For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: May 22, 2024

‘Miss Emily’ marks 35 years at Southwest Tech

Fennimore -

“Miss Emily” as she is affectionately called, has worked at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College for 35 years. College officials recognized Emily McBee’s milestone during a recent in-service. She currently serves as the Southwest Tech Child Care Center manager and is an Early Childhood Education instructor.

McBee grew up in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Following graduation from high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before transferring to Southwest Tech, where she earned an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 1987. “I have always enjoyed working with children,” she said, noting she was part of the second graduating class in that program. “It has always been a passion of mine.”

Following graduation from Southwest Tech, McBee worked at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School and the Children’s Workshop in Prairie du Chien. She secured a job at Southwest Tech in March 1989, starting as a child care assistant in the infant room. She was later offered a full-time position in the pre-school room, where she worked for 20 years. For the past 10 years, McBee has served as the manager of the Child Care Center, and for the previous eight years she has also been a part-time Early Childhood Education instructor.

The last 35 years have moved quickly for McBee, and she credits positive relationships for her longevity. “The people I work with here are wonderful,” she said.

McBee enjoys watching the children bloom from year to year. The children that attend the Child Care Center are primarily from families in the Fennimore area. She also sees a few second-generation youngsters coming to the Child Care Center. “I enjoy seeing where they are and what they have accomplished as they grow up,” she said, noting she checks the local newspapers regularly and sees children who previously attended the center featured for their good deeds. “They start shy here and as they grow older their confidence goes sky high. I like to think we help build that foundation.”

As for the future, “Miss Emily” doesn’t plan on leaving campus any time soon. A couple of her grandchildren are currently enrolled at the center.

| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |