Alumni spotlight – Brian Kitelinger, 1998 Administrative Assistant graduate
We have are so proud of our alumni that bring their talents and skills back to Southwest Tech as employees of the college. Not only are they wonderful employees but they are also our best ambassadors.
Brian Kitelinger is a 1998 Adminisrative Assistant graduate who now serves the college as Safety Coordinator.
I chose Southwest Tech because of its rich history of serving students in southwest Wisconsin. Many of my family members, including my mother and brothers attended Southwest Tech and endorsed this institution whole-heartedly. I was a dislocated worker in 1996 and was given the opportunity of a lifetime to better my way of life and the lives of my family by attending college. I was not disappointed in my choice and quickly realized the facility and staff are the best. In fact, they made such an impression on me that I decided to join the staff in August of 1998 and have held several positions within the college since that time. The training I received prepared me to embrace my roles and to broaden my training. My colleagues were sensational in encouraging me and provided me with very much needed guidance and support my first few years.
I think every student should be encouraged to do a field study in their career choice with an emphasis on how that career will benefit them as a person and also how their working in that field would benefit their community.
I never left Southwest Tech after earning my degree! I have held many positions at the college including Program Mentor in Support Services, 1998-2002; Public Services Lab Assistant, 2002-2010; WIA Case Manager, 2010-2012; Student Services Specialist, 2012-2016; Industrial Occupations/Safety Compliance Technician, 2016-2019; and now Safety Coordinator.
I am proud of the work we have accomplished here at the college. I am proud of how our response to this pandemic and how we have changed our delivery methods so that we can provide the best opportunity for our students to achieve their goals. It is a testament to the passion and commitment our faculty and staff have to our students. That is what makes me proud to be a member of the Southwest Tech staff!
In addition to my passions for the college I am also a community minded person. I have been involved in the protection and well-being of the Platteville area residents for the better part of 20 years as an EMT and a Firefighter. My neighbors know all they have to do is call and I will be there any time of the day or night. I also love to fish, I spend many hours on the Mississippi River. I enjoy having family and friends over to my home to eat and socialize.