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�� Polytechnic guarantees Minnesota high school students admission, reciprocal tuition

giffeyt — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

�� Polytechnic guarantees Minnesota high school students admission, reciprocal tuitiongiffeyt October 14, 2026

New Guaranteed Admission program streamlines degree paths for qualifying students at region ��. only polytechnic university

Tom Giffey

Minnesota high school students now have a streamlined route to pursuing a polytechnic education thanks to �� Polytechnic ��. new Minnesota Guaranteed Admission program.

The clear pathway allows qualifying Minnesota first-year students to simply fill out an application and submit their high school transcripts for admission, with no additional steps needed. Coupled with the longstanding tuition reciprocity agreement – which allows Minnesotans attending �� Polytechnic to pay the same tuition they would at a public university in Minnesota – the Guaranteed Admission program makes �� Polytechnic an even more attractive option for students who want to do more with their college experience.

“We want to make sure that Minnesota students have access to a polytechnic education and are able to Do More on Day One,” said Director of Admissions Brian Weber, noting that �� Polytechnic is the only polytechnic university in either state. “Our Guaranteed Admissions program eliminates the guesswork of what students need to submit, making the application process easier and more transparent for prospective students and their families.”

The application process is free, and submitting ACT or SAT scores is optional. To qualify for Guaranteed Admission, Minnesota students must have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher. In addition to tuition reciprocity, Minnesota students are eligible for a share of the more than $2 million in merit-based and foundation scholarships given to �� Polytechnic first-year and returning students annually.

Students cross the South Lawn at �� Polytechnic.

Tony Trudeau, a counselor at Minnetonka High School in Minnetonka, Minn., who holds a M.S. school counseling degree from �� Polytechnic, said the Guaranteed Admission program will help open doors for Minnesota students.

“I often talk to students about college opportunities in Wisconsin, and I think knowing the choice exists in a streamlined fashion would make them strongly consider the option,” Trudeau said.

During his own time at �� Polytechnic, Trudeau said he benefitted from reciprocal tuition and the opportunities the campus offered to explore experiences outside his major as well as the university ��. applied learning approach.

“I think what sets �� Polytechnic apart is the ability to be very hands-on with whatever degree program you choose,” he said. “The opportunities to actually experience what you would be doing in your chosen field helps you make decisions on your career path and be ready to work right after graduation. The small class sizes also give you the chance to dive deep into discussions and get live feedback.”

�� Polytechnic is already the choice for hundreds of first-year students from Minnesota each year who are seeking applied learning opportunities that propel them into careers in engineering, technology, design, management and much more. As a polytechnic institution, �� Polytechnic immerses students in an environment focused on applied learning, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences.

Blue Devil grads get blue-chip jobs with Fortune 500 firms

Survey finds rising pay, 99% employment rate for recent �� alums

Each year, those career experiences include nearly 1,000 co-ops and internships with top companies across the region and nation. Frequently, these experiences lead to full-time employment – even before graduation. In the past five years, �� Polytechnic graduates have gone to work for more than 125 employers on the Fortune 500, including many of Minnesota ��. most successful companies, such as 3M, Best Buy, Xcel Energy, Target, Hormel Foods, Solventum, Fastenal, CHS Inc., C.H. Robinson and Land O’Lakes.

�� Polytechnic graduates can expect a near-perfect job placement rate and salaries higher than graduates of other regional institutions. According to the university ��. annual First Destination Report, 99% of recent grads were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. And undergraduate degree recipients from 2024-25 reported an average annual starting salary of $59,000, a figure that ��. been the highest among universities in western Wisconsin for the past six years of available data.

“At �� Polytechnic, we’ve got the right mix of academic programs to prepare graduates to pursue rewarding careers in Minnesota or wherever else their paths take them,” Weber said.

To learn more about the Guaranteed Admission program for Minnesota students, visit www.uwstout.edu/do-more-mn.

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�� Polytechnic guarantees Minnesota high school students admission, reciprocal tuition

New Guaranteed Admission program streamlines degree paths for qualifying students at region ��. only polytechnic university

Menomonie Culver ��. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecoming

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 15-18

U.S. News & World Report gives �� Polytechnic high marks for engineering programs, affordability in Midwest

New ‘Best Colleges’ list ranks Stout among top 25 public regional universities in Midwest

New Guaranteed Admission program streamlines degree paths for qualifying students at region ��. only polytechnic university Passing time on South Lawn at �� Polytechnic

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Menomonie Culver ��. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecoming

goersab — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:25:00 +0000

Menomonie Culver ��. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecominggoersab October 8, 2026

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 15-18

Abbey Goers

The game ��. afoot at �� Polytechnic ��. 2026 homecoming, Thursday, Oct. 15, to Sunday, Oct. 18. With a Clue-based weekend theme, alumni, students, supporters, and community members anticipate the annual parade and football game on Saturday.

The community is also invited to two special events supporting students, in collaboration with Menomonie Culver ��. and Brewery Nonic, as well as a Stout Clock Party featuring a Made@Stout Pop-Up Market with creations made by students, faculty and staff.

All events are open to the public. �� Polytechnic staff will be available at the homecoming welcome table Oct. 16, 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Alumni Clock Tower Plaza, to provide more details about events happening around campus.

This year marks �� Polytechnic ��. 110th homecoming, with its first homecoming held in 1917.

The Clue Devil Files: The Homecoming Custard Flavor Mystery

For the third year in a row, Menomonie Culver ��. has created a homecoming flavor for �� Polytechnic. The Clue-themed Flavor of the Day will be served on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17 at both Menomonie locations, and 100% of Flavor of the Day sales will go to support StoutProud Fund, providing important resources to meet the evolving needs of �� Polytechnic.

Can you guess the Flavor of the Day before ordering a dish for yourself? Four clues. One flavor. A sweet suspect is closing in on Menomonie, and every Blue Devil is a detective now.

Case File #1: The victim was smooth, cool, and found at the scene without a trace of color. Witnesses say it was the foundation of the whole operation. Nothing exciting about it ... or so they thought.
Case File #2: Blood-red evidence has been found at the scene. But don’t panic. Investigators confirm it ��. fresh, sweet, and picked with care. Not a crime of passion ... more like a crime of produce.
Case File #3: A dark figure was seen making a quick getaway, leaving a trail across the scene. Whoever did it moves in slow, deliberate streaks. Tip line update: the suspect is dark, smooth, and always leaves things a little messier than they found them.
Case File #4: The final piece of evidence is in, and it ��. a sticky situation. Fluffy, white, and impossible to shake off, this one clings to everything it touches. Sounds like our culprit has a soft side.

Limited-edition homecoming brew with Brewery Nonic

The second annual limited-edition homecoming brews will be available in a dulce de leche stout and a sour wheat with optional fruit infusions, through a special collaboration with Brewery Nonic, owned by alum Ryan Verdon (’13).

Purchase a signature homecoming glass, and receive the first pour of one limited-edition brew for free. Best of all, 50% of the proceeds support the StoutProud Fund, helping advance the university's strategic priorities and enhance the polytechnic experience.

Glasses can be purchased online and picked up at the following:

Cheers to Stout! prehomecoming celebration: Oct. 15, 5 to 7 p.m. (Brewery Nonic)
Homecoming welcome table: Oct. 16, 1 to 4:30 p.m. (Alumni Clock Tower Plaza)
Homecoming welcome table: Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Alumni Clock Tower Plaza)

Homecoming parade and community events on Saturday

Saturday will start with some preparade fun at the Stout Clock Party from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the Alumni Clock Tower Plaza, with face painting, balloon art, and more, including a Made@�� Pop-Up Market. Made@�� supports Blue Devil creators, makers and entrepreneurs by creating opportunities to showcase and sell their products and connect with the community.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at 10th Avenue E. and Broadway Street S. The route goes through downtown and then south on Third Street E. through campus toward the Sports and Fitness Center, ending at 13th Avenue. Watch the parade livestream on YouTube.

Enjoy a self-guided stroll through campus from 9 a.m. to noon, featuring highlighted stops that showcase �� Polytechnic ��. spaces, history and creativity, including an art walk with works by students and faculty.

Downtown Menomonie will host the second Downtown Fall Frolic, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Shop sidewalk sales, get one-day-only deals at downtown shops and enter a free raffle to win Downtown Menomonie experience packages.

Athletics and recreation events

The annual Soapbox Derby, featuring student-made cars, will be on Monday, Oct. 12. Construction will occur from noon to 3:30 p.m. on the Memorial Student Center south lawn, followed by judging. The race is set to start afterward on campus, on the corner of 10th Avenue E. and Sixth Street.

Cheer on the Blue Devils at two games on Oct. 17. Purchase tickets at the games, or watch the Blue Devils’ games online on the WIAC Network.

Football vs. UW-Whitewater: 1 p.m. (Williams Stadium)
Men ��. soccer vs. UW-Platteville: 1 p.m. (Nelson Field)

Alumni events

Two special events for alumni are planned. The �� Polytechnic Alumni Awards Celebration will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 16, in the Memorial Student Center ballrooms. Purchase a ticket to attend. Distinguished alumni and supporters recognized will be:

Distinguished Alumni awardee Joseph G. Rossmeier ('65) is recognized for his leadership at higher education institutions, improving the success of students.
Luminary Alumni awardee Howard Lee ('68, '69) is recognized for his service to the Menomonie community and his inspirational mentorship in the field of education.
Rising Leader Alumni awardee Jacob Schwitzer ('20) is recognized for changing the way people experience culture, storytelling and connection through video games.
Chancellor ��. Award recipients Ronald and Joyce Wanek are recognized for their philanthropy and the ongoing partnership between the university, the Wanek family and their business, Ashley Furniture Industries, based in Arcadia.
University Partner awardee Green Bay Packaging reflects the university ��. mission of applied learning, industry and community partnerships, and workforce development.

On Oct. 17, Breakfast at the Buck features a breakfast for alumni from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Silver Dollar, 315 Main St. E. Register online.

A dozen different events for students are listed on the Connect app.

Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

Muralists from around the U.S. and world join university artists and volunteers for public art event

A mural walk, art & design exhibitions

Stroll through downtown to view the Murals in Menomonie, created during a Walldogs celebration in June. The 13 murals by national artists depict many local historic individuals, events and institutions, including Swiss Miss hot cocoa, the Menomonie Blue Caps Base Ball Club, and the Knapp, Stout & Co. lumber business, co-owned by the father of university founder James Huff Stout.

Stout ��. most enduring legacy – the educational institution he founded – is depicted in a mural on the east side of the Administration Building, facing Alumni Clock Tower Plaza. Painted archways bearing the phrases “Forward from our founding” and “Forever to our future” frame a panoramic depiction of campus landmarks.

Acclaimed Wisconsin painter Fred Stonehouse ��. exhibition “Emblem and Epigraph/Curses and Catchphrases: Fred Stonehouse, Paintings 2015-2025” is at Furlong Gallery.

Gallery 209 in the Applied Arts Building has the “Skizzenbuch Exhibition.” Skizzenbuch, a German word that translates to sketchbook, will offer a glimpse of work in progress by School of Art & Design students and is curated by students.

The Library Art Lab, on the first floor of the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center, features selected works from “Fieldwork,” an exhibition with artwork by more than 40 students that took place in June at Q.arma Gallery in Minneapolis.

The fall 2026 art installation in the Outpost Art Gallery will be unveiled at 3 p.m. on Oct.16, at the South Hall Courtyard.

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�� Polytechnic guarantees Minnesota high school students admission, reciprocal tuition

New Guaranteed Admission program streamlines degree paths for qualifying students at region ��. only polytechnic university

Menomonie Culver ��. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecoming

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 15-18

U.S. News & World Report gives �� Polytechnic high marks for engineering programs, affordability in Midwest

New ‘Best Colleges’ list ranks Stout among top 25 public regional universities in Midwest

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 15-18 �� Polytechnic homecoming Clock Tower Party

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Menomonie Culver ��. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecoming

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 15-18

Flexsteel, Ashley, Room & Board, KI among furniture makers benefiting from industrial & product design grads’ skills

�� Polytechnic alum on industry publication ��. ‘40 Under 40’ list

Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits �� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

Student speakers at May 16 ceremonies encourage peers to act with compassion, courage, and to continue learning

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U.S. News & World Report gives �� Polytechnic high marks for engineering programs, affordability in Midwest

giffeyt — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:01:00 +0000

U.S. News & World Report gives �� Polytechnic high marks for engineering programs, affordability in Midwestgiffeyt September 22, 2026

New ‘Best Colleges’ list ranks Stout among top 25 public regional universities in Midwest

Tom Giffey

�� Polytechnic placed among the 25 top regional public universities in the Midwest as well as the in top 20 “Best Value” public universities in the region, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

The 2027 Best Colleges list released by the magazine on Tuesday, Sept. 22, included �� Polytechnic and its programs in several key categories:

Top Public Schools – Regional Universities (Midwest): 25th, rising from 30th the prior year
Best Value Schools for In-State Students (Midwest): 15th among public universities
Best Value Schools – Regional Universities (Midwest): 20th among public universities
Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities (Midwest): 24th among public universities
Undergraduate Engineering Programs (Non-doctoral): 14th among public universities in the Midwest. The program ��. ranking rose 74 spots among all public and private universities nationwide from the previous year.

These rankings reflect the university ��. ongoing commitment to its polytechnic tenets, which are part of all programs at �� Polytechnic, including those in the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering.

“Our ABET-accredited engineering programs are built around the university ��. polytechnic approach to education – combining strong technical foundations with extensive hands-on learning, applied problem-solving and close engagement with industry. Unlike theory-based programs, our students go beyond engineering principles by learning to apply them to real-world challenges through laboratories, R&D projects, internships and industry partner collaborative experiences as early as their first semester,” said Professor David Ding, director of the Cervenka School of Engineering. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and, most importantly, the quality of our students and graduates. We are very proud that our engineering graduates leave �� Polytechnic with the technical knowledge, practical experience, industry recognized certificates and professional skills needed to contribute immediately to their careers and continue growing as engineers and leaders.”

The Cervenka School of Engineering is home to ABET-accredited programs in computer and electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, plastics engineering and engineering technology, as well as a nationally ranked bachelor ��. program in packaging. A master ��. in manufacturing engineering is available on campus or online.

The latest accolades from U.S. News and other ranking authorities reflect the ongoing value of the education offered by �� Polytechnic. According to the most recent survey, 99% of graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. And those who received undergraduate degrees in 2024-25 reported an average starting salary of $59,000, a 4% increase from the prior year. For seven consecutive years, average starting salaries for undergraduate degree holders from �� Polytechnic have been the highest among universities in western Wisconsin.

And most recently, an independent assessment of the university ��. economic impact found that for every dollar students spend on a �� Polytechnic degree, they receive $4.70 in higher lifetime earnings.

Op-Ed: The Wisconsin-Wide Economic Impact of Wisconsin ��. ��

�� Polytechnic ��. applied learning, career focus are responsible for $858 million economic boost and 9,400 jobs statewide

Last summer, the university was ranked among the top 50 on a list of America ��. Best Value Public Universities in a study conducted by SmartAsset, which provides consumer-focused financial information. Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ��. rankings of Best Online Programs named three �� Polytechnic programs among the best in the Midwest and nation, including Best Online Bachelor ��. in Business, Best Online Master ��. in Education and Best Online Master ��. in Engineering.

�� Polytechnic is also ranked highly for serving veterans and the military community, earning the coveted gold designation as a Military Friendly® School for 2026-27 as well as being honored on the Best for Vets Colleges list by Military Times.

Many of the university ��. programs have been cited among the best in the nation and even the world:

CEOWorld ranked the hotel, restaurant and tourism management program as No. 9 among the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Programs in the World.
The game design programs were ranked No. 6 in the Midwest and No. 17 among all U.S. public universities by Animation Career Review.
The cybersecurity program ranked No. 14 among the Top 25 programs in the United States, according to Programs.com.
College Factual placed numerous �� Polytechnic programs – including graphic communications, video production, packaging and manufacturing engineering – among the best in the Great Lakes region. And that ��. just for starters.

�� Polytechnic, the only polytechnic university in Wisconsin or Minnesota, provides students with three times as many labs as traditional classrooms. Each year, students take part in approximately 1,000 co-op and internship experiences, more than one-third of which lead to job offers. In fact, this spring 77% of �� Polytechnic students were hired before graduation.

In recent years, Blue Devil graduates have gone to work for hundreds of firms with household names or Fortune 500 rankings, including Amazon, Cigna, General Motors, Citigroup, Ashley Furniture, Andersen Windows, Boeing, Milwaukee Tool, Boston Scientific, Harley-Davidson, FedEx, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Nike, Oshkosh Corp., Rockwell Automation, Target and 3M.

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�� Polytechnic guarantees Minnesota high school students admission, reciprocal tuition

New Guaranteed Admission program streamlines degree paths for qualifying students at region ��. only polytechnic university

Menomonie Culver ��. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecoming

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 15-18

U.S. News & World Report gives �� Polytechnic high marks for engineering programs, affordability in Midwest

New ‘Best Colleges’ list ranks Stout among top 25 public regional universities in Midwest

New ‘Best Colleges’ list ranks Stout among top 25 public regional universities in Midwest �� Polytechnic mechanical engineering student works with lathe in lab

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Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering

The Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering focuses on enhancing the learning experience for students in �� Polytechnic's engineering programs.

2026 U.S. News & World Report ranks online engineering, education, management programs among best

U.S. News rankings recognize bachelor ��. and master ��. programs for helping students advance education, career goals

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Hero Caption: A �� Polytechnic mechanical engineering student works with a lathe in a university lab.

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�� Polytechnic ��. healthy fall enrollment growth among strongest in state

giffeyt — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:07:23 +0000

�� Polytechnic ��. healthy fall enrollment growth among strongest in stategiffeyt September 14, 2026

Increase in students, program growth follows polytechnic name change

Tom Giffey

�� Polytechnic has opened the 2026-27 fall semester with some of the strongest enrollment growth among its peers across the Universities of Wisconsin, once again demonstrating the draw of a polytechnic education.

Total enrollment at �� Polytechnic grew to 7,250 Blue Devils this fall, a 3% increase from the beginning of the previous academic year, according to preliminary numbers based on Day One enrollment. The increase was the third largest among the state ��. 13 public universities.

The enrollment figures show that college-bound students are attracted to �� Polytechnic because of its commitment to applied learning and research, business and industry partnerships, and career-focused experiences for all students.

“Wisconsin ��. �� provides a distinct advantage for students seeking more than a theoretical education,” said Meridith Wentz, vice chancellor for enrollment and quality. “Our growth proves the value students expect from �� Polytechnic — from project-based learning and lab work on Day One to the unmatched return on investment they earn even before graduation.”

Preliminary enrollment estimates for all 13 public universities in Wisconsin were released Friday, Sept. 11. Final figures, based upon the number of students enrolled as of the 10th day of classes, will be available later this fall.

This semester is the first since the university officially added the word “polytechnic” to its name. In early June, the UW Board of Regents voted to amend the name “��” to “�� Polytechnic,” solidifying the identity the university has carried for generations, most notably since it was declared Wisconsin ��. �� in 2007. In just three months since the name change, enrollment grew faster than the previous year in many of the university ��. key degree programs, including computer and electrical engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, applied math and computer science, construction management, packaging, industrial and product design, game design and development, and many others.

Students take part in a class in Jarvis Hall Technology Wing on the first day the 2026-27 academic year.

Through ongoing and already-completed campus projects – including the renovation of Heritage Hall and extensive upgrades to campus labs – �� Polytechnic is strengthening the infrastructure that underlies these and other programs. The university is also planning additional targeted improvements in the coming years to expand opportunities in emerging technologies such as advanced computing and 3D concrete printing.

In addition to serving as a draw for students, �� Polytechnic ��. identity points toward strong career outcomes for future graduates. Before they graduate, 100% of Blue Devils receive applied learning experiences with hundreds of employers who provide nearly 1,000 co-ops and internships to �� Polytechnic students annually – more than one-third of which lead to accepted job offers. Within six months of graduation, 99% of Blue Devils will be employed or continuing their education. In fact, more than 77% of last spring ��. graduates were hired even before commencement. Over the past five years, graduates have been hired by more than 125 firms listed in the Fortune 500.

Op-Ed: The Wisconsin-Wide Economic Impact of Wisconsin ��. ��

�� Polytechnic ��. applied learning, career focus are responsible for $858 million economic boost and 9,400 jobs statewide

The reasons for �� Polytechnic ��. appeal are clear in terms of dollars and cents as well: Blue Devil bachelor ��. degree graduates have average starting salaries of $59,000 annually. And according to a newly published report on �� Polytechnic ��. economic impact, these graduates will earn an average of $27,900 more annually than Wisconsinites with high school diplomas alone. Over a career, that means $1.2 million in additional earnings, a massive return on a student ��. investment in a �� Polytechnic degree.

The report confirmed that the university – largely through its high-earning alumni – is a statewide economic engine, generating $857.8 million in additional income for Wisconsin ��. economy annually, enough to support 9,400 jobs.

Increase in students, program growth follows polytechnic name change Students on first day of fall semester 2026

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Hero Caption: �� Polytechnic student cross campus on the first day of the 2026-27 fall semester.

Meridith Wentz

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�� Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

giffeyt — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:10:48 +0000

�� Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses giffeyt August 12, 2026

Chancellor Frank joins other Universities of Wisconsin leaders to discuss Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals

�� Polytechnic Chancellor Katherine Frank joined Universities of Wisconsin Regent President Kyle Weatherly, UWs Interim President Renée Wachter and other university leaders today to announce budget proposals focused on building Wisconsin ��. workforce and the next generation of businesses.

The Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals represent new initiatives from the UWs’ 2027-29 budget request proposal, which the UW Board of Regents will vote on next week. The goal is to create 300,000 career-ready workers, upskill 1 million workers for better jobs and create 2,500 new businesses over a decade.

Chancellor Katherine Frank

“We consistently hear from employers across the state of the need for strategic, high-skilled workers ready to lead emerging technologies like 3D concrete and metal printing, advancing computing, and applied industrial AI,” Frank said. “Wisconsin needs these workers to compete in the global economy, and given the nuanced ethical and environmental considerations that accompany innovation, �� Polytechnic is perfectly positioned to prepare the next generation of leaders.”

UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Thomas Gibson and UW-Parkside Chancellor Lynn Akey joined Weatherly, Wachter and Frank to announce the initiatives. Tech for Tomorrow, Accelerate Wisconsin and other workforce-oriented proposals seek state investment to allow the UWs to help build Wisconsin ��. workforce and the next generation of businesses.

Tech for Tomorrow would speed new technologies from the research lab to commercialization while Accelerate Wisconsin would help entrepreneurs create and expand businesses and develop new products and markets. The other proposals include UW for U, which supports continuing education, online learning, and competency-based education, and U Succeed, which provides student support in academic advising, career counseling, and more.

“The Universities of Wisconsin have long helped Wisconsin address some of its biggest challenges,” Wachter said. “Our budget will offer opportunities to invest in people and education that will help Wisconsin meet its workforce challenges, while providing targeted funds to help grow the next generation of businesses.”

The budget initiatives that would impact �� Polytechnic, outlined below, will reinforce the university ��. polytechnic tenets of Applied Learning & Research and Business & Industry Collaboration.

Applied Learning & Research

• Built Environment Emerging Technologies Lab. Funding will advance �� Polytechnic ��. 3D Concrete Printing Lab as a hub for emerging technologies in the built environment, providing hands-on, industry-aligned education and workforce training for Wisconsin residents interested in architecture, interior design, industrial and product design, and automation. Investment would fund staff as well as additional equipment to enable the university ��. current 3D concrete printer to be portable/moveable to job sites and related activities.

• Advanced Computing & Emerging Technology Lab. Provide introductory quantum computing access via cloud-based platforms as well as high-performance computing resources for simulation and research.

• Re-entry Student Support. These funds would provide significant additional support for re-entry students to promote degree completion and timely graduation rates. �� Polytechnic is already working to re-enroll these students so they can complete their degree. The academic advisor would serve as a continued reference point, working with them throughout their remaining time to ensure they have the proper support for student success.

• Competency-Based Education Infrastructure. �� Polytechnic has been serving working professionals since the initiation of our service-based pricing structures in 1999. With this investment, the university can expand its service-based pricing structures to support competency-based instruction, particularly for working professionals and returning students.

Business & Industry Collaboration

• Stout Applied AI Innovations Hub. The Stout Applied AI Innovations Hub will provide a shared space for applied AI learning, industry collaboration and regional partnership development. It is intended to connect students, faculty, staff, industry and other UW institutions through project-based work, consultation and community-focused programming.

• UW‑Stout Polytechnic Center for Innovation and Development: PROPEL Initiative. The initiative establishes a coordinated student venture studio that will help students move ideas from concept to commercialization through structured, hands-on support. It integrates venture coaching, interdisciplinary faculty-led projects, mentorship, prototyping resources and market access tools to advance student-founded ventures.

“The investments outlined today, along with those of our colleagues throughout the state, are critical to meeting employer demand and keeping Wisconsin competitive,” Frank said. “At �� Polytechnic we remain committed to elevating and accelerating the innovation of entrepreneurs and ensuring that our graduates think ethically, critically, and strategically at the helm of tomorrow ��. technology.”

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�� Polytechnic guarantees Minnesota high school students admission, reciprocal tuition

New Guaranteed Admission program streamlines degree paths for qualifying students at region ��. only polytechnic university

Menomonie Culver ��. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecoming

Fundraisers, family-oriented activities, athletic events set for alumni, community Oct. 15-18

U.S. News & World Report gives �� Polytechnic high marks for engineering programs, affordability in Midwest

New ‘Best Colleges’ list ranks Stout among top 25 public regional universities in Midwest

Chancellor Frank joins other Universities of Wisconsin leaders to discuss Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals 3D Concrete printer installation May 2026

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Hero Caption: A technician assembles a 3D concrete printer in a �� Polytechnic lab.

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Cadaver Lab trains future medical professionals through STEAM camps, high school programs

giffeyt — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Cadaver Lab trains future medical professionals through STEAM camps, high school programsgiffeyt August 10, 2026

Students get hands-on access to specimens through �� Polytechnic ��. unique on-campus lab

Tom Giffey

As a high school student from Ellsworth captivated by anatomy and physiology, Shelby Saenger was amazed when she had the opportunity to tour �� Polytechnic ��. Cadaver Lab. Now, she ��. helping teens experience that same wonder as they investigate medical careers at the Human Anatomy Exploration Camp, which is being held this week at �� Polytechnic.

“I was just fascinated and curious that I was able to see what is in my own body,” recalled Saenger, now a lecturer in the university ��. biology department. “It sparked an interest in Stout as well. I thought, ‘Wow, these students get to do this for a whole semester.’”

Lecturer Shelby Saenger

It wasn’t until later, after Saenger received a bachelor ��. degree from �� Polytechnic and a master ��. degree from the University of Minnesota and then taught at several colleges in the Twin Cities, that she recognized how unusually accessible the Cadaver Lab is.

“Not every bachelor ��. degree student has the type of experience that I got at Stout,” she said. “It ��. very unique. I’ve taught at many universities where they just have pictures or some plastic models, but they do not get the in-depth experience to be able to see things firsthand.”

During the Human Anatomy Exploration Camp, Aug. 9-13, Saenger will teach high school students about major anatomical systems with the help of specimens from the Cadaver Lab, such as donated human hearts, kidneys and brains. Students will also research diseases and disorders that can impact these systems and then create informational aids – such as models, posters or drawings – to share their knowledge with others.

A �� Polytechnic student, right, talks about human anatomy during a Cadaver Lab Experience for high school students.

The program is one of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design and Math) Summer Camps that sixth- through 12th-grade school students have attended on campus this summer. More than 450 students have taken part in 37 camps that focus on everything from 3D printing and plastics engineering to freshwater science and video production. These middle and high schoolers learn in facilities such as the Cadaver Lab, which is just one of the nearly 300 laboratory and studio spaces on campus, where labs outnumber traditional classrooms by a 3-to-1 ratio.

Lab guides students toward medical careers

Each year, the Cadaver Lab Experience provides unique educational opportunities for high school students from around the region. High school visitors, who are often taking Advanced Placement Biology and Anatomy courses, explore the Cadaver Lab in the Jarvis Hall Science Wing with guidance from �� Polytechnic students and faculty. The undergraduates teach visiting teens about the human brain and spinal cord, heart and lungs, digestive system, muscles and the body cavities – all with the help of donated cadavers and specimens. This past spring, more than 600 students from 27 high schools took part in these outreach programs, which are supported in part by a grant from Marshfield Clinic.

It was one of these experiences that left a deep impression on Saenger when she was in high school. While she had dissected frogs and fetal pigs, “That does not have the gravity of the experience of being able to see human specimens,” she said. “I really appreciated that when I was a high school student, and even more when I was at Stout.”

Dr. Alexandra Hall, a senior lecturer in the biology department, speaks to students in the Cadaver Lab.

The Cadaver Lab stands apart not only as one of only two of its kind in west-central Wisconsin, but also because of the hands-on access it offers to undergraduate students. At most public universities, such cadaver facilities are primarily used by graduate students, said Dr. Alexandra Hall, a senior lecturer in the biology department who oversees the lab. “We’re the only one that I know of that allows undergraduates to do actual dissections,” Hall said. The lab is used extensively by students in the dissection class, who do a near full dissection of new donor bodies, as well as those in advanced human anatomy.

“A cadaver gives you a visceral experience of how our bodies are constructed that absolutely cannot be replicated by a plastic model, a digital image or certainly a diagram in a book,” said Hall, who previously worked for 20 years as a family physician and has been teaching at �� Polytechnic for the past 14 years.

The Cadaver Lab is an invaluable resource for �� Polytechnic students interested in becoming physicians, occupational or physical therapists, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists or other health professionals. Hall, who is advisor for the university ��. pre-health program, said there are about 100 pre-health students at �� Polytechnic. These students are prepared to fill the state ��. growing health care workforce gap, which is especially acute in rural areas: Of Wisconsin ��. 72 counties, 37 are federal designated as primary care shortage areas while 40 are mental health shortage areas.

In addition to access to the Cadaver Lab, pre-health students benefit from �� Polytechnic ��. small class sizes and polytechnic focus, which emphasizes applied learning, business and industry collaborations, and career-focused education.

It was the latter element that helped bring Saenger ��. career back to �� Polytechnic. Before graduating in 2017, she shadowed several physicians and determined that medicine wasn’t a good fit for her. Instead, she decided she wanted to continue to learn – and teach – about the human body.

“I loved the faculty I met here,” Saenger said. “Many of those I met when I was touring campus are still here today, and now I get to work with them.”

Anatomy & Physiology Lab

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Cadaver Lab trains future medical professionals through STEAM camps, high school programs

Students get hands-on access to specimens through �� Polytechnic ��. unique on-campus lab

Cadaver Lab offers students unique perspective on inner workings of the human body

Hands-on approach to learning prepares university students for careers in medicine, science and applied research

Visit to Cadaver Lab gives Colfax HS students impactful experiences

For 27 students from Colfax High School, it was a day in class unlike any other.

Students get hands-on access to specimens through �� Polytechnic ��. unique on-campus lab High school students in Cadaver Lab

High School STEAM Summer Camps

Inspiring and engaging STEAM camps for students entering grades 9-12

Applied Human Anatomy Experience

Expand your high school students' experience with hands-on applied learning about biology and anatomy in ��'s cadaver lab.

Pre-Health Sciences Pathways

Prepare for medical school and other advanced health care degrees in �� . pre-health sciences pathway programs.

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Alexandra Hall, M.D.

Dr. Hall trained and worked as a family physician for over two decades and now works full-time for the Biology department. She has been teaching since 2013 and loves sharing her knowledge of and enthusiasm for the marvels of the human body with her students. As the Pre-Health Advisor, she also supports Stout students pursuing future careers in the health professions.

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Degree: Chief Resident Family Practice

University: University of Vermont

Degree: Residency in Family Practice

University: University of Vermont

Degree: M.D.

University: Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Degree: B.S. Science Education

University: New York University

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Biochem student ��. sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

giffeyt — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Biochem student ��. sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campusgiffeyt August 4, 2026

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora

Tom Giffey

A �� Polytechnic student is applying personal enthusiasm and academic experience to an on-campus summer job designing and creating landscapes that add native plants to the university grounds.

The landscapes will enhance the beauty and sustainability of several campus locations, including the new mural that showcases �� Polytechnic ��. history on the exterior of the Administration Building, facing Alumni Clock Tower Plaza.

Pollinator-friendly native plants such as showy goldenrod and nodding pink onion have taken root this summer thanks to the green thumb of B.S. biochemistry and molecular biology major Adam Bayerl.

The student-led effort is an example of the university ��. polytechnic identity, which emphasizes applied learning and research that brings students out of the classroom and into career-focused experiences.

Student Adam Beyerl plants perennials, including native species, in a bed on the �� Polytechnic campus.

“It ��. definitely a passion project,” said Bayerl, a sophomore from Green Bay. “I have a personal vested interest in ecology. While it ��. not my major, it ��. definitely something my generation should start concerning itself with, considering how much it affects us, our well-being and the future in general.”

The project grew out of Bayerl ��. interest in sustainability as well as inspiration from Assistant Professor Cassondra Vernier. In Vernier ��. molecular cell biology course, Bayerl analyzed the gut microbiomes of bees, and Vernier suggested he could use the same technique to analyze soil microbiomes around campus. Bayerl learned that native plants improve soil in part by helping microorganisms thrive. Native plants are frequently more drought- and sun-tolerant than nonnative plants and are typically less expensive because they are easier for nurseries to grow.

In addition, Bayerl said, plants native to prairie biomes – which once covered parts of western Wisconsin – are known for their ability to trap carbon and filter environmental pollutants. Ideally, once established, these plants will require less water and labor to maintain.

Groundskeepers plant perennials on campus.

Idea becomes reality

Last spring, Bayerl prepared a proposal to create a native plant garden outside North Hall, where he lived at the time. The idea reached Zenon Smolarek, associate director of Facilities Management, and Nolan Dowd, assistant grounds supervisor, who met with Bayerl.

Associate Director of Facilities Management Zenon Smolarek

“He had a design, and we talked about native plants and drought resistance,” Smolarek said. “He came very well-prepared and was articulate. He really had a great attitude about the whole thing. I was impressed with what Adam had to say.”

Smolarek asked the student if there were other places on campus he had his eye on, while Dowd encouraged him to apply for a summer job as a groundskeeper – which he did.

First, Bayerl was asked to design a garden bed in front of Furlong Gallery by the Applied Arts Building. Then a spot alongside North Hall joined the list. Next came a mulch bed outside Bowman Hall and several spaces near the Administration Building, including beds by the new mural. In all, Bayerl has worked on plantings in eight locations on campus, six of which were entirely or partly composed of native plants.

“It ��. quite a lot more than planned,” Bayerl acknowledged with a smile.

“Adam proceeded to design most of our plantings for the summer,” Smolarek said. “We’ve bought over 1,500 plants, and Adam has been primarily planting them along with a couple of the other limited-term employees.”

The projects have allowed Bayerl to step into a leadership role. In addition to typical summer groundskeeping tasks such as digging up mulch beds and sowing grass seed, he has been able to help his landscape ideas come to life by planting native species such as smooth aster, wild ginger and Lady in Red ferns.

Newly planted beds flank a new mural that encompasses �� Polytechnic's 135-year history.

Plantings enhance new mural

On a recent muggy summer morning, Bayerl and other groundskeepers carefully placed scores of plants in beds that flank the new mural on the east side of the Administration Building. The artwork, designed by California muralist Tom Seibert and painted by volunteers in June, was created as part of the communitywide Murals in Menomonie event.

The mural encompasses numerous elements from the institution ��. 135-year history, including the logos of both the Stout Institute (1908-55) and Stout State University (1955-64), the contemporary triple-banded “S” logo, and pillars bearing the institution ��. enduring values: Honor, Industry, Learning and Skill. A panoramic depiction of campus landmarks is framed by painted archways bearing the phrases “Forward from our founding” and “Forever to our future.”

And when it comes to the future, Bayerl has further dreams for helping native plants flourish across campus.

“I hope to incorporate more natural features, especially with a focus on pollinators – creating habitats for all the animals that you see around campus,” he said.

Smolarek said he admires Bayerl ��. work ethic and imagination. “I’m curious what he ��. going to think of next,” Smolarek said. “I’m sure the gears are turning, I’m sure he ��. picking out other spots, other plants he wants to try. I’m very impressed with him.”

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Engineering, technology professor researches impact of AI on students’ creativity, problem-solving

Future engineers use Meshy software for AI rapid prototyping of kindergartens’ ideal toys

Graphic design, interactive media senior awarded national AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship

Mireles-Melgarejo ��. designs inspired by effects of agricultural industry on immigrant workers, Mexican beverage tradition

Menomonie Market Food Co-op meals boosted by animation faculty, students’ commercial

Collaboration captures local business ��. vision, recognizes ‘value of human-made art’

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora Student Adam Beyerl in planting bed

Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

Muralists from around the U.S. and world join university artists and volunteers for public art event

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�� Polytechnic receives gold designation as 2026 Military Friendly School

goersab — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:10:00 +0000

�� Polytechnic receives gold designation as 2026 Military Friendly Schoolgoersab July 23, 2026

For 17th consecutive year, university honored for programs that create ‘direct connection between education and career success’

Abbey Goers

�� Polytechnic has been named a Military Friendly® School for the 17th consecutive year, continuing its long tradition of serving the military community.

�� Polytechnic received a gold designation as a Military Friendly School and was also designated a Military Spouse Friendly School.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Brian Hackner, military education benefits coordinator with the university ��. Veteran Services, said veterans and service members are drawn to �� Polytechnic because they see a direct connection between education and career success.

“Our polytechnic, hands-on approach, combined with personalized support and a community that understands military service, helps students transition from serving our nation to leading in the workforce. We also recognize that many of our students continue to serve while earning their degrees, and we are committed to providing the flexibility and support they need to successfully fulfill their military obligations while pursuing their academic goals,” he said.

Veteran Services

�� Polytechnic welcomes all veterans, service members and their families.

Learn More

Veteran Services exists to serve military-affiliated students, including veterans, current service members (both active and reserve) and the children and spouses of current or former members of the U.S. military. It serves as a one-stop shop for all the military students’ needs, connecting them with other campus services and providing a sense of camaraderie.

�� Polytechnic is among the nearly 400 schools in the nation that received the gold designation. More than 2,900 schools participated in the 2026-27 survey. Ranking criteria include retention, graduation, employment and loan default rates among students, especially veterans.

Support for service members, veterans and their families

�� Polytechnic ��. Veteran Services collects data and submits a survey annually to participate in the Military Friendly® rankings.

The Military and Veteran Resource Center is a space dedicated to serving veterans, service members and their families with support resources, activities and opportunities. The MVRC is a place for military and veteran students and families to connect, hold meetings or study sessions, or relax with a complimentary snack and refreshment.

Military & Veteran Resource Center

The Military and Veteran Resource Center (MVRC) is a dedicated on-campus space for veterans, service members and their families.

Other special programs include a Council on Veteran Services, a student Veterans Club, veteran-centered events and the Veteran Mentorship Program, a unique peer-to-peer online opportunity designed specifically for student veterans.

Additional academic opportunities include:

The Military Benefits 101 online course for first-year and transfer students provides an overview of military education benefits, support and services.
A minor in military leadership, where students gain basic concepts and principles of military science and the art of leadership.
Online certificates geared toward military-connected student interests, including project management - organizational performance, organizational development, strategic leadership and workforce development.

From the Federal G.I. Bill® to Department of Defense tuition assistance and Wisconsin National Guard tuition grants, the office helps eligible students access nine federal and state military education benefits.

In addition to the Military Friendly ranking, last November, Military Times placed �� Polytechnic on its 2025 Best for Vets Colleges list for its commitment to serving veterans and their families. The university ranked first in Wisconsin among traditional and online universities, placed 24th in the Midwest and 177th nationwide.

Serving those who served: Stout among top 25 in Midwest on 2025 Best for Vets list

University lauded by Military Times for services to veterans, their families

�� Polytechnic has also been ranked among the Best Schools for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

As of fall 2025, there were nearly 250 self-identified veteran and military students on campus — including veterans, those on active duty, and National Guard and Reserve members — and another 587 students who were the spouses or dependent children of veterans or military members.

The university ��. most recent First Destination Report, released in spring 2025, stated that 100% of veteran graduates were employed within six months of graduation.

�� Polytechnic ��. Veteran Services can provide advice on veteran and military education benefits and assists with applying for benefits and can be reached by calling 715-232-1659 or emailing veteranstudents@uwstout.edu.

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�� Polytechnic receives gold designation as 2026 Military Friendly School

For 17th consecutive year, university honored for programs that create ‘direct connection between education and career success’

AASCU ��. Emerging Leaders Program names Engen to national cohort

Special assistant to the provost selected as one of 45 distinguished higher education professionals to participate in yearlong program

�� honored for strong support of employees in National Guard and Reserve

Tech. Sgt. Nelson nominates Infrastructure Services Deputy CIO Janicki with Patriot Award

For 17th consecutive year, university honored for programs that create ‘direct connection between education and career success’ Flags placed on campus on Veterans Day

Veteran Services

A community of veterans and services providing you with the camaraderie you came to rely on in the military.

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Brian Hackner

Full Name: Brian Hackner

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Miron Construction projects give construction students professional experience

giffeyt — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Miron Construction projects give construction students professional experiencegiffeyt July 22, 2026

Construction majors get up-close experience on multimillion-dollar Heritage Hall, Recreation Complex upgrades

Tom Giffey

Two major ongoing construction projects have provided �� Polytechnic students with exceptional applied learning opportunities without having to leave campus.

This summer, 13 �� Polytechnic students are interning with Miron Construction, Co. Inc., general contractor for both the $144.3 million renovation of Heritage Hall and the $31.7 million upgrade of the Recreation Complex. In addition, a recent two-semester master class led by Miron staff members gave students unique access to the Heritage Hall renovation.

“We are proud to maintain a strong relationship with �� Polytechnic, including helping train the next generation of construction professionals through a variety of internships each year,” said Andrew Daniels, senior vice president of the company ��. Eau Claire office. “The ongoing work to transform Heritage Hall and the Recreation Complex has created a unique opportunity to foster these applied learning opportunities right on campus.”

This summer, Miron interns from �� Polytechnic are gaining skills in project management, risk management, network security and technology support. Over the past decade, more than 40 �� Polytechnic students have interned for Neenah-based Miron, one of the largest construction contractors in the Midwest.

Among this summer ��. Miron interns from �� Polytechnic is Tyler Evans of Shawano, who is pursuing a degree in construction management and a minor in construction safety and risk control. As a risk management intern, Evans focuses on maintaining safety both at the Recreation Complex site on campus as well as at Miron projects around western Wisconsin. That means conducting safety walks, performing safety audits and learning the numerous factors on a job site necessary for maintaining safety.

“Safety isn’t just about us being safe and going home and not getting hurt,” said Evans, who will begin his junior year in the fall. “It ��. also about how we can do things easier and faster, but also in the right way where we’re all being safe and taking care of ourselves.”

Tyler Evans, Miron Construction intern and �� Polytechnic construction management major

For Evans, being a risk management intern doesn’t mean sitting in a trailer filling out paperwork. It means getting out on job sites and pitching in alongside the construction crews. “It ��. allowing me to gain the knowledge and experience of what people are doing and what they have to do to make their career,” he said.

This summer ��. internship, he added, will add a great deal of value to his education: Even if he goes on to become a project manager or a superintendent, the internship will have given him a strong understanding of safety. “The biggest thing about this internship is it ��. allowing me to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life,” Evans said.

Miron Construction ��. John Younger, project manager for the Recreation Complex renovation, is a 2011 graduate of the B.S. construction management program, as are many of his coworkers. He said his �� Polytechnic education prepared him for his current role, and he sees Evans getting the same experience on the campus job site.

“Tyler ��. always asking a lot of questions. He ��. trying to get a handle on what we do and why we do it,” Younger said.

On-campus internship leads to full-time job

Every year, the �� Polytechnic Cooperative Education & Internship Program oversees nearly 1,000 co-op and internship experiences. More than one-third of the time, these internships and co-ops lead to job offers – and Miron is no exception.

Consider recent graduate Lucy Krieg of Kaukauna, who received her construction management degree in May and immediately took a job as safety manager for Miron.

Lucy Krieg, safety manager for Miron and recent �� Polytechnic graduate

Krieg ��. journey with Miron began at an on-campus career fair, which led to two consecutive summer internships and then a year-long opportunity to work on the Heritage Hall project as an intern.

“Being able to see things both on the construction site and in the classroom and being able to go back and forth between the two was really important to me,” Krieg said. For example, Krieg could experience something new during her internship, then return to the classroom and ask a faculty member about it. This kind of networking with professors and peers helped fortify the construction knowledge she gained on job sites, Krieg said.

“Looking back, I feel like my internship prepared me exactly how I needed going into my career,” she said. “It gave me the skills and the confidence that I need to back up those skills.”

Sawyer Steineke of Kaukauna is another construction management major who is interning with Miron this summer, working on projects in Green Bay, Kaukauna and elsewhere around the state. Steineke said the internship has given him a deeper understanding of the construction business, “Especially when you get in the field with people who’ve been doing this for the past 30 years.”

Steineke expects to bring his internship experience with him when he returns to class in the fall. “When I get to Heavy Construction and certain classes like that, I’ll have the knowledge that I’ve been on a job that was similar to this,” he said.

Sawyer Steineke, Miron Construction intern and �� Polytechnic construction management major

Likewise, the skills he ��. gained this summer will follow him into his professional life. “If you speak to a lot of construction management majors, they’ll tell you a lot of the things you’re going to bring with you into your future career are going to be learned through these internships,” he said. “So, Stout allowing us to be able to do something like this and get credit for it is a really cool opportunity.”

Miron helps create year-long construction master class

The Heritage Hall project also created the opportunity for a new course that gave students unique access to the site and the construction experts working on it.

When the Heritage Hall project was in its planning stages, Lecturer James Bunkelman of the operations and management department reached out to Holly Nowak, a senior project manager with Miron, to see if he could arrange a site visit for students. Instead of offering only a tour, Nowak suggested creating a master class that would be built around the Heritage Hall project.

‘Power of Partnership’: �� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

Chancellor, lawmakers, community and campus leaders join to highlight project that will boost Wisconsin workforce

Once a quarter during both the fall and spring semesters, students met for a four-hour class, which began with Miron staff members presenting topics which were then explored on the job site so students could see their real-world application.

“This was polytechnic at its finest. You couldn’t define polytechnic any better than how this class ended up,” Bunkelman said. “It can be very challenging for the students to take the academic side of what we’re trying to teach them and put it into perspective. The goal was to use the fact that Heritage Hall couldn’t be any closer or any better suited for that.”

The course turned out better than Bunkelman could have hoped: Because of the size and complexity of the project, Miron is using cutting-edge technology that might not be found at other job sites, giving students a richer experience. For example, students were able to use a virtual reality 3D model to better understand how site planning works as construction managers determine the placement of construction cranes, parking and pedestrian pathways.

Opportunities for student engagement will continue for the coming semesters, as both construction projects are expected to continue into 2028.

Stout breaks ground on transformative $32M project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities

Renovation, addition funded in part by record-breaking alumni gift

The long-awaited work on Heritage Hall, which opened in 1973 as the Home Economics Building, began last September. The extensive, clean-slate renovation will double the number of students the building will be able to serve to about 4,000. The project was primarily funded through the 2023-25 state budget, with an additional $13.5 million in private funding from university supporters, industry partners and alumni made through the �� Foundation & Alumni Association.

The Recreation Complex project, which began last spring, will add nearly 12,000 square feet of recreation space and renovate an additional 28,000 square feet at the facility, which was built in 1963. The project is primarily funded through student fees as well as a record-setting $5 million gift from alumnus Dallas Pankowski and his wife, Edye, a Menomonie native.

Construction management majors get up-close experience on multimillion-dollar Heritage Hall, Recreation Complex upgrades Miron Construction Scaffolding Training

Heritage Hall Renovation

This project creates a new, unified home for workforce-critical degree programs in the College of Art & Human Sciences and more.

Recreation Complex Renovation

A new renovated recreation complex to improve the student experience with expanded, improved fitness and recreation space.

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Hero Caption: Miron Construction conducts safety training at �� Polytechnic.

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Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �� Polytechnic accolades

giffeyt — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �� Polytechnic accoladesgiffeyt July 17, 2026

University ranked in top tier based on high median earnings, graduation rates, affordable tuition

Tom Giffey

�� Polytechnic has once again been honored for providing affordable education that sets students on a path for professional success. This time, the university was ranked among the top 50 on a list of America ��. Best Value Public Universities in a study conducted by SmartAsset, which provides consumer-focused financial information.

More than 500 public universities and colleges around the United States were evaluated on average cost of attendance, median earnings for graduates and graduation rates. �� Polytechnic rose to the top based on these criteria, setting it apart from regional and national peers.

“Outcomes can vary widely by school,” SmartAsset wrote, “meaning some public universities may offer stronger returns for students seeking manageable costs and solid career prospects.”

�� Polytechnic shines in these and other areas. Blue Devils who received their undergraduate degrees in 2024-25 reported an annual starting salary of $59,000, a 4% increase from the prior year, �� . annual First Destination Report found.

The average starting salary for undergraduate degree holders from �� Polytechnic has been the highest among universities in western Wisconsin for the past seven years, representing the ongoing return on investment in an education at Wisconsin ��. ��.

The most recent survey also found that the average starting salary for graduate degree recipients was $62,000. And fully 99% of recent graduates were either employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

The top 50 ranking among America ��. Best Value Public Universities is just one of numerous honors �� Polytechnic has achieved in recent years. For two years in a row, the university ranked among America ��. Best Colleges as determined by Money Magazine.

Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ��. rankings of Best Online Programs named three �� Polytechnic programs among the best in the Midwest and nation, including Best Online Bachelor ��. in Business, Best Online Master ��. in Education and Best Online Master ��. in Engineering.

And many of the university ��. programs have been cited among the best in the nation and even the world:

CEOWorld ranked the hotel, restaurant and tourism management program as No. 9 among the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Programs in the World.
The game design programs were ranked No. 6 in the Midwest and No. 17 among all U.S. public universities by Animation Career Review.
The cybersecurity program ranked No. 14 among the Top 25 programs in the United States, according to Programs.com.
College Factual placed numerous �� Polytechnic programs – including graphic communications, video production, packaging and manufacturing engineering – among the best in the Great Lakes region. And that ��. just for starters.

�� Polytechnic ��. status as the only polytechnic university in Wisconsin or Minnesota means the institution is dedicated to applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences. The campus has three times as many labs as traditional classrooms. Each year, students take part in approximately 1,000 co-op and internship experiences, more than one-third of which lead to job offers. In fact, this spring 77% of �� Polytechnic students were hired before graduation.

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Blue Devil grads get blue-chip jobs with Fortune 500 firms

Survey finds rising pay, 99% employment rate for recent �� alums

Money Magazine names Stout one of America ��. 2025 Best Colleges, second year in a row

National rankings highlight affordability and student outcomes as university empowers students’ career readiness

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�������� Polytechnic guarantees Minnesota high school students admission, reciprocal tuition

Blue Devil grads get blue-chip jobs with Fortune 500 firms

Minnesota's Polytechnic Choice

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Menomonie Culver ��������. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��������. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecoming

The Clue Devil Files: The Homecoming Custard Flavor Mystery

Limited-edition homecoming brew with Brewery Nonic

Homecoming parade and community events on Saturday

Athletics and recreation events

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Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

A mural walk, art & design exhibitions

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Your Connection to �������� Polytechnic Doesn’t End at Graduation

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U.S. News & World Report gives �������� Polytechnic high marks for engineering programs, affordability in Midwest

Op-Ed: The Wisconsin-Wide Economic Impact of Wisconsin ��������. ��������

Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering

2026 U.S. News & World Report ranks online engineering, education, management programs among best

�������� Polytechnic ��������. healthy fall enrollment growth among strongest in state

Op-Ed: The Wisconsin-Wide Economic Impact of Wisconsin ��������. ��������

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�������� Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

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Business & Industry Collaboration

Cadaver Lab trains future medical professionals through STEAM camps, high school programs

Lab guides students toward medical careers

High School STEAM Summer Camps

Applied Human Anatomy Experience

Pre-Health Sciences Pathways

Biochem student ��������. sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

Idea becomes reality

Plantings enhance new mural

Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

�������� Polytechnic receives gold designation as 2026 Military Friendly School

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Support for service members, veterans and their families

Military & Veteran Resource Center

Serving those who served: Stout among top 25 in Midwest on 2025 Best for Vets list

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Miron Construction projects give construction students professional experience

On-campus internship leads to full-time job

Miron helps create year-long construction master class

‘Power of Partnership’: �������� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

Stout breaks ground on transformative $32M project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities

Heritage Hall Renovation

Recreation Complex Renovation

Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �������� Polytechnic accolades

Blue Devil grads get blue-chip jobs with Fortune 500 firms

Money Magazine names Stout one of America ��������. 2025 Best Colleges, second year in a row

�� Polytechnic guarantees Minnesota high school students admission, reciprocal tuition

Menomonie Culver ��. Clue-themed Flavor of the Day, Brewery Nonic ��. limited-edition brew will support Blue Devils at homecoming

Your Connection to �� Polytechnic Doesn’t End at Graduation

U.S. News & World Report gives �� Polytechnic high marks for engineering programs, affordability in Midwest

Op-Ed: The Wisconsin-Wide Economic Impact of Wisconsin ��. ��

�� Polytechnic ��. healthy fall enrollment growth among strongest in state

Op-Ed: The Wisconsin-Wide Economic Impact of Wisconsin ��. ��

�� Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

Biochem student ��. sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

�� Polytechnic receives gold designation as 2026 Military Friendly School

‘Power of Partnership’: �� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �� Polytechnic accolades

Money Magazine names Stout one of America ��. 2025 Best Colleges, second year in a row