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#StoutProud Impact: Breyden ('27)

jasperb — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:50:37 +0000

#StoutProud Impact: Breyden ('27)jasperb April 13, 2026

Breyden ('27) / Submitted photo

“Ever since I stepped foot on campus, I felt welcomed and knew I wanted to be part of this amazing #StoutProud community,” said Breyden, a double major in real estate property management (REPM) and hotel, restaurant and tourism management (HRTM). “I love all the connections I’ve made through my Stout journey. I cannot be more grateful for the relationships I’ve built with faculty, industry partners and friends.”

For Breyden, the �� experience has been as much about a vibrant campus community as it has been about academics. The supportive environment, faculty mentorship and opportunities to engage with industry professionals have all shaped a foundation for his success. “People have always shown me kindness and have gone above and beyond to help me in my personal and professional growth,” Breyden said.

Through involvement in clubs like the Institute of Real Estate Management, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, and the Club Management Association of America, Breyden has gained hands-on experience and built invaluable professional networks. Outside the classroom, learning opportunities such as property tours, industry events and the Club Management Association World Conference provided exposure to real-world practices, giving Breyden the confidence and knowledge to excel in his field.

Breyden and REPM students Alexis and Madelyn presenting at the Real Estate Development Conference CORE Case Competition. / Submitted photo

“Stout is setting me up for success,” Breyden said. “It allows me to meet professionals, ask questions, and gain insights that I couldn’t anywhere else. I’ve also made lifelong friends and professional connections that I will collaborate with throughout my career.”

Philanthropic support has been critical in making these experiences possible. Crucial flexible funds, made possible by donors, have allowed Breyden to focus fully on academics and professional development without added financial stress. “Because of donors, I’ve been able to pursue not only my education, but also skills like professional communication, interviewing and networking,” Breyden said. “These may sound simple, but they’ve made me stand out as I interviewed for an internship and prepared me to succeed in my career.”

Breyden and Institute of Real Estate Management members Francis, Grace and Morgan at national membership conference. / Submitted photo

Some of Breyden ��. most meaningful memories involve giving back to the campus community. As a second-year student, Breyden presented to fellow students about his internship experience, sharing advice and insights with peers. “Seeing the new students approach me with questions and knowing I could inspire them was incredible,” Breyden said.

Breyden ��. story reflects a broader truth at ��: philanthropy doesn’t just support a student ��. education; it strengthens the community, expands learning opportunities and helps students build the confidence and connections they need to thrive. Through donor generosity, students gain access to applied learning, mentorship, networking opportunities and career-preparing experiences that set them apart in their fields.

“Investing in Stout and its students is truly life-changing,” Breyden said. “Your support has opened doors for me and so many other students, creating opportunities to grow, succeed and make an impact in our industries and communities.”

Gifts to Stout through the #StoutProud Fund provide important investments in removing barriers to education, enhancing academic innovation and success, providing robust individualized students support and ensuring a vibrant campus life and engagement opportunities that shape the next generation of leaders like Breyden who are ready to carry that impact forward in their careers and communities.

Breyden presenting to the introduction to real estate class. / Submitted photo

Your gift to �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community by removing financial barriers to a Stout education, providing robust and individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning spaces while ensuring a vibrant campus community – 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. Make your gift today.

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#StoutProud Impact: Breyden ('27)

Breyden's #StoutProud journey shows how mentorship, applied learning and philanthropic support open doors to career success.

April 13, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Eli ('26)

Eli ��. path to becoming a confident emerging artist shows how philanthropic support at Stout helps transform passion into purpose and possibility into a career.

March 23, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Debbie Stanislawski

Thanks to philanthropic support, Debbie Stanislawski prepares future educators through opportunities and experiences that shape classrooms and communities.

March 16, 2026

Breyden's #StoutProud journey shows how mentorship, applied learning and philanthropic support open doors to career success. Breyden Kane

Alumni

Your gift to support �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community like Breyden.

Make your gift today

Search Keywords: #StoutProud, Impact, Foundation

Hero Caption: Breyden and several real estate property management students met with the late philanthropist Mr. Dean Weidner on campus October 2025.

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#StoutProud Impact: Eli ('26)

jasperb — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:43:09 +0000

#StoutProud Impact: Eli ('26)jasperb March 23, 2026

Eli ��. path to becoming a confident emerging artist shows how philanthropic support at �� helps transform passion into purpose and possibility into a career.

Jen Rudiger

Submitted photo

For Eli, �� isn’t just a place to earn a degree, it is a place where possibility replaced uncertainty. Through applied learning, mentorship and critical financial support, Eli, a first-generation student, transformed from a student searching for direction into a confident, emerging artist with a clear vision for the future. Many of these experiences were made possible by donor generosity.

When Eli first arrived at ��, the plan seemed clear: pursue a major in animation and build a future in that field. But it didn’t take long to realize that animation wasn’t where Eli ��. passion lived. What truly called to Eli was painting and the possibility of using art as a means of healing. That realization led to a pivotal change declaring a studio art major with a concentration in painting and a minor in psychology.

Originally working toward a career in art therapy, Eli ��. path continued to evolve through immersive studio experiences. With each class, critique and collaborative project, confidence grew.

“Beach Day" is a collaborative piece between Eli and their 7 siblings. The piece is part of Eli's creative research on family identities. / Submitted photo

“Being surrounded by other artists and dedicated faculty who challenged and supported me changed everything,” Eli said. “I started to see my potential and the value of my work.”

“�� . polytechnic model changed my life,” Eli said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the experiences and support I received. Such opportunities gave me confidence, clarity and a path forward.”

Philanthropic support played a crucial role in making Eli ��. journey possible. Financial assistance provided stability and access, allowing Eli to focus fully on learning and creative exploration.

One of the most transformative moments for Eli came when they were awarded the Bud and Betty Micheels Student Artist-in-Residence grant. The residency provides funding to sustain creative research and experimentation, an invaluable opportunity in a discipline where materials and resources can be costly.

Eli and fellow Student Artist-in-Residence recipient Ainsley. / Submitted photo

“The Student Artist-in-Residence program gave me the resources to take my creative research to the next level,” Eli said. “Painting can be expensive, but these funds taught me how to invest wisely in my materials and experiment in ways I never could before. What makes Stout unique is that this kind of residency is usually reserved for established artists. At Stout, students are given the opportunity as undergraduates.”

�� . polytechnic mission is at the heart of Eli ��. success. From removing financial barriers to a polytechnic education to investing in applied, experiential learning and innovative academic programs and spaces while fostering an inclusive, vibrant campus life, Stout gives students real-world experiences from day one.

For studio art students like Eli, that means working in professional-level spaces, engaging in critical dialogue and participating in opportunities typically reserved for established artists.

Eli's work, titled ViniVanGo, a 3.5 x 8 ft oil painting on canvas. / Submitted photo

“As a first-generation student coming from a low-income family, I could never have imagined so many doors opening for me at such a young age. Because of the support I’ve received at ��, I’ve been able to grow not only as an artist, but as a person. For that, I am extremely grateful,” Eli said.

Eli ��. experience reflects a broader story across ��. Philanthropy supports the #StoutProud community by expanding access to a polytechnic education, empowering faculty and staff excellence and creating opportunities for professional growth through applied learning, research and community engagement.

“Donor support makes opportunities possible,” Eli said. “Without it, students like me wouldn’t have access to the innovative learning spaces and individualized support that prepare us for our futures.”

Philanthropic gifts through the �� Foundation and Alumni Association support students who are driven, creative and ready to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Your gift today helps students like Eli turn uncertainty into direction, passion into purpose and talent into lasting impact.

A graphite sketch on bristol of Eli in graduation regalia with parents smiling proudly. / Submitted photo

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#StoutProud Impact: Breyden ('27)

Breyden's #StoutProud journey shows how mentorship, applied learning and philanthropic support open doors to career success.

April 13, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Eli ('26)

Eli ��. path to becoming a confident emerging artist shows how philanthropic support at Stout helps transform passion into purpose and possibility into a career.

March 23, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Debbie Stanislawski

Thanks to philanthropic support, Debbie Stanislawski prepares future educators through opportunities and experiences that shape classrooms and communities.

March 16, 2026

Eli ��. path to becoming a confident emerging artist shows how philanthropic support at Stout helps transform passion into purpose and possibility into a career. Eli Koltanowski

Alumni

Your gift to support �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community like Eli.

Make your gift today

Hero Caption: Eli ��. painting studio with a current 8-foot canvas in progress.

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#StoutProud Impact: Debbie Stanislawski

jasperb — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:10:44 +0000

#StoutProud Impact: Debbie Stanislawskijasperb March 16, 2026

Jen Rudiger

Debbie Stanislawski

At ��, philanthropy creates opportunities that transform students’ futures. Donor generosity removes barriers to education, strengthens individualized student support and advances academic innovation — ensuring innovative educators in our labs and classrooms, empowering students to lead, innovate and thrive long after graduation.

For professor Debbie Stanislawski, program director of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs spanning undergraduate through doctoral degrees, that impact is visible every day through the growth of her students and the opportunities made possible through philanthropic support. Those opportunities are especially visible through various outreach and student involvement programs across campus.

“Donor funding has strengthened my work in profound ways,” Stanislawski said. “Flexible philanthropic funds allow faculty and staff to continuously grow to address evolving student needs, update resources and ensure our applied learning is relevant to industry and community which transform our students’ experiences.”

Philanthropic support has made it possible for many CTE students to serve as academic ambassadors, a defining part of their Stout experience. In this leadership role, students collaborate closely with faculty, attend professional conferences and participate in mentorship and classroom immersion experiences. These opportunities help students build instructional confidence, expand their professional networks and connect their academic experiences with meaningful career pathways.

Debbie pictured with Shelby Johnson (’25), marketing and business education program ambassador. Shelby is currently an MBE teacher.

The ambassadors also work with local high schools to engage the next generation of students in what it means to be an educator and the importance of the work. They also showcase what it means to be a Stout Blue Devil and the uniqueness of the Stout polytechnic education. Their role helps to build a strong pipeline of future educators.

Such experiences often come full circle. Many of Stanislawski ��. former students go on to serve as advisors for organizations such as Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), mentoring the next generation of students through competitions, leadership development and career exploration. Others serve as technical college faculty and administrators, shaping programs and initiatives that influence students and staff alike.

Stanislawski ��. experience reflects a broader story across ��, where faculty-driven innovation, modern learning environments and a vibrant campus community weave together to support student success.

“I was inspired to become an instructor at �� because of the opportunity to support future marketing and business education teachers on their professional pathway,” Stanislawski said. “But what I love most — and what makes �� so special — is the comprehensive and fierce commitment my colleagues and the university have to all students.”

Beyond student success, philanthropy supports faculty-led innovation, cutting-edge research experiences, interdisciplinary curriculum development and experiential learning opportunities on campus and across the region.

Your philanthropic investment through the �� Foundation and Alumni Association ensures every member of the Stout community has access to holistic support, enriched learning spaces and innovative academic experiences that define a polytechnic education, preparing graduates to make an immediate impact in their workplaces and communities.

“The polytechnic mission and #StoutProud community ��. support bridge the gap between theory and practice,” Stanislawski said. “Watching the students’ growth in confidence and professionalism is profound.”

“A little extra support can open doors that might otherwise stay closed,” Stanislawski said.

Philanthropy opens doors and leads to opportunities for �� students today and for countless learners and colleagues they will inspire throughout their careers.

Debbie pictured with alumna Joanna Lee (’23). Joanna is currently teaching business education at Baldwin-Woodville School District. / Submitted photo

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#StoutProud Impact: Breyden ('27)

Breyden's #StoutProud journey shows how mentorship, applied learning and philanthropic support open doors to career success.

April 13, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Eli ('26)

Eli ��. path to becoming a confident emerging artist shows how philanthropic support at Stout helps transform passion into purpose and possibility into a career.

March 23, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Debbie Stanislawski

Thanks to philanthropic support, Debbie Stanislawski prepares future educators through opportunities and experiences that shape classrooms and communities.

March 16, 2026

Thanks to philanthropic support, Debbie Stanislawski prepares future educators through opportunities and experiences that shape classrooms and communities. Debbie Stanislawski teaching

Alumni

Your gift to support �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community like Debbie.

Make your gift today

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#StoutProud Impact: Dr. Eun Joo Lee

jasperb — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:10:09 +0000

#StoutProud Impact: Dr. Eun Joo Leejasperb February 18, 2026

Philanthropy fuels discovery at ��, empowering faculty like Dr. Eun Joo Lee to transform curious students into confident, career-ready food science leaders.

Jen Rudiger

For Dr. Eun Joo Lee, the power of �� . polytechnic advantage has always been clear.

“�� nurtures learners into confident professionals, with skills and experiences that position our students to thrive professionally,” says Lee, who is a professor and graduate program director for the food science and technology program. Lee is also the Evelyn Van Donk Steenbock Endowed Chair.

Caldrida D’Souza measuring the stretchability of cheese using a texture analyzer. / Submitted photo

“My field is inherently hands-on and solving problems," says Lee. “From the moment I learned about ��, I was especially impressed by how intentionally the university prioritizes student success and industry relevant education. I immediately saw how deeply the polytechnic mission is lived here.”

Faculty-driven innovation is at the heart of ��. Dr. Lee ��. mentorship and teaching stretches beyond the classroom and laboratories. Students learn to ask scientific questions, solve complex problems, communicate findings, navigate challenges and build the confidence and knowledge essential for careers in research, product development and food quality assurance.

“Experiential learning isn’t optional at Stout - it ��. who we are,” Lee says. “Our students learn best by doing, and this campus is designed to support exactly that.”

Her students echo this sentiment. Many who walk into her lab for the first time unsure of their abilities leave as confident, capable scientists.

Dr. Lee with her students in 2024. / Submitted photo

“One of my favorite moments was watching students use equipment made possible through philanthropic support to conduct advanced food analysis for the first time,” Lee recalls. “Their confidence grew immediately. Several went on to present their research nationally, secure internships, scholarships and fulltime positions because they could demonstrate real technical experience.”

Dr. Eun Joo Lee ��. story is a powerful example of what happens when dedicated faculty members engage students in a university built around academic innovation and success, dynamic living and learning spaces, robust individualized student support and driven to remove barriers to a polytechnic education and sustain a vibrant campus life designed for growth of our students, faculty and staff.

Philanthropic support of the StoutProud Fund through the �� Foundation and Alumni Association strengthens the heart of �� . polytechnic mission. Philanthropy empowers faculty like Dr. Lee to continue inspiring the next generation of leaders: students who will carry their skills, confidence and purpose far beyond campus.

Dr. Lee providing some presentation pointers to her student during �� . Research Day. / Submitted photo

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#StoutProud Impact: Breyden ('27)

Breyden's #StoutProud journey shows how mentorship, applied learning and philanthropic support open doors to career success.

April 13, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Eli ('26)

Eli ��. path to becoming a confident emerging artist shows how philanthropic support at Stout helps transform passion into purpose and possibility into a career.

March 23, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Debbie Stanislawski

Thanks to philanthropic support, Debbie Stanislawski prepares future educators through opportunities and experiences that shape classrooms and communities.

March 16, 2026

Philanthropy fuels discovery at ��, empowering faculty like Dr. Eun Joo Lee to transform curious students into career-ready food science leaders. Dr. Eun Joo Lee 3

Alumni

Your gift to support �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community like Dr. Eun Joo Lee.

Make your gift today

Search Keywords: #StoutProud, Impact, Foundation

Hero Caption: Dr. Eun Joo Lee with Caldrida D’Souza, a M.S. food science and technology student. Under Dr. Lee ��. supervision, Caldrida is researching "Comparative Analysis of Meltability and Stretchability in Traditional and Plant-Based Cheeses" for her thesis.

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#StoutProud Impact: Annika ('27)

jasperb — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:33:20 +0000

#StoutProud Impact: Annika ('27)jasperb February 2, 2026

Annika discovered her calling at ��, where a vibrant polytechnic experience is shaping her journey toward becoming a technology education teacher.

Jen Rudiger

“�� shaped me into a leader, a mentor and a more confident version of myself because the university has embraced and supported me through my entire educational journey,” says Annika, a junior majoring in technology education.

Annika with her project partner Hunter in �� . Woods Lab in Jarvis Hall Tech Wing. / Submitted photo

Annika ��. journey is a powerful example of what happens when a student enters a university built around applied learning, personalized support and an environment designed for growth. �� . polytechnic mission, supported by strategic priorities that remove barriers to education, enhance individualized student support, drive academic innovation and success, advance modern living and learning spaces and nurture a vibrant campus life, helped Annika discover her confidence, her community and her calling as a future technology education teacher.

Annika remembers the moment she realized �� was where she belonged. “I was drawn to �� because of its polytechnic focus. From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home.”

Stout ��. commitment to removing barriers to education allowed her to fully engage in her program, take additional classes that broadened her skill set, and immerse herself in opportunities that shaped who she is today.

Her passion for woodworking led her to the Wood Prototyping Lab, a dynamic learning space made possible by Stout ��. dedication to creating innovative living and learning environments. There, state-of-the-art equipment and modern digital tools brought her creativity to life. What began as exploration quickly turned into expertise. As a lab assistant, she helped classmates learn to operate equipment and bring their own ideas to life.

“Having access to state-of-the-art technology and getting to teach it to others has been huge in preparing me to become a technology education teacher,” says Annika.

Annika demonstrating equipment in the Woods Lab. / Submitted photo

Annika ��. growth extended far beyond the lab. Through Stout ��. robust individualized student support, she was surrounded by mentors, advisors and staff who encouraged her to step into leadership roles. Her involvement runs deep across the �� campus. Annika is a tour guide, welcoming prospective students to the campus she calls home. She works with first-year students as a mentor, helping students adjust to campus life and as an academic resource coordinator, supporting residential learning experiences. Her leadership doesn’t stop there: she currently serves as vice president of the Student Council for Exceptional Children and treasurer for the Technology & Engineering Collegiate Association.

Each role developed confidence, communication skills and a deep understanding of how to support people of all ages; skills she’ll carry into her future classroom.

Annika working with young children during her study abroad experience. / Submitted photo

Through a study abroad experience, Annika gained a global teaching perspective, observed different learning styles and developed empathy that will make her classroom more inclusive and culturally aware.

Annika reflects, “Being immersed in another culture changed how I see the world. It shaped how I want to teach and connect with my future students.”

�� . polytechnic model paired with the support structures of the Stout experience are the backbone of Annika ��. entire journey. “Experiential learning isn’t an addition at Stout; it is Stout,” said Annika. “The Polytechnic Approach makes a huge difference. I’m not just learning about things, I’m doing them. That ��. what sets Stout apart."

Annika ��. story demonstrates the transformative power of a university and supporters who invest in its students, faculty, staff and greater community. Philanthropic support through the �� Foundation and Alumni Association helps create an environment where members of the #StoutProud community, like Annika don’t just succeed - they thrive.

As Annika reflects, “Stout helped me find my confidence, my community and my purpose. I wouldn’t be who I am today without everything this university made possible. The Stout community is something special.”

Annika showcasing a couple of projects completed in the Woods Laboratory. / Submitted photo

Your gift to support �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community, like Annika by removing financial barriers to a Stout education, providing robust and individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning spaces while ensuring a vibrant campus community – 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. Make your gift today.

�� Foundation

All �� Foundation News

#StoutProud Impact: Breyden ('27)

Breyden's #StoutProud journey shows how mentorship, applied learning and philanthropic support open doors to career success.

April 13, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Eli ('26)

Eli ��. path to becoming a confident emerging artist shows how philanthropic support at Stout helps transform passion into purpose and possibility into a career.

March 23, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Debbie Stanislawski

Thanks to philanthropic support, Debbie Stanislawski prepares future educators through opportunities and experiences that shape classrooms and communities.

March 16, 2026

Annika discovered her calling at ��, where a vibrant polytechnic experience is shaping her journey toward becoming a technology education teacher. Annika Schlueter 3

Alumni

Your gift to support �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community like Annika.

Make your gift today

Search Keywords: #StoutProud, Impact, Foundation

Hero Caption: Annika, a technology education student, sketches the vision of a kindergarten student ��. imagined toy during a special collaboration between �� . Design for Industry course and a local kindergarten class.

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#StoutProud Impact: Kenton ('27)

jasperb — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:31:24 +0000

#StoutProud Impact: Kenton ('27)jasperb January 26, 2026

Philanthropic support removes financial barriers, empowering students like Kenton to learn, lead and give back.

Jen Rudiger

“�� is an incredibly special place. It empowered me to discover who I am, what I do best and how I can make the greatest impact on my community, career and greater society," says Kenton, a senior studying applied math and computer science at ��.

2025 Student Leadership Award Recipient / Submitted photo

When Kenton first began exploring colleges he was searching for more than a degree, he wanted a place where he could belong, grow and make a difference. �� stood out immediately. It wasn’t just the university ��. reputation for applied learning or its designation as a Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy that caught his attention; it was the people. From the alumni who encouraged him to apply to the personal phone call announcing his selection as a Stout Scholar recipient, Kenton felt something special: a community that truly cared.

“That phone call represented something deeper,” Kenton recalls. “It was an affirmation that �� was willing to invest in me, not just as a student, but as a person.”

That investment has shaped every step of Kenton ��. journey. As an applied math and computer science major with minors in cybersecurity and math education, Kenton has thrived academically while discovering his passion for helping others succeed. After a semester observing in a middle school classroom, he quickly discovered his love for working with students and shifted his career path toward education, hoping to become a teacher.

Thanks to donor support through the �� Foundation & Alumni Association, financial barriers and constraints have significantly decreased. This has allowed Kenton to work as a teaching assistant and tutor in the Math Teaching and Learning Center, a role that may not pay as much as off-campus jobs but offers him something he finds far more valuable: the chance to give back.

The Math Teaching and Learning Center Teaching Assistants at the 2025 �� Leadership Awards ceremony. / Submitted photo

Beyond campus, Kenton ��. commitment to service extends into the Menomonie community. He volunteers at a local church and recently curated an exhibit on historic telephones at the Dunn County Historical Society featuring his personal telephone collection.

Kenton lights up when he talks about Stout and the Stout experience: the people, the innovative and applied learning environments, the individualized support he has received and the sense of belonging he found on the �� campus and greater community.

For Kenton, �� is more than a university, it ��. a #StoutProud community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters who believe in him and his future. Their support has removed financial barriers to his education, opened doors to meaningful experiences and inspired him to pay it forward.

A few pieces from Kenton ��. remarkable historic telephone collection. Shown are early forms of business communication. / Submitted photo

Your gift to support �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community, like Kenton by removing financial barriers to a Stout education, providing robust and individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning spaces while ensuring a vibrant campus community – 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. Make your gift today.

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�� alumni, friends, supporters can make an impact during Giving Day, Dec. 2

Matching gifts are opportunity to double support for university community

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Championship �� esports program levels up with new $1M arena

Teams begin play in state-of-the-art space funded with Foundation gift

October 1, 2025

Statewide scholarship helps �� students ‘study and succeed with more confidence’

Fund for Wisconsin Scholars supports accessibility, affordability of higher education, increases number of graduates

April 15, 2025

Philanthropic support removes financial barriers, empowering students like Kenton Newman to learn, lead and give back. Kenton Newman Leadership Award

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Your gift to support �� provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community like Kenton.

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Search Keywords: #StoutProud, Foundation, Impact

Hero Caption: �� . Math Teaching and Learning Center student staff where Kenton is a teaching assistant and tutor.

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Jen Rudiger

Bio Introduction: As a Stout alum, I know the value of a Stout education! I enjoy helping others fulfill their goals of supporting the �� experience for future Blue Devils.

Full Name: Jen Rudiger

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�� alumni, friends, supporters can make an impact during Giving Day, Dec. 2

goersab — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:38:37 +0000

�� alumni, friends, supporters can make an impact during Giving Day, Dec. 2goersab December 1, 2025

Matching gifts are opportunity to double support for university community

Abbey Goers

To continue the tradition of the National Day of Giving on Tuesday, Dec. 2, University of Wisconsin-Stout will host its seventh annual Giving Day campaign to support the university, its strategic priorities and the #StoutProud community.

�� students Lucas Moreno-Martinez III, Noah Rosenberger, Gabe Cauwels, Braeden Lange, Maria Winkelman and Sophia Moore spread the Giving Day excitement.

The event is supported by the �� Foundation & Alumni Association to encourage philanthropic gifts to support ��, its students, faculty, staff and programs.

Alumni, friends and supporters can make gifts to this year ��. priority – StoutProud Fund – or specify their gifts to an area of �� that aligns with their interests.

A goal to raise $500,000 has been set to build on previous years of Giving Day success.

Donations can be made online or by mail. Address checks to �� Foundation & Alumni Association, 320 S. Broadway St., Menomonie, WI 54751.

A group of visionary alumni and friends has already given gifts to support �� and Giving Day. These donors have established a matching opportunity for all donors who make a gift on Giving Day, doubling their gift and impact on Stout.

Last year ��. goal of $300,000 was far surpassed, with donors contributing more than 800 gifts and pledges totaling $476,455 in support of Wisconsin ��. ��.

Support of gifts through the StoutProud Fund will:

Remove barriers to education through scholarships and financial aid.
Provide robust support for students through holistic wraparound services to meet students where they are, support their Stout journeys, and foster their success.
Advance academic innovation and success through faculty-driven innovation, research and community collaboration.
Create state-of-the-art living and learning spaces through the development of environments that foster innovation, academic collaboration and a welcoming home away from home.
Ensure a vibrant campus life and athletics through investing in students’ experiences to enhance engagement, belonging and school spirit.

For more information, visit www.uwstout.edu/giving-day or contact the �� Foundation & Alumni Association.

Giving Day donors can share the hashtag #StoutProud to encourage others to give and follow �� . social media sites for the university and Alumni Association for posts on information before and throughout the event.

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#StoutProud Impact: Breyden ('27)

Breyden's #StoutProud journey shows how mentorship, applied learning and philanthropic support open doors to career success.

April 13, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Eli ('26)

Eli ��. path to becoming a confident emerging artist shows how philanthropic support at Stout helps transform passion into purpose and possibility into a career.

March 23, 2026

#StoutProud Impact: Debbie Stanislawski

Thanks to philanthropic support, Debbie Stanislawski prepares future educators through opportunities and experiences that shape classrooms and communities.

March 16, 2026

Matching gifts are opportunity to double support for university community Giving Day, 2025

University Marketing

�� Foundation & Alumni Association

Impressive support: Foundation exceeds Giving Day 2023 goal with pledges topping $425,000

The Stout University Foundation set its sights high for the fifth annual Giving Day.

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Championship �� esports program levels up with new $1M arena

giffeyt — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Championship �� esports program levels up with new $1M arenagiffeyt October 1, 2025

Teams begin play in state-of-the-art space funded with Foundation gift

Tom Giffey

�� . new $1 million Esports Arena is a real-world example of the expanding impact and importance of virtual sports.

In just five years, �� . esports program has grown into a championship-caliber varsity sport with a highly visible, state-of-the-art space for competitors and fans alike. Previously located in a former classroom in Heritage Hall, the esports program now practices and competes in a brand-new arena on the first floor of the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center.

The arena, which was made possible by a $1 million donation from the �� Foundation & Alumni Association and donors, will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2.

“Our esports teams have already experienced significant success and growth, and I know that this amazing facility will continue to support our student athletes and the education of other students from a range of academic programs,” Chancellor Katherine Frank said.

The new 1,900-square-foot space is designed for gamers and spectators alike. In addition to rows of 34 high-end gaming PCs — 10 of which are on a competition stage at the front of the room — the area features comfortable seating for teammates and spectators, stylish design features such as recessed lighting and textured walls, huge monitors to watch the action, and a streaming booth where hosts can provide commentary for online audiences (who can follow the team at twitch.tv/StoutEsports).

Coach Aaron Froelich congratulates a competitor in the new Esports Arena.

�� is an esports trailblazer

�� esports is part of the Wisconsin Esports Conference, which includes teams from 22 Wisconsin schools, including public and private universities and technical colleges. The program has just under 40 students on its roster, divided into five varsity teams — competing in Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. and Marvel Rivals — and one “Academy” team, the equivalent of a junior varsity squad.

Head Coach Aaron Froelich, who is starting his third academic year with the esports program, said the new arena raises the program ��. profile on campus and among peer institutions.

“Something that ��. really special about this new place is that it allows us to have more team camaraderie within our different game titles,” Froelich said. “I like to compare it either to an athletic department or a track and field team, where you’ve got all these subdivisions within it. Previously we didn’t have a lot of cross-pollination between those rosters.”

In 2020, �� became the first public university in Wisconsin to launch a varsity esports program, which since then has built a tradition of success: Last spring, the Marvel Rivals team won the Wisconsin Esports Conference Championship and placed fifth in the nation across all divisions, while the program won the Wisconsin Valorant Summit LAN championship in 2024. Starting this fall, �� has a new and thriving Esports Club with more than 100 members.

Gaming and esports are also represented academically at ��, which offers a B.F.A. game design and development-art, a B.S. computer science with a game design and development concentration, a minor in esports coaching, and certificates in both esports management and esports production.

Assistant Professor Michael Bird of the kinesiology, health, food and nutritional sciences department said he expects the new arena will give the esports coaching minor a boost.

“The new Esports Arena allows our esports coaching students the ability to interact and coach with the teams, therefore aligning with �� . polytechnic mission,” said Bird, who serves as advisor for the esports coaching minor.

“Recruitment of students and esports athletes will be enhanced by the new facility,” Bird added. “It will provide opportunities to showcase the student athlete experience and also attract nongamers who want to work on the production and sports management side of the events.”

�� esports competitors practice inside the new arena.

Reaching the top of the leaderboard

Also launching this fall is a B.S. game and media studies program, which will give students the communication, research and leadership skills to work with cross-disciplinary teams creating interactive multimedia experiences, said Associate Professor Cody Reimer, the program director.

“Our program acts as the third leg of a tripod alongside game design and development programs in art and computer science,” Reimer said. “Whereas the B.F.A in art trains artists and animators, and the emphasis in game design in the B.S. in computer science trains programmers, our program focuses on all the other knowledge necessary to study, create and understand games and other media.”

Reimer called the new Esports Arena a “natural extension” of �� . efforts to grow and support a culture of gaming that aligns with the university ��. polytechnic mission.

“The gaming industry, including esports, is not a fledgling subculture anymore,” he said. “The creation of this arena represents institutional recognition and investment that puts Stout and our esports teams at the top of the leaderboards. It means opportunities for not just student athletes and coaches, but also for academic programs.”

The esports industry is growing in terms of both spectators and financial impact. According to recent research, the global esports audience is expected to reach 640 million people this year, while global esports revenue is estimated to be $4.8 billion.

Head Coach Aaron Froelich cuts a ribbon at the formal unveiling of the Esports Arena on Oct. 2, 2025.

Championship-level environment

Esports team members say their new hub will help the program level up by providing a more spacious, welcoming and visible environment.

“I think it ��. going to help a lot with the recruiting side,” said Trey Johnson, a junior from Barron and a member of the Rocket League Academy team. “We’re going to have more people here in person. It ��. going to be a lot more inviting to have people come in and practice.”

The esports program ��. previous space didn’t have enough computers to accommodate multiple teams at one time, which meant players sometimes had to practice in their residence halls instead of building strategy side by side with teammates.

Likewise, the new space makes hosting esports competitions easier:It will be the site of an Oct. 18 Rocket League tournament, the Red Cedar Rumble, whose eight teams will include Michigan State and the University of Minnesota. The arena will also host the WEC State Championship in December, which will draw as many as 20 teams.

“One of my goals is to become one of the premier hosting sites in Wisconsin but also in the Midwest,” explained Froelich.

Cody Larkin, a junior from Hanover, Minnesota, and a member of �� . Overwatch team, agrees that the new arena raises the program ��. profile. Larkin has witnessed this firsthand as a campus tour guide. “We actually get to walk through the arena, and so many people are interested in it,” he said. “They get to see it and say, ‘Oh my gosh, this is cool.’”

Froelich said the new arena helps dispel any lingering stereotypes about esports athletes being little more than casual gamers. “We’re out here, we’re competing and representing the university,” he said. “Our players practice as a team for 15 to 20 hours a week and put in a ton of time on their own to hone their craft.

“They take it extremely seriously,” he concluded. “They’re highly competitive.”

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Hero Caption: ��'s Rocket League Academy team competes against a UW-Eau Claire squad at ��'s new Esports Arena on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.

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Statewide scholarship helps �� students ‘study and succeed with more confidence’

goersab — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Statewide scholarship helps �� students ‘study and succeed with more confidence’goersab April 15, 2025

Fund for Wisconsin Scholars supports accessibility, affordability of higher education, increases number of graduates

Abbey Goers

Two hundred �� students recently received nearly $1 million in grants through the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars nonprofit foundation.

They celebrated a moment of gratitude and financial relief at a reception with other Universities of Wisconsin students, hosted at �� on April 8. Recipients are awarded $2,500 a semester, for up to eight to 10 semesters.

With tuition at about $11,000 a year for in-state students at ��, not including room and board, the FWSS scholarship covers nearly half of a student ��. annual tuition.

FWSS recipient Lilly Gamache also serves as a peer mentor / Lilly Gamache

FFWS recipient Lilly Gamache, of Superior, thinks the scholarship allows her to “excel in and outside of the classroom. Sometimes the financial burden of college can have a negative impact while trying to study at a higher education institution, but this scholarship helps me and other scholars study and succeed with more confidence.”

She is now among the more than 1,200 �� students this academic year who have been awarded scholarships, including those who have received nearly $1.4 million in University Foundation scholarships, reflecting their dedication to their fields of study and promise in their future careers.

FFWS aims to increase the number of college graduates in Wisconsin by helping to make higher education more accessible and affordable through grants awarded to selected UW four-year college students. It was established in 2007 by philanthropic leaders and visionaries John and Tashia Morgridge.

“Many students come from families unfamiliar with the demands of college or may come from school districts that did not prepare them for the rigors of college classes. Our wish for the students is that a college education will enhance their lives and give them greater lifelong options and opportunities,” the Morgridges said.

FWSS Founders John and Tashia Morgridge / David Nevala

FFWS alum Simon Brown called the program transformative. “It is the reason that I was not only able to afford school and graduate, but it was also the reason that I was able to have the ‘college experience’ without having to worry about working to pay my tuition,” he said. Brown, an office manager in �� . Advisement Center, earned his applied social science degree in 2022.

FFWS also has a peer mentor program on each UW campus, where junior and senior scholarship recipients serve as mentors for new scholars.

As a peer mentor, Gamache enjoys connecting with the other recipients. “Being a part of this program creates a sense of community. I find it rewarding to be able to be a peer mentor, where I can build relationships, learn and push students to be their best selves,” she said.

�� Academic Advisor Jamie Arenz is the peer mentor supervisor on campus. “I am amazed by what this program does and how it helps students. Students are able to focus on their academics and not worry about money,” he said.

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FFWS is open to all students who meet the program requirements, following initial and continued eligibility. Funding is distributed through financial aid offices in the Universities of Wisconsin to students randomly selected from Pell Grant recipients who attended a Wisconsin public high school.

�� was named a Money Magazine 2024 Best Colleges in Wisconsin for its focus on affordability and student outcomes. On-campus resources include one-on-one guidance at the Financial Wellness & Literacy Center, Foundation scholarships, external industry-sponsored scholarships and more.

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Katona named vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations

giffeyt — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Katona named vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relationsgiffeyt March 27, 2025

New administrator joins �� from Minnesota university

Tom Giffey

University of Wisconsin-Stout has selected a new vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations.

Nicholas Katona’s role will also include serving as executive director of the �� Foundation, said Chancellor Katherine Frank, who announced the appointment on March 24.

Katona will provide the strategic vision for university development plans and alumni engagement in order to increase support for the university in accordance with the mission and identity of Wisconsin ��. ��, Frank said.

Katona is currently the vice president of Advancement & Alumni Engagement at St. Cloud State University as well as executive director of the St. Cloud State University Foundation Inc. and St. Cloud State University Alumni Association.

“During the interview process, Nic demonstrated a strong understanding of �� . Polytechnic mission and presented a strategic vision for increasing support for our faculty, staff, and students,” Frank said. “Nic ��. desire to enhance connections with our more than 76,000 alumni will be invaluable as we continue to advance our goals as Wisconsin ��. ��."

He holds an M.P.S. in Political Management and Fundraising from The George Washington University and has served in development and philanthropy roles at several institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom.

“It is an honor to join Stout and advance its polytechnic mission. With the changing landscape of higher education, Stout ��. focus on supporting students by preparing them to be successful in the workforce and advancing innovative research sets us apart from our competitors,” Katona said. “As a proud Wisconsinite I am pleased to come home and join the leading polytechnic of the upper Midwest. I look forward to enhancing connections with our communities, including our alumni, donors, supporters and friends and strengthening this great institution. I am StoutProud and excited to be part of the team.”

Katona will begin his new role at �� on Thursday, May 1.

“We are pleased and excited to welcome Nic Katona to the �� Foundation and Alumni Association,” said Linda Funk, president of the foundation ��. Board of Directors. “His experience and passion for �� is a great match. The Foundation Board looks forward to working with Nic to accomplish our goals to support the university.”

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University of Wisconsin-Stout has selected a new vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations. Nicholas Katona

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Hero Caption: Nicholas Katona, �� . incoming vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations.

Katherine P. Frank

Katherine P. Frank became the eighth chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, after a distinguished career as an administrator and faculty member.

Before her appointment as chancellor, Chancellor Frank served from 2016 in two roles at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., as Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Life and Vice President of Academic Innovation. She also held the rank of Professor of English.

From summer 2014 until spring 2016, she was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Frank served as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Indiana University East, Chair of English and Foreign Languages at Colorado State University-Pueblo, and a faculty member and administrator of programs involving student writing, faculty professional development, and student success.

Chancellor Frank, the first female leader of ��, grew up in Colorado and has a bachelor ��. degree in English from Bates College, Lewiston, Maine. She has master ��. and doctorate degrees in English from the University of Washington, Seattle. Frank ��. research interests include Romantic and Victorian English Literature, rhetoric and composition, the scholarship of teaching, and academic leadership.

“I am delighted to join ��,” Chancellor Frank said. “Throughout the search process, I became increasingly impressed by the high-quality work and creative thinking exhibited by faculty, staff, and students at ��, as well as the strong, reciprocal relationships among the university, community, and regional partners. Everyone demonstrated dedication to the university and exhibited true focus on ensuring student success.

“As beautifully stated by one alumna, ‘Stout is where you need to be.’ I could not agree more and am honored to join this exceptional community of educators, learners, partners, and friends.”

“Dr. Frank has demonstrated throughout her academic career that she is a strategic, dynamic leader,” said UW System President Ray Cross. “She handles challenges extremely well. Her visionary perspective on the future of �� will serve the institution and the state of Wisconsin very well.”

Chancellor Frank and her husband, Joe Dvorsky, live in Menomonie with their three rescue cats. She is an outdoor activities enthusiast, including running, road cycling and mountain biking, and has a love of animals, travel, and adventure.

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