leave the program with skills that will benefit them in the future. Parents love the opportunity to earn college credits here in town. And our local employers are excited about the partnership.”

Amy Goerlinger manages Human Resources at Walker Forge. “Our hope is that any exposure to opportunities in manufacturing will result in a choice to pursue a career in the field,” she says. “Even if the student doesn’t choose manufacturing, the IMC program helps them to be a better employee or student in whatever area they choose to pursue.”

This innovative approach is turning heads. In 2021, the Clintonville Public School District earned the Education Innovation Award by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance for this program.

FVTC wants to use the model as a benchmark for other academies through the region, explains Director of K-12 Partnerships Mary Hansen. “There is interest from school districts in models like this,” she says. “Regional areas are dependent on employer-driven needs. What skills are needed in these towns? For Clintonville, it was automation.

For Wautoma, it’s healthcare. For other areas it might be something else. The high school may not have a tech ed teacher on staff who can teach these skills, so that’s where FVTC comes in.”

• • • Learn more about earning college credit in high school:

www.fvtc.edu/EarlyCollegeCredit

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

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

“

The Venture Center helped me understand how much work it took to run a business, but also showed me that I could do it.

”

Steve Kettenhoven

Steve Kettenhoven in his home workshop.

Carving Out a New Career

Venture Center helps Steven Kettenhoven elevate his woodworking business.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

Steve Kettenhoven’s passion for woodworking began 30-plus years ago when he created wooden muskie fishing lures.

He had buyers, but the seasonal business wasn’t a steady source of income so he stopped.

Fast forward through three decades and a few career changes, Steve is back where he started: making a living off of woodworking.

“There’s so much you can do with wood,” explains Steve, owner of Against the Grain Woodcraft, LLC in Clintonville.

“It has its own beauty; even when you try to add beauty, it’s actually the wood adding the beauty, not you.”

With a few pieces of woodworking equipment, Steve began making puzzles and cribbage boards. When a sizable order

to elevate his business. Because Steve has a disability, he turned to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help.

DVR connected Steve with Fox Valley Technical College’s Venture Center where he worked with Amy Pietsch, the center’s director, to create a pre-feasibility report, a feasibility analysis and a business plan to present to DVR. “I was never a big homework person, but Amy gave me homework,” Steve says as he laughs at the thought. “I had to figure out how many pieces I’d have to sell in a day, week or month to be sustainable and qualify for a DVR grant.”

Steve says help from the Venture Center was invaluable. It taught him far more than how to successfully secure funding for equipment.

“Marketing, the cost of materials versus the price of the product, and overhead costs like heating my shop,” Steve explains. “You have to understand these things before you just start making things.”

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

for custom-made cutting boards came in, Steve knew he had

focus spring 2022 2 11

FOUNDATION Alex Skibicki prepares floorboards.

When Timing is Everything

Scholarship helps Alex Skibicki build a career in Residential Building Construction.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

It’s clear Alex Skibicki doesn’t like to waste time.

After graduating from Amherst High School last May, Alex was undecided about his future so he took a summer job in construction.

Quickly realizing he liked the work but needed more training, he enrolled in the college’s Residential Building Construction program.

“I started classes in August and we were on-site within the first week,” Alex says. “We finished the exterior on our home by winter break.”

Moving just as swiftly, the FVTC Foundation, Inc. eased some of Alex’s financial burden by awarding him a Residential Building Construction scholarship during his first semester. And while Alex’s college journey started quickly, he slowed things down by choosing Fox Valley Tech for his training.

“When I researched, I found some programs were one or two semesters, but I chose FVTC because it’s a three-semester program,” Alex explains. “I wanted more time in a program because I knew it would be more in-depth and I’d have more time to learn from the instructors.

“Even with the longer program, I’ll be done

FVTC Foundation, Inc. by the numbers in 2021:

354 scholarship funds

1,133 students received scholarships $816,789 total scholarships awarded $10 million+ total scholarships awarded since inception • • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Foundation

12

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

in August and I’ll be trained to go right back into the workforce.”

Yet another example that Alex doesn’t like to waste time.

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

Abby Frisk in Welding Lab at the FVTC Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center.

Leading by Example Through school, clubs & networking, 20-year-old Abby Frisk is living college life to the fullest.

By Casey Britten

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

each other. We all want to make the

relationships. There’s a lot that you can

industry better.”

learn and experience when you reach out.”

Along with her instructors, she is

Along with welding, Abby is also an

launching the first-ever FVTC student

aviation enthusiast and hopes to one

chapter of the American Welding

day combine both interests and work

Society (AWS). “My second semester

in the aviation industry. For now, she

here, one of my instructors encouraged

plans to finish her associate degree in

me to apply for an AWS leadership

May 2022, then transfer to Ferris State

Abby Frisk isn’t one to shy away from

symposium in Miami,” she says, and

University in Big Rapids, Michigan to

a learning opportunity. She’s a firm

was one of only five students selected

study Welding Engineering.

believer that the more you put into

in the country. “While I was there I

something, the more you get out of it.

learned about student chapters and

That’s why she’s jumped into college

thought it would have a lot of great

with both feet.

benefits for our welding students.”

First, she moved to Oshkosh from her

As of press time, the chapter is

hometown of New Lisbon to enroll in the

up and running and should have full

Industrial Welding Technology program at

approval in May 2022. Officers are

Fox Valley Technical College. She toured

working on creating by-laws, event

another school closer to home first, but

planning and other leadership work

when she visited the FVTC Advanced

related to the club. As members,

Manufacturing Technology Center

students will get to know other welding

(AMTC) in Oshkosh, she made her

students and instructors, participate in

decision. “It was awesome. There’s so

projects using their welding skills, meet

much space, new technology and variety

employers and generally expand their

of equipment that we get to work on.”

welding knowledge.

And she clearly loves being part of

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

Abby is also a member of Phi Theta

the welding community. “There are so

Kappa Honor Society and Campus

many avenues in welding you can go

Engagement Organization, and has

into, whether it’s fabrication, robotics,

served on Student Government

sales, education… take your pick. Plus,

Association. By getting involved, she

the community is pretty close; we help

says, “You can create really awesome

Support Services There’s a broad support network for students at Fox Valley Tech. In addition to student clubs and activities, free services include counseling, tutoring, employment, health and so much more. Abby has made use of the Writing Center as well as the Employment Connections office.

“It’s okay to need help,” she says. “Everyone needs help once in a while. That’s why those resources are there.”

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

focus spring 2022 2 13

AROUND FVTC

From Afghanistan to the Fox Valley

Mohammad Ashrof Azimy (right) and his classmates in February 2022.

Improving English skills helps refugees adjust to life in America.

Mohammad Ashrof Azimy was a dentist in Afghanistan. He trained at the Kabul Medical University and has five years of experience working in a hospital setting. Then in August 2021, he fled his home country during the final weeks of the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In September 2021, Mohammad was one of the 76,000 Afghan citizens arriving in the U.S., and now at 30 years old is settling into his new life in Menasha.

“I want to be a licensed doctor again, and enroll in a dental program in America,” he says. In January 2022, he started taking advanced-level English classes at Fox Valley Technical College. He attends class two days a week at the Appleton campus.

About 90 Afghan refugees are enrolled in FVTC’s English Language Learning (ELL) classes this semester. Classes are offered both online and face-to-face, and focus on reading,

writing, speaking, presentation, and career skills through English language immersion. Workplace communication is also included. Refugees are referred to FVTC for classes by the humanitarian organization World Relief Fox Valley, which works with them to meet their other needs, such as housing, healthcare and more.

Mohammad appreciates his teachers’ patient and thorough manner. “I am learning a lot. They are great teachers,” he says.

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

Partnership Expansion

Agreement creates new educational opportunities for FVTC students.

Fox Valley Technical College and Lakeland University have entered a partnership expansion that will bring the two colleges together under one roof.

With the agreement, Lakeland University is moving from its current Fox Cities Center to FVTC’s Appleton campus. In addition to a dedicated area for classes, Lakeland will also have an office presence on campus and utilize other campus services.

Dr. Chris Matheny, president of FVTC points out that the shared space agreement is a natural extension of articulation agreements already in place between the two colleges. “Having a trusted partner like Lakeland on our campus provides the opportunity for a student to start here and then seamlessly transition to a bachelor’s degree and beyond in a place they know and are comfortable with.”

Over the last two and a half academic years, Lakeland University has had 633 students attend classes through its Fox Cities Center and 227 of those students were graduates of Fox Valley Tech.

Lakeland expects to start classes on the FVTC campus during the fall ’22 semester.

14

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

AROUND FVTC

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

• Fox Valley Technical College

renewed its commitment to entrepreneurship by joining the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) in signing the President for Entrepreneurship Pledge. The pledge recommits FVTC in supporting entrepreneurship at the college and surrounding communities. Since 2005, FVTC’s Venture Center has helped more than 600 entrepreneurs and small business owners launch or grow their business.

• Enrollment numbers were on the rise for the spring semester of 2022 compared to one year ago. By offering flexible coursework and part-time options, the college saw a double-digit increase in the number of students choosing to take courses at FVTC at the start of the semester. Overall, this drove up the college’s total enrollment by just over 1%.

• As the state of Wisconsin struggles with a shortage of law

enforcement officers, FVTC is taking steps to help recruit and train new officers. Among them, expanding the number of recruits in each law enforcement academy class from 30 to 32. This puts the program at maximum capacity but also reduces the waiting list to get into the highly competitive program.

• Congratulations to Mayra Pasayes, FVTC Scholars for Success Coordinator, for being named one of Wisconsin’s 36 Most Influential Latino Leaders. In its first-ever Sí Se Puede list, Madison 365 recognized Mayra for the work she does to help at-risk students at Fox Valley Technical College.

• FVTC hosted a regional

Mayra Pasayes

SkillsUSA competition at the Appleton campus on Feb. 18. About 150 middle and high school students participated in events related to automotive, diesel, manufacturing, public speaking and more.

Getting hands-on at SkillsUSA

Transfer Options for IT Students Agreements allow credit transfer to UWSP.

Fox Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP) have signed five new articulation agreements benefiting students in FVTC’s Information Technology programs.

Each agreement guarantees that an FVTC graduate with an associate degree from one of several of the college’s IT programs can transfer a minimum of 56 credits and as many as 63 credits to UWSP. The student enters the college at a junior year status as he works to complete his bachelor’s degree.

The transfer agreements include programs in network/computer support and software development/web.

“We are very excited to announce this latest articulation agreement,” says Brooke Sumner, associate dean of Information Technology. “These agreements are a direct reflection on the superior quality of our IT programming as well as the commitment of our team.”

All five transfer agreements between the two colleges took effect on January 1.

focus spring 2022 2 15

AROUND FVTC

Creating a More Sustainable Campus

Chuck Stangel drops compost into soil-sifting machine.

FVTC takes team approach to campus organic land care.

Horticulture instructor Chuck Stangel is leading a land care effort to create a more environmentally friendly campus.

“Between food waste and yard waste, this college produces a lot of compostable material,” he says. “The goal is to put it back in the ground to increase the organic matter content of the soil.”

Each day, FVTC Culinary Arts students generate compostable food waste which is then combined with excess grass clippings and leaves collected by the lawn crew. After about a year, the compost is harvested.

“When I started working here, the composting process was in place, but it wasn’t small enough to spread. We had nowhere to go with it,” he explains.

During a visit to Riverview Gardens in Appleton, Chuck saw a machine that breaks material down into finer material, making it spreadable. The machine had been custom-built by Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), who shared the design plans with FVTC. Chuck worked with the FVTC Welding department to build a soil sifting machine that saves the college money, reduces the use of fertilizer, and gives students valuable experience.

“We’re now able to produce about 10-15 cubic yards of rich compost each year, and our students are learning about and participating in something important,” Chuck says.

• • • Learn more & view video: www.fvtc.edu/LandCare

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.

16

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

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

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.

ONLINE focus spring 2022 2 17

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

Win a $50 rd!

Amazon gift ca

by t reader survey Complete a shor a r fo 22 June 1, 20 chance to win.

ocusSurvey www.fvtc.edu/F

MAKE SUMMER COUNT Get ahead this summer!

Whether you attend another college or Fox Valley Tech, you can earn credits toward your degree by taking a summer class with us.

Convenient and flexible—offering both online and in-person classes.

Explore program options and apply today!

www.fvtc.edu/Programs