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 24, 2020
Southwest Tech graduation celebration again virtual
Fennimore -
Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the concern for the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, this semester’s Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduation will be marked with a special celebratory video, similar to the spring semester.
In partnership with Empire Photography, in Madison, Wisconsin, all graduates will be showcased in the video. It will also include messages from Jason Wood, Southwest Tech president; Chuck Bolstad, Southwest Tech District Board chairperson; Karlee Leatherberry, Southwest Tech state student ambassador; Taylor Thuli, student speaker; and Issac Salinas, Cosmetology alumnus. Faculty and staff will also offer congratulations to the graduates.
“As 2020 has continued to unfold it became clear that having our graduates together would not be feasible, unfortunately,” said Dr. Jason Wood, Southwest Tech president. “We are extremely proud of their accomplishments and this virtual option, in no way, takes away, from their determination and dedication to make it to this milestone. We will be cheering them on, as we always have, and wish them well in their future endeavors.”
The graduation date is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11. The video will be posted on Southwest Tech’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as its website.
All graduates will also be receiving a gift box in the mail, which will include their diploma, honor cords, tassels, and a Class of 2020 T-shirt.
The names of all spring graduates can be found at www.swtc.edu/classof2020winter.
The student and alumnus speakers showcased in the video include:
Karlee Leatherberry | State Student Ambassador
Hometown: Viola, Wisconsin
Program: Agribusiness Science and Technology | Agronomy
Background: I came to Southwest Tech the fall following my high school graduation. I attended Kickapoo schools from kindergarten until graduating in May of 2019. I was raised on my family farm, where I worked as the farm secretary and farm hand until beginning classes at Southwest Tech.
Future: After graduation, I have an internship lined up at Premier Coop in Fennimore for the summer of 2021. From there, I will decide to either attend UW-Platteville to attain my Bachelor’s Degree in Crop and Soil Science, or I will dive directly into the workforce.
Taylor Thuli | Student Speaker
Hometown: Darlington, Wisconsin
Program: Business Management
Background: I work at the Darlington Community School District in student services and have done so throughout my schooling.
Future: I will start at Upper Iowa University in January of 2021 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Once finished, I hope to begin a career in social media marketing.
Issac Salinas | Alumnus Speaker
Hometown: Anaheim, California
Program and graduation year: Cosmetology | 2016
Why did you choose Southwest Tech? I had friends who attended Southwest Tech.
Career after graduation? Barber in Platteville. I am now renting my own booth.
Advice to graduates: See the program all the way through. Sometimes it’s hard or you get discouraged, but see it all the way through. It’s so nice going to work and loving what you do. It makes work that much more enjoyable and a whole lot less stressful.
| 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 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. |