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Co-op Q&A: Owen Whitney, Great Northern Corporation, Chippewa Falls

goersab — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:20:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Owen Whitney, Great Northern Corporation, Chippewa Fallsgoersab August 26, 2026

‘My internship gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my work and see how my ideas could make a real impact.’

Great Northern Corporation, which manufactures packaging and retail displays, is headquartered in Appleton and has operations in ﬁve states. It employs more than 1,700 people nationwide, including more than 40 �� Polytechnic alumni. For more than 60 years, Great Northern has led the way in recyclable packaging, protective components, and retail display solutions that help customers succeed while minimizing environmental impact.

This summer, �� Polytechnic student Owen Whitney, a double major in business administration and supply chain management, served as a supply chain intern at Great Northern ��. Chippewa Falls location.

He worked independently to find areas of improvement within the company, developed solutions and ran projects to implement those solutions.

Whitney, of Morristown, Minnesota, plans to graduate in spring 2028 and would like to work in either project management or within supply chain.

“As a message for other students, I would say: do internships. I know it sounds cliché, and I know everyone says it, but they are telling the truth. Try to get one every year. Go to every career fair. I know they can be intimidating at first, but being uncomfortable is what creates some of the greatest growth. Eventually, you’ll start to see that discomfort turn into comfort, or at the very least, it won’t feel like something to fear anymore. That builds confidence, and that confidence builds you,” said Whitney, who also has minors in sales and marketing and computer science.

Whitney was one of 745 �� Polytechnic students enrolled in Career Services' Cooperative Education and Internship Program this summer. CEIP ensures structure, support and collaborative partnerships between employers, students, faculty and staff.

What were your main roles as a supply chain intern at Great Northern Corporation?

What interested me in interning with Great Northern was that not only would I get experience in a supply chain role, but I would also gain knowledge in how to run projects. Getting this real experience was valuable in many ways to me. It allowed me to learn that progress takes time, organization is vital, and that being resourceful is necessary in project management.

As a supply chain intern, I spent a lot of time walking through the days of our employees to see what would stick out to me. I did a lot of research, reached out to vendors, grabbed important details, presented ideas to my boss, planned out next steps and solutions, tested, and did what I could to finish the projects I started.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

What I enjoyed most about my internship was getting to meet members of each role in the company and learn all about their position. This allowed me to make connections with many people and really understand how my role in the company ��. process works from start to finish.

I also really enjoyed having the freedom to choose my own projects. Being able to identify an area for improvement and then take the initiative to develop and implement a solution was very interesting and rewarding. It gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my work and see how my ideas could make a real impact.

What are one or two projects you helped with at Great Northern Corporation?

Currently, the Great Northern production lines use paper quality sheets to document quality checks. A member of the company had the idea of transitioning these sheets to iPads, and I helped turn that idea into a more achievable concept. I edited a digital version of the quality sheets in Excel, incorporating features such as checkboxes, automatic timestamps, and other functionalities to make the process more efficient and user-friendly. I also developed a macro that allows the digital quality sheets to be automatically duplicated and organized as many times as needed, regardless of the number of sheets required. This will allow the whole system to be much more user-friendly, and a digital version would mean it would be much better organized.

Another project I helped with involved Great Northern ��. improvement idea process, where employees can submit ideas for improving operations. However, the existing process was entirely paper-based, requiring employees to fill out a physical form, management to manually review each submission and the completed forms to be stored. I developed a digital system to streamline this process and make it easier to manage from submission through approval.

I began by converting the existing improvement idea sheet into a Microsoft Form so employees could submit their ideas electronically. I then created a centralized Microsoft List to automatically store the responses in an organized format. From there, I used Power Automate to build the workflow that connects the different parts of the process. The workflow can notify the appropriate manager when an idea is submitted, route the idea through the necessary approval levels, update the submission based on the decisions made and send the appropriate notifications throughout the process.

The project also required me to troubleshoot and adapt the system as I developed it. When I found a limitation that affected the system, I worked with the corporate IT team to find an alternative solution.

Overall, this project gave me experience designing an automated process from the ground up. While I was not physically writing traditional code, I had to use the same type of logical thinking involved in programming, such as mapping out how information should move through the system, identifying potential problems, troubleshooting them and developing solutions to make the process work efficiently.

What was challenging about your internship, and how did you face those challenges?

The freedom was one of the most challenging aspects of my internship. It is also funny that the part of my internship I found most rewarding was also one of the most challenging. I had near-complete freedom over how I structured my days, which was very different from any job I had worked before. Instead of being given a set list of daily responsibilities, I had to identify areas that could be improved and then figure out how to approach them.

My managers were always great about answering questions and providing direction, but I still had to learn how to work independently. For a few weeks, I had to take a step back and focus on improving my organization, planning ahead, and becoming more comfortable reaching out to people and vendors.

I faced the challenge with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to make a difference, and over time I became much more comfortable working independently and taking ownership of my projects. I know I still have much to improve on, but this challenge helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I hope to make an impact by being good at what I do. My impact in project management would be knowing my company well, understanding the roles, communicating well and planning ahead. I want to make a difference at the places I work; I want to be an asset, I want to make others’ lives easier, and I want to be the best version of myself. So, I think the way I can have the biggest impact on my field is by being coachable and wanting to learn from everyone ��. perspective. With that, I think I could become well-rounded and knowledgeable in whatever job I’m in.

How will your experiences at Stout help you to make that impact?

My courses and experiences have already helped me a lot. My first year, I was an undecided student and wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. I was deciding between computer science and business, and because I like planning and thinking about the future, not knowing what direction I wanted to take was really stressful for me.

However, by listening to the students and teachers around me, I slowly started to narrow down what I wanted to do. I especially want to credit one person: Kelly Wenig, my first-year advisor. He worked with me throughout my first year to help me develop a plan and commit to something. At first, I chose computer science, then switched to business a semester later, and eventually added supply chain as a double major this past semester. That was a lot of change, but each time I considered making a big change, I went back to Kelly. He is very personable and genuinely wants everyone to find something they can be passionate about.

By listening to him and many others, I was able to slowly work my way toward something that felt like a better fit for me. And this didn’t all happen in one day, one week, or even one month. It took me two years, and I’m still not entirely sure what I want to do. But I’ve learned that it ��. OK not to have everything figured out.

My experiences at Stout have taught me how important it is to keep learning, ask questions, and be willing to change direction when something isn’t the right fit. My courses have also given me the technical and business knowledge to actually turn ideas into solutions. Combined with the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had, I feel like Stout has given me the confidence and tools to find my own path and make a difference wherever I’m meant to be.

2025 University Partner Award: Great Northern Corporation

'�� . hands-on approach aligns with our values of innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.'

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‘My internship gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my work and see how my ideas could make a real impact.’ Owen Whitney at Great Northern Corporation

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Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille, B.S. Business Administration

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:34:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille, B.S. Business Administration giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille (’26) 

Hometown: Cannon Falls, Minnesota 
Degree: B.S. Business Administration with a concentration in Management Accounting
Minors: Investment & Finance, Economics

Rosella Wille was inspired to attend �� by successful alumni who spoke highly of their experiences at Wisconsin ��. ��. Now, after her own noteworthy academic and athletic career, Wille herself is poised to become one of those outstanding alums.

As an incoming student, Wille said, “I saw the opportunity to gain a quality, hands-on education through internships and real-world projects that would help me build my skills and prepare for my career.”

Wille was among more than 1,000 students who crossed the commencement stage on May 16. In addition to earning a B.S. in business administration and completing three internships, Wille played forward on the women ��. basketball team, reaching the NCAA Division III Final Four in 2025 and earning Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Sportsmanship Team honors this spring.

“Being part of a competitive team taught me strong time management as I balanced practices, travel and academics,” Wille said. “It also strengthened my teamwork, accountability and ability to stay focused on shared goals under pressure. Those skills have made a big impact on my overall college experience and will carry into my career.”

Wille also served as student assistant coach for the Blue Devils women ��. flag football team, which won the inaugural Midwest College Women ��. Flag Football League Championship in 2025.

“That experience allowed me to step into a leadership role and mentor other athletes,” she said. “Coaching helped me develop stronger communication skills, patience and the ability to motivate and support others.”

After graduation, Wille will begin her career as a tax associate at Redpath and Company and make a fast break toward her next goal: studying for and completing the CPA exam. Of this year ��. graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, while 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

Rosella Wille (22) was a forward on the women's basketball team, which reached the NCAA Division III Final Four in 2025.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I hope to make an impact in my field by building strong relationships with individuals and providing trustworthy guidance to help them feel more confident about their finances. Taxes and accounting can be stressful or confusing for many people, so I want to be someone clients can rely on to explain things clearly and support their financial goals. Ultimately, I want to make a meaningful difference in people ��. lives beyond just preparing returns by helping them make informed decisions for their future.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

�� has prepared me well for a career in accounting by providing professors who came directly from the field and brought their real-world experiences into lectures and labs. Learning from their perspectives helped me understand how accounting concepts apply in practice, not just theory.

The business program also required me to take courses across multiple areas like human resources, business law, management and marketing. That broad foundation will help me better understand my clients’ business and collaborate with coworkers from different departments. Overall, Stout has helped me build both my technical knowledge and the well-rounded business perspective needed to succeed in my career.

What did you learn from your internship experiences?

During my college career, I completed three internships. Two were in Menomonie and one was in Minneapolis. My first internship was at a bookkeeping company, where I built a strong foundation in the basics of bookkeeping and developed strong attention to detail.

My second internship was in Minneapolis at Foundation X, where I was introduced to philanthropy and the nonprofit space. I learned how strategic giving can make a meaningful impact and how individuals and families align their financial goals with causes they care about. That experience opened my eyes to the importance of thoughtful charitable planning and finding better, more effective ways to do good.

Lastly, I worked as a finance intern at Waznik Heike Group, where I helped prepare for client meetings and learned more about financial advising and client relationships. That role reinforced how important trust, preparation and communication are when working directly with individuals.

The greatest lesson I took from my internships is that you won’t know everything starting out and that ��. OK. What matters most is being eager to learn, asking questions and staying open to feedback. I realized that everyone around you has something valuable to teach you, and growth comes from being willing to continuously improve.

What stands out about your �� experience?

My �� experience stands out to me because of the professors. They are genuinely invested in their students, not just academically but personally and professionally as well. They truly want you to understand the material and succeed beyond the classroom. Their willingness to share real-world experiences, offer guidance and make themselves available for questions made a big difference in my learning and overall college experience.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in earning my degree was not knowing exactly what I wanted to do at first. I changed my major a couple of times while trying to figure out where I truly fit. Instead of seeing that as a setback, I used it as an opportunity to explore different classes and speak with mentors, professors and professionals to gain clarity.

Over time, those conversations and experiences led me to this specific degree and career path. I also learned to put less pressure on myself to have everything figured out right away. Once I started focusing on learning and enjoying the journey, rather than stressing about having a perfect plan, everything began to fall into place.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am most proud of being a student athlete on the women ��. basketball team. Our season ran through both the fall and spring semesters, so I never really had an off season during the academic year. Balancing practices, games, travel and a full course load was challenging at times, but I stayed disciplined and put my head down to get the work done.

That experience pushed me to grow in ways beyond the classroom. It strengthened my work ethic, resilience and ability to manage my time effectively. Finishing my degree while competing at a high level is something I am truly proud of because it reflects the commitment and perseverance I brought to my college experience.

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Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille, B.S. Business Administration

Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

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Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate Inspiring Graduate Rosella Wille on commencement stage

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Co-op Q&A: Scott Stewart, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes in Beloit

goersab — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:15:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Scott Stewart, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes in Beloitgoersab May 12, 2026

‘Supply chains connect everything – materials, information and people all work together.’

Radioisotopes play a crucial role in health care, enabling accurate 3D imaging diagnostics to help detect and treat cancer, heart disease, thyroid issues and other diseases. With more than 50 million nuclear medicine procedures performed annually worldwide, according to the World Nuclear Association, the need for the rapid production and time-sensitive delivery of radioisotopes is high.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes is a radiopharmaceutical company in Beloit that develops and distributes these lifesaving products. Recently, �� supply chain management major Scott Stewart completed a cooperative experience at NorthStar as a supply chain analyst intern.

Stewart, who has a second major in business administration, was interested in working with NorthStar Medical “because of its innovation in health care and its role in producing radiopharmaceuticals that improve patient outcomes, along with the opportunity to work in a complex, highly regulated industry,” he said.

Stewart, of Twin Lakes, was one of 24 �� students who received the university ��. 2026 Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award. He will graduate in May 2027.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

What interests me most about supply chain is how it connects everything – how materials, information, and people all work together to keep operations running efficiently and the impact those decisions have on overall performance.

I hope to improve efficiency and communication within supply chain organizations by identifying gaps and implementing better systems and processes.

What were your main roles at NorthStar Medical?

As a supply chain analyst intern, my main roles included supporting procurement and planning, creating purchase orders in Sage X3, assisting with inventory forecasting, and contributing to process improvement projects.

One major project I helped with involved mapping material process flows across the company to improve visibility and reduce confusion in operations. Another project involved researching and evaluating production scheduling software, where I recommended a new system to improve efficiency and planning. The new system is currently being implemented.

What do you enjoy most about your internship?

I enjoyed the hands-on experience and working cross-functionally with different departments and seeing how my work directly supported operations.

What was challenging about your internship, and how did you face those challenges?

A key challenge was the learning curve in a highly technical industry. I overcame this by asking questions, collaborating with teams and taking time to fully understand processes before making decisions.

How will your courses and experiences at Stout help you make an impact in your career?

Courses like Principles of Logistics and Procurement, Sourcing and Supply Chain Management have been especially helpful in building my understanding of how supply chains operate and how decisions impact efficiency.

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‘Supply chains connect everything – materials, information and people all work together.’ Scott Stewart at NorthStar

B.S. Supply Chain Management

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Career Services’ annual First Destination Report declared that 100% of recent supply chain management graduates are employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $62,000.

This past year, more than 980 students participated in co-ops and internships through Career Services at nearly 600 employers in 28 states and three international locations.

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Institute for Supply Management names Kole Mewhorter ('22) to 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars

goersab — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:35:22 +0000

Institute for Supply Management names Kole Mewhorter ('22) to 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Starsgoersab March 31, 2026

Alum honored among international young professionals who stand out as future leaders, passionate problem-solvers

Abbey Goers

Kole Mewhorter, a business administration and supply chain management alum from ��, is being honored as an Institute for Supply Management 2025 ISM 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Star.

Mewhorter, a demand planner at H.B. Fuller, a leading global adhesives provider headquartered in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, is among the 30 exceptional young professionals awarded by ISM for making a measurable impact across supply chain, procurement and operations roles worldwide.

“These rising leaders reflect the strength and future of the supply management profession,” said Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, interim chief executive officer of ISM. “Their curiosity, discipline and commitment to continuous improvement are helping organizations navigate complexity and build more resilient, forward-looking supply chains.”

Now in its 12th year, the ISM 30 Under 30 program recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership, collaboration, innovation and a commitment to advancing the supply management profession.

Mewhorter and other honorees will be celebrated at the Awards Gala during the ISM World Annual Conference, April 26-28 in Denver, Colorado. Honorees this year are from the United States, Brazil, France, India, Kenya, Malaysia and United Kingdom. They represent manufacturing, pharmaceutical, aerospace and defense, oil and gas, business services and other industries.

“Receiving this award means that there is a sense of what I am doing day-to-day is meaningful. Earning a global recognition justifies to me that I can continue to make a difference. I am proud of that,” said Mewhorter, a 2022 alum.

Continuing to push for innovation and improvement in supply chain

Through his work, Mewhorter reflects a deep sense of ownership, a forward-looking mindset and a commitment to elevating operational excellence. He began at H.B. Fuller as a buyer/scheduler a month after graduation and was promoted to demand planner seven months later.

Mewhorter continues to support improvement initiatives at H.B. Fuller, upholding the mission of Connecting What Matters. “This is done by bringing people, processes and products together to purposefully solve problems. A key part of this is with Supply Chain Excellence to become the best supplier to our customers,” he said.

H.B. Fuller partners with an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 clients and continues to establish more partnerships within the company.

During H.B. Fuller ��. transition to a regionally led supply chain structure, Mewhorter played a key role in developing the North America regional demand planning team — one of the foundational building blocks of the company ��. new operating model.

He independently created and implemented a standardized demand review process, setting clear performance expectations while meeting structure and forecasting guidelines, increasing accuracy in every business segment he works with.

“The North America demand planning team provides detailed insight into how we review our capacity/utilization, and where and how much stock we hold. It supports how much production needs to be scheduled, and how much raw materials our sourcing department needs to procure,” Mewhorter said. “It also impacts various projects that come up. Our demand planning department was not mature, and in the past two years or so, we have established ourselves as a respected seat at the table. I am proud of being a key contributor to that.”

Mewhorter also built a suite of key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytical tools, including integrated performance dashboards and enhanced reporting. These tools improved forecast visibility and enabled stronger operational decision-making.

Partnering closely with operations and commercial teams, he works directly with plant leadership, supply managers, and commercial directors to resolve complex issues and align customer demand with production capabilities and business strategy.

Mewhorter supported the rollout and adoption of a new stocking strategy framework and contributed to stock-keeping unit (SKU) rationalization initiatives. He has strengthened forecast-to-revenue alignment by collaborating with finance and commercial teams to develop more accurate, transparent methods for translating demand signals into revenue projections. He designs scalable tools, improves complex processes, and creates resources that accelerate learning and adoption across the company ��. global supply chain organization.

To build alignment among different stakeholders, Mewhorter sets clear expectations around what type of information needs to be communicated and how, knowing that it is critical to understand the deliverables or information that each stakeholder requires.

“Overcommunicate everything,” he said. “It is better to pull people in versus leaving them out. They may have a different perspective or concern that could be critical. At H.B. Fuller, we pride ourselves on the ‘Power of Collaboration.’ This is not something that can be taught, but it is a culture.

“We have a culture that positively supports the idea of ‘We are in this together.’ It is amazing, and I wouldn’t be effective at my job if I did not regularly collaborate with various parties,” he said.

Mewhorter feels motivated to continue pushing for innovation and improvement in supply chain because there is always room for improvement, knowing that the work he has done has driven positive impacts.

“This motivates me to keep the ball rolling. I also am always thinking about the direction of our business, and to get there we need to continue to optimize our supply chain operations,” he said. “Supply chain is becoming more critical every day and the only constant in this profession is change. The companies that will thrive when there are economic changes are the ones that have strong supply chains. The people within their supply chain organizations need to adapt.

“I see the future of supply chain becoming one of the most critical departments within an organization. This is because of advancements in AI, new tools and technologies, and an ever-changing economic environment. Strong supply chain departments will persevere through difficult economic activity and effectively adopt new technology,” Mewhorter said.

Prepared to work anywhere and be a valuable employee

Originally, Mewhorter wanted to attend a university that was close to his hometown of Chippewa Falls, and he heard about �� . business administration program. During his first semester in that program, he learned about supply chain and was immediately intrigued.

“I was mostly amazed with how supply chain deals with end-to-end business activity; from buying raw materials to shipping to the customer and everything in between,” he said. “From that point on, I pursued a double major in business administration and supply chain management. I knew I could work anywhere and be a valuable employee.”

Mewhorter felt challenged, encouraged and supported by his peers and professors, including Program Director Gene Gutman. “There was an aura that what you were going through was extremely difficult, but you could do it, and it would benefit you down the road. My experiences at Stout helped me to stay driven, collected, and effective in the workplace when difficult scenarios arise,” he said.

“I am StoutProud that I went to a university that challenged me more than other universities. I got firsthand experience with professionals that prepared me to be effective in the workplace. It wasn’t just lectures and exams. It was opportunities to think critically, problem-solve and execute on deliverables. The polytechnic approach is so effective, and I am grateful for that,” Mewhorter added.

Founded in 1915, the Institute for Supply Management is the leading not-for-profit professional supply management organization, with more than 200,000 members in more than 100 countries, managing about $1 trillion in corporate and government supply chain procurement annually.

ISM is committed to advancing the strategy and practice of integrated, end-to-end supply chain management through leading edge data-driven resources, community, and education to empower individuals, create organizational value and drive competitive advantage. Its vision is to foster a prosperous, sustainable world.

�� . School of Management offers 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates that build students' leadership skills in business, hospitality and technology innovation, military science, and operations and management fields.

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Co-op Q&A: Katelynn Peterson, Michels Construction Inc., Lomira, Wisconsin

‘Having confidence in yourself, in your team, in your work, matters.’

Co-op Q&A: Owen Whitney, Great Northern Corporation, Chippewa Falls

‘My internship gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my work and see how my ideas could make a real impact.’

Co-op Q&A: Scott Stewart, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes in Beloit

‘Supply chains connect everything – materials, information and people all work together.’

Supply chain alum honored among international young professionals who stand out as future leaders, passionate problem-solvers. Kole Mewhorter

B.S. Supply Chain Management

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B.S. Business Administration

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School of Management students propose riverfront hotel model for Milwaukee ��. historic Third Ward

goersab — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:47:15 +0000

School of Management students propose riverfront hotel model for Milwaukee ��. historic Third Wardgoersab March 10, 2026

Institute of Real Estate Management club members take third at CORE Case Competition

Abbey Goers

How do you produce a comprehensive, financially feasible development plan that creates value, generates attractive returns, is feasible in today ��. capital markets and aligns with the long-term positioning in Milwaukee ��. historic Third Ward?

�� School of Management students were tasked with just such a challenge recently at the Wisconsin CORE (Creation of Real Estate) Case Competition, hosted by the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin and sponsored by the Milwaukee Commercial Association of Realtors.

IREM members Alexis Brinkmoeller, Breyden Kane and Madelyn King

They joined eight other student teams from three Wisconsin universities in the two-week-long challenge before presenting their real estate development case to industry judges at CORE, held on Feb. 28 at Marquette University and the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee.

Students used the Harbor Yards riverfront site, a Mandel Group-owned 2.61-acre property on Water Street, selecting an appropriate mix of uses – such as apartments, condos, office, retail and hospitality – consistent with industrial ‑mixed zoning and under 10 stories tall.

After a full day of presentations and networking opportunities, �� won third place. The team – Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) student club members – were:

Breyden Kane, double major in hotel, restaurant and tourism management and real estate property management from St. Paul
Madelyn King, double major in hotel, restaurant and tourism management and real estate property management from Brownsville
Alexis Brinkmoeller, double major in business administration and real estate property management from Eau Claire.

“We decided to do a hotel – naming it RiverFront, by Kohler – with a golf simulator, 15-hole PGA putt putt course, luxury spa, self-pour tap room, and a rooftop beer garden restaurant, inspired by the German- and Polish-based heritage of Milwaukee,” Kane said.

In polytechnic fashion, the competition gave students another opportunity to apply classroom simulations to a real-world project, analyzing the project from concept to completion. They completed a comprehensive proposal addressing market needs, financial feasibility, risk awareness, design and community impact.

The team ��. analysis of the riverfront site included zoning, parcel boundaries, and environmental and infrastructure assumptions. “The capital stack, development budget, and projected returns (IRR, equity multiple and yield on cost), showed that the project is financeable in the current interest rate and capital markets environment,” Kane said.

Their professional deliverables included a slide deck for a 15-minute presentation with 10-minute Q&A, an executive summary and a financial model.

The development plan included the proposed use mix and program, phasing and timeline for construction, site planning, and market positioning relative to the Harbor District Area Plan and prior Mandel concepts.

The financial model offered sources and uses, a development budget with hard and soft costs, capital structure assumptions, stabilized operating projections, return metrics, exit value, and risk and sensitivity considerations.

“Our Stout students’ presentation offered a highly creative and feasible use of the land, integrating their experiences in hospitality and real estate management,” said REPM Program Director Fred Prassas. “We are very proud of their accomplishments.

“Competitions of this nature provide students with an exceptional learning opportunity,” Prassas added. “Success in this industry requires collaboration among many disciplines and these competitions give the students the opportunity to meet with professionals they will likely encounter throughout their careers.”

CORE, through the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin, is committed to strengthening the talent pipeline and connecting students with real-world opportunities in Wisconsin ��. commercial real estate industry. This was its inaugural competition.

Career Services’ annual First Destination Report found that 100% of recent REPM graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, and have an average starting salary of $56,000. �� . real estate property management program is one of only a handful of its kind in the U.S.

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Supporting entrepreneurs: Edgewood Bakeshop benefits from business students’ cost accounting project

goersab — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:50:00 +0000

Supporting entrepreneurs: Edgewood Bakeshop benefits from business students’ cost accounting project goersab February 20, 2026

Successful small business collaborates with class to improve operations, sales

Abbey Goers

Nothing draws a hungry crowd quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread, the flaky deliciousness of croissants, the mouthwatering perfection of pastries. At Edgewood Bakeshop, owner Bekah Stamps welcomes daily crowds, as patrons form a line out the door of her popular artisanal bakeshop in downtown Chetek.

But how does an already successful business improve its operations and increase sales? For Stamps, the answer came in a collaboration with �� business administration students.

Recently, students in Lecturer Kayla Stajkovic ��. Cost Accounting course used Edgewood Bakeshop ��. real cost, sales and operations data to analyze break-even points, product decisions and seasonal sales patterns. At the end of the project, they presented their recommendations to Stamps.

As lines form out the door, Edgewood Bakeshop's products consistently sell out. / Bekah Stamps

“I was impressed with the level of professionalism I witnessed from the students in this class,” Stamps said. “There were multiple moments where I felt that I was sitting with an accounting firm I’d hired to deep dive into my business. These students have a bright future, and I’m honored to have been able to collaborate with them in this way.”

Stajkovic thinks small businesses are uniquely powerful learning partners because their challenges are visible, immediate and consequential. “When students work with small businesses, they see firsthand how interconnected decisions are. Small businesses — especially newer ones — are often operating with limited resources while the owner wears every hat: operations, marketing, finance, HR,” she said.

Using cost accounting as a strategic decision tool

At the start of the project, Stamps visited the class, shared her background, her vision for Edgewood Bakeshop and her belief that bread was her primary profit driver.

Bekah Stamps opened Edgewood Bakeshop's Chetek storefront in 2024, after operating as a travelling and pop-up bakery for two years. / Bekah Stamps

However, the students’ analysis proved that what looks most profitable on a simple revenue-minus-cost basis isn’t always the most profitable when constraints are considered. When they calculated contribution margin per oven minute and per labor hour, instead of just per unit, they discovered that croissants could outperform bread depending on which resource was the true bottleneck.

“That shift from ‘Which product makes more money?’ to ‘Which product makes the best use of our limited resource?’ was transformational for the students. It moved cost accounting from a formula-based approach to a strategic decision-making tool. Several students commented that this was the moment when accounting stopped feeling procedural and started feeling managerial,” Stajkovic said.

This was also a standout moment for Stamps, who had done a brief analysis of unit cost and profit margin on a couple of her products when she began. “My assumption about the bread was actually incorrect, and it caused me to think about ways to drive more sales with certain products that I wasn’t previously considering,” she said.

Tips for Young Entrepreneurs

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‘Exactly what experiential learning is meant to do’

The Office of Corporate Relations & Economic Engagement serves to connect organizations and entrepreneurs with �� . talent, tools and technology. Those seeking consultation and collaboration may reach out to OCREE with questions.

These collaborations distinguish �� students’ applied, experiential learning from a traditional education, as they give back to the community and fuel their careers with real-world experience before graduation.

Cost accounting students presented their findings at the end of their project. / Kayla Stajkovic

One of the most meaningful parts of this project for Stajkovic was watching students gain confidence. “Many began the semester unsure about cost accounting. By the end, they were defending recommendations to a real business owner using data they had analyzed themselves. That growth — from uncertainty to ownership — is exactly what experiential learning is meant to do,” she said.

Business administration senior Emanuel Sanchez, of St. Paul, was surprised by the confidence he gained. “This project changed how I approach business problems by shifting my focus away from finding a single ‘correct’ answer to making informed decisions with incomplete information. I strengthened my analytical skills, particularly in applying accounting tools to real-world situations and clearly explaining financial results,” he said.

Business administration junior Allison Lindner, of Stratford, thinks the project reinforced the idea that business decisions and analysis are not all about correct calculations and costs, but rather communication, informed judgment and thinking beyond the box.

“Overall, it has furthered my collaborative skills, ability to ask open-ended questions and assumptions, and understanding of the numbers in real operational challenges,” she said.

Cost accounting students enjoy treats from Edgewood Bakeshop. / Kayla Stajkovic

The students saw how messy real data can be, which is something no textbook can fully teach. “The experience changes how the students view their education. They began to understand that the numbers they learned in class can directly impact someone ��. livelihood,” Stajkovic said. “For the business, even one useful insight can be meaningful. Those partnerships may be smaller in scale, but they are incredibly high in impact — for both sides.”

For Stamps, it was a fun, informative and mutually beneficial project. “It would be interesting to revisit some of these calculations in two or three years when Edgewood Bakeshop is further established to see what ��. shifted and how the business has grown,” she said, adding that giving students interested in becoming business owners a “day in the life” might also be insightful for future business classes.

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Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

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‘Supply chains connect everything – materials, information and people all work together.’

Successful small business collaborates with class to improve operations, sales Edgewood Bakeshop

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Hero Caption: Edgewood Bakeshop, a popular artisanal bakeshop in downtown Chetek. Photo contributed by owner, Bekah Stamps.

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Tips for Young Entrepreneurs

goersab — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Tips for Young Entrepreneursgoersab February 20, 2026

8 bits of advice from business professionals

As the spring semester flies by, upcoming graduating seniors are often asked that ever-looming question, “So, what are your plans after commencement?” Many �� students already have their answer, with 99% employed or pursuing additional degrees within six months of graduation.

Some students answer the question confidently with, “I’m starting my own business.” But where do they begin?

Business administration Lecturer Kayla Stajkovic and entrepreneur Bekah Stamps, owner of Edgewood Bakeshop, a popular artisanal bakeshop in downtown Chetek, combined their knowledge to pool some advice for students – or anyone – seeking to start their own business.

Supporting entrepreneurs: Edgewood Bakeshop benefits from business students’ cost accounting project

Successful small business collaborates with class to improve operations, sales

Tips for Young Entrepreneurs

Start with the problem, not the product. Strong ventures begin with a deep understanding of a real need. Spend time observing, listening and understanding who you’re serving before building the solution.
Start small, be adaptable and always curious. While researching and knowing what you want for your business is important, taking action is the only thing that will move the needle forward.
Progress beats perfection. You don’t need a perfect launch. Pilot ideas, gather feedback and adjust. Entrepreneurship is iterative — learning speed often matters more than initial perfection. You can have a plan and an idea on how you want things to go, and inevitably, something will come along that will cause you to have to pivot or find solutions.
Accept failures with humility and use them to grow. As a wise person once said, “There are no such things as problems, only solutions waiting to happen.”
Know your numbers, even if you’re not a numbers person. You don’t have to be an accountant, but you do need financial awareness. Understanding cash flow, pricing and sustainability protects your vision long term.
Build relationships, not just revenue. Connections and collaboration are essential to a successful business. Customers, mentors, community partners and collaborators are your real infrastructure. Strong networks create resilience and opportunity. If you have a business idea, reach out, network and don’t be shy.
Treat people as you would want to be treated. When your business scales to a place where you have a team, that team will move mountains for you if you set the right example.
Expect discomfort and grow through it. Entrepreneurship requires making decisions with uncertainty, receiving feedback and adapting quickly. The discomfort is not a sign you’re failing — it ��. often a sign you’re building something meaningful.

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American Marketing Association student team wins second place in AcuRite competition

goersab — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:46:30 +0000

American Marketing Association student team wins second place in AcuRite competitiongoersab November 5, 2025

AMA Regional conference, competition prepare students for real-world marketing, sales careers

Abbey Goers

Two students from �� . American Marketing Association and Business Sales Team earned second place out of 17 colleges in the AcuRite Digital Marketing Strategy Competition at the 18th annual AMA Regional Conference on Oct. 17, at UW-Whitewater.

Gerishom Muholeza, a computer science senior from St. Paul, and Gavyn Schacher, a business administration junior from Minneapolis, were joined by 10 of their �� peers at the conference, themed Beyond the Brand: Marketing for the Next Generation.

Gerishom Muholeza and Gavyn Schacher / Pam Vaver

The event brought together students from varying degree programs — including business, sales and marketing, computer science, game design and development, and digital marketing technology — to compete in person, virtually and in hybrid formats. Participants showcased their skills in multiple competitions in marketing strategy, digital marketing, marketing design, perfect pitch and sales scenarios.

“The competition was a fun and thought-provoking assignment that made us think strategically, creatively and logically about how to market to different client personas,” Schacher said. “Our presentation featured a descriptive and in-depth look into each client persona and answered the question, ‘How can we, as AcuRite, sell our products through different approaches and channels?’ We are very grateful for the opportunity to compete and showcase our skills.”

AcuRite is a leading brand for home weather stations, smart environmental monitoring and connected devices.

�� . American Marketing Association and Business Sales Team members / Pam Vaver

Schacher, a transfer student, loves �� . hands-on approach to learning. “I do feel that has helped me get ready for this, my first competition,” he said. “I enjoyed the exposure to other schools and professional organizations, and I look forward to going back next year.”

Schacher enjoys learning all the different aspects of what goes into a business. “Learning an overall view, I feel like this has made me a better critical thinker, and it has given me actionable steps to accomplish when I am in the workforce,” he said.

Business Senior Lecturer Pam Vaver, AMA advisor, said, “Each student showcased exceptional professionalism, creativity and teamwork throughout the competition, demonstrating �� . strength in preparing students for real-world marketing and sales careers. Gerishom and Gavyn ��. outstanding performance highlights the dedication and talent of �� students. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work, achievement and continued excellence in representing �� at the regional level.”

Additional students who participated were Haley Abrahams, Jordyn Chapman, Melanie Cops, Ella Jarchow, Hannah LaGesse, Sadie Liebelt, Laina Marcott, Helena Slabber, Peyton Wayne and Owen Whitney.

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‘Supply chains connect everything – materials, information and people all work together.’

AMA Regional conference, competition prepare students for real-world marketing, sales careers Gerishom Muholeza and Gavyn Schacher

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Luminary Alumni Award: Greg Else (’97)

goersab — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Luminary Alumni Award: Greg Else (’97)goersab August 27, 2025

'My time at �� helped direct the course of my life and enabled me to have a successful career.'

Greg Else (’97) received the Luminary Award as a testament to his outstanding contributions to his community and for being an inspiration to others in his roles of mentorship, service and philanthropy.

“Greg is an inspiration for others in their roles of mentorship, service and leadership to help make our world a better place. He ��. demonstrated service and philanthropy to �� and organizations at the city, community and neighborhood levels,” said �� Foundation & Alumni Association Board of Directors President Linda Funk.

Else has a B.S. in business administration, with a concentration in risk management. He is the director of Monitoring and Controls, Individual and Family Markets, with Health Care Service Corporation, headquartered in Chicago.

His career within the health care industry has spanned management and consulting, information technology, project implementation and process improvement, sales and account management, and regulatory compliance roles.

Greg has been active in the community since he was a child. Growing up in Watertown, Wisconsin, he and his family volunteered at soup kitchens, nursing homes and food pantries. His volunteerism began through church service projects and then school- and job-based opportunities.

His sense of service carried over into his time at ��, when he volunteered each week at the Dunn County Food Pantry, now known as Stepping Stones of Dunn County, as well as on community service projects through the American Marketing Association.

Else is co-founder of In-Abled Disability Business Resource Group, an affinity group for people with disabilities, their caregivers and supporters.

His philanthropy also includes serving as:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois' corporate lead for Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon, the city ��. largest day of service.
Co-lead of the Employee Volunteerism committee, which coordinates more than 60 volunteer projects each year.
Coordinator of BCBSIL United Way Celebration of Caring events.

In 2015, Else received the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Volunteer of the Year award. At the time, he had been with Health Care Service Corporation for 13 years and had logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours in Blue Corps Volunteer Program.

After residing in Chicago for 22 years, he now lives in Watertown and continues to support his community at weekly Loaves and Fishes community meals and other service opportunities.

“For me, it ��. important to give back to the communities that helped shape who I am. This includes my hometown, �� and Chicago,” Else said. “My time at �� helped direct the course of my life and enabled me to have a successful career, which inspires me to support students.”

Else has served on �� . Foundation & Alumni Association Board for 15 years and was elected treasurer in 2021. During his time with the Foundation, its assets have grown from $31 million to $91 million. Through the Foundation, he has established an endowed scholarship.

Else thinks that �� . hands-on approach to learning and the internship requirement provided him with the real-world experience to position him well for professional success.

“My advice to young students planning on going into business administration is to say, ‘Yes!,’ to new opportunities whenever possible,” he said. “Business administration opens up a wide variety of opportunities. Take advantage of professional development activities and pursue professional designations, like those offered online at ��.

“Develop an intellectual curiosity to figure things out and have a problem-solving mindset. In whatever role you’re taking on, jump right in and ask questions to become knowledgeable and help find solutions to business problems. Stay focused, keep moving forward and never quit. When challenges arise, evaluate the options, develop an action plan and hold yourself accountable to evaluate how things are going,” he added.

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'My time at �� helped direct the course of my life and enabled me to have a successful career.' Alumni Awards, Greg Else

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Make the most of your alumni benefits and opportunities by keeping your information up to date. Update your alumni record to receive event invitations, alumni news and exclusive opportunities tailored to your interests. No matter where life takes you, we want to stay connected and celebrate your continued success.

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Inspiring Graduate: Rosey Silvano, B.S. Business Administration

goersab — Wed, 14 May 2025 17:55:52 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Rosey Silvano, B.S. Business Administrationgoersab May 14, 2025

‘I hope to show people that success comes from believing in yourself and doing what you can to succeed.’

Inspiring Graduate: Rosey Silvano (’25)

Hometown: Blaine, Minnesota
Degree: B.S. Business Administration
Minor: Human Resource Management

Rosey Silvano first visited �� on a campus tour during her junior year in high school. She had tagged along on her older sister ��. tour of the university. Other schools closer to home felt too big for her and the campus atmospheres didn't feel right.

Rosey Silvano receives her diploma from Chancellor Frank.

“I felt very comfortable at �� during the tour, and from that day, I decided Stout was the school for me. I really loved how small the school is and it is easy to navigate,” Silvano said. “Bonus was that my sister was attending the school as well.”

For her leadership on campus, Silvano was awarded the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, the highest nonacademic award for students at ��. Less than 1% of full-time students receive the award.

Silvano, of Blaine, Minnesota, is a first-generation student and the youngest in her family to graduate from a university. She earned her bachelor ��. in business administration on May 10, along with 1,174 �� graduates.

“It means a lot to my family,” she said.

Silvano plans on gaining more experience working for an event planning and coordination company and will begin to build her own event planning company for birthdays, graduation parties, and small-scale weddings and gatherings.

“I hope to show people that success comes from believing in yourself and doing what you can to succeed. I want people to learn from me and apply what they have learned to benefit themselves,” she said.

Rosey Silvano is a Wood Medallion recipient.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

My favorite course was my entrepreneurship capstone. I got to make a company from scratch and test my management skills. We also got a chance to get some insight from business professionals about owning a business and how to be successful, which was such a delight.

Stout ��. internship requirement to graduate has really helped me. Now that I have my internship experience, I am more likely to land a job I enjoy. It is great to have a school that does this because it prepares us for what we want to do for a career.

I was a design and sales intern at Festivities, an event rental company. I worked in the main office with the sales team and made sales for our equipment and also stepped out in the field to set up all kinds of events. I really enjoyed working there because of the experiences that taught me about management roles and what I would potentially be doing when I own my own business.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

My involvement played a huge role in my college experience. I got to learn and grow as an individual and a leader. I got me to step out of my comfort zone and take risks. I have become a very confident individual and with the involvement I have been a part of, I can say it has prepared me for the future outside of college.

The relationships I have built here - getting the chance to be a part of a community are memories that stand out to me.

Rosey Silvano crosses the commencement stage to receive her business administration degree.

I was a part of Black Student Union and was the event coordinator in my sophomore year. I was part of Igniting Campus Engagement, Leaders Igniting Transformation, and I was the founder and president of A1 Dance. I was also a tour guide for three years, a resident advisor for two years, a project assistant for University Housing, and volunteered for Helping Hand Food+ Pantry and Dunn County Humane Society.

I received the Carl and Laura Seitz Endowed Business Administration Scholarship and Steve C. Olmstead Endowed Memorial Scholarship. I have been awarded the Individual Excellence in Leadership Award from Multicultural Student Services and the Samuel E. Wood Medallion Award.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?

I had the common challenges of being overwhelmed with the workload and assignment confusions. I did have times when classes were frustrating for me, and I would be stressed about not knowing the curriculum.

I have learned to ask for help when I am struggling. Having professors to speak to personally and get the help I needed has been a tremendous help.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I’m proud to have stuck it out through college and be my own person. I have always followed in my sister ��. footsteps and was contemplating if I should leave Stout when she left her sophomore year. But I decided to stay because I liked this school and wanted to see my journey through.

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Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

‘I hope to show people that success comes from believing in yourself and doing what you can to succeed.’ Rosey Silvano, Commencement

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Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille, B.S. Business Administration

Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille (’26)

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School of Management students propose riverfront hotel model for Milwaukee ��������. historic Third Ward

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