Fox Valley Technical College | Focus Magazine | 2024

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Special Insert: Explore Degrees

Fox Valley Technical College

THIS IS YOUR CLASSROOM

To prepare for work in the real world, we believe you need to learn in the real world.

volume 18 • 2024

your future

contents

Whatever your

6 Focus is published annually for the communities of Fox Valley Technical College.

Director of College Marketing Barb Dreger Executive Editor Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens Art Director Cara Jakubiec Editor Casey Britten

Whether you’re starting down a new path, chasing

Contributing Editor Susan Lucius

your dreams or simply working your way towards

Photographers Gary Brilowski, Haley Lewallen, Graham Washatka

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

President Dr. Chris Matheny

for your best interests. That’s the advantage of

an owner. You get the straight-

Email Inquiries: stacey.baughman1946@fvtc.edu

forward tips, tools and answers

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission since 1974.

you need to live your best life.

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.

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© 2024 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 – rayon.brown6751@fvtc.edu (Affirmative Action), TitleIX@fvtc.edu (gender discrimination, including sexbased violence) or Daniel Squires – daniel.squires3328@ fvtc.edu (disability related discrimination).

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Heavy Duty Operations Diesel Equipment Technology program prepares Kyle Kollmann to assume the family business.

11

Styling A Career

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Alumni Spotlight: Joe Lauer

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

Call, go online or visit us in person at any of our 25 Northeast Wisconsin locations.

NICHOLS OSHKOSH (3) WAUPACA

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

Foundation Fallen Firefighter Mitch Lundgaard’s legacy of service lives on through scholarship.

Faculty Spotlight: Jennifer Haese Instructor brings years of legal experience into the classroom.

Open For Business Venture Center helps Connor Freimuth dig into new business.

14-16 Around FVTC

It’s always safety first for Safety Engineering Technology grad.

If this sounds like a better way of doing your banking,

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

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Building trust is the secret to success for Cosmetology grad Lenny Murphy.

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Nature's Classroom Natural Resources students learn through fieldwork projects.

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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

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ATURE’ N S CLASSROOM

Some of the places where Natural Resources Technician students learn:

• Stream ecology: Kankapot Creek, Kaukauna • Forestry field work: Mosquito Hill Nature Center, New London • Waterfowl banding: Collins Marsh, Collins • Sturgeon spearing registration: Lake Winnebago • Soil & water conservation work: farms around Northeast Wisconsin

Natural Resources students learn through fieldwork projects.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

Heidi Docter’s path to Fox Valley Technical College began at a local four-year university. As an English major, Heidi took multiple environmental literature classes and credits them with reigniting her love for natural resources. After finishing her bachelor’s degree, she wanted a career in natural resources but felt she needed more hands-on experience.

“In my bachelor’s program, I learned conceptual ideas,” Heidi explains. “At Fox Valley Tech, it is completely practical learning and that's what I was searching for. I wanted to see if I liked the field experience, and they give you plenty in the Natural Resources Technician program.”

It is not uncommon for the Collins Marsh in Manitowoc County, Radley Creek in Waupaca County, High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, or Lake Winnebago to be the classroom for students in the Natural Resources Technician associate degree program. While learning how to band waterfowl or assess a stream’s trout population, they are working side by side with instructors plus different environmental agencies that may be their future employers.

“It’s invaluable to work so closely with instructors because you get so much one-on-one time with them,” Heidi says. “It is a small program, so you get individualized training, and you build relationships with them. Plus, we are constantly networking with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) personnel and other professionals in

the field. We are getting our names out there and that will help when we are looking for a job. If someone has met you once or twice, even just visiting with different agency staff for a volunteer opportunity, they are likely going to remember you.”

Heidi interned at the DNR while in school and graduated from FVTC in December. She is passionate about Wisconsin’s waterways and looks forward to a career in water quality or soil-water conservation.

“What drew me to the field of Natural Resources is that I would be able to physically create positive change in the environment,” Heidi says. “I want to work where I feel I am contributing to something greater than me like the conservation of our environment for future generations.”

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

100%

graduate employment

6 months after graduation $46,529

average annual salary

6 months after graduation

Students Heidi Docter, Olivia Van Elzen and Rebecca Brown at Terrell's Island in Omro, WI.

2 2

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

focus 2024 20242 3 focus

Heavy-Duty Operations

Diesel Equipment Technology program prepares Kyle Kollmann to assume the family business.

By Casey Britten

Kyle Kollmann knows diesel equipment.

With parents who own and operate a trucking company—Oakfieldbased Kollmann Trucking—and uncles who own a farm, he grew up surrounded by large equipment. “I suppose one could say diesel runs in my blood,” says Kyle.

So when it came time to learn a skill after high school, he chose to build on what he knew: he enrolled in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Fox Valley Technical College, and felt at home right away in the Diesel lab.

“The equipment in the Diesel program is state-of-the-art,” he explains.

“From the four-post truck lift to torque wrenches and everything in between, we can focus on our work and have exactly what we need to learn correctly. Fixing equipment and understanding how something operates is an important aspect of ownership of any scale.”

The 65-credit associate degree program provides in-depth theory and extensive hands-on training in heavy-duty diesel engine maintenance, air brake and hydraulic brake systems, drivetrains, steering and suspensions, and electrical systems. Students also learn about engine systems, computer control systems and advanced drivetrain systems while they work on a fleet of more than 75 diesel-powered over-the-

Career Opportunities

• Diesel Mechanic • Diesel Technician • Forklift Mechanic • Heavy Duty Equipment Sales • Heavy Equipment Mechanic • Service Administrative Opportunities • Service/Supervisor/Manager

road tractors and 55 trailers, courtesy of the FVTC Truck Driving program.

Kyle loves the learning atmosphere. “The instructors are excellent, and they’re always open to discussion. Having classes with likeminded people is also a great way to network. Plus, the campus is clean and welcoming, and the FVTC community is large and willing to help in any way.”

100%

In addition to school, Kyle also works as a service technician at Fox

graduate employment

Valley Truck in Appleton, where he plans to stay for a few years when

6 months after graduation

he finishes the program in August 2024. His end goal: “To move back home and take over the family trucking company.”

$50,533

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Diesel

average annual salary

6 months after graduation 4

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Kyle Kollmann in the FVTC Diesel Lab.

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Stylinga career Building trust is the secret to success for Cosmetology grad Lenny Murphy.

$47,000

average annual salary

6 months after graduation 100%

graduate employment

6 months after graduation

By Casey Britten

Business is good for Lenny Murphy.

His salon, Murphy’s Family Barbershop and Salon in Appleton,

opened in March 2021 and he has built a solid clientele. His customers even include a few athletes who play for the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs and their families.

He prides himself on building relationships. “I'm a fan of quality, not quantity, so in my salon I don't allow speed cutting,” he explains. “We take time to get to know our customers, and it goes a long way. I love it when people leave here with a smile on their face.”

This career isn’t Lenny’s first rodeo, however. After a 12-year military career ending in disability, various other jobs, plus some hard times, he decided it was time for a new start. “I had to pull myself out of it,” he says.

When the FVTC Cosmetology technical diploma program was added in 2019, Lenny was one of the first students to enroll. "I decided it was time to come back to school,” Lenny says. He had GI Bill benefits and he’d always loved cosmetology. And with the new program starting up, the timing was perfect. “I can’t say enough positive things about it.

Fox Valley Tech really helped me through a lot.”

Students in the Cosmetology program have a full-service salon at their disposal, open to the public. Trilogy Salon & Spa opened in 2019 and provides students with the resources needed to learn all aspects of the cosmetology industry. They have all the tools to provide most hair services from hair cutting, hair coloring, textures (keratin, relaxing or perming), braiding, styling for everyday or special occasions, facials, body waxing, makeup, and nail care services from basic manicures/pedicures, artificial nails, as well as nail art.

Lenny appreciated having this equipment at his disposal. “FVTC has the best of everything in the salon. Some of the tools here haven’t even made it out into the industry yet.”

In addition to the hands-on training, it was the instructors who helped prepare Lenny and his classmates for the real world. “The instructors made it feel like home, plus they have so much real-world knowledge of the industry,” he explains.

In particular, he credits Cosmetology Instructor Suzi Bellman with showing him the ropes. “Suzi got me from zero to getting my own business,” he says. “She took us through the whole process from start to finish. When we learned how to color, she took us on a walk through the nature trail to show us how shadows affect colors. Now I use that same concept with natural lighting in my salon.”

While Lenny loves to play with color, his true passion is in working with people. “I’m a people person, so I really like getting to know my clients. I make it fun for them.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Cosmetology Chef

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• • • More of this story available online at: www.fvtc.edu/LennyMurphy

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Classroom in the Salon

Trilogy Salon & Spa is a state-of-the-art salon and learning lab for FVTC students in the Cosmetology, Aesthetician and Therapeutic Massage programs. All services are performed by students and supervised by licensed instructors and is open to the public for appointments.

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

Lenny Murphy on one of his recent visits to Trilogy Salon & Spa.

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ALUMNI

A Servant’s Heart

Fallen Firefighter Mitch Lundgaard’s legacy of service lives on through scholarship.

Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

For Tessa Wilson, the two most important things in life are family and helping others.

Her parents set the example: her father is a retired

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

police officer and Air Force veteran, and her mother is a jail chaplain. “Through my parents I was taught to have a servant’s heart and I will do anything I can to make a difference in this world,” she says.

Tessa’s older brother has also made a huge impact on her life. “My brother is autistic, and one of my best friends. Growing up with him, I have learned how to It’s not surprising then, that Tessa’s path has led her to a career serving the public: firefighting. She

What did you enjoy most about FVTC?

There are many aspects of my position including ensuring we are

I enjoyed the case studies we did and many of the assignments

compliant with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration

involved real-life situations. For example, in our ergonomics

(OSHA) and environmental regulations and standards, overseeing

class, we needed to make a significant improvement in a work

workers' compensation and developing strategies for continuous

setting. Instead of writing a paper or taking a test, I was given

improvement in our overall safety culture. However, my largest

credit for implementing an ergonomic solution that made my

role is supporting our Environmental Health and Safety managers

workplace safer.

in our manufacturing facilities by making sure they have the tools,

I also enjoyed the flexibility of the online course structure, but

resources and confidence needed to make our worksites the

also knowing I could take classes in person if I wanted to. This

safest they can be.

flexible structure is a major reason I was drawn to the program

What is the best part of your job?

and able to complete it.

making a difference. Our employees are the most key component

What advice would you give someone interested in the Safety Engineering Technology program?

of our business. Relentlessly pursuing our goal of sending

You do not have to sacrifice your personal life to go through this

our employees home to their families injury-free every day is

program. I completed it with a wife, two small children and a full-

extremely rewarding.

time job, and I never felt I had too much on my plate. It is also

The best part is feeling like we as safety professionals are

Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College?

At my previous employer, an opening came up for an hourly safety position. Once I started it, I quickly realized I wanted a career in safety so I began researching how I could become more knowledgeable in the area. I live in the Fox Cities area so when I found out FVTC offered a Safety Engineering Technology program, I could not apply fast enough. Enrolling in the safety engineering program at FVTC was one of the most pivotal

8

have empathy and compassion for everyone.”

Joe Lauer at Menasha Packaging.

Tell us about your role in safety.

decisions in my career.

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Tessa Wilson at the Public Safety Training Center.

By Casey Britten

It’s always safety first for Safety Engineering Technology grad.

As Senior Director of Environmental Health and Safety for Menasha Packaging (Powered by Menasha Corporation), Joe Lauer has numerous responsibilities, but they all lead to the same goal of employee safety.

Already in the workforce, Joe enrolled at FVTC as an adult student and completed the Safety Engineering Technology associate degree program.

FOUNDATION

not a race; no matter how slow or fast, you will take what you learn and implement it in real-life situations which will help grow confidence and make it worthwhile.

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

• • • More of this story available online at: www.fvtc.edu/JoeLauer

Career Opportunities

• Customer Care Specialist • Environmental Health & Safety Technician • Safety Coordinator • Safety Trainer

completed the FVTC Emergency Medical Technician program in fall 2022 and is enrolled in the Fire Protection Technician program, on track to graduate in 2024.

She takes classes at the 78-acre Public Safety Training Center, which combines classroom training with hands-on practice in a real-world setting. “I love the hands-on aspect of the classes,” she explains.

“Getting to see what we're going to be doing in real life has been really cool. The instructors are so encouraging and knowledgeable as well.”

Tessa is also the spring 2023 recipient of the Mitch Lundgaard Memorial Scholarship. Mitch was a firefighter with the Appleton Fire Department who lost his life in the line of duty in 2019. His wife Lindsey and his family established the scholarship in his honor.

“I’ve heard so many stories about how deeply Mitch was able to impact his community and I can only hope to serve my community in the same way he did,” says Tessa. “He’s a role model for me and so many other students.”

Mitch Lundgaard Memorial Scholarship

Mitchell F. Lundgaard was a 14-year veteran of the Appleton Fire Department when he lost his life in the line of duty in 2019. It started as a routine medical call at the transit center, when a man who had been revived after a drug overdose opened fire on first responders. Mitch died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

shoulders.” she says.

Through the FVTC Foundation, Inc., Mitch’s legacy continues through the gift of education. The scholarship was established in 2019 and is awarded based on financial need and merit to students enrolled in the Fire Protection Technician program. To date, it has been awarded to 24 students.

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

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

The funds have allowed Tessa to set aside her worries about finances and focus on her studies.

“The finance part of school was always a struggle, so receiving this scholarship took a huge weight off my

focus 2024 2 9

FVTC Nursing student Kristina Martzke (right) spent the spring 2023 semester in Sevilla, Spain, as part of an

international studies consortium. In addition to learning

Jennifer Haese teaching Introduction to Research and Writing.

Spanish, she experienced the culture, earned 18 credits,

and traveled to places like Morocco, Portugal, France and Ibiza. Eventually, Kristina plans to become an RN and a

FACULTY

Faculty Spotlight: Q&A with Jennifer Haese Instructor brings years of legal experience into the classroom.

nurse midwife.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

Story + photos: www.fvtc.edu/KristinaMartzke

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Jennifer Haese earned a bachelor’s degree in

Criminal Justice from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and attended Western Michigan

University Cooley Law School. Over the past 15

years, Jennifer has been an attorney, an associate

dean of students, a human resources manager and an instructor.

Tell us about the classes you teach.

What is the goal of the Legal Studies Association?

The Legal Studies/Paralegal associate degree program

My goal is to foster opportunity and networking within the legal

immerses students in legal information and teaches critical

field. One of our biggest events each fall semester is inviting

thinking, legal research, legal writing and ethical conduct. I also

past graduates to serve on a panel, where they share their

teach legal classes for the Human Resources, Criminal Justice

experiences with current students. We also collaborate with the

and Culinary Arts programs.

Free Legal Clinics in the Fox Valley to give students a chance

What attracted you to teaching?

to gain hands-on experience with local attorneys.

I am a lifelong learner and find joy in the process of learning.

If you were not teaching, what would you do?

Sharing that joy and making learning fun is tremendously

I’d pick something different… more artistic. I’ve always been

rewarding. For example, when you combine Weird Al Yankovic

drawn to architecture, interior design and photography.

with Coolio, you have a pop culture parody example which becomes the topic of a legal research and writing class assignment!

• • • More of Jennifer's interview available online at:

www.fvtc.edu/JenniferHaese

What do you enjoy most about your students?

There are so many different things that I enjoy about my students. Although not the original source, I appreciate a quote from Robin Williams which is, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” I try to live by those words every day, especially with my students.

Regardless of their circumstance, they choose to give FVTC their time and money to better their future. I enjoy being a

Legal Studies/Paralegal Career Opportunities: • Compliance Officer • Corporation Paralegal • Court Clerk

• Law Office Manager • Law Office Paralegal • Victim/Witness Advocate

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

cheerleader, educator and support system for them.

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@FoxValleyTech Social Sampler

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Business of Worms

Venture Center helps Connor Freimuth dig into new business.

A quick look at what we’ve been up to!

“When I started, I was what you would call a good technician. I knew operations and how to create a product,

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

but I did not know how to run a business,” Connor explains.

Connor Freimuth of Chilton is proof you cannot always

managing cash flow. The E-Seed program was intense but

predict where your career is headed. Connor never expected

taught me how to launch and run a business.”

to one day be a worm farmer. But here he is.

“I just knew I was passionate about working with worms and cultivating beneficial soils,” Connor explains.

Connor was working at his father’s masonry business when

“I had to learn marketing, social media, budgeting and

Connor has created several products, but his flagship is a liquid plant probiotic and booster he markets to home gardeners. He hopes to one day work with larger agricultural growers and help them implement methods that lead to

a random conversation introduced him to vermicomposting,

nutrient-dense and chemical-free fruits, vegetables and

more commonly known as worm composting. Connor and

flowers.

his father took it all in as their guest explained how worm castings create organic, nutrient-dense compost and how

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

worm farming can be a lucrative business.

“During that conversation, my father turned to me and asked me what I thought,” Connor recounts. “I said, ‘Besides working for you Dad, I think I’m doing worms.’”

After five years of research, Connor started NEW Compost in 2021 in a garage on his father’s land. But with no business experience, Connor enrolled in E-Seed™ Express at FVTC’s Venture Center. The 10-week program helps early-stage

600+

businesses launched since 2000

500 aspiring entrepreneurs connect with the Venture Center annually

entrepreneurs develop a business plan along with other vital components of running their own company.

Connor recently won the 2023 NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event. In addition to prize money, Connor will make a presentation at the 2024 NEW North Summit in June at Lambeau Field.

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

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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

@FoxValleyTech

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AROUND FVTC

AROUND FVTC

FVTC Eligible for Prestigious Aspen Prize

$1 million prize recognizes excellence in equitable outcomes for students in and after college.

For the third consecutive time, Fox Valley Technical College has

FVTC Briefs

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

• Transportation and logistics company Ryder System,

been selected as one of 150 colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The colleges selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success, as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

“Students are consistently our top priority, and our entire

Inc. recently donated four AutoMeters to the FVTC Diesel program. Students will use the meters to learn how to perform complete electrical system tests and diagnostics on commercial motor vehicles.

• Fox Valley Technical College has been named a PULSE

Champion of Young Professionals by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. This designation recognizes employers who pledge to provide support and a positive work environment for young professionals within their company.

faculty and staff are focused on bolstering student learning and achievement,” says FVTC President Dr. Chris Matheny. “We feel privileged to receive recognition from the Aspen Institute and we remain dedicated to delivering a nationally recognized educational experience to our students and our communities.”

The 150 colleges, including FVTC, have been invited to submit data and narratives as the next step in the review process. A list of the top 10 finalists will be announced in June 2024.

Finalists will host site visits from the Aspen Institute in fall 2024. The recipient of the $1 million prize will be announced in spring 2025.

Record-Breaking Year for Scholarships

• The FVTC Marketing team

was recognized with a Gold Medallion Award for its Instagram account at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 3 conference. NCMPR’s Gold Medallion Award Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges in each of its seven districts.

• The Interior Design storage

The FVTC Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in 2022-23.

During the 2022-23 academic year, the Fox Valley Technical College Foundation, Inc. provided more financial assistance to FVTC students than ever before. A record-

Workroom and lighting lab

breaking $988,000 was distributed to students pursuing their In total, 1,407 students received scholarships. These funds that ultimately help them stay in school and complete their degrees.

Since 2013, the Foundation has steadily increased its efforts to ensure more students who apply for scholarships receive one. Scholarship awards are up 125% and more than 100 new endowed scholarship funds have been created, allowing the Foundation’s resources to grow with students’ needs.

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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

“The recent growth in the FVTC Foundation scholarship program is exciting because it means we can open the door to education for more potential students, and help current students stay on track to graduation,” says Becky Boulanger, executive director of the FVTC Foundation.

Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has awarded more than $12.6 million. It currently administers more than 350 scholarship funds.

Technology graduate Pacey Berken earned a national award for his chair design during the 2023 Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers Fresh Wood student furniture competition in Las Vegas.

The award-winning chair was built as a thank you to his grandparents for helping him through college.

Site will create a reusable construction site for students.

FVTC has broken ground on a new training center for Construction Management Technology program students. When finished, the Construction Training Center (CTC) will allow students to construct and reuse a one-story, 1,000+ square foot mock building each semester.

The Oshkosh training site will include a 5,000-squarefoot building to store reusable materials and equipment, a field office and site storage typically seen on a commercial construction site.

“The premise of the CTC is to introduce students to building products, site sequencing, logistics and installation methods,” says Rich Cass, department chair

• FVTC Woodworking

education. help students pay for tuition, books and required materials

room has been completely transformed into a new workroom and lighting lab.

Students can now gain firsthand experience in how lighting impacts design.

Building a Future for Construction Students

of Construction Management Technology (CMT). “When students are budgeting, scheduling and managing the work they will be better equipped to do so after building it themselves in a controlled, realistic environment.”

The CMT associate degree program has steadily grown since it was launched in 2009. The new job site lab should be ready for students in spring 2024.

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

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Zero-turn lawnmowers, garden tractors, tillers, snow

AROUND FVTC

blowers, generators, chain saws, motorcycles, ATVs…

Career EXCELerate Receives Partnership Award Honor given by NEW Manufacturing Alliance.

Students in the 31-credit Outdoor Power Equipment

Technician program get a chance to wrench on it all.

Here instructor Mike Fassbender and student Andy Nimmer work on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Career EXCELerate, the collaborative program from Fox

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

Valley Technical College, Goodwill NCW and Rawhide Youth

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Services, was honored by NEW Manufacturing Alliance at the 12th annual Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnership Awards. The group was honored with the Community Partnership Award.

Career EXCELerate officially launched in 2023 as a comprehensive career-training program for individuals who want to get started on a career in a high-demand field but might struggle to complete the journey on their own.

Participating students receive personalized support from FVTC, Goodwill and Rawhide as they enroll, attend classes and seek employment after earning certificates.

New sessions start several times yearly and offer certificate programs such as Nursing Assistant, Early Childhood Teacher Aide, Woodworking Technician, Plumbing Principles and Manufacturing Technician, just to name a few.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/career-excelerate

Alan Loux, President & CEO, Rawhide Youth Services Dr. Chris Matheny, President, FVTC Chris Hess, President & CEO, Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin

FVTC Parent & Family Portal If you’re a parent or family member of a future or current FVTC student, sign up to stay engaged and focused on what matters most – your student’s success. Receive an email a couple of times a month with quick information that will help you support your student’s academic journey. www.fvtc.edu/PortalSignUp

Looking for Outstanding Alumni

Spring 2024 Open House

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 3-6 p.m. • Appleton Campus Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/OpenHouse • • • More ways to visit: www.fvtc.edu/Visit

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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

FVTC is seeking nominations for its 2024 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. 13, 2024.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Alumni

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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 24 April 1, 20 chance to win.

ocusSurvey www.fvtc.edu/F

University Transfer Degree

It’s time to start your college education by earning a University Transfer degree.

It’s affordable and close to home. You can choose between an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree.

Begin with your first two years at Fox Valley Tech, then transfer to one of our four-year university partners. Get the courses you need at a fraction of the cost.

For more info: www.fvtc.edu/UniversityTransfer 920-735-4740 • admissionsspecialist@fvtc.edu