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

goersab — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:25:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Katelynn Peterson, Michels Construction Inc., Lomira, Wisconsingoersab August 26, 2026

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

Supply chain management, business administration and construction management are interconnected industries that transform ideas and resources into projects that improve the places where people live, work and gather. Supply chain professionals ensure that materials, services and resources move efficiently, while business professionals help organizations make strategic decisions and manage people, finances and operations. Construction professionals then bring those plans to life by creating the physical spaces that support businesses, families and communities.

Together, these fields offered �� Polytechnic student Katelynn Peterson opportunities to develop versatile skills, explore meaningful careers and see how her work can have a tangible impact. As a supply chain management major, she served as a business administration intern at Michels Construction Inc., in Lomira. She was one of the first interns placed in this role and managed more than 100 Michels interns.

Peterson was even given the opportunity to take a day trip on a private jet to Syracuse, New York, to watch Project Yankee, where Michels is testing deep foundation pouring for Micron ��. new microchip facility – a $100 billion, 680-acre-plus project.

“The opportunities are endless with Michels,” she said. “If you want to try something new or go somewhere for more experience, Michels is more than willing to put you where you need to be. This company is incredibly flexible in developing a strong career through support, networking and experience.”

Peterson, of New Richmond, expects to graduate in spring 2029, and plans to one day work at the corporate level in supply chain management.

“What interests me is the operations behind companies regarding transportation, logistics and quality management,” she said. “I hope to make an impact in my field by setting a positive, professional, and respectful standard, while finding the best protocols and operations within any project or company.”

Peterson 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 an intern at Michels Construction?

As a business administration intern, my main role was managing 115 of the 335 interns in the program. I used Excel to manage all the information. I monitored and managed their time clocks for payroll processing using ExakTime, tracked dashcam alerts with Samsara and audited their receipts for thousands of transactions in Corpay.

I had to navigate best operations for handling all of this for future business admins. Mass communicating to so many interns was challenging – sending proper protocols, policies, standards, training guides and more proved to be more than difficult. It was hard maneuvering all the communication consistently amongst the number of employees, but after finding the best system, it worked out very pleasantly.

What is a project you helped with at Michels Construction?

I created the Business Administration Playbook. It ��. a standard operating procedure (SOP) document that contained everything I did for the summer as a training guide for future business administration interns.

With two other interns placed in this role, it was a lot of organizing and navigating the best processes throughout the three months. We created the guide for those who may need it in the future.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

I enjoyed the networking and professional relationships, as well as friendships that I made. This internship presented endless opportunities for me to experience more – even developing relationships with executives and presidents. This gave me the opportunity to watch testing be done on-site firsthand for Project Yankee for Micron.

Currently, Michels is testing foundation pouring for 80-foot caissons, which are underground cement pipes. They are testing about 10 of these pours before pouring the thousands to come. It was neat to see a challenge firsthand and watch the engineers navigate solutions and what to do going forward.

What advice would you give other students who are given large responsibilities?

Be confident! Having confidence in yourself, in your team, in your work, matters. Even if you aren’t sure about what you are doing, you can be confident in navigating the next best steps to get there. Others see this motivation, and it will only make them more confident in having you experience different things.

Do you think your courses and experiences at Stout will help you to make an impact?

Yes! I do think my courses and experiences at Stout will help me to make this impact. The Career Conference Week that Stout hosts twice a year has so much potential for any individual, with any opportunity, in any major. The engaging, hands-on courses are informative and provide both soft skills and technical skills.

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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.’

‘Having confidence in yourself, in your team, in your work, matters.’ Katelynn Peterson, Michels Construction intern

B.S. Supply Chain Management

Our B.S. Supply Chain Management integrates supply chain, operations, business, and engineering to prepare you to get the right product to the right place.

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Embark on 40+ years of unmatched experiential learning with leading employers.

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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

B.S. Business Administration

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B.S. Supply Chain Management

Our B.S. Supply Chain Management integrates supply chain, operations, business, and engineering to prepare you to get the right product to the right place.

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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

Our B.S. Supply Chain Management integrates supply chain, operations, business, and engineering to prepare you to get the right product to the right place.

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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

Our B.S. Supply Chain Management integrates supply chain, operations, business, and engineering to prepare you to get the right product to the right place.

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B.S. Business Administration

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Inspiring Graduate: Nolan Harke, B.S. Supply Chain Management

goersab — Wed, 14 May 2025 17:55:51 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Nolan Harke, B.S. Supply Chain Managementgoersab May 14, 2025

‘I hope to make an impact by being a valuable team member who will lead by example and will make others around them better.’

Inspiring Graduate: Nolan Harke (’25)

Hometown: Kimberly
Degree: B.S. Supply Chain Management

Nolan Harke chose to attend �� because of its polytechnic focus and for its strong supply chain management major, completing internships at Fastenal and Pierce Manufacturing, in Appleton. He also chose �� to play baseball in one of the best Division III conferences.

Nolan Harke receives his diploma from Chancellor Frank.

“Being involved in a team environment at Stout not only for baseball but also during my capstone course has provided me with invaluable experience and skills that I will certainly bring to my field,” he said.

Harke, of Kimberly, plans to work in the Fox Valley area. He earned his bachelor ��. in supply chain management on May 10, along with 1,174 �� graduates.

“I hope to make an impact by being a valuable team member who will lead by example and will make others around them better,” he said.

“I also hope to add value to the suppliers that I will be working with by improving metrics like supplier service levels, relationships with suppliers and identifying savings opportunities.”

Nolan Harke played outfield for the Blue Devils baseball team.

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

I interned with Fastenal my sophomore year as a supply chain associate, which was a good introduction to the field, helping me understand inventory management, delivery and creating strong relationships with customers.

For the past two years, I interned at Pierce Manufacturing as a strategic sourcing intern. I managed relationships with two plastic and composite suppliers, led on-time delivery meetings, supported savings projects and presented quarterly business reviews with suppliers.

My internship experience at Pierce also stood out to me as I was able to expand my scope and work on many different projects for many different commodities. The internship program also provided many opportunities to network with other interns and employees at the Oshkosh Corp. headquarters.

Gene Gutman ��. supply chain classes allow students to get out of our comfort zone, practice our critical thinking skills and problem-solve real-life situations.

Nolan Harke earned his supply chain management degree from �� on May 10.

My capstone course was very challenging but also taught me more about supply chain and more about myself than I could have ever imagined. Our capstone team held weekly mentor meetings, where we discussed our findings and created weekly slide decks and status updates to report to our mentor and professor.

All of these experiences, whether during my internships or in the classroom, have helped prepare me for life after college. I am grateful to have had this experience.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I was an outfielder on �� . baseball team. I was fortunate enough to earn Academic All-District in the 2023 and 2024 seasons and was a 2025 Scholar Athlete.

I also received Career Services’ Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award in 2024 for my internship with Pierce Manufacturing.

Nolan Harke celebrates at commencement.

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

The supply chain management major is made up of many courses that challenged me not only to think critically but also to create good time-management habits, presentation skills and attention to details.

My yearlong capstone course has certainly been my biggest challenge due to the complexity and rigorous nature of the course. Although I have to admit there have been many difficult moments and long nights working in the lab, I couldn’t be more grateful for the supply chain experience and real-life scenarios and problems that we tackle each and every day.

Staying levelheaded, writing down notes and goals each day and ensuring I understand my priorities helped me overcome these challenges. I am proud of the hard work, dedication and perseverance that have been needed to balance my capstone and coursework.

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‘I hope to make an impact by being a valuable team member who will lead by example and will make others around them better.’ Nolan Harke, Commencement

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Kraus-Anderson vice president, regional education leaders credit �� with shaping them

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PHOTO ESSAY: Two Classes Work with Children a World Apart

goersab — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:18:16 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: Two Classes Work with Children a World Apartgoersab March 6, 2024

Discover what Sociology and Education students learn on location in Thailand and Cozumel

Abbey Goers

Two classes, two weeks. Two groups of �� students dive into the cultures of Thailand and Cozumel, Mexico, working with children and learning the histories and social structures of people a world apart.

Fifteen students venture to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces in northern Thailand, visiting communities in the Hmong and Other Minorities in Thailand course with program leader, �� sociology Professor Georgios Loizides.

Hmong and Other Minorities in Thailand course students at the Mai Sai Skywalk in Thailand / Amelia Monroe

While experiencing Thai culture, they see how the work of nongovernmental organizations addresses social challenges, like poverty, the limited citizenship status of minorities, and the trafficking of women and children.

The program was developed as part of a faculty-led series of heritage-based programming, resulting from a World Learning and U.S. Department of State IDEAS Grant (Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students) awarded to ��.

Half a world away, on the island of Cozumel, 20 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula, 10 education students complete a teaching practicum in multiculturalism in local schools for children with disabilities and at an international Montessori school.

The Education in Cozumel course, which began in 2017, involves a collaboration between �� and the University of Quintana Roo. �� students connect with UQRoo students, take dance lessons, learn to speak Spanish and converse on educational experiences in the U.S. and Mexico.

Education in Cozumel students and faculty at the beach / Terry Kohlmeier

Led by �� professors Terry Kohlmeier and Mary Hopkins-Best, students develop diverse and meaningful learning experiences for children with or without disabilities. The students write lessons and implement them in a variety of classroom settings.

After class each day, they explore the island and learn about the Mexican and Mayan cultures and history of the people of Cozumel.

Study abroad opportunities are a part of Stout Core, foundational education classes at Wisconsin ��. ��. Through Stout Core ��. areas of expertise, students gain global perspective, communication and critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning and more so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

The Cozumel and Thailand courses satisfy Stout Core Racial and Ethnic Studies requirements. They are open to students in all programs.

A trek through Thailand

Amelia Monroe, a supply chain management sophomore from Northfield, Minn., has wanted to travel to Thailand since she was a kid.

“Studying abroad was a leap of faith outside of my comfort zone and a leap I would take again. Strangers become close friends. The professors and staff truly made the experience one of a kind,” Monroe said.

Amelia Monroe with her �� backpack at the Mai Sai Skywalk / Amelia Monroe

“Studying abroad gave me a broader understanding of life in general – the differences in culture and a small peek into the reality of Thai people. I think it is so easy to take life for granted here in the states, and going to a different country was a real reality check,” she added.

Donning purple shoe booties to protect the glass, the class strolls across the Mae Sai Skywalk, which offers a unique view of the borders of Thailand and Myanmar. The curved structure, spanning 150 meters, is located at the northernmost point of Thailand and is considered to be the longest skywalk in the country.

“I never thought I would be able to study abroad, and I think it really started to hit me here. I’m a Minnesota girl representing her college in Thailand. To say I wore my �� backpack around loud and proud was an understatement,” Monroe said.

Amelia Monroe at the White Temple / Amelia Monroe

While in Mae Sai, they work at a development center with children ages 6 to 20, teaching them English. The children are at risk of parents with issues related to addiction, border trafficking, and sex and labor trafficking.

“The center works with them to bring them a better life. They believe that speaking English is the golden ticket for these kids,” Monroe said.

When they’re not studying, the class explores temples and Thai markets, takes a cooking class, samples street food and celebrates the Hmong New Year. They visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, a Buddhist temple and one of the most recognizable temples in Chiang Rai Province.

They stand under the archway at the northernmost point of Thailand, in Mae Sai, and can see the military guard at the Myanmar border. At the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, they stand at the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.

Pha Hi Village / Amelia Monroe

Riding into the lush, forested hills, and then over rutted mountain roads, the class visits several villages, including Pha Hi village, near Myanmar.

Between two mountains, nestled in the slope of a steep valley, they can see the area where the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system twists deep below the earth – where the Thailand boys’ soccer team was trapped and rescued in 2018.

During their village visits, the class learns from nongovernmental organizations about Thai culture, cultural differences, the difficulties women face and the opium war.

“It is not uncommon for an arranged marriage with girls as young as 13. Bride napping is also very common. Women are seen as bearers of children, not equals. It really put into perspective the different reality that women have in America,” Monroe explained.

Doi Tung Garden / Amelia Monroe

With mountains towering in the background, 100,000 flowers bloom and palm trees sway at the Doi Tung Garden. The class visits the garden during the annual flower festival.

“My mom loves flowers. I couldn’t stop thinking of how I wished she could be seeing the garden with me,” Monroe said. “I hope to visit with her someday and show her just how beautiful it is in person. Pictures never do anything justice.”

Amelia Monroe greets an elephant at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary / Amelia Monroe

Students are greeted by the strong, elegant trunks of Asian elephants at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, and bathed the creatures in a gentle river, splashing each other with buckets of water.

“I never thought I would love a creature this much,” Monroe said. “Elephants are massive teddy bears. They just want food and loving. They are truly beautiful, gentle creatures with a calming energy.”

Education in Cozumel

Education students Evan Verboomen and Sara Christians and their classmates spend 40 hours over the two weeks, providing learning lessons in classrooms for children with or without disabilities and in the Montessori school.

They also have a walking tour of Cozumel, buy fresh ingredients at a market for a cooking class, ride a ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland, visit Chankanaab, a botanical garden and reef marine park, and stroll on the sands of Punta Del Sur beach.

During a visit to the Mayan ruins, they learn that Cozumel was originally settled approximately 2,000 years. Mayan women would, at least once in their lifetimes, make the treacherous journey from the mainland to the island in wooden canoes to worship Ix Chel, goddess of fertility, medicine, midwifery and weaving.

Sara Christians, upper right, with prekindergartners and teachers / Sara Christians

Knowing a little bit of Spanish, Christians, an early childhood education student from Minneapolis, wanted to study abroad to learn more.

“I wanted to take the step of independence in knowing more about myself in comfortable or uncomfortable situations,” she said. “I met new people who are kind and wonderful to be around. I also became more open about the school system and how it runs.”

Montessori students painting / Terry Kohlmeier

Christians worked with prekindergarten students for three days at the Montessori school.

“It was my favorite part of our trip. Seeing how these teachers taught Montessori, letting the children decide what they wanted to do for their ‘chore’ is something I will be incorporating in my classroom,” she said.

One of their lessons included the children ��. book "The Magic Mission" by Pebe Sebert, founder of the nonprofit organization The Magic Mission, which is dedicated to stopping the overpopulation, abuse and homelessness of dogs and cats in Central America. The book is a teaching tool used to foster a positive attitude toward dogs and cats.

“We realized it could be mutually beneficial for the �� students to incorporate the book in their classroom lessons,” Hopkins-Best said. “Pebe generously arranged to have the book printed on the island, assuring that the children taught by our students each received their own book.”

As his first activity with the children, Verboomen, a technology education student from Kimberly, teaches a dozen fifth- and sixth-graders how to make simple dog leashes.

�� students Nolan Baker, left, and Evan Verboomen, right, and Montessori students made dog leashes as a class project / Evan Verboomen

Verboomen leads the children in the activity, first tying three pieces of black paracord in a knot on a clasp to secure it. The children then braid the paracord, knot it at the end and feed it back through the leash to make a loop for a handle.

“It was a blast. The kids were so excited to make the dog leashes, and it was one of the best days we had there,” he said. “I hope they learned why dogs need to be on leashes and just have more knowledge about the Magic Mission organization and the spay and neuter campaign.”

Evan Verboomen, right, plays soccer with Montessori students / Terry Kohlmeier

Verboomen chose to study abroad to have new multicultural education experiences in a different country.

“I gained the experience of teaching kids who don't have the same background or beliefs as me and trying to get them engaged in learning while I teach the lesson. I also broadened my knowledge of the world and different cultures,” he said.

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Discover what Sociology and Education students learn on location in Thailand and Cozumel Sara Christians with prekindergartners and teachers, by Sara Christians

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Georgios Loizides

Professional Interests: Comparative / Historical Sociology Social Inequality (Race and ethnicity, class, and gender) Social Change Developing World Sociological Theory Sociology of Intellectuals

Full Name: Georgios Loizides

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Curriculum Vitae: Georgios Loizides CV (322.4 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Sociology

University: Western Michigan University

Degree: M.A. Sociology

University: Western Michigan University

Degree: B.A. Anthropology

University: SUNY Stony Brook

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Ten students immersed in Costa Rican culture via international business study abroad course

goersab — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:38:10 +0000

Ten students immersed in Costa Rican culture via international business study abroad coursegoersab February 13, 2023

Hands-on, polytechnic experiences bring group closer to heritage of Latin America

Abbey Goers

From biomedical facilities to a sustainable dairy farm, from coffee producers to climbing mountains, 10 �� students were immersed in Costa Rican culture on an 11-day study abroad experience in January.

As part of Exploring International Business in Latin America, a heritage-based, faculty-led program organized by �� . Office of International Education, the group toured a diverse range of businesses centered around the capital city of San Jose, including Smith + Nephew, a British-owned medical device supplier; Sarchi, a famous artisan town; Café Britt, a gourmet coffee roaster and chocolate producer; a tree plantation; and a community water cooperative.

The students also explored cultural and environmental sites, like the Santa Ana community-based agricultural market and the Manuel Antonio National Park rainforest; shared time at the beach; attended a salsa dance class; and enjoyed a cooking class.

The group planting perennials at the Carrizal Tree Plantation. / Glendali Rodriguez

Instructional leaders were Dr. Glenn Rodríguez and �� Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, a father-daughter team whom the group came to know as “Dr. G” and Glendalí (Glenda-lee).

“The experiences ran quite the gamut. The variety of visits complemented themselves,” said Dr. G, a retired dean of McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill., where he taught international business until 2012. Dr. G, of Louisville, Ky., was also the international operations director for Latin America and the Caribbean for Papa John ��. Pizza, helping the franchise to launch its first 82 locations in six Latin American countries.

Students in the course were:

Amanda Carey, first year in management, Almond
Brittney Dehnke, senior in business administration, Eau Claire
Sarah Durst, junior in hotel, restaurant and tourism management, Menomonie
Lauren Ek, junior in business administration, Saint Michael, Minn.
Brian Holcomb, junior in supply chain management, Chanhassen, Minn.
Orianna Horel-Borrero, sophomore in business administration, Elk Mound
Jaice Jahnke, junior in business administration, Greenville
Eduardo Placencia, first year in business administration, Minneapolis
Andrew Probelski, junior in information and communication technologies, Minneapolis
Kailey Swarts, junior in business administration, Mantorville, Minn.

Dr. Glenn Rodriguez and Provost Glendali Rodriguez / Glendali Rodriguez

“An objective of the course was to teach students how business in Latin America varies because of the culture and political nature of these countries,” Dr. G said. “We engaged on these topics with speakers explaining the history of Costa Rica and its political situations and economic focus. Labor laws are different in Latin America versus in the United States. For instance, there are no unions, but rather labor-business cooperatives, and there is a 48-hour work week.”

“There is a business professionalism in everything across the country, and you can’t really understand the difference in how Latin American businesses run until you’re there,” Glendalí added.

“The locals were all very welcoming to us and shared a wide range of business practices, missions, and visions, helping the students as they chart their career paths. Watching those ‘ah-ha moments’ as they think about their future careers is spectacular.”

Immersion in Latin American business and culture

Beginning with Smith + Nephew, the group experienced a “clean facility” – where sterile conditions are required to produce medical technologies – during a tour by the plant manager and a laborer. “The benefits available and friendliness of the environment make it a pleasant place to work. The warm Latino culture came through,” Dr. G said.

Touring Smith + Nephew, a medical device supplier and 'clean facility' / Glendali Rodriguez

At Café Britt, Horel-Borrero ��. favorite business visit, the group met with the CEO. “It is very rare for the CEO of an international organization to take the time to talk to 10 college students. It was special to get the insights of growing a local business to an international brand,” Dr. G added.

“Our visit to Café Britt was fun. It has a homey environment. The employees were very kind and told us lots of information,” Horel-Borrero said.

Probelski ��. favorite trip was to a sustainable dairy farm owned by a Dos Pinos co-op member. “Following sustainable farming best practices, the owner has transformed his land from brown and desolate to green and thriving, without the use of pesticides and other chemicals,” he said.

Touring a sustainable dairy farm owned by a Dos Pinos co-op member / Glendali Rodriguez

The group continued to learn about sustainable practices in Carrizal, a remote community with a natural spring water source. Community members pay to be part of the Carrizal Aqueduct Administrative Association, a local water cooperative. Water is considered a natural human resource in Costa Rica, and citizens are not charged for it, Glendalí explained.

They also volunteered at the Carrizal Tree Plantation, planting perennial flowers for butterflies and other pollinators in an effort to reforest land that was once a coffee plantation. “Costa Rica has a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2050,” Glendalí said.

The Santa Ana Farmer's Market was Horel-Borrero ��. and Probelski ��. favorite cultural experience. In addition to having fresh foods, the market included social activities for people of all ages. “The streets were alive – ‘Calles Vivas.’ We danced, tried new fruits and juices, watched a soccer game and got to learn all about their process in building the community of Santa Ana,” Horel-Borrero said. “Making experiences more personal makes a big difference to me.”

Amanda Carey, Kailey Swarts and Lauren Ek at Santa Ana Farmers Market / Glendali Rodriguez

“There were so many beautiful, hand-made crafts,” Probelski added. “Some things could be haggled for. My lack of fluent Spanish was a barrier, but by the end of the trip my skills and comfort conversing in a limited way surprisingly improved just by being around it all day, every day.”

Practicing the polytechnic advantage abroad

�� . Office of International Education coordinates study abroad programming with Academic Programs International, which has on more than one occasion complimented OIE and �� students. “Our group was unique in a positive way,” Glendalí said. “We got our hands dirty, tried new foods, interacted with the community. We’re very engaged because we are a polytechnic. We’re ready to make the most of every learning experience – and API recognizes that in our students.”

Brittney Dehnke, Orianna Horel-Borrero and Kailey Swarts at the Carrizal Tree Plantation / Glendali Rodriguez

Horel-Borrero and Durst, who are minoring in Spanish, had opportunities to speak Spanish every day, furthering their polytechnic experience while abroad. They even acted as translators for their classmates at a McDonald's. “This really put my direct interpretation skills to the test, something that written classroom tests couldn't do,” Durst said.

Durst chose Spanish as a minor because, after English, it is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the hospitality industry. “It's especially important to me because I want to work at Walt Disney World in Florida, where there are a lot of people whose first language is Spanish. It certainly helped me a lot when I worked there last summer,” she said.

“The big thing is just putting into practice what you know in your daily actions,” Horel-Borrero added. “The best way to learn another language is to completely immerse yourself in it. Practice makes perfect. You need to practice when you have the opportunity at your fingertips.”

This was Dr. G ��. first time working with �� students. “The group gelled,” he said. “To bring 10 strangers together with instructors they’ve never met before and build community, it was beautiful.”

Foundation scholarship and federal grant make travel possible

�� . OIE received a $35,000 IDEAS grant from the U.S. Department of State ��. Capacity Building Program for U.S. Study Abroad for the Heritage-Based Faculty-Led study abroad programs. Additional funding from the Stout University Foundation supplemented student scholarships.

“Our heritage-based programming was intentionally designed to create a platform for engagement in a high impact experience that leads to increased retention, better academic performance and increased global competence,” said Scott Pierson, OIE director.

“With only 11% of U.S. undergraduate students participating in study abroad, and disproportionately lower underrepresented participation, the United States has much work to do to provide access and equity. This program, through a partnership with API and IDEAS, has helped us to make an immediate impact in advancement of these efforts,” he added.

Andrew Probelski and Eduardo Placencia at the Carrizal Aqueduct / Glendali Rodriguez

One of the initial concepts behind the program was to have faculty and staff representation from the Latino culture, Glendalí explained. “This was fundamental to the students’ learning, to have personal connections to the culture within the Stout group. As a Latina, I was interested in helping implement the course, and Dr. G worked with the business department to join me,” she said.

“Leading the group together was a really special experience for Dr. G and me,” Glendalí said. “We’ve traveled together before to Puerto Rico, where we have family. But this was our first time traveling together professionally. It was a great partnership.”

Horel-Borrero, Placencia and Probelski received a heritage-based scholarship toward the trip and said that without it they would not have been able to afford the experience. They recommend study abroad to all students “so they are aware of how different we are from the rest of the world,” said Horel-Borrero.

As an adult learner returning to school to finish his degree, Probelski thought he would never have an opportunity to study abroad.

“Study abroad will broaden your cultural aperture, shatter expectations and stereotypes, and give you life-changing new perspectives on how others live. Ideally, you will come away from your study abroad experience a better person – I did,” he said. “I am beyond grateful to ��, Academic Programs International and everyone that made this a reality for me.”

The next program in the three-part series is planned for Thailand in WinTerm 2024, which will focus on Hmong culture and identity. In WinTerm 2025, a program is being planned in Africa, likely in Ghana.

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Hands-on, polytechnic experiences bring group closer to heritage of Latin America Planting perennials at the Carrizal Tree Plantation

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Inspiring Graduate: Ben Larson, B.S. Supply Chain Management

goersab — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 19:07:20 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Ben Larson, B.S. Supply Chain Managementgoersab January 23, 2023

'The polytechnic experience aided my learning more than anything.'

Inspiring Graduate: Ben Larson (’22)

Hometown: Menomonie
Degree: B.S. Supply Chain Management

Ben Larson / ��

Through two internships obtained during �� . Career Fair – one as a distribution supervisor with Menards and another as a supply chain intern with Andersen Corp. – Ben Larson added to his hands-on experience.

“My internships taught me a lot about the workplace and applications I learned about in the program. Having these opportunities taught me areas that I enjoyed in work, as well as areas that I did not enjoy. This narrowed down my job selection process,” he said.

Larson accepted a full-time position as a supply chain analyst with Andersen in Menomonie, before graduating on Dec. 17, when he earned his bachelor ��. in supply chain management.

How has your Stout education and experience changed you?

Stout exposed me to courses that helped me decide to change my career path as a whole from business administration to supply chain.

The polytechnic experience aided my learning more than anything in my supply chain degree, a degree I was previously unfamiliar with.

My mandatory internships helped me harness soft skills I would not have likely learned in the classroom, all while supervising workers and learning analytic applications for production facilities.

Ben Larson celebrates at commencement. / ��

What stands out about your Stout experience?

Supply chain ��. Design 1 and Design 2 courses were very beneficial in teaching me about the many areas of a business, as well as how decisions made in one area can impact others.

These courses also taught me about myself, how I react to challenges, how to hold myself and teammates accountable and use time management. I have applied some of these personal lessons to my everyday life.

Gene Gutman created and taught the four most impactful courses I had at the university, in a hands-on style. He gave us real world networking opportunities to give progress reports and gain feedback. He expected and brought out only the best in each of his students, which prepared us for the many different challenges that we’ll face in a problem-solving and analytic field. These expectations and opportunities contributed to my professional personality immensely.

How did your involvement at Stout impact your experience?

I was an officer in the Stout Ambassadors program, which gives students opportunities to engage with alumni, industry partners, campus and community stakeholders.

I also served as an officer in two professional student organizations. APICS is the nation ��. leading professional association for supply chain and operations management; and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals is the worldwide professional association dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of research and knowledge on supply chain management.

These three organizations gave me many networking opportunities, as well as connections to campus.

How did you overcome the challenges you faced in earning your degree?

Switching to an online education format during COVID was a difficult transition. But I am much more efficient and comfortable on the computer now in many different programs that I may not have been exposed to otherwise.

My capstone course and other rigorous courses helped me improve my time management and prioritization skills immensely.

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

I’m most proud of the ability to look back and see all the work I accomplished, the maturity I gained as a professional and the many friendships I made.

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

'The polytechnic experience aided my learning more than anything.' Ben Larson, inspiring grad, fall 2022, 2

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Two commencement ceremonies on Dec. 17 at �� celebrated a special “Stout Proud” day in the lives of 594 graduates.

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Third time ��. the charm for veteran who returns to school, earns degree, lands job

goersab — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 18:09:51 +0000

Third time ��. the charm for veteran who returns to school, earns degree, lands jobgoersab July 22, 2021

Richards’ goal, after beginning new supply chain management career at Andersen, is to ‘never stop learning’

Abbey Goers

Adam Richards believes that if you want something, you need to go get it. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1998 and served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. But when he was injured, he was honorably discharged and could no longer pursue a military career.

“I made the decision to pave my own way in life,” Richards said. “Being a United States Marine was my first career choice. I was then faced with a road of uncertainty, unsure of where I was to go next.

“But you are never stuck. We can change our paths, which is never easy,” he added

Adam Richards, supply chain management graduate. / Adam Richards

Richards started as a lineman with Henkels and McCoy, a utility construction firm. But work was inconsistent, and he was frequently laid off. He decided to pursue a degree in criminal justice and become a state trooper. He was told, however, by the Veteran Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation Office that this would not be a feasible career for him.

“Once again, I found myself in a realm of uncertainty,” he said.

Richards still wanted to return to school. He enrolled in hotel and restaurant management at Chippewa Valley Technical College, but he never finished his degree. When he was offered a job with University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. Dining Services, he seized the opportunity and worked there for 10 years.

While at Dining Services, Richards applied for higher-level positions he felt he was qualified for. But he didn’t receive the promotions. “I realized that no matter my experience and capabilities, I would not get a promotion without a degree,” he said.

Some of the student employees he worked with were in the supply chain management program. They talked about the high employment rate for graduates, generous starting salaries and variety of career paths, as well as the program being a good challenge. SCM graduates have a 100% employment rate within one year of graduation, with an average starting salary of $55,000 to $65,000.

Richards became fascinated with supply chain management. He quit his job with Dining Services and took a position at Walmart Distribution Center in Menomonie to gain experience in supply chain. He also met with Gene Gutman, �� supply chain management program director, and decided to return to school for the third time.

“This time around, I was determined to finish,” he said.

Returning to school

Adam Richards and his son at a Menomonie Mustangs game. / Adam Richards

Richards returned to school in summer 2016. It had been nearly 10 years since he’d stepped foot inside a classroom. Being an adult learner was scary at first, he said. “I felt very old and out of place.”

On his first day of class, he walked into Jarvis Hall for his statistics class. But the door was locked, so he waited in the hall. A man about Richards’ age showed up in a T-shirt and khaki shorts with a blue JanSport backpack.

“I remember thinking to myself, ‘Sweet, someone my own age will be in this class,’” he said. “What I soon found out was that this man was not a student like me. He was the professor.”

Richards started slow, warming up to life as a student, he said. As he found his footing, he increased his class load and became a full-time student, all while working full time with two children at home.

Richards completed his required co-op at Andersen Windows, working with the supply chain procurement team at the company ��. Menomonie facilities. He graduated with his SCM degree in May and also earned a minor in project management. Before graduation, he was hired as an associate supply chain analyst at Andersen Windows, working specifically with the made-to-order materials.

“My goals for the future are to learn as many roles as possible within the supply chain field at Andersen, continuing to advance and grow within the company,” he said.

Never stop learning

Adam Richards and his daughter taking a selfie. / Adam Richards

Juggling family life, work and school was Richards’ biggest challenge. School started out bumpy, he said. But like other aspects in his life, his academics smoothed out as he moved forward, found a routine and received guidance from his professors.

“I was determined to get my degree and change my path,” he said. “It was with this mentality I was able to find success. Though it most definitely helps when you have a supportive family to motivate you and provide you the fuel to continue to push yourself.”

As an adult learner, Richards learned three main things, he said:

The vastness of the end-to-end supply chain.
Always ask why. And even when you think you know why, keep going.
There is always room for growth.

All of this goes hand-in-hand with the most important lesson Richards learned – to never stop learning. “That is one thing Gene does very well,” Richards said. “He forces us to really dig in and ask questions to figure it out. There are always issues that lead to potential opportunities.”

“I am so proud of Adam and his accomplishments," said SCM Program Director Gene Gutman. "I remember the first time I met him in my office, and he told me his story and his desire to earn a degree. His work ethic, perseverance and desire to learn will serve him well. He has a bright future in supply chain management.”

Richards plans to pursue his online master ��. in operations and supply management from ��.

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Richards’ goal, after beginning new supply chain management career at Andersen, is to ‘never stop learning’ adam_richards_3.jpg

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Pandemic challenges thrust national, world supply chain into spotlight

polingj — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:35:20 +0000

Pandemic challenges thrust national, world supply chain into spotlightpolingj April 8, 2020

Gutman, undergraduate program director, looks at ‘unprecedented’ surge in demand

Reprinted with permission of the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
(Published April 7, 2020, Page 3A)

By Ryan Patterson
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram

Personal protective equipment like ventilators and masks are in short supply in some parts of the county facing COVID-19. The lack of equipment is due to many reasons, but the basic reason is demand for the materials far exceeded supply and companies are unable to quickly respond to the increased demand.

That is where supply chain management comes in. The area deals with “the flow of materials and the flow of information from the lowest-level supplier to the end consumer,” according to Gene Gutman, �� associate professor of supply chain management and director of the supply chain management undergraduate program.

Gutman recently spoke with the Leader-Telegram about supply challenges, how the coronavirus might impact companies’ future decisions and a metaphor to think about surge capacity.

The interview has been edited and condensed.

It seems like COVID-19 has affected most supply chains to some degree, is that fair to say?

It ��. causing disruption … and the reason for this is we have such a tremendous surge in demand that ��. unprecedented. Typically, the way supply chains work is supply chains plan for somewhat normal or constant demand, and then they plan for variation. There ��. typically variation on a day-to-day or a week-to-week or a month-to-month basis in terms of what people consume, and that variation isn’t anywhere near what we’re seeing today in terms of certain products. What happens is this ripples all the way back to the suppliers who supply raw materials, components, sub-assemblies, and then to the manufacturers who actually do the fabrication and final assembly of the product.

Is there a certain industry or product that ��. been most impacted?

It ��. clear the medical supplies are seeing the surge in demand. We saw something as simple as toilet paper as a surge in demand. If you think about toilet paper being normal demand, that ��. probably about as constant as it gets. People use the same amount every day, and when all of a sudden they go and buy large amounts of toilet paper you have a surge. Companies just aren’t able to scale the business to be able to deal with this … When things are going well, people don’t even know about the supply chain. You expect milk, bread and toilet paper to show up every day at the grocery store. You just don’t think about it.

Is there any similar precedent, anything remotely to compare this to?

Ironically, yes. It depends how you look at the question … When we had Hurricane Katrina (in 2005), that created a huge, huge surge in demand in that region for different items and supplies. Or you go back a few years (to 2011) when there was the tsunami in Japan … We’ve seen it many times from a pure supply chain perspective. Where we haven’t seen it is the broad-scale economic and social impact this is causing, where so many businesses are severely impacted across the country and across the globe. When Hurricane Katrina hits or a tsunami hits, it ��. somewhat localized to that region. This is hitting the economy and people ��. everyday interaction and social activity on a global scale, and we have not seen that before.

Is there a most concerning aspect from a supply chain perspective?

What ��. most concerning is that we do not know how long and how deep this is going to last. How bad is this going to be? The unfortunate thing is people are dying, and the economy is being hit severely … The other concern is that if the front line in the supply chain gets decimated, that can really, really, really be troublesome. And when I say the front line, it can be the health care workers … trucking and warehouse people to deliver food to grocery stores, people who manage power plants.

Anecdotally, what have supply chain people learned from this situation over the past month?

Unfortunately, this is a great way to teach supply chain concepts. When we talk about surge in demand, we can illustrate what ��. going on with medical supplies. We can talk about stockpiles, and when we talk about lead time or time it takes to replenish, we have real-life examples that we can use as teachable concepts.

When the country gets out of the worst of this, how do think companies will change their supply chain management, if at all?

Companies are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating their supply chains, so I don’t believe there will be one magic way to do this … I think companies will continue to make conscious decisions on where to source products … They’re constantly balancing risk, they’re balancing costs, they’re balancing the ability to respond and scale, they’re balancing quality, they’re balancing lead time and they balance how to protect their intellectual property. These factors drive if they source locally, regionally, domestically or globally.

One of the things I use as an example to illustrate “surge capability and how can people understand it?” The example I use is most people in their life have baked a cake or have made cookies. Most people have ingredients at home to bake a cake or make cookies, and all of a sudden there ��. a bake sale going on and you’ve been asked to make some cookies or make a cake, and you decide, “OK I’m going to make a couple cakes for the bake sale or a couple dozen cookies,” and you may have to go to the store. There ��. plenty of those ingredients on the shelf, and you come home and you make your cakes and away you go.

All of a sudden the bake sale calls up and says, “You know what? I need 10 cakes or 10 dozen cookies.” And you say, “I think I can still do that, but I’m going to have to work really hard to do that,” and you go back to the store and get more ingredients. Then while you’re out, they call you up and say, “You know what? We need 100 cakes.” There ��. no way you can physically make 100 cakes for tomorrow with one oven, so what do you do? You call your friends, you say, “Can each of you make 10 cakes?” Then the 13-time World Champion Green Bay Packers call up and say, “We want to have a cake or a cookie for everybody who ��. coming to the game on Sunday, and we want that cake or cookie to be in the form of the Lombardi Trophy or the Packer logo.”

So, you need to make 80,000 cakes by tomorrow, and you don’t even have cookie cutters or a cake mold to do this. We now have to buy cookie cutters or cake molds to do this, and there ��. no way the grocery store ��. going to have enough ingredients to make 80,000 cakes. So, then what happens is the rest of the world is getting wind of this, all of the countries around the world call you up and say, “Guess what? We want a cake for every single person on the planet. Eight billion cakes.” This has all happened in a matter of a couple days. Well guess what? There aren’t enough eggs on the planet to make eight billion cakes, so what do you do? We need more chickens to lay eggs, so we need to breed chickens, the chickens need to lay eggs, we need to hatch the eggs, we need to grow chickens to become adults. All of this will take a few months before chickens can even start producing eggs. Then, we need to package and distribute the eggs to the grocery store. While all of this is going on, the health department hears about our bake sale and they want to come in and certify our facility. We will need to apply for a license.

This simple example illustrates how this concept of surge capacity works — people and businesses can only grow and surge so much before they hit their capacity limit. Companies have no more capacity, because they are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every single piece of equipment they have. We can’t bake more cakes if we don’t have any more ovens. We can’t bake more cakes unless we have more ingredients. It ��. physically impossible …The challenge is you would not keep all of these ingredients on hand; they have a shelf life and spoil, and you would not have all of the extra ovens sitting idle for something that happens so infrequently. It is not a piece of cake!

Supply chain people deal with this every day and know how to address these issues. The issue isn’t knowing what to do. The issue is being able to do it and having the capability to do it.

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Gene Gutman

Personal protective equipment like ventilators and masks are in short supply in some parts of the county facing COVID-19. Gene Gutman

B.S. Supply Chain Management

Our B.S. Supply Chain Management integrates supply chain, operations, business, and engineering to prepare you to get the right product to the right place.

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Gene Gutman

Teaching Interests: Supply Chain Mgmt-Supply Chain Design; Negotiation; Procurement and Sourcing; Logistics

Research Interests: Applied Research - Supply Chain Management, Business Strategy, IT Strategy and Implementation, Procurement, Sourcing, Logistics, Transportation, Global Business,

Full Name: Gene A. Gutman

Job Title: Associate Professor / Program Director

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: School of Management Business Department

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B.S. Supply Chain Management

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Degree: M.S. Management Technology

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.S. Emphasis-Production Operations

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

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