Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary | 1

DISTRICT BOARDJames Kohlenberg, ChairpersonChris Prange, Vice ChairpersonDarlene Mickelson, SecretaryMelissa Fitzsimons, TreasurerCharles BolstadLinda EricksonRussell MoyerEileen NickelsDonald Tuescher

FOUNDATION BOARDJerry Brunner, PresidentTom Sheehan, Vice-PresidentCarol Rogers, SecretaryJosh Wiederholt, TreasurerLori BarryApril Brandt, Student RepresentativeHolly Clendenen, Ex-Officio MemberDr. Joyce Czajkowski Becky FernettePete Hoffman, Faculty/Staff RepresentativeJam es Kohlenberg,

District Board RepresentativeConnie LarsonNick Nice, Emeritus MemberKevin RaisbeckSheila RuchtiBen WoodJason Wood, Ph.D., Ex-Officio Member

REAL ESTATE FOUNDATION BOARDBen Wood, PresidentDennis Cooley, Vice PresidentKevin Raisbeck, Secretary/TreasurerBrad BiddickHolly Clendenen, Ex-Officio MemberMindy Johnson Chris Prange, District Board RepresentativeJason Wood, Ph.D., Ex-Officio Member

50th ANNIVERSARY MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORSKar en Campbell, Executive Assistant,

President and Board

Sherry Kane-Johnsrud, Graphic Designer

Holly Clendenen, Executive Director, Foundation

Kim Schmelz, External Relations and Alumni Development

Gina Udelhofen, Annual Giving Coordinator

Additional SupportMJ Dachelet, Special thanks for

contributing to the publicationCarol Rogers, Southwest Tech Retiree Kristin Mitchell Design, Inc.

CONTACT INFORMATIONPhone: 608.822.3262Email: 50th@swtc.eduwww.swtc.edu/50

MESSAGE FROM OUR COLLEGE PRESIDENT

Happy 50th Anniversary Southwest Tech! Our past accomplishments are impressive, our current efforts are ambi-tious, and our future is bright.

At Southwest Tech, we have always valued hands-on learning that simulates what our graduates see on the job. We take pride knowing our faculty are experts in their fields who design powerful learning oppor-tunities for their students. As we move into the future, expect exciting initiatives that strengthen our ability to help students learn the skills they need for successful careers. Stay tuned as we develop entrepreneurial opportunities for our students and the community to be engaged in workforce development.

Outside of the classroom you will find friendly staff at Southwest Tech who are committed to helping students be successful regardless of what life throws at them. Southwest Tech is one of only a few two-year colleges in the country to provide students with access to a full-time mental health counselor, an on-campus food bank, emergency housing options, child care facilities and programming, gas money assistance, and free professional clothing for job interviews.

At Southwest Tech, it is always about people. Our students are at the very heart of all we do. It is no wonder we are ranked as the #1 two-year college in the state and the 11th best two-year college in the country! We could not accomplish our goals without the support of our local commu-nities. Thank you for being a part of our success now, and in the future!

Jason S. Wood, Ph. D.

50th ANNIVERSARY SILVER SPONSORS:

2 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Before the first shovel full of dirt was unearthed in a cornfield outside of Fennimore, Wisconsin, no one could have imagined what would someday

stand there almost 50 years later; Wisconsin’s #1 and #11 nationally-ranked two-year college of 2016.

Since its establishment in 1967, Southwest Tech has been committed to providing access to an affordable, high-quality education that meets the needs of businesses and communities and contributes to our district’s economic vitality. Known as one of the 16 two-year public open access institutions within the Wisconsin Technical College System, the college serves 3,800 square miles including 30 school districts in and near Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Dane, Green, Sauk and Vernon Counties.

In its 50-year history, the College has had close to 26,000 graduates from South-west Tech programs and served tens of thousands more through public safety training, dual enrollment programs, driver education courses, apprenticeships, workforce training initiatives, and community education programs.

Now in 2017 we’re proud to celebrate the many ways southwest Wisconsin pos-itively impacted the College’s mission and its graduates. Thousands of South-west Tech employees, partners, and supporters delivered excellence to our students, our local businesses, and to our communities; and because of their tireless efforts, they have forever changed the lives of those we serve… and we’re just getting started.

Southwest Tech’s 50th Anniversary provides an exciting opportunity to reflect on our past, celebrate the present, and move forward with a renewed dedica-tion to our students and our district.

Southwest Tech… Here Then… Here Now… Here Always.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Directors and Presidents

Conrad Mayer 1967 – 1968

Ed Gorman (acting Director) 1968 – 1969

Ronald H. Anderson 1969 – 1988

Richard A. Rogers 1988 – 1999

Karen R. Knox 1999 – 2011

Duane M. Ford 2011 – 2015

Jason S. Wood 2015 – Present

From a Cornfield TO A CAMPUSCELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOUTHWEST TECH

On August 18, 1969, Former Wisconsin Assemblyman and District Board Member Walter B. Calvert broke ground for the campus as Ronald A. Larson – Project Manager, Earl Droessler Construction Co.; John N. Kramer – Chairman of the Board; Ronald H. Anderson – District Director; Doyle Beyl – VTAE Ag Education Supervisor; and board members Roger Biddick, Cecil Wanless, Earl Anderson and E.G. Harrell looked on.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary | 3

1960s: Sowing in a Field of Dreams

Cultivating Community Cooperation, Growing Strong Leaders and Harvesting the Dream

1964: Representative David Martin from Winnebago County’s 3rd District spearheaded redistricting legislation to create Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education (VTAE) districts statewide.

1965: Assembly Bill 501 was passed. “A district could be formed from any contiguous combination of counties, municipalities, or school districts operating high schools.”

John Kramer, Fred Lenz, James Azim

Elaine Keller, 1968-2000, Retired Communications and English InstructorOne of my fondest

memories was seeing the new campus built. My first classes were taught in the basement of the library.

4 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary

Tom Bublitz, 1969, Auto/TractorServing as President of the Student Council, Tom participated in program meetings and was able to give input on classes to offer. “As

students, we were laying the groundwork for the future of the programs.” In addition to giving input on program offerings, Tom also made the recommendation on what the school colors; would be. “I felt we needed gold. We were setting the golden standard and blue was a nice accent to gold.” The school colors have stayed true, and with Southwest Tech being ranked #1 in the state and #11 in the nation in 2016, Tom’s vision was true, Southwest Tech was and continues to set the golden standard.

Harriet Copus, 1972-1994, Retired Front Desk ReceptionistI was always

treated with respect and care and always included in special events. I am still being remembered and included and I appreciate that. I will continue to be thankful and proud of the years spent at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College; the lives I touched and how they touched mine. It’s like family.

1965: Community leaders John (Nick) Kramer and Fred Lenz along with Assemblyman James Azim, Jr. campaigned for Fennimore as the location of the VTAE District #3 new vocational school.

1966: Fennimore, nicknamed the “Crossroads of Southwestern Wisconsin” was selected as the most accessible site for district residents accessible from all points by major highways.

July 1, 1967: Southwest Wisconsin Vocational-Technical Institute was created as Vocational, Technical and Adult Education District #3.

July 1967: Original District Board was selected to include: John N. Kramer: Chairman, Walter B. Calvert: Vice-Chairman, E.G. Harrell: Secretary, Roger L. Biddick: Treasurer, Earl L. Anderson, Cecil Wanless, and Mrs. Raymond Weigner: members.

1964 1965 1966

PROGRAM ADDITIONSFall 1968: The first programs Clerk-Typist, Account Clerk, Auto-Tractor Mechanics, and Welding were one-year non-degree

Fall 1969: Production Agriculture and Stenography were added to the program offerings and the Auto-Tractor Mechanics program was split into two 2-year programs: Auto Mechanics and Ag Mechanics

Gary Klein, 1969 Auto/Tractor, 1972 Agricultural Power & Equipment Technician

I’ve been a farmer for 41 years and have done all of my own repairs since going through the program at Southwest Tech. I’m very proud to have been part of the first class. We were all farm kids that got along and spent a lot of time together.

May 1969: After an exciting year, 104 of the 107 original enrollees became the first graduating class of Southwest Tech.

May 1969: Joseph Durrant, Boscobel, of Durrant, Deininger, Dommer, Kramer, and Gordon Architects, provided the proposed sketch of the campus layout of the college.

June 1, 1969: Ronald H. Anderson was appointed District Director.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary | 5

Connie Stenner, 1969, Clerk-TypistI was very proud to be a “pioneer” of South-west Tech. I was the Secretary of the Student Council while I attend-

ed, and I was so excited to do the first of every-thing! I also competed in competitions in OEA (Office Education Association) and brought home 1st place awards. I loved the small town atmosphere that Southwest Tech provided. It was the best experience!

August 1967: Young and Adult Farmer Program instructors employed within the district were transferred to become the first employees of the college as instructors in the Farm Training Program.

Fall 1967: Development process began: initial programs were selected, advisory committees appointed and convened, and additional staff members recruited and appointed. The district offices were set up in a wood frame building owned by the Fennimore School District, known as the “White Building” and were housed there until moving to a former hardware store, the “Rothe Building” on Lincoln Avenue in July 1968.

October 1967: Conrad Mayer was appointed as the first District Director.

November 1967: Edward S. Gorman appointed as the first administrator and then served as acting director

Fall 1967: The Field Services Department, in charge of adult part-time programs throughout the district, began functioning. Classes were offered in all 28 of the school districts, enrolling a total of 2,014 adult students during the first year.

Fall 1968: A new metal “Mechanical Trades” building was built on the new college grounds to house the Auto-Tractor Mechanics and Welding programs while the Account Clerk and Clerk-Typist classes started in the White Building in town.

Greg Wehrle, 1969 Auto/Tractor, 1971 Automotive MechanicsIt’s already been 50 years since we were going all over town for classes. I enjoyed serving on student council during my time there until I was called away by “Uncle Sam” to serve.

1967 1968 1969

1970–1971: Ag Mechanics,* Auto Body, Auto Mechanics,* Business Machines, Pre-Service Nursing Assistant, Retail Sales, and Ward Clerk

1971–1972: Enrollments grew to 670 students with the addition of All-Around Butcher and Meat Inspection, Food Preparation, Home Management, Machine Parts Salesman, and Municipal Services (2-year)

1972–1973: Agri-Equipment Service, Business-Administra-tion – Accounting, Farm Opera-tor Technician, Home Furnish-ings, Mechanical Drafting, and Municipal Services Aide (1-year)

1973: Food Services, Marketing, Municipal Engineer, Recreational Equipment Service, Secretarial Science, Service Station Operator, and Vocational Technical Development

6 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary

1970sJanuary 1971: The college purchased its first computer which was first utilized to print report cards.

March 3–10, 1971: First Annual “March Fest” events were held on campus to include a road rally, talent night, student faculty basketball game, snow sculp-tures, a tug of war, roller skating, and a baby contest. Donna Middagh, Mineral Point, and

Bill McClary, Muscoda, were crowned king and queen.

September 19–24, 1971: Approximately 5,000 people toured the new campus build-ings during the College’s first Open House.

December 1971: Southwest Tech hosted the 1st Annual Madrigal Dinner.

Fall 1973: The initial construction of the campus on the 53-acre site was completed in 1973. The six buildings contained classrooms, laboratories, shops, and office space totaling 187,110 square feet. The total campus construction cost was approximately $4,900,000 of which $1,500,000 was for equipment.

August 27, 1973: Building 300 which housed the Administration and Student Services departments was completed and open for business.

February 21, 1974: The first annual 20-hour Dance Marathon for multiple sclerosis was held on campus.

Mid-1974: Southwest Tech began its first Emergency Medical Technician Training Program. Since then thousands of EMTs have received their basic and continued training from the college.

Allen Wester, 1972, Retail SalesAfter my service in the Air Force, Southwest Tech was convenient and an economical means to further my education.

Jerry Ward, 1974, AccountingThe education I received from Southwest Tech provided me with the foundation to ultimately become a Vice President

at Seats Incorporated. Congratulations to Southwest Tech on the 50th anniversary.

Lori Wiest, 1979, Account Clerk & FinanceAll of our children attended and graduated from a Wisconsin Technical College,

and I spent my career working at Southwest Tech. The small college community created a family-like atmosphere. SWTC changes lives for the better.

1970 1971 1972 1973 1974PROGRAMADDITIONS

1974–1975: Business Administration – Finance

1975–1976: Appliance Servicing, and Mechanical Schematics, Practical Nursing, and Secretarial Science – Legal

1976–1977: Cosmetology, Dairy Process Equipment Mechanic, and Goal Oriented Adult Learning*

1977–1978: Advanced Production Agriculture, Agri-Auto Parts, Electronic Servicing, Family Day Care, and Food Service/Kitchen Helper

1978–1979: Consumer Family Manager, Marketing/Fashion Merchandising, and Medical Office Aide

1979–1980: Child Care Services

*Denotes Program Name Change

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary | 7

Tino’s, a Fennimore dance club, was the cool place to hang out during the 1970s and 1980s.

Fall 1974: The first Crossroad Chargers sports teams were selected to include Basketball, Wrestling, Cross Country, & Cheerleading. Shown above: Coaches K. Mouras and R. Weinbrenner discuss strategy before game.

1974 –1975: Record enrollments included 1,149 full-time students. Building 700 was completed for the All-Around Butcher and Meat-Inspection programs.

July 21, 1976: Full accreditation was received from North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

January 8, 1977: The Alumni Association was formed.

End of the 70s: As the end of the 70s approached, the new vocational school was re-named Southwest Wisconsin Vocational-Technical Institute, “Southwest Tech.”

1978: Road Rally Queen Lori Wiest

Steve Brogley, 1976, Agriculture Power and Equip-ment TechnicianFirst off, congratulations on your 50th anniversa-ry. As a graduate in 1977

and the owner of Scott Implement Co., which employs seven graduates of SWTC, I know firsthand the benefits and experience gained from attending your campus.

Tom Sheehan, 1972-2011, Retired Student ServicesCongratulations, Southwest Tech, on your 50th anniversary! The

College’s legacy is shown daily through your graduates’ success in the workforce in Southwest Wisconsin.

Chyme Stimart, 1977, Secretarial ScienceThe years at Southwest Tech have been an embracement of growth and satisfaction.

I treasure all the employees at the college both retired and currently employed.

1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

For thirty-seven years, the Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Foundation has supported the College and students. The Foundation’s mission is to pro-

mote learning through funding and activities that enable Southwest Tech to pro-vide opportunities for success. Foundation funded student-support programs work toward eliminating barriers in students’ lives so they can achieve success in and out of the classroom. The programs include, but are not limited to, scholarships, transportation assistance, emergency grants, food bank, and cafeteria vouchers. To learn how you can help, contact foundation@swtc.edu or 608.822.2362.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

School YearNo. of

Scholarships Range of AwardsTotal Scholarship

and Awards

2007–08 203 $250 — $3,000 $115,400

2008–09 161 $250 — $1,500 $89,200

2009–10 150 $250 — $2,250 $80,625

2010–11 173 $250 — $1,000 $85,050

2011–12 188 $250 — $2,000 $96,000

2012–13 189 $250 — $2,000 $102,250

2013–14 214 $250 — $2,000 $133,000

2014–15 238 $125 — $1,500 $133,600

2015–16 290 $100 — $2,500 $144,500

2016–17 286 $100 — $2,500 $165,295

$1,709,234 of scholarships have been awarded by the Southwest Tech Foundation to students working towards a technical diploma, associate’s degree, or certificate.

The Southwest Tech Foundation manages 336 scholarship and development funds to provide financial assistance to new and continuing students, academic programs, student organizations, and College employees.

In 2016, 93% of full-time employees gave a gift to the Foundation to support students and the College.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, with the help of Innovative Trailer Design Industries, has developed a mobile welding lab as a source of alternative delivery of our weld-ing program. Instructors will work with students in the trail-er demonstrating how to weld and what skills are needed in the workforce. College credit will be earned depending on the number of hours students use the lab. Industry training opportunities are also available.

Southwest Tech Little Free Library ProjectIn celebration of Southwest Tech’s 50th Anniversary, Southwest Tech employees designed, built, and set a goal to have 50 Southwest Tech Little Free Libraries in-stalled throughout the Southwest Tech District in areas of need. Many sponsors and stewards from all around the district are supporting Southwest Tech by commit-ting to this project and having their own Southwest Tech Little Free Library. In summer 2016, 25 South-west Tech Little Free Li-braries were installed with the remaining 25 to be in-stalled in summer 2017. Together, we will support literacy while building a sense of community in our region.

Dick and Carol Rogers sponsored their Southwest Little Free Library in Fennimore.

2016-17 Agriculture Scholarship Donors and Recipients

New Mobile Welding Lab!

8 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary

May 6, 2017 50th Anniversary Community Outreach Event Babies Gone Too Soon Memorial Walk, Dodgeville• 11:00 walk

Southwest Tech Motor Show and Swap Meet, Southwest Tech Campus• 10:00 – 3:00

May 19, 2017 Donor Appreciation and Alumni and Retiree Awards Program, Southwest Tech Campus, 5:30

June 3, 2017 50th Anniversary Community Outreach Event Crawford County Dairy Breakfast, Prairie du Chien

50th Anniversary Community Outreach Event Iowa County Dairy Breakfast, Dodgeville

June 10, 2017 50th Anniversary Community Outreach Event Lafayette County Dairy Breakfast, South Wayne

June 11, 2017 50th Anniversary Community Outreach Event Richland County Dairy Breakfast, Richland Center

50th Anniversary Community Outreach Event Grant County Dairy Breakfast, Bloomington

50th ANNIVERSARY SUPPORTING SPONSORS:Badgerland Financial, Community First Bank

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 11, 2017 Charger Golf Classic, Prairie du Chien Country Club• 11:00 registration• 12:00 18-hole golf shotgun start• 2:00 9-hole golf shotgun start• 5:00 dinner and program

Opens September 20, 2017 50th Anniversary Corn Maze, Vesperman Farms, Lancaster

September 23, 2017 50th Anniversary Homecoming Reunion and Celebration Concert, Southwest Tech campus

• 12:00-3:00 Campus Open House with program showcases and demonstrations, lunch, children’s activities, campus tours, and more

• 3:00 50th Anniversary Patio Ribbon Cutting and Program

• 4:00 Gates Open for Concert

• 4:30 Echoes of Camp Randall

• 5:00 Opening Act TBA

• 6:00 Country Music Artist Eric Paslay

50th ANNIVERSARY BRONZE SPONSORS:

PLATTEVILLE

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary | 9

PROGRAM ADDITIONS

1980s1980–1981: The Southwest Wisconsin Vocational-Technical Institute Foundation, Inc. was incorporated to further the college’s mission through student scholarships and monies for program support along with staff professional development activities. On March 21, 1981, Ed Gorman was appointed as the Foundation’s first executive director. “Wings of Service” was coined as its tagline.

October 1981: The Fashion Merchandising III students held the first annual Fashion Show in the fountain area on campus.

May 1982: The PIVOT (Persons Involved in Vocational & Occupational Training) Program was developed to help displaced homemakers assess their skills, interests, and abilities.

June & July 1982: The Business Skills Center offered individ-ualized instruction for Keyboarding; Beginning, Basic,

Intermediate, Advanced and Power Typewriting; and Machine Transcription.

Ron Schaaf, 1985, MarketingMy time at Southwest Tech was elemental in helping me secure my first job and teaching me valuable skills, which I

have employed throughout my career.

Ritch Stevenson, 1986, Electro-Mechanical TechnologySouthwest Tech had a substantial impact on me. The ability to apply what

was being taught through hands on labs and in-dustry appropriate lectures directly transferred to my career. I am a fan of Tech schools in general as the hands on environment, not always afforded in secondary education, is priceless.

Theresa A. (Neff) Sander, 1985, MarketingThe education that I received helped me to achieve all that I have. My involvement in

DECA and being elected a state officer was an additional benefit that aided my self-confidence and ability to engage with the public in my career and various endeavors.

1980–1981: Ag Production & Service,* Associate Degree Nursing, Machine Tool Operator, Operation Agribusiness for Results, and Parts Specialist*

1981–1982: Data Entry Operations,* Electro-Mechanical Technician, Mechanical Design, Operating a Service Department, and Supervisory Management

1982–1983: Dairy Herd Management, Data Processing, Food Service - Baking, Health Unit Clerk, Legal Secretary,* and Word Processor Specialist*

1983–1984: Administrative Secretarial Science*

1984–1985: Child Care & Development

1985–1986: Accounting,* Microcomputer Accounting Assistant,* Office Aide - Medical/Dental,* Physical Therapist Assistant, and Retail Bakery Production

1986–1987: Nursing Assistant* and Skin Care Specialist

1989–1990: Accounting Assistant,* Agribusiness Services & Supplies, Barber/Cosmetologist,* Farm Business & Production Management,* Motorcycle, Marine, & Lawn Equipment Mechanic,* Office Assistant,* and Water/Wastewater Plant Operator*

10 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary

Fall 1983: An additional off-site child care center in the White Building began offering a pre-school readiness program.

1988: The college was renamed Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Dr Richard A. Rogers was selected as District Director of the College.

1988–1989: Sports programs were elimi-nated in light of the emerging budget crisis.

1980-82 1983-85 1986-89

1990s February 9, 1996: Advance Transformer - Platteville closed affecting 660 employees; 194 laid off employees chose to attend Southwest Tech for their career change.

1997: The Foundation purchased the Eastview Apartments located adjacent to campus for on-campus student housing providing housing for 32 students during the school year.

Missy Fitzsimons, 1993, NursingMost of the nurses I work with are gradu-ates of Southwest Tech like me. It is because of my belief in Southwest

Tech’s mission that I volunteer and give back to the Foundation. Our family believes in support-ing students with scholarships because the need is real, and the positive impact can be felt by our friends and neighbors.

Greg Novinska, 1993, Practical NursingThe impact that SWTC had on my career was to this point the single most significant contributing

factor. I completely changed fields from sales to nursing. I have learned many new skills but most importantly, empathy. My instructors stressed being able to look at issues from the patient’s point of view. Not only is that significant in nursing, but in life in general. It has made me a better listener and manager throughout my career. Thank you, Shirley B and Shirley H.

Kevin Raisbeck, 1996, Agribusiness/ Science TechnologyIt is amazing to think about the impact South-west Tech has had on the community members

of Southwest Wisconsin over the past 50 years. I am a proud graduate of Southwest Tech and owe a great deal of my success to the college and especially the instructors. Thank you to the entire Southwest Tech team for all you have done for me and continue to do for all of us in Southwest Wisconsin! I cannot wait to see what the next 50 years will bring!

1990–1991: Auto Body & Paint Techni-cian,* Automotive Technician,* Information Processing Specialist,* Meat Processing & Merchandising,* and Medical Assistant*

1991–1992: Agricultural Power & Equipment Technician,* Agribusiness Science Technology,* Computer Information Systems - Programmer/Analyst,* Engine Machining Technician, and Food Service Production*

1992–1993: Electronics,* Esthetician,* and Medical Transcription

1994–1995: Administrative Professional, Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate, Human Services Associate, and Industrial Electrician Apprentice

1995 –1996: Culinary Management

1996 –1997: Bricklaying & Masonry, Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright, and Pharmacy Tech

1997–1998: IT-Network Communications and Individualized Technical Studies

1998–1999: Golf Course Management and Salon Services - Hair & Nail Design*

1999–2000: Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement and Dental Assistant

*Denotes Program Name Change

March 1995: The first annual scholarship banquet was held awarding over $10,000 to students.

May 1999: The Foundation received an anonymous $170,000 estate gift which established the “Wings Scholarship.”

October 3, 1999: Dr. Karen R. Knox was inaugurated as the fourth President of Southwest Tech, and the Lenz Center was

opened and dedicated to its benefactor, Fred Lenz, in honor of his generous donation to the Foundation in support of student scholarships. Fred’s gift provides one $1,000 scholarship to

every high school in the district for a student enrolling at Southwest Tech.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary | 11

1990-94 1995-97 1998-99

Konnie Sadler, 2002, Culinary SWTC helped me develop the skills to overcome obstacles, make a difference, and achieve my career goals.

Jason Tyson, 2002, IT NetworkAs a partner of a family owned IT Consulting firm, Southwest Tech set the base of my IT knowledge that I use

still today to expand our business. SWTC had an enormous impact on my career.

Kevin Curran, 1999 & 2003, IT Network Communication & AccountingI love my job and have much less student loan

debt because of my educational career with Southwest Tech. I have no regrets and only fond memories. I will always recommend Southwest Tech to anyone.

2000 to Present2000: Foundation assets pass the $1,000,000 mark.

May 1, 2001: The first annual “A Day for Southwest Tech” campaign was held.

December 9, 2001: Fred W. Lenz passed away, and the majority of his estate was gifted to the Lenz Family Endowment Scholarship.

July 29, 2003: The Southwest Tech Foundation’s Student Housing Sixplex was dedicated. The new addition allowed housing for 24 additional students each year and provided an onsite recreational room and laundry facilities.

October 1, 2003: The College Connection was dedicated.

2003–2004: Foundation assets surpass $2,000,000.

Fall 2004: The Driver Education Program went online. To date more than 4,000 students statewide have been served by the program.

April 1, 2008: Following much preliminary work and many presentations across the length and breadth of the District, voters approved the College’s first and only referendum for capital improvements. In doing so, $31.9 million was provided for much needed expansion and renovation of facilities and infrastructure.

12 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary

2002–2003: Advanced EMT and Building Trades - Carpentry

2003–2004: Dietary Manager, Practical Nursing, Nursing - Associate Degree, and Respiratory Therapist

2004–2005: Cosmetology,* Nursing Assistant, Radiography, IT-Software Developer, IT-Computer Support Specialist, and Office Aide*

2005–2006: Aesthetician*

2006–2007: Building Maintenance & Construction, and Criminal Justice - Corrections

2007–2008: Business Management,* Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 520 Academy, Direct Entry Midwife, Graphic & Web Design, and IT-Web Software Developer*

2008–2009: Culinary Specialist

2009–2010: CNC Setup/Operator, Electrical Power Distribution, Engineering Technologist, and Medical Laboratory Technician

2010–2011: Food Production Assistant

2011–2012: IT - Computer Support Technician, Medical Coding Specialist, and Technical Studies - Journey Worker

PROGRAMADDITIONS

2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Mysti (Schlafer) Nundahl, 2011, Administrative ProfessionalSouthwest Tech gave me and my family a future. I now have a

college education and no longer have to work in a factory. After I graduated, I convinced my husband to go to SWTC a couple years later; and he just graduated in 2016. Our daughters can be very proud of us someday! I left with lifelong friendships!

Theresa Braudt, 2004, Nursing Southwest Tech provided a program that

allowed me to seek continuing education while working in effort to support the needs of my family.

Brady Vondra, 2014, Agri-businessI chose Southwest Tech to further my education in agriculture while at the same time building industry relationships. South-west Tech offers a great variety

of classes with small class sizes for one-on-one attention, and I left feeling ready for what life may throw at me. The college made an incredible difference in my life from career development to agronomy knowledge. Paul Cutting is a great instructor and changed my life for the better!

September 10, 2014: The Karen R. Knox Learning Center was dedicated to recognize Dr. Knox’s steadfast service to Southwest Tech as a teacher, mentor, and leader, who guided the College through a profound transformation. The Knox Learning Center is a hub of activity on campus where students receive academic assistance of all types, from library services to tutoring, from technical assistance to mentoring.

2015: Jason S. Wood was inaugurated as the sixth President in the College’s history.

2015: SWTC Real Estate Foundation was created to own and develop real estate, including student housing.

2016: Southwest Tech was ranked #1 in Wisconsin and #11 in the nation as the best two-year college.

2009: Referendum building additions that were completed included: Building 1500 - Childcare Center, Building 1600 - Health Science Building and 1700 - Ag-Auto Center.

2009: Building 1800 for Ag/Auto Storage and Building 1200 were remodeled.

2011: Duane M. Ford was inaugurated as the fifth President of Southwest Tech.

2012: Building 2000 - Public Safety Complex including firing range, driving track, skid pad, and burn tower, and Building 2200 - Electrical Power Distribution were completed to finish the referendum additions.

Spring 2013: The Charger mascot was resurrected and redesigned for college-wide use.

2013: Charley’s Student Activity Center is opened.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary | 13

2012–2013: Culinary Arts, Liberal Arts - Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts - Associate of Science, IT - Web & Software Developer

2013–2014: Cancer Informa-tion Management, Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement,* Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy,* Health Information Technology,

Industrial Mechanic, Laboratory Science Tech, and Plumbing Apprentice

2014 – 2015: Logistics, Materials Management, Medical Office Receptionist, Receptionist, Supply Chain Assistant, Supply Chain Management, Instrumentation & Controls, Precision Machining Technology

2015–2016: Criminal Justice Studies,* Driver & Safety Edu-cation Certification, Emergency Telecommunications, Payroll Assistant Security Operations, and Tax Preparer Assistant

2016–2017: Southwest Tech’s Agricultural Programs reorga-nized: Ag Business - Animal Sci-ence, Ag Business - Agronomy, Ag Business - Ag Management, Farm Operations & Manage-ment - Ag Mechanics, Farm Operations & Management - Dairy, and Farm Operations & Management - Livestock

*Denotes Program Name Change

2010 2012 2014 2016 2017

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR PROGRAMSAg Power

Criminal Justice

Dental Assistant

Electrical Power Distribution

Electromechanical Technology

Health Information Technology

Medical Assistant

Medical Coding Specialist

Nursing

Welding

The SWTC Real Estate Foundation offers apartment-style student housing, located within easy walking distance of campus, for up to 112 students. Student Housing, which is available with a school year lease and a summer lease, consists of four styles of apartments, each with different amenities to meet students’ needs. Starting in 2014-15, the Building Trades-Carpentry Program started building duplexes to add more student housing options.

WE EMPLOY 324 PEOPLEincludes full-time and part-time employees

TOP 10 PROGRAMS OF 2015based on median hourly wage*

Nursing–Associates Degree $26.50

Physical Therapist Assistant $22.00

Electromechanical Technology $20.00

Medical Coding Specialist $19.59

Direct Entry Midwife $19.23

IT-Network Communication Specialist $18.62

Medical Laboratory Technician $18.55

Practical Nursing $17.95

Electrical Power Distribution $17.50

Graphic & Web Design $15.91

* Median salaries reflect the middle salary where half of the responding graduates received more than the salary shown and half received less than the salary shown.

K-12 PartnershipsSouthwest Tech believes that partnerships with our district high schools are the key to strengthening communities by providing opportunities that offer convenience and savings. At the end of the 2015-2016 school year, the Col-lege had 169 articulation agreements with area high schools, which includ-ed 93 transcripted credit agreements and 76 advanced standing agree-ments. Through these agreements, 1,133 high school students enrolled in transcripted credit courses earning 3,942 credits, and 293 students earned advanced standing credit. Of the total number of 2015 district high school graduates, 23% chose to attend Southwest Tech directly after high school.

SEEDING THE FUTURE

14 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary

2015-2016ENROLLMENT

Pave it Forward and Giving Tree Program

The last 50 years have seen Southwest Tech partnering with communities and industries to promote growth and continued education within our district. We look forward to another 50 years of serving the communi-ties and people of southwest Wisconsin!

GIVING TREE DEDICATION FORMName

Address

City State Zip

Phone Email

Tree dedicated in honor/memory of:

Dedication Message (20 – 40 words/please print):

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 50th Anniversary | 15

PAVE THE WAY FORWARD We all want a way to leave our mark on the world. Consider leaving your footprint at Southwest Tech by sponsoring a brick, bench, or table that will stand as a permanent testament in the patio behind the Knox Learning Center. This is your opportunity to memorialize a friend or loved one; honor a teacher, child, parent, or sibling; celebrate a special achievement; recognize your business; create a lasting memory of your time on campus; or congratulate a recent graduate.

PAVER FORMName

Address City State Zip

Phone Email

o 4” x 8” paver – $100. Current Student Discount – $50 (3 lines/14 characters per line – including spaces)

o 8” x 8” paver – $250 (6 lines/14 characters per line – including spaces)

o 9” x 16” paver – $500 (8 lines/20 characters per line – including spaces)

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o Bench Sponsor – $1,500

o Table Sponsor – $2,500

(Plaque Dedication Message: 20-40 words)

SEND FORM WITH PAYMENT TO: Southwest Tech Foundation • 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809FOR MORE INFORMATION – email: foundation@swtc.edu • call: 608.822.2348

GIVING TREE PROGRAMThe Giving Tree program is a unique way to honor someone’s legacy on the Southwest Tech campus for years to come. Our Giving Trees can memorialize people who have passed away or honor a person’s impact and achievement while they are living. Sponsor a living tribute today and

contribute to the ongoing beautification of campus while honoring a loved one or special event. Tree dedications are typically held annually each fall.

$500 SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES: • 4-inch diameter tree• Engraved plaque attached to decorative rock

PAVER FORMS SUBMITTED BY JULY 1, 2017 WILL HAVE PAVERS INSTALLED FOR SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 PATIO PAVER RIBBON CUTTING DURING OUR SOUTHWEST TECH HOMECOMING CELEBRATION!

Southwest Tech Homecoming and Celebration ConcertSaturday, September 23, 2017IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE! Southwest Tech marks its 50th birthday this year. Everyone is invited to campus for free lunch with birthday cake, balloon and face painting artists as well as program showcases, demonstrations and your chance to weld art, drive a combine, check your golf swing and more. Join in the celebration and stay for a free country music concert with Eric Paslay!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC12:00-3:00 Campus Open House 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore • Program showcases and demonstrations • Family friendly activities• Lunch • Campus tours and more

3:00 50th Anniversary Patio Ribbon Cutting and ProgramWe’ve transformed the back patio into a beautiful setting for students with engraved, personalized bricks. President Jason Wood will host a short celebration program with students, staff, and retirees.

4:00 Gates Open for Free Celebration ConcertOakwood Nature Park - Outdoors • 1550 Lafollette Street, Fennimore4:30 Echoes of Camp Randall5:00 Opening Act6:00 Country music singer, songwriter Eric Paslay

HEADLINER

ERIC PASLAY

Southwest Tech1800 Bronson BoulevardFennimore, WI 53809

Southwest Tech Alumni, we want to keep you connected. Update your contact information at www.swtc.edu/alumni or call 608.822.2379

50th ANNIVERSARY GOLDEN SPONSORS: