A Message from the President
We are excited to share some of our most meaningful accomplishments from this past academic year—moments that reflect the ongoing dedication, growth, and strong spirit of our Lakeshore College community.
Name Change
With roots tracing back to 1912, our college has stood the test of time by continuously evolving to meet community needs. We were excited last summer to announce we were ready to embrace the future as your local comprehensive community and technical college with a new name, logo, and tagline:
A Comprehensive Community and Technical College
Our college has been known by different names over the years: Sheboygan and Manitowoc Vocational Schools; Lakeshore Technical Institute; Lakeshore Technical College. We’ve also sported different logos over the years:
What has never changed is how we have always evolved to meet the needs of our community. Our mission, vision, and commitment to our communities also has not changed. Today, our new name better aligns with our expanded offerings, mission, vision, and contributions to our communities. In addition, our tagline emphasizes our commitment to providing both pre-bachelor’s degree and technical programs.
Student Success
Another thing that has never changed is our students’ inherent drive to succeed. We believe success is built into the DNA of our students and we are here to help draw it out for their benefit, and the benefit of our community. Our most recent graduate outcomes survey shows students are succeeding and are very satisfied with the high quality education they obtain at Lakeshore College. Associate degree graduates are earning a very respectable median annual salary of $61,355—a 10% increase over the class of 2023. Among our graduates:
y 99% are employed in Wisconsin
y 89% are employed in a job related to their degree
y 95% are satisfied or very satisfied with their education
y 95% would recommend Lakeshore College
Whether someone is seeking a technical degree in a high-demand field or a starting point for their bachelor’s, they are always welcome at Lakeshore College. With your continued support, we will continue doing all we can to support their success.
Paul Carlsen, PhD President
Dr. Carlsen congratulates every student and honors every photo request among students who participate in our graduation celebrations.
Program Highlights
Focus Continues on Meeting Healthcare Workforce Needs
Students enrolled in health science and emergency medical services programs began learning in our Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Health Care Excellence in fall 2024. Overall 2024-25 enrollment in those programs increased from the prior year, which is exactly what our college and local workforce want to see
The Nursing Assistant program, which students take to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), saw a 33% enrollment increase. This is exciting to see because many of these graduates continue learning with us by enrolling in our Nursing-Associate Degree and Radiography programs. In addition, these students often gain direct patient experience working as in-demand CNAs while in those programs.
Our Practical Nursing to Nursing-Associate Degree “bridge” program enrollment for fall 2025 is at capacity for the first time in recent years. We were eager to welcome these students on their paths to becoming Registered Nurses.
In spring 2025, we were proud to receive the Neighborhood Development Award from Progress Lakeshore for our “re-use project purposely built or adaptively reused to enhance the community.”
We are very proud of our Nursing-Associate Degree graduates—who take the same licensure exam as four-year program students—and who continue to pass their exams at higher rates than the national average. This results in highly qualified RNs filling local workforce needs.
Students are learning hands-on by using high-tech, life-like patient simulators representing patients as young as infants, as shown above.
Participating on the 2025 VITA program afternoon team were Danielle Konz and Emily Schwoerer, front, and Jacqueline Kennedy and Courtney Braun, back.
Accounting Students Provide Valuable Tax Assistance
Students enrolled in Lakeshore College’s spring 2025 Applied Tax course participated in the 2025 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Eligible community members can have their federal and state income tax forms completed at no charge by our students, who are certified by the IRS to prepare returns. The students gained valuable hands-on experience
by completing 172 returns resulting in over $208,000 in federal and state refunds.
Lakeshore students have been participating in the VITA program since 2005. Over the last five years alone, students have completed more than 800 returns resulting in refunds of over $1.2 million. In 2021, Lakeshore was one of only a few organizations in Wisconsin offering VITA services in person.
Mobile Lab Takes Industry 4.0 Instruction on the Road
Lakeshore College’s Mobile Manufacturing Lab delivers high-tech training at area high schools, businesses, the Department of Corrections, and other organizations. The climate-controlled unit equipped with wireless technology provides instruction in Industry 4.0 including PLCs, robotics, electrical circuits, and hydraulics.
Lakeshore’s Electro-Mechanical Program Specialist Jake Pelland took the lab to the Manitowoc Public School District’s Stangel
Learning Community several times over the 2024-25 academic year. Through his “Automation Avengers” program, Jake worked with students who actively participated in sessions focusing on electro-mechanical skills ranging from hydraulics to robotics. The students gained in-demand skills and knowledge that can help them succeed in the workforce.
The lab also made its way to other places and events including Sheboygan’s Mead Library and Rockets for Schools. In addition, it was featured on Fox 11 Green Bay’s “Good Day Wisconsin” program.
Higher Learning Commission Continues Lakeshore College’s Accreditation
In December 2024, Lakeshore College received formal notification by the Higher Learning Commission that our accreditation status was continued and reaffirmed with the next Reaffirmation of Accreditation in 203435. Ten years is the longest timeframe granted for this process by the commission, which is one of six regional accrediting bodies authorized by the U.S. Department of Education.
We thank all our community members, employees, and students who participated in the accreditation process.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to excellence and to serving our students and community at the highest level,” said Lakeshore President Dr. Paul Carlsen. “The accreditation process is rigorous, and to come through a site visit with no required followup reporting is a significant accomplishment which speaks volumes about the integrity and strength of our institution.”
Fewer than half the colleges in Wisconsin come through the accreditation process with no follow-up reporting being required.
As a Higher Learning Commission-accredited institution, Lakeshore must uphold the same high standards of quality and excellence and meet the same rigorous criteria the commission requires of other colleges and universities it accredits in our region. These include the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Marquette University, and St. Norbert College.
Get to Know Our Students
MEET: Kyle Burgess
Dental Assisting Graduate, May 2025
Dental Assistant for Dr. Laura Rammer, DDS, Sheboygan
MOTIVATION: Kyle didn’t always take his dental health seriously and found himself needing a root canal at a young age. He was nervous, so he appreciated his dental team treating him with respect and making him feel comfortable. After moving to Sheboygan with his wife shortly after, they decided it would be a good time to make a career change.
WHY LAKESHORE: The Dental Assisting program is offered in our flexible competency-based education (CBE) format and can be completed in one semester, which worked great for Kyle. He appreciated being able to work on coursework online anytime at home and develop hands-on skills in person.
FUTURE GOAL: Complete Lakeshore’s Dental Hygiene program, expected to launch in fall 2026.
QUOTE: “If I can do for people what someone else did for me, I feel like that would be very rewarding.”
MEET: Sara deBruijn Firefighter-EMT, Ozaukee Central Fire Department
PROGRAM: Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
MOTIVATION: Sara holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees though as a lifelong learner, she wants to advance her firefighter and EMT knowledge and scope of practice so she can help more patients and advance her career.
WHY LAKESHORE: After having a great first firefighter learning experience at Lakeshore back in 2006, Sara knew where to obtain further training. She remembers enjoying campus life and learning from instructors with extensive field experience, which she says makes a big difference.
ADVICE TO FUTURE STUDENTS: “Get involved outside the classroom as soon and as much as you possibly can, even while you’re going through your schooling. That hands-on experience will help you get ahead.”
FUN FACT: Sara has volunteered and/or worked as a firefighter since graduating high school in 2006, an EMT since 2017, and a full-time firefighter-EMT since 2024.
MEET: Kyle Blaha 2024-25 Wisconsin Technical College System Student Ambassador
Lakeshore College’s Student Ambassador promotes Lakeshore on campus, in the community, among legislators, and at Wisconsin Technical College System events focusing on student recruitment. A $1,250 scholarship is also awarded to the student selected annually for the role, considered one of the most competitive leadership opportunities at our college.
Kyle Blaha’s story is one of resilience as he continues succeeding on the journey he chose to pursue while incarcerated: earning a college degree.
After getting released in 2021 and moving in with his parents, Kyle borrowed $100 from his mother so he could buy a bicycle and ride 14 miles round-trip to work. He saved every dollar, bought a car, applied to Lakeshore College and in 2022, began working toward his degree.
Kyle says he saw the Ambassador role as an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and grow as a leader. His application focused on his work ethic and belief in his ability to influence others to set goals for themselves as he had for himself, despite facing obstacles along the way.
“It’s been an overall great experience and really helped me grow as a father, as a student, as a son. It really helped me in life just live a better quality of life with the confidence that came with it. Making that transition from the life I was living to the new life that I’m living now, so it was a good overall experience,” says Kyle.
Kyle’s advice for Stephanie Mireles, Lakeshore’s 2025-26 Ambassador: “Be as involved as you can be to the point where it’s not stressful. The more involved that I was, the more confidence I gained and the more I learned.”
“Resilient” is a trait that has gotten Kyle a long way from where he was just a few years ago, and is sure to continue helping him grow into the person he knows he can be—for himself, his family, and his future.
Kyle will graduate in December 2025 with an IT-Cybersecurity Specialist degree.
Stephanie Mireles, Lakeshore College’s 2025-26 Wisconsin Technical College System Student Ambassador
Lakeshore College Foundation Fuels Student Success
426
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
$577,000 VALUE OF AWARDS
$ 1MILLION ADDED TO NET ASSETS
The Lakeshore College Foundation has significantly expanded its impact in recent years, playing a vital role in advancing student success. Additionally, it established and continues to lead a dedicated volunteer Foundation Board committed to the organization’s mission and long-term growth.
Among its most notable achievements, the Foundation team secured the largest scholarship pledge in the college’s history at $2.5 million. They also secured the largest single donation—
Mike Mrdjenovich, President
Retired
HUB International Ltd.
150 FULL-TUITION AWARDS
$ 7 MILLION DONOR CONTRIBUTIONS
$1 million—to support our new Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Health Care Excellence, which opened in fall 2024.
Over the past year alone, the Foundation doubled annual scholarship distributions and increased the number of full-tuition scholarship recipients from 10 to a remarkable 150.
In addition to maximizing investment performance, the Foundation also doubled annual revenue.
Want to support students? Scan to donate!
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dave Aldag Chairperson of the Board
Aldag Honold Mechanical, Inc.
Jesse Brotz, Vice President
HR Manager
Plastics Engineering Co.
Mike McEvoy, Treasurer
Executive VP & COO
Sargento Foods
Ross Niemi, Past President
Executive VP & COO
The Metal Ware Corp.
Paul Carlsen, PhD, Ex Officio President
Lakeshore College
Eric Grasse
Senior Partner
Third Coast Wealth Advisors
Don Hammond
Executive VP/CFP
Merit Financial Advisors
Sister Jane Kinate Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Holy Family Convent
Ryan Neville President & CEO Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
Randall Roethel
Representative Principal Financial Services, Inc.
Lee Van Boxtel President CMS Bemis Manufacturing
Paul Weaver
Business Developer Project 4 Services, LLC
Cassie Zinkel
Senior Talent Acquisition Kohler Company
Construction Upgrades Enhance Access, Learning & Overall On-Campus Experience
Expanded Dental Clinic to House New Dental Hygiene Program
Construction on the expansion of Lakeshore College’s Cleveland campus dental clinic was completed on schedule in June 2025. New equipment and supplies arrived over the summer and by fall we were ready to welcome 13 new Dental Assisting students. Students will experience a hands-on, real-world learning environment while focusing on skill development and patient care.
Lakeshore College is in the process of obtaining accreditation for a new Dental Hygiene program, with all required steps actively underway to
meet state and national standards. As part of a comprehensive timeline, we are preparing to welcome our first Dental Hygiene students in fall 2026.
By educating future dental hygienists, the program will not only address the growing demand for skilled oral healthcare professionals but also play a vital role in improving access to preventative dental care across the local community.
Planning is underway for the fall reopening of our Lakeshore Community Dental Clinic, which needed to be temporarily closed.
Lakeshore’s Dental Program Coordinator Christina McGinnis, left, and Dental Assistant Coordinator Beth Koopman, right, are excited about teaching this fall in the completely remodeled on-campus dental clinic.
Lakeshore Building Enhancements Pave the Way for a Better Student Experience
To support Lakeshore’s goal of creating a holistic campus environment—one that considers students’ needs from all angles, including accessibility, comfort, and connection—we recently replaced and updated several key areas in the Lakeshore building. These improvements increased aesthetics, though most importantly, improved ease of access through the building.
Changes included replacing the atrium staircase and floor outside Centennial Hall, giving the space a new streamlined
look. The Fireside Lounge was updated with new flooring, HVAC, multiple collaboration spaces, and a new elevator. The elevator, which replaced the previous stairlift, reaches three levels of the Lakeshore building.
Driving Skills Course
Driving skills course improvements include asphalt upgrades and stripping. The course now supports motorcycle license training, commercial driver license (CDL) training, and tactical maneuvers training for public safety students.
Lakeshore’s mascot, Lenny the Snow Leopard, gets a little showy on the new atrium staircase.
Mission
Transform individuals to strengthen our communities through innovative and accessible learning.
Vision
The community’s driver for individual, social, cultural, and economic vitality.
District Board of Trustees
Lakeshore College is governed by a volunteer nine-member District Board of Trustees appointed by the Board Chairs of the counties making up our Lakeshore district: Calumet, Manitowoc, Ozaukee, and Sheboygan. We appreciate the dedication, knowledge, and guidance they bring in shaping the future of our college.
RETIRED
from the District Board of Trustees on June 30, 2025 were Roy Kluss and John Lukas. We are grateful for their 52 years of combined service to our college.
Mary Parrish Administrative Assistant, Sheboygan County Historical Research Center
Abbey Quistorf Executive Director, The Chamber of Manitowoc County
Dr. Mike Trimberger Superintendent, Random Lake School District
Kim Rooney, Vice Chair CEO, UnitedOne Credit Union
Belinda Esquinas Executive Director, The Crossing of Manitowoc County
Curt Brauer Business Representative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494
Don Pohlman, Secretary/Treasurer Mayor, City of Plymouth
Monica Nichter, Chair Retired, Holy Family Memorial, an affiliate of Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
John Wyatt Retired, Kohler Company
Looking Ahead
2025-30 Strategic Plan & Belief Statements
Near the end of the 2024-25 academic year we were excited to share updated strategic goals and belief statements that will guide our college over the next five years. These were shaped based on input and feedback from staff, students, and community members.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) will help us measure progress and ensure accountability, as well as help us stay focused and aligned to our shared vision.
Our strategic plan centers on four priorities, each designed to strengthen our mission and vision:
STUDENT SUCCESS
Students thrive in a supportive and engaging environment.
FORWARD
QUALITY EDUCATION
Students and communities thrive from high-quality education.
CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE
Employees drive excellence when valued, included, and supported.
STRATEGIC INNOVATION
Dynamic improvements drive our competitiveness and impact.
Launched in fall 2025, FORWARD is a new bachelor’s degree pathway developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to serve Sheboygan area students pursuing careers in nursing or education. Students can begin their journey by earning an associate degree with Lakeshore and finishing with a bachelor’s degree from UW-Green Bay—without ever leaving the area.
All classes are offered locally at Lakeshore’s Cleveland campus, the UW-Green Bay Sheboygan Campus, and online, making this the first time Sheboygan area residents can complete an affordable, quality bachelor’s degree in nursing or education from a public university close to home.
This collaborative program removes barriers to higher education and saves students both time and money. It provides a seamless, accessible path for high school dual-enrollment students, recent graduates, and working adults to earn their degrees and step directly into local, high-demand careers in nursing and education as quickly as possible.
