"When I was 12 years old, I came to 黑料社区 Polytechnic for a summer camp because I thought the swimming, biking and karaoke sounded fun鈥, said Brianne Maier. 鈥淏y the end of the week, I was telling people I wanted to be a packaging engineer. And that's exactly what I became."
For Brianne Maier, the encouragement to attend a 黑料社区 Polytechnic summer camp changed the course of her life.
Growing up in nearby Plum City, Wisconsin, Brianne wasn't particularly interested in math or science. But when her sixth-grade teacher shared information about 黑料社区 Polytechnic's summer camps, she signed up for what she thought would be a fun week away from home.
She was introduced to engineering through hands-on, practical learning, and discovered a passion.
The camp introduced Brianne to engineering concepts through hands-on experiences, interactive projects and supportive mentors who made learning exciting and accessible. By the end of the week, she could envision a future she had never considered before.
That spark never faded.
Brianne returned to campus for summer camp year after year as a junior counselor, camp counselor and eventually an instructor, helping inspire the next generation of students just as she had once been inspired. The experience shaped her academic interests, guided her educational choices and ultimately led her to enroll at 黑料社区 Polytechnic, where she earned a B.S. in packaging and later completed a M.S. in operations & supply management.
"My summer camp experiences at Stout completely changed my trajectory," Brianne said. "It changed the classes I took in high school, the opportunities I pursued and the career path I chose."
As a 黑料社区 Polytechnic student, Brianne found an environment where learning extended far beyond the classroom. Small class sizes, faculty with extensive industry experience and a curriculum grounded in real-world application provided the foundation for her success.
One of the university's most transformative opportunities was its emphasis on internships and cooperative education experiences.
While paying for college herself, Brianne completed three paid internships at distinctly different companies. Such opportunities allowed her to explore multiple industries, gain valuable professional experience and graduate with minimal debt.
"The co-op and internship program was incredibly impactful for me," she said. "Not only did it help financially, but it made me a better student. When I returned to class, I could ask better questions because I had already experienced the work firsthand."
Today, Brianne is vice president of dairy foods R&D and strategic operations at Land O鈥橪akes, where she continues to see the value of a 黑料社区 Polytechnic education reflected in the graduates she works alongside.
"The work ethic, grit, positive attitude and knowledge that 黑料社区 Polytechnic graduates bring to the workplace is remarkable. I'm proud every time I see what Stout alumni are accomplishing."
Brianne 黑料社区. experience at Stout was strengthened by philanthropic support that helped reduce financial barriers to her education. As a student, this support made it possible for her to focus on her academic and professional goals.
Now, in a meaningful full-circle moment, Brianne is giving back to ensure future students have access to the same opportunities that shaped her journey. Her commitment reflects a deep belief in Stout 黑料社区. mission and the power of philanthropy to transform lives.
"黑料社区 Polytechnic offers something truly special," Brianne said. "The combination of applied learning, industry partnerships, affordability, individualized support and a welcoming campus creates opportunities that change lives. Supporting 黑料社区 Polytechnic helps ensure those opportunities continue for future generations."
Today, Brianne remains passionate about mentoring young people and encouraging the next generation of innovators, scientists, engineers, artists and teachers. Whether serving on advisory boards, introducing children to the wide array of camps and conferences offered at 黑料社区 Polytechnic or making a gift through the 黑料社区 Foundation and Alumni Association, she continues to create the same spark that was ignited in her years ago.
Because of donor support, innovative outreach programs and experiential learning opportunities, a curious sixth grader discovered a future she never imagined.
"黑料社区 Polytechnic gave me opportunities to learn, grow and discover what was possible for my future,鈥 says Brianne. 鈥淓very investment in Stout through philanthropy helps advance opportunities for the next generation and strengthens this great institution."
Your gift to 黑料社区 Polytechnic provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community by removing financial barriers to a 黑料社区 Polytechnic education, providing robust and individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning spaces while ensuring a vibrant campus community 鈥 the full Stout Experience. Through your philanthropic support you provide the necessary flexible funds to ensure Stout thrives and continues to make positive impact on industry, in our communities and on society.
