For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: November 20, 2024
Details set for Fall Commencement | Dec. 13
Fennimore -Fennimore, Wis – The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fall Commencement will be held Friday, Dec. 13. There will be two ceremonies this year, divided by programs. The first ceremony will be held at 1 p.m., followed by the second ceremony at 3 p.m. They will take place in the campus auditorium. This commencement will see 81 students graduate, with 62 walking across the stage.
The student speaker for the 1 p.m. ceremony will be Kennedy Kosharek, while Taccara Aaushi Dowdell will serve as the student speaker for the 3 p.m. ceremony. Kajal Patel will be the emcee for the 1 p.m. ceremony, while Anna Hardyman will be the emcee for the 3 p.m. ceremony. Lisa Wallin-Kapinus will serve as the alumni speaker. Jordan Scott, the Southwest Tech State Student Ambassador to the Wisconsin Technical College System, will be speaking at both ceremonies.
Commencement Speaker | Alumnus
Lisa Wallin-Kapinus
Hometown: Wauzeka, Wisconsin
Program and year of graduation: Office Assistant – May 1990
Current position and name of employer: District administrator at Boscobel Area Schools
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? What drew me to Southwest Tech was the opportunity to explore my options. Right after high school, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to pursue, but my parents encouraged me to give something a try for at least a year and see where it could take me.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? Southwest Tech offered a practical, supportive environment where I could test out a program and find a direction that suited my skills and interests without feeling locked into a long-term commitment. It felt like the right place to start my journey and figure things out.
What will be your message to the graduates? As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Your journey ahead is about discovering what inspires you, just like it was for me at Southwest Tech. Whether you have a clear vision for your future or are still figuring things out, trust the process. Be open to new experiences, embrace opportunities for growth, and know that each step you take is moving you forward. You’ve worked hard at SWTC and now have the tools and resilience to succeed in whichever path you choose. Keep learning, stay curious, and most importantly, believe in yourself.
Jordan Scott | State Student Ambassador
Hometown: Muscoda, Wisconsin
Program: IT Network Specialist (Graduated)
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? I was in corrections for many years and wanted a new start. I’ve always had an interest in computer science and the IT program fed that interest.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? I enjoyed being involved as the student senate president and doing activities within the IT club. I was also a student employee and assisted my instructor on many program-related things to include the development of the Student Security Operations Center Lab for the new Cybersecurity program. It helped further my education while working directly within my program area. I also have also enjoyed my time as the SWTC State Student Ambassador to the Wisconsin Technical College System.
What will be your message to the graduates? Resilience.
What are your plans after graduation? I am currently employed with TC Networks. I am also a full-time student pursuing my bachelor’s degree with UW-Stout.
Kennedy Kosharek | Student Speaker | 1 p.m.
Hometown: Spring Green, Wisconsin
Program: Cosmetology
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program?
SWTC was the closest college to home that offered a cosmetology program. I chose cosmetology because my great grandmother was a cosmetologist, and I was looking for a career that I could use my creativity in.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech?
I enjoyed the support I received from all the staff at SWTC and the connections I made with my instructors.
What will be your message to the graduates?
The importance of bouncing back from setbacks and adapting to change, emphasizing how this quality will shape their future successes.
What are your plans after graduation?
To continue my education by getting a business management degree. I plan on working at a salon in a nursing home.
Kajal Patel | Emcee | 1 p.m.
Hometown: Richland Center, Wisconsin
Program: Graphic and Web Design
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? Before I started attending, my sister was already enrolled here, and she would always talk about how amazing Southwest Tech is. I knew I wanted to go to college but wasn’t sure where to begin. Eventually, I decided to follow in her footsteps and enroll here, and now I’m the one sharing how incredible this place is.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? I’ve really enjoyed my time at Southwest Tech. The staff and faculty are always willing to help, whether it’s with questions, advice, or just offering support when things get tough. Everyone here is so friendly and genuinely invested in your success, which makes the whole experience much better. It’s a great place to be, and I’m glad I chose it.
What will be your message to the graduates? Congratulations, grads! You’ve finally made it, and that’s an incredible accomplishment. All those late nights, early mornings, and challenges have led you to this moment, and it’s time to celebrate everything you’ve achieved. The road ahead might not always be clear, and it might feel a little intimidating, but that’s what makes it exciting! This is your time to explore new opportunities, take risks, and grow in ways you never expected. Whether you’re jumping into a new career, continuing your education, or taking some time to figure things out, just know that you’ve got everything it takes to succeed. Keep chasing what excites you, stay curious, and trust that this is just the beginning of something amazing. Congratulations!
What are your plans after graduation? I don’t have everything planned out for after graduation yet, but I’m starting to think about it! With only one semester left, I’m excited to see what’s next and what opportunities are out there.
Taccara Aaushi Dowdell | Student Speaker | 3 p.m.
Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Program: Associates of Science in Midwifery
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? The cost and the ability to do the program remotely except for test outs. Every other program I investigated had the same didactic work, but was very unaffordable.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? Meeting the midwives that I have met from all over the world. Having a global midwifery community is top tier. I would not have accomplished that without this program. When I answered the call to midwifery, it was something brewing in my spirit, but I never believed in a million years that I would be a part of a community and sisterhood that stretched across the world.
What will be your message to the graduates? My message to the graduating class of 2024 will in short be, “Never stop learning!” This is only the beginning. Love your craft enough to master it. Take care of yourself! You are a human first and a professional second. Listen to yourself and trust your instincts. You were created to do incredible things; God was just waiting for you to decide that it was time to do it. Remember this achievement anytime you are facing doubts in the future.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I plan on sitting for the NARM exam in February. Once I am licensed, I will be starting my own private practice while working on a collaborative team alongside other midwives that have private practices in my community. It is also in my plans to transfer into a higher degree level midwifery program at Bastyr University to achieve the Master of Science in Midwifery credential.
Anna Hardyman | Emcee | 3 p.m.
Hometown: Belmont, Wisconsin
Program: Nursing Associate Degree
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? Southwest Tech’s campus was close to home and gave me the opportunity to advance my career in the healthcare field. I started working as a certified nursing assistant in high school and I loved it, so I decided to build on that and pursue nursing.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? I was able to be a part of the first January start cohort in the nursing program here at Southwest Tech, which made it possible for me to graduate a semester earlier than I had planned. I enjoyed the opportunities for hands-on experiences in the nursing field through skills labs and clinicals.
What will be your message to the graduates? “Believe you can and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to work as a registered nurse at the Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County.
• Additional details can be found at www.swtc.edu/graduation.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. 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. |