Friends Spring 2012 - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

nwtc 

FRIENDS OF 

WHAT’S 

INSIDE 

Upcoming Events 

College News 

Faculty and Staff News 

Student Briefs 

Alumni News 

Foundation News 

A magazine for alumni and friends of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Spring 2012

Foundation 

Board Members 

Lee D. Hoffmann 

Feeco International 

Foundation President 

Joe Langer 

Schneider National 

Foundation Vice President 

Terry Fulwiler 

Retired, WS Packaging 

Foundation Secretary / Treasurer 

Nancy K. Armbrust 

Community Volunteer 

Richard Blahnik 

Retired, Bank One 

Philip R. Brehm 

Everson, Whitney, Everson & Brehm 

BJ Cassidy 

Retired, Wisconsin Public Service 

Lynn Dufrane 

Nicolet National Bank 

Cathy A. Dworak 

Green Bay Packers 

Larry Harkness 

Georgia-Pacific 

Tom Hinz 

Retired Law Enforcement/Brown 

County Executive 

Karen Knox 

VerHalen Commercial Interiors 

NWTC Alumni Representative 

Carl W. Kuehne 

CK Holdings, LTD 

Pat LaViolette 

Community Volunteer 

Ashok Rai, M.D. 

Prevea Health 

Sandra Renard, 

Renco Machine Co., Inc. 

James Strohschein 

Management Enterprises 

Steven A. Taylor 

Northwestern Mutual 

Dear friends, 

This is a special anniversary year for the 

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College 

community. NWTC is celebrating 

100 years of strengthening Northeast Wisconsin 

communities and preparing hundreds of 

thousands of students for great careers. 

Much has changed since those first evening classes in 1912. Students then 

were ages 14-16; now the average age is 27. In 1912 we offered a handful of 

programs; now, we offer over 100 degrees, diplomas and apprenticeships and 

nearly 100 certificates. Back then, completing high school was considered 

having an advanced education; now, most jobs demand more than a high 

school diploma. 

The College’s promise, however, remains the same. NWTC helps any and 

all people begin and advance careers—careers that support families, drive 

communities, and allow our economies to remain competitive. NWTC has 

always made the difference between people living in poverty and people 

achieving family supporting careers . This has been accomplished with 

the tremendous support of the people of Northeast Wisconsin. Whether 

you have been a student, a teacher, an industry partner, or a supportive 

community member, you have had the kind of positive impact for 100 years 

that is worth celebrating! 

Throughout 2012, the College will be gathering stories from past students 

and employees, sharing information and photos from our archives, and 

commemorating the past century during public events. Details will be posted 

on the College’s Centennial web site, www.NWTC.edu/100years. Please join 

us and add your NWTC story. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. H. Jeffrey Rafn, NWTC President

UPCOMING 

Events 

April 16-May 23 

Exhibit: “Celebrate Life” by HEAL 

NWTC Art Gallery, Student Center, Green Bay Campus 

April 26 

Tech Challenge and Learn Out Loud 

8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Green Bay campus 

May 6 

26th Annual NWTC Auto Club 

Car Show & Swap Meet 

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Green Bay campus 

Connect to NWTC 

Follow NWTC to learn the latest college news 

and connect with the campus community! 

Go to www.nwtc.edu/getsocial 

Have you seen NWTC’s 

latest videos? Scan this 

code with your smart 

phone to check them out! 

May 14 

Spring Commencement 

Green Bay Campus 

6 p.m., Resch Center, Green Bay 

May 16 

Spring Semester Ends 

May 17 


Sturgeon Bay Campus 

6 p.m., The Lodge at Leathem Smith, Sturgeon Bay 

May 18 


Marinette Campus 

6 p.m., UW-Marinette Theatre on the Bay 

June 6 

Summer Semester Starts 

August 1 

Summer Semester Ends 

The Friends of NWTC magazine is published twice yearly 

by the NWTC College Advancement Office. 

Vice President of College Advancement......................................Karen Smits 

Foundation Director ...............................................................Crystal Harrison 

Writers ....................................................................................... Casey Fryda 

Ann Malvitz 

Design ................................................................................. Jane Kleineschay 

SPRING 2012 ~ PAGE 1

Then and Now 

Celebrating 100 years of educational excellence 

1930s SCiENCE ClASSroom 

AChiEvEmENt 

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NWTC is among 

the top 10 percent 

of community colleges in the U.S. for 

helping students learn, graduate and 

succeed, according to the Aspen Institute. 

There is a passion for excellence collegewide 

that continues to drive graduates 

to excel in their fields. NWTC Health 

Sciences graduates consistently perform 

above the national average on board 

exams required for employment—the 

same board exams administered to fouryear 

university students. 

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JoB-rEAdy 

SkillS 

tyPiNG ClASS 1930s 

The technical 

education difference 

means students apply academic skills to real-world 

challenges, whether that means understanding the 

physics behind a machinery issue, using math skills when 

framing a house, or maintaining smooth, professional 

communications while hunting for ampersands on an 

unfamiliar keyboard. 

friends of NWTC 

SPRING 2012 ~ PAGE 2 

1930s PriNtiNG PrESS ClASSroom 

In the early 1900s, 

Wisconsin lawmakers recognized the need for high-quality 

education for working young adults. They promoted the creation of 

City Vocational Schools. Starting in 1912, schools in Green Bay and 

Marinette offered courses in machine shop, woodworking, printing, 

bookkeeping, shorthand, typing, mechanical drawing, sewing, and 

commercial work along with standard reading, writing, and math. 

That workforce focus has never changed. NWTC has always been 

about education that works.

COLLEGE 

NEWS 

New degree options for fall 2012 

Two new degrees will be offered in fall 2012. Digital Photography and 

Environmental Engineering-Waste and Water Technology are already 

accepting applications. 

The Environmental Engineering-Waste and Water Technology associate degree 

program prepares learners to evaluate water, air, waste, and other materials. Graduates 

will use testing, analysis, and monitoring to keep the environment and community 

healthy and safe. 

Northeast Wisconsin offers a wide variety of potential employers for environmental 

engineering technicians. In the NWTC District alone, there are 30 waste, water and 

sewage treatment plants and over 60 recycling and waste handling companies. The 

region is also home to many large industrial manufacturing operations, which have 

increasingly been required to document and report environmental performance. 

Students in the Digital Photography technical diploma program will study business 

as well as photographic techniques, equipping them for success as entrepreneurs, 

in a photo studio or in a corporate setting. The program will help students develop 

an individual style, gain experience with the latest digital technologies and acquire 

business skills necessary to succeed. In addition to camera operations and advanced 

image editing, students will be trained in specialty areas including event photography, 

fine art photography, and photojournalism. 

Information on both programs is available on NWTC’s web site and from NWTC 

Enrollment Services, (920) 498-5444, more.info@nwtc.edu 

Greening Wisconsin’s workforce 

Two new apprenticeship programs are now available at NWTC 

thanks to a federal grant aimed at addressing clean energy labor force 

needs in the construction, manufacturing, and utility industries. 

Jeffrey Rafn. “We are excited to offer the new Substation Electrician 

apprenticeship which will prepare individuals for cutting-edge careers 

in the utility industry.” 

Developed in partnership with the Department of Workforce 

Development’s (DWD) Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS), 

the Welder-Fabricator and Substation Electrician apprenticeships 

were made possible by the Sectors Alliance for the Green 

Economy (SAGE) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Both 

apprenticeships are four-year, or 8,000 hour, programs combining onthe-job 

career training with related classroom instruction. 

The Substation Electrician apprenticeship is the latest addition 

to NWTC’s comprehensive line up of training programs for the 

utility industry. “At NWTC, we strive to be at the forefront of 

creating a highly-skilled workforce,” said NWTC President Dr. H. 

The fourth of six new apprenticeship programs to be developed 

through the $6 million SAGE grant, the Welder-Fabricator 

program is offered in response to the needs of Wisconsin’s heavy 

manufacturing sector. NWTC also offers a one-year Welding 

technical diploma program and a one-year Marine Construction 

technical diploma program with a marine welding track. 

For more information about the apprenticeship programs, contact 

Burt Harding, NWTC apprenticeship training representative, 

(920) 492-5618; or Todd Kiel, NWTC apprenticeship manager, 

(920) 498-5704; or go to www.nwtc.edu/apprenticeship 


Delivering a skilled shipbuilding workforce 

NWTC North Coast Marine Manufacturing Training Center 

A new NWTC learning facility is delivering much-needed skills 

training for marine manufacturing, which has emerged as one of the 

region’s high growth industries. 

“It is my intent that we will be the ‘great lakes shipbuilding training 

center,’” said NWTC President Dr. H. Jeffrey Rafn. “We stand ready 

to train the marine manufacturing workforce. Not only incumbent 

workers, but new workers.” 

NWTC, together with Marinette Marine Corporation (MMC) 

and the North Coast Marine Manufacturing Alliance, celebrated 

the opening of the NWTC North Coast Marine Manufacturing 

Training Center with a ribbon cutting in February at the new facility 

in Marinette. Also participating in the ceremony were U.S. Senator 

Herb Kohl; Governor Scott Walker; CEO/ Secretary of the Wisconsin 

Economic Development Corporation Paul Jadin; Marinette Marine 

Corporation President and CEO Chuck Goddard; and Wisconsin 

Technical College System President Daniel Clancy. Specialized skills 

training has been in full swing at the center since it opened January 

30. With a U.S. Navy contract to construct multiple Littoral Combat 

Ships, MMC is the first marine manufacturer to utilize the 16,000 

square foot learning facility. 

A year ago, MMC had 600 employees; now the company has 1200, 

with more to be added in the coming months. “We’ll add 300 

(workers) over the next four months, and we wouldn’t be able to do it 

without a facility like this,” said Goddard. 

“This (new center) is good for Marinette, great for the northeast 

Wisconsin area, and wonderful for the state’s economy,” added 

U.S. Senator Kohl, who supported MMC’s bid for the federal 

defense contract. 

Through a two-year agreement with MMC, NWTC is providing 

130,000 hours of training to the company’s new hires and incumbent 

workers, focusing on electricians, ship fitters, welders, and pipefitters. 

In the future, the facility will be available to meet the training needs of 

other marine manufacturers, including the region’s shipbuilders, yacht 

builders, and major component manufacturers. 

General manufacturers will also be able to utilize the training 

center. That’s good news for a state with strong ties to the 

manufacturing industry. 

“Wisconsin is now in the perfect position to expand on something 

that’s part of our history,” said Governor Walker. “We need to sing 

the praises of manufacturing. It’s still our number one industry. We 

do it better than anyone in the world. We need to market the benefits 

of manufacturing – it’s not just a job, but a career.” 

Continued on next page 



All in the 

Family 

Mother and daughter share 

classes and future goals 

A mother-daughter duo in Door County is dreaming of one day owning 

a business together. The Forestville residents, Paula Jones and Keri 

Grimsley, are already hard at work making that dream happen. The two 

women are studying business at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical 

College Sturgeon Bay campus. 

Jones is in the Hotel and Restaurant Management associate degree 

program, while her daughter is the Business Management associate 

degree program. They have taken five classes together so far. This 

semester, the two students are enrolled in Business Law and Ethics, 

Global Business Management, and Marketing Principles. 

“We try to take as many classes as we can together,” Jones said. “We 

get along very well inside and outside of school – our entire family has 

always been close.” 

Grimsley added, “We both have different learning styles and techniques 

which are very helpful when it comes to projects and studying for tests.” 

NWTC instructor Terri Brown, who has had Jones and Grimsley 

in three classes, said they are very motivating for each other. “In the 

classroom, that motivation is contagious,” Brown said. 

“I have had cousins take classes together in the past, but this is the only 

mother/daughter combination I have had,” Brown continued. “I really 

enjoy having that dynamic in class. They work really well together, they 

know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and are able to help each 

other out when one may struggle. It is like having a built in support 

system/tutor.” 

Clearly, Jones and Grimsley are perfect study partners. In fact, the two 

were recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor 

Society with grade point averages above 3.5. 

Of course, even if a student doesn’t have a family member in class, 

connecting with another fellow student can have similar benefits. 

“Whenever I have wanted to work out or lose weight, they always say 

your success rate is much higher if you have someone to do it with,” 

Brown said. “I strongly believe that is the case with education. If they 

don’t come to class, they would let the other one down. If they don’t 

want to work on a group project, they would let the person they care 

about down. They clear the obstacles for each other, so they can focus on 

the goal they have set together.” 

For more information about the offerings on the NWTC Sturgeon Bay campus, call (920) 746-4900; toll-free, (800) 498-NWTC, ext. 4900. 

...Delivering a skilled shipbuilding workforce 

Creating a skilled worker Pipeline (continued from page 4) 

Northeast Wisconsin is home to seven marine 

manufacturing companies, including MMC, 

ACE Marine, Bay Shipbuilding Corporation, 

Burger Boat Company, Cruiser Yachts, 

Marquis Yachts, and Palmer Johnson. An 

aging workforce and skilled worker shortages 

in nearly all areas of the industry prompted 

the companies to join together with NWTC 

and two other higher educational institutions 

in the fall of 2010 to form an industry 

sector partnership, the North Coast Marine 

Manufacturing Alliance (NCCMA). 

Together, the NCMMA partners are working 

on strategic workforce development planning 

to provide a skilled workforce now and in 

the years to come. NWTC’s new marine 

manufacturing training center and new 

degree and diploma programs are designed 

to play a key role in training that workforce. 

There are currently over 60 students in the 

marine programs. 

For more information, go to 

www.nwtc.edu/marine 


Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Impressive Facts – 2012 

NWTC’s Law Enforcement 

Academy was the first college 

program in the U.S. to use 

AXON on-officer evidence 

capture devices, a new 

technology designed by TASER. 

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NWTC offers over 

100 associate degrees, 

technical diplomas, and 

apprenticeships, plus 

98 certificates. 

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More than 300 middle school 

students had fun with careers 

at NWTC’s Tech Camps in 

2010-2011. 

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For 100 years, NWTC has 

helped to start and advance 

the careers of thousands 

of Northeast Wisconsin 

residents. 

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In 2011, NWTC was 

ranked in the top 10 percent 

of community colleges 

nationwide for promoting 

student success by the Aspen 

Institute. 

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The College hosts International 

students from all over the 

world and provides local study 

abroad experiences annually. 

DID YOU 

KNOW? 

NWTC has awarded 

more than 50,000 

degrees and 

diplomas since 1968. 

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NWTC SERVED 1,084 BUSINESSES in 2010 

2011 with customized training either at their site 

or in the classroom, training 20,083 employees. 

2,640 STUDENTS GRADUATED from 

NWTC in 2010-2011. 

89 PERCENT OF 2011 GRADUATES 

available for employment were employed 

six months after graduation, and 79 percent of 

those had jobs in their field of study. 

96 PERCENT OF 2011 EMPLOYED 

GRADUATES WORK IN WISCONSIN, and 

75 percent work right here in the district. 

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Last year, 105 faculty and 

3,917 students completed 

326 service projects 

logging 46,090 hours of 

service to 173 community 

partners. 

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Each year NWTC serves 

over 40,000 students who 

are preparing to enter the 

workforce, change careers, 

gain high-tech new skills, 

start businesses, or meet 

personal or workplace goals. 

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In 2010-2011, every single graduate had a job soon after 

graduation in 26 programs ranging from Leadership 

Development to Tool & Die. 

NWTC is an Apple Certified 

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Training Center and has been 

voted “Best Business College in 

NWTC’s 2011 associate Green Bay.” 

degree graduates were 

earning a median salary NWTC’s new Great Lakes 

of $36,085 six months 

Energy Education Center offers 

credentials and continuing 

after graduation. 

education—like new degrees in 

solar energy, utilities engineering 

technology and energy 

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NWTC Radiography graduates have 

had a 100% first-time pass rate on 

the national registry examination every 

year since the program was founded.

NWTC success story– 

Andrew LaPlant 

From General Studies Transfer 

Certificate to graduate school 

While NWTC students and graduates may 

differ in their career fields, they share a couple 

of common characteristics – they’re goal 

oriented, value driven achievers. Take New 

Franken native Andrew LaPlant, for example. 

Set to start graduate school at UW-Madison 

in September, LaPlant’s college career began 

in 2008 with the NWTC General Studies 

Transfer Certificate, a 32-credit program 

designed to meet specific general education 

requirements at UW-Green Bay or 

UW-Oshkosh. After completing the one-year 

certificate, LaPlant qualified for sophomore 

status at UW-Green Bay where he transferred 

his credits to the Environment Science 

bachelor’s degree program. He graduated from 

the university in December 2011. 

For LaPlant, the decision to fulfill his general 

education requirements at NWTC was an 

easy one. “The thing that drew me in the most 

to the transfer program was the difference in 

tuition cost,” he said. 

After starting the transfer program, LaPlant 

soon discovered that NWTC was not only 

saving him money, it was preparing him 

academically for the challenges of a fouryear 

university. And, as a student who was 

returning to school after six years in the 

workforce, LaPlant appreciated the College’s 

caring academic staff. 

“The certificate program was a good way 

to shift myself back into an academic 

environment,” he said. “At NWTC, I was 

always engaged in the classroom because of the 

instructors who were genuinely interested in 

the education of their students.” 

While at UW-Green Bay, LaPlant applied 

for and received a field research grant. He 

focused his research on the potential influence 

of non-native slug species on understory plant 

communities in Northeast Wisconsin forests. 

“Because little information exists regarding 

exotic herbivorous slugs in Midwestern 

forests, and recent work suggests they are 

having a significant effect on forest understory 

plant communities, I wanted to compare 

and contrast slug abundance in five different 

natural areas in the region and determine 

some of the driving factors influencing their 

abundance,” LaPlant said. 

Last summer, LaPlant obtained an internship 

at a national park on the east coast where 

he received an award for superior service 

and effort. His primary duties at the park - 

Asstateague Island National Seashore in Berlin, 

Maryland – were focused on the control and 

removal of the invasive, common reed known 

as Phragmites australis. 

LaPlant recently returned to Asstateague 

Island. He will be working at the park until 

he begins the UW-Madison Geographic 

Information Systems graduate program 

this fall. 

As for LaPlant’s future career, he hopes to 

work as a land manager for a park or natural 

area. “I would presume that no matter where 

I am, I will continue my efforts to understand 

and control invasive species, as it is one of the 

most important topics in conservation today,” 

he said. 

Get involved in the NWTC Alumni Association. Go to www.nwtc.edu/alumni 


Woman says non-traditional 

program choice ‘very comfortable’ 

Dare to be different 

If low-pay service jobs seem to be the only option, it may be time to 

try something unexpected—with help from the Non-Traditional 

Occupations program. 

The NTO program, directed by Elizabeth Baier, provides career 

exploration and support for individuals who “dare to be different,” 

including women who pursue a trade or men who study health care. 

The NTO program receives federal funds through the Carl D. Perkins 

III Reserve Funds to recruit non-traditional workers into careers that 

show a significant gender imbalance nationwide. 

Entering a field where one gender is underrepresented can offer 

personal rewards, employee benefits and career opportunities that 

more traditional options may lack. Baier recently coordinated a 

one-day introduction to welding for women, which combined 

discussions, demonstrations and hands-on activities. It is designed for 

absolute beginners, who may be uncomfortable even asking questions 

or walking into a shop in front of others who may have spent their 

childhood learning from a family member. 

“This is a win-win opportunity for women,” said Baier. “They get 

a good feel for a great career that they may not have previously 

considered, and they pick up some practical skills.” 

Careers profiled in the workshops often offer more stability and better 

compensation than unskilled jobs. New welding graduates in 2011 

earned an average starting salary of $34,161, and employers posted 

twice as many welding job openings as NWTC had graduates to fill 

them. In some skilled fields, NWTC receives five or more job orders 

for every graduate. 

Anyone interested in a non-traditional career or a 

workshop can call Betsy Baier, (920) 498-6996 or 

e-mail elizabeth.baier@nwtc.edu. 



My name is Latoya Garrity. I am 

currently enrolled in the Automotive 

Technology program at NWTC. I 

chose to attend NWTC because 

it is the only nearby college with 

a two-year, hands-on automotive 

program. I have enjoyed working 

on cars ever since I was a young girl, 

helping my dad with his auto repairs. 

After dropping out of high school, 

I worked in fast food restaurants 

and factories for years. A couple 

of years ago, I found myself on 

unemployment, so I decided to take 

that as an opportunity to get my diploma and return to college to do 

something that I loved. 

Obviously the automotive industry is a male-dominated field. This 

would probably be intimidating to some women, but I’m comfortable 

being one of the only females in the program. For most of my life, I 

hung around with males more than females anyways, so it’s normal to 

me. However, it can be challenging sometimes. One of the biggest 

challenges to being in a non-traditional program is feeling like I have 

to prove to everyone that I am just as good as the men are. 

NWTC has helped me to be successful in my pursuit of a degree. 

Whenever I struggle, all I have to do is ask for help, and it’s always 

there. From my instructors, to other students, or my advisors, 

everyone is willing to help. It’s a very comfortable atmosphere, and 

that makes me feel like I fit right in. 

Upcoming free non-traditional 

career workshops 

Apprenticeship Introduction For Women 

Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

Fire Protection Engineering Fundamentals 

Date: April 21, 2012 

Time: 9:00 a.m.-11 a.m. 

Health Care Introduction for Men 

Date: April 28, 2012 

Time: To be announced 

To register for any workshop or learn more: 

Contact the Non-Traditional Occupations Offce 

Betsy Baier, (920) 498-6996 or elizabeth.baier@nwtc.edu

Middle school students can’t wait for ‘work’ at Tech Camps 

Kids in grades 5-8 are welding, 

working in ambulances, running 

electrical wires and investigating 

crimes at NWTC each summer— 

and they can’t wait to come 

back to “work.” 

“Last year we had a student tell us, ‘This is 

the best day of my life!’ “ says organizer Erica 

Gilson. “The students don’t want to leave! 

Each year the camp attendance grows and the 

camps fill extremely fast.” 

Tech Camps for middle school students are 

back for a 15th year, with more sessions than 

ever before. Students entering grades five 

through eight can use professional tools 

and techniques to learn by doing, rather 

than listening. 

“Tech Camps are fun because you have the 

opportunity to ‘try out’ a career,” she said. 

“Students get to weld, participate in landscape 

projects on our campus, design a website, or 

test samples under a microscope!” Besides, she 

says, “It is fun to be on a college campus with 

your friends!” 

Tech Camps are held throughout Northeast 

Wisconsin and range from two to four days. 

They all include interactive, hands-on projects 

to encourage students to explore careers they 

might not have considered otherwise. Each 

session focuses on several careers and every 

session is different. 

“Art camp will cover painting, ceramics, and 

papermaking,” she said. “Marinette will focus 

on Marine Construction. Algoma is focusing 

on machining and CAD. We’ll also have an 

electricity camp with WPS.” 

The purpose of NWTC’s summer Tech Camp 

program is to enhance the middle school 

students’ awareness and understanding of 

the many career choices available in the job 

market. Each camp focuses on the importance 

of education and the skills employers are 

looking for in the workforce of today and 

the future. 

Interested families are encouraged to register 

as soon as possible, since sessions often fill very 

quickly. Tech Camp registration brochures will 

be available mid-April. If you attended a past 

camp, you will automatically get a registration 

brochure mailed to your home. Every middle 

school guidance offce will have copies mailed 

to them. Parents can also call Erica Gilson at 

(920) 498-6817 to request info to be mailed. 

To learn more and to see photos 

from past Tech Camps, visit 

www.NWTC.edu/TechCamp 

2012 

My SUMMEr 

“TO DO” LIST: 

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Coach t-ball 

Go fishing at the lake 

Eat outdoors whenever possible 

Take a class at NWTC! 

NWTC is offering more courses this summer than ever 

before. With flexible times and locations, including online, 

you can fit learning into your jam-packed, fun-filled summer! 

Choose from classes in general studies, business, information 

technology, trades, engineering technology, renewable energy, 

health sciences, public safety, child care, art, and so many more. 

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APPly yoUr CrEditS towArd A 

dEGrEE, or tAkE A ClASS JUSt For FUN. 

mAkE NwtC PArt oF yoUr SUmmEr! 

rEGISTEr TODAy—www.nwtc.edu/GETtechnical

Then and Now 

Celebrating 100 years of educational excellence 

1980s FArm trAiNiNG 1 

GrEEN ANd GrowiNG 

A healthy environment 

provides unexpected benefits--from a secure local food supply to 

effcient businesses. NWTC offers a full curriculum of traditional 

farming and landscaping practices, plus the Midwest’s first 

complete certificate in organic agricultural practices and the area’s 

first landscape construction classes. The College’s energy offerings 

have grown to create the Great Lakes Energy Education Center, 

which includes more technology (solar energy, wind energy and 

biofuels) and the latest effective practices (sustainable design, 

energy management and utilities engineering technology). 

hANdS-oN 

QUAlity oF liFE 

1930s AUto ClASS 1 

Great employees 

bring know-how to the job. There’s nothing like hands-on 

learning--being able to program manufacturing robots, 

treat ill patients, provide security in your neighborhood 

or host an event that makes the evening news—to 

promote the experience and enthusiasm that help NWTC 

graduates succeed. 

1930s womEN’S PhySiCAl EdUCAtioN ClASS 

NWTC’s vision 

is to help learners improve their quality of life, which calls for 

experiences beyond the classroom. Students might meet visitors 

from another country, raise funds for disaster relief, become 

club leaders or compete for national awards. They can hear live 

bands, join friends at the café, or become flag football stars. With 

intramural sports, over 30 clubs and dozens of events every year, 

there’s always something extra going on. 



CoUrAGEoUS 

ProUd 

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 

1960s diESEl ENGiNE room 

1960s FirEFiGhtErS 

Many Northeast Wisconsin 

firefighters, law enforcement offcers, EMTs and 

other emergency personnel are graduates of NWTC. New 

recruits receive their initial training at NWTC, and seasoned 

veterans return for specialized training in the new tools and 

tactics that keep their communities safer. 

The NWTC community 

has always worked to support the armed services. In addition to the 

students and employees who have served in the military, generations 

of shipyard workers have come to NWTC for training in diesel engine 

maintenance, ship construction, system installation and more. From World 

War II submarine chasers of Door County to today’s littoral combat ships 

in Marinette, the dedication and skill of Northeast Wisconsin’s workforce 

has consistently protected those who defend our country. 

mENtorS 

hiGh-tECh 

1964 ElECtroNiCS kit 

1970s APPrENtiCEShiP 

ProGrAm 

NWTC instructors 

1966 FACUlty 

with StUdENt 

are chosen for their experience in the field they teach, but they stand 

out for their enthusiasm. They create lively classroom discussions, 

enhance learning and provide guidance by connecting students with 

the business world, and care about each individual’s success. 

Working with advanced 

technology 

helps students become job-ready. It also makes the learning 

environment interesting, exciting and engaging. Today, the 

Human Patient Simulator in Health Sciences can react to 

medications, patient care and even questions from nursing 

students; the networked, automated equipment in the 

Manufacturing Technology Center allows students to operate 

an advanced manufacturing system; and the audio and video 

equipment used by Digital Media students has helped NWTC 

qualify to be an Apple Authorized Training Center. 


Welcome an International 

Student into your Life! 

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College 

is currently seeking host families for next 

year’s cohort of international students. Many 

international students need to be paired 

with host families; therefore please consider 

opening your home to an international student 

for the 2012-2013 academic year. 

Who makes a good host? 

• Host families come in many shapes and 

sizes. You can have children of any age or 

no children, live near campus or far away, 

speak a second language or only English. 

Individuals can be hosts as well. Your 

willingness to expand your family and 

your world view will help you create an 

incredible, life changing experience. 

• The most important characteristic of a good 

host family is the desire to open your home 

and make the student part of your family. 

Provide the same guidance and assistance; 

include the student in trips and activities; 

offer the same care and encouragement. 

Become truly part of each other’s lives. 

Contact Lacy Frewerd—lacy.frewerd@nwtc.edu if you or someone you know is interested in becoming a host. 



Engineering Open House 

features careers that make 

things work better 

Engineers are problem-solvers who make things faster, safer and better. They’re also 

in high demand. About 300 prospective students and family members came to the 

Engineering Open House in February to find out more from college staff and 

industry employers. 

NWTC offers 15 engineering-related degrees in fields as diverse as automation, 

prototyping, energy, civil, architecture, maritime and electronics. The open house is held 

each year during National Engineers Week to encourage talented students to pursue 

engineering-related education. 

Invest in tomorrow’s workforce —www.nwtc.edu/adayfornwtc 


NWTC receives state 

Diversity Advocate Award 

The Wisconsin Society for Human Resource 

Management awarded NWTC the 2011 

Wisconsin SHRM Diversity Advocate 

Award. The award honors an individual or 

organization for being “a role model in their 

community as a strong advocate for diversity.” 

The College was nominated by Choua Yang, 

former NWTC human resource assistant. 

Yang described initiatives like scheduling job 

postings so that more diverse media can be 

included; training staff in cultural diversity; 

and reflecting diversity in photos 

and publications. 

In the nomination, Yang wrote: “NWTC 

is convinced that an institution of higher 

education that accepts and promotes 

inclusiveness as its mission and modus 

operandi will make education accessible for all 

citizens and will help define what it means to 

be an educated person in this rapidly 

changing world.” 

State business group 

awards NWTC 

“Green Master” status 

NWTC is one of the first Wisconsin 

colleges to earn Green Master status from the 

Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. 

Tom Eggert, the council’s executive director, 

noted that the college teaches sustainability 

in a wide range of classes. “However, the 

changes they’ve made in their workforce, 

waste management, energy, and water use 

have put them in the position to become a 

model, both for their students, and for the 

business community.” 



“The Green Masters Program recognizes that 

sustainability isn’t limited to one part of your 

organization, or some temporary project,” 

says NWTC Associate Dean Amy L. Kox, 

AIA, LEED AP. “Sustainability can make 

many areas of your operation more effcient, 

more cost-effective—even more pleasant. 

One of our projects involved toning down 

the lighting in areas that had been overlit. We 

save electricity and, by reducing that glare, we 

make this a better place to work and learn. 

Sustainability is about approaching your 

whole operation more strategically 

and logically.” 

WTCS Board honors 

WPS as “Futuremakers 

Partner” 

Wisconsin Public Service received the 

“Futuremakers Partner Award” from the 

Wisconsin Technical College System 

Board last fall. The award, which celebrates 

partnerships between colleges and employers, 

was accepted by Bill Laakso, vice president- 

Human Resources at WPS. 

“I’m very proud to be here representing 

WPS,” Laasko stated. “The energy industry 

is very technical, very skilled. All of our 

jobs require post-secondary education. Our 

average employee age is 47, so we recognize 

the need for a skilled workforce plan. That 

is what motivates our involvement with 

NWTC; we have a ready resource. We have 

partners at NWTC.” 

WPS and NWTC have worked together 

closely for at least 20 years, most notably 

to create energy degrees like solar energy, 

energy management, and utilities engineering 

technology. WPS contributes vehicles, 

equipment, guest speakers, program advisors, 

scholarship funding, field experiences and 

countless other learning opportunities. They 

also have partnered to bring federal grant 

funds to the area, and to get middle school 

students excited about energy careers. 

College receives 

Leadership Green Bay 

Award 

NWTC was honored by Leadership Green 

Bay, a program of the Green Bay Chamber 

of Commerce, for exemplifying leadership 

within the community. The College 

received the 2012 John M. and Meredith 

B. Rose Award for “bringing LGB into the 

technology age through the use of its online 

Blackboard program.” The College created 

a custom-built, online educational program 

through its Blackboard system for LGB 

which the organization is using to handle 

curriculum assignments, paperwork, and 

online discussions between class members 

regarding project work and leadership skill 

concepts. NWTC received the award in 

February during LGB’s all class reunion. 

Olde Main Street Inc. 

honors NWTC 

Olde Main Street Inc. presented NWTC 

with the Contributor Award for investing 

time, money, and in-kind gifts toward the 

development of the Olde Main Street district. 

NWTC was honored during Olde Main’s 

“State of the Street” meeting in January.

FACULTy & STAFF 

NEWS 

Stewart named dean of 

Corporate Training and 

Economic Development 

Dean Stewart has 

accepted a position 

as dean of Corporate 

Training and Economic 

Development—a 

department he refers 

to as “Northeast 

Wisconsin’s best-kept 

secret.” 

He adds, “We serve on average over 1,200 

businesses and over 24,000 people in a 

calendar year through Corporate Training, so 

we reach a lot of people, but there’s more that 

we can do.” 

He comes to NWTC with 20 years of 

business experience, most recently with 

Sanimax, where he was vice-president for U.S. 

operations. Every year he would pursue some 

kind of professional development, such as 

sales certification or leadership training. Last 

year, he chose to earn a Lean Manufacturing 

certificate at NWTC. 

“I was just blown away by how great the 

program was and the results I got out of it,” 

he says, “so I actually brought NWTC to 

Sanimax, where we put 70 people through the 

training I went through with a WAT grant.” 

He says Corporate Training will focus on 

increasing services to business in four areas: 

promoting growth, developing leadership, 

gaining productivity and customer service. “If 

we do those things, it will make companies 

more successful.” 

Stewart and his wife live in Ledgeview and 

have four children. He has a bachelor’s degree 

from St. Norbert College and a master’s from 

UW-Oshkosh. He serves on the board of 

directors at the Green Bay Area Boys and 

Girls Club. 

Mark Weber, 

dean of Trades 

and Engineering 

Technologies, is listed 

among the 20 “People 

You Should Know” in 

the February/March 

issue of Bay Business 

Journal, the Green Bay Area Chamber of 

Commerce magazine. 

The BBJ called Weber a “lean thinker” for 

his work in “leaning the delivery process of 

technical education.” He was also recognized 

for his role in developing the Computer 

Integrated Manufacturing Technology Lab – 

a 44 foot mobile lab packed with technology 

including a Haas computer numerical 

control (CNC) lathe, a Haas CNC mill, 13 

computers, and an interactive white board. 

High school students can earn dual high 

school and college credit by taking courses 

offered in this unique classroom. During 

the 2012-2013 academic year, the mobile 

lab is scheduled to visit 10 high schools each 

semester and serve up to 240 students. 

Anatomy and Physiology instructor 

Matthew Petersen (above) was recently 

recognized as an emerging community leader 

by Current, the Green Bay Area Chamber of 

Commerce’s young professionals network. 

Petersen, age 31, was named to Current’s list 

of “Future 15” community leaders. He was 

noted for “promoting the use of high quality 

educational practices in the classroom and in 

the development of a culture of evidence 

and inquiry.” 


STUDENT 

BrIEFS 

WPS awards $1,000 to Energy Club 

The Energy Club won an energy-conservation 

challenge from Wisconsin Public Service—and 

$1,000. WPS representative Lynn Kroll gave the 

check to the Energy Club, which was the only 

student group participating. WPS challenged 

community groups to weatherize 10 homes 

and to reduce their own household energy 

consumption by 5 percent for two months. 

Michelle Kelly, a second-year Utilities 

Engineering Technology student, said some 

changes were easy, like opening her blinds 

during the day to let the sun heat her home, 

then closing them at night to keep the heat 

in. More diffcult was doing her wash in cold 

water and hanging the wet clothes on a line to 

avoid using her dryer for two months. 

For the second part of the challenge, WPS 

provided the club with 10 weatherization kits 

to help less-effcient homes conserve energy. 

Supplies included rope caulk for doors and 

windows, plastic sheeting for windows and 

compact fluorescent light bulbs. Even though 

the students only spent about two hours in 

most homes, they said they could tell they were 

making a lasting difference for people who 

would not have been able to install the simple 

materials themselves. 

“At the second house, we were working for six 

hours, and we could have done more,” Kelly 

said. “The house really needed it. It was 45 

degrees outside, and the whole time we were 

there, the furnace was running.” 

Instructor Chip Bircher said the low-cost 

tools would have an impact on homeowners. 

“It definitely will make the homeowner feel 

warmer,” he said. “I think they did a great job.” 

The Energy Club includes students from 

the Utilities Engineering Technology, Energy 

Management Technology, Solar Energy 

Technology and Wind Technology programs. 

Solar Energy students offer “bright futures” 

to community facilities 

The Solar Energy Technology students helped to install this 6 KW photo-voltaic 

system at Algoma High School. Instructor John Hippensteel said “they appeared 

to get quite a bit out of it. They worked side by side with five skilled installers, two 

of whom are NABCEP certified--and ended the day working with two electrical 

inspectors. The system is up and running with the latest state of the art equipment.” 

The students are increasing the effciency of other facilities as well, including a library 

and building that serves individuals with disabilities. They have also contributed to 

NWTC’s “green energy” supply with solar panels that power buildings and mobile 

learning facilities and that charge batteries in NWTC’s automotive area. 

Apprentice advances to national competition 

Two NWTC apprenticeship students earned the top awards in the Heating, 

Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contest at the ABC of Wisconsin Skills 

Competition held in January in Wisconsin Dells. John Pelnar Jr. (left) of Manitowoc 

took first place in the HVAC contest. He advances to the national championships 

held in San Antonio, Texas, this spring. Pelnar is an apprentice with Schaus Roofing 

and Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Manitowoc. Scott Naparalla of Berlin, Wis., earned 

second place at the state competition; he is an apprentice with Brewer Heating & 

Cooling, Inc. in Ripon. Both Pelnar and Naparalla are HVAC apprentices in the ABC 

of Wisconsin Apprenticeship program on the NWTC Green Bay campus. 



Making a difference: 

Summer dental clinic 

expands with P&G support 

Nearly 90 children in need from northeast 

Wisconsin received essential oral health 

care services last summer at the NWTC 

Dental Hygiene Summer Dental Clinic. The 

summer clinic was able to provide preventive 

dental services to these children thanks in 

large part to a $5,000 grant from Procter 

and Gamble. 

With P&G’s support, NWTC was able to 

stock the clinic with toothbrushes, tooth 

paste, sealant supplies, fluoride treatments, 

and radiographs; and provide educational 

materials for the children and their 

parents. NWTC Dental Hygiene program 

students used the supplies to provide 

preventive services, including cleanings, 

sealants, nutritional counseling, fluoride 

treatments, x-rays and preliminary exams, to 

a population that has little or no access to 

dental care. In turn, the NWTC students 

were able to develop their technical skills as 

well as their people skills. 

“This grant allowed us to provide the 

children with valuable care they otherwise 

would not have access to. Many of these 

children have learned to live with the pain of 

decayed teeth. They go to sleep 

with it, They go to school with it. It affects 

their energy levels and even their selfesteem,” 

said Lynn Kettenhofen, NWTC 

Dental Hygienist program instructor. “It 

(the clinic) is a win-win proposition – the 

children receive much-needed care, and the 

NWTC students obtain real world, handson 

learning experiences that will be valuable 

to them in the workplace.” 

NWTC plans to hold another dental clinic 

for uninsured and underinsured children, 

ages 3-13, this summer at the Green Bay 

campus, with help from P&G. The company 

recently awarded another $5,000 grant to 

help support the summer clinic. If you would 

like to contribute toward NWTC’s dental 

programs, please contact Crystal Harrison, 

NWTC Foundation director: 

(920) 498-5541, (800) 422-NWTC, 

extension 5541, or 

crystal.harrison@nwtc.edu. 


NWTC Alumni 

foster pride • promote • serve 

Get Involved 

Thousands of NWTC 

graduates, just like you, 

live and work in Northeast 

Wisconsin, other parts of 

the state, and throughout 

the U.S. These individuals, 

like you, are valuable to 

our community. 

• Serve on program advisory committees 

• Select NWTC’s most notable awards 

including distinguished alumni 

• Participate in events like commencement, 

College Preview Night and A Day for NWTC 

Become a member today! 

www.nwtc.edu/alumni 

For more information, please contact Crystal Harrison, crystal.harrison@nwtc.edu 

(920) 498-5541 or (800) 422-NWTC, ext. 5541 • www.nwtc.edu 



ALUMNI 

NEWS 

Call for nominations 

2012 Distinguished Alumni Award 

Randy Johnson, left, receives 2011 

award from Pat Staszak, Alumni 

Association vice president, during last 

year’s banquet. 

Nominations due May 23 

Do you know an NWTC graduate who 

has achieved professional success, made a 

difference in the community, or contributed 

to technical education? 

For over 20 years, the NWTC Alumni 

Association has honored outstanding 

graduates. Now is the time to nominate 

someone you know for the 2012 NWTC 

Distinguished Alumni Award. The award 

recipient will be recognized during the 

NWTC Educational Foundation Donor 

Recognition/Scholarship Banquet in August. 

To nominate an NWTC alumna/alumnus, 

or for more information, contact Crystal 

Harrison: crystal.harrison@ntwc.edu, 

(920) 498-5541, or (800) 422-NWTC, ext. 

5541. The NWTC Alumni Association must 

receive all nominations for this award by 

4 p.m. on May 23. 

PAST DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS 

Year Award Recipient NWTC Program Graduate 

1993 Mark Kwaterski Wood Technics ‘75 

1994 Michael Donart Police Science ‘71 

1995 Greg Hilbert Business Administration-Credit ‘76 

1996 Karen Kalisheck Business Administration-Credit ‘78; Accounting ‘81; 

Financial Institutions Management ‘81 

1997 Michael Sturdivant Steamfitters Apprentice ‘72 

1998 Douglas Pribyl Machine Tool Operation ‘87 

1999 Richard Brey Police Science ‘89 

2000 Bridget Belanger Medical Assistant ‘92 

2001 Mary Beth Ryan Practical Nursing ‘74; Accounting ‘93 

2002 Dan Wollin Business Administration-Credit ‘76 

2003 Dale Edlbeck Mechanical Design Technician ‘89 

2004 Ann Lotter Marketing ‘91; Retail Management ‘92 

2005 Richard A. Buntrock Police Science ’86 

2006 Brent Kindred Welding ‘92 

2007 Kelly Hafeman Architectural Industrial Model Building & Design ‘76 

2008 Thomas Hinz Law Enforcement ‘76 

2009 Cathy Dworak Marketing/Fashion Merchandising ‘88 

2010 Karmen Lemke Word Processing Specialist ‘87; Marketing ‘94 

2011 Randy Johnson Accounting, 1969; Data Processing, 1978; 

Marketing, 1980; Supervisory Management, 1983 

NWTC Alumni 

Board Members 

Kelly Hafeman, President 

Open, Vice President 

Ying LaCourt, Secretary 

Karen Knox, Representative to the 

Foundation Board 

Jan Born 

Brooke Deviley 

Rosemary Gajewski 

Jackie Goral 

Kerrie Marquardt 

Char Meier 

Barb Mueller 

Karen Sehloff 

Nancy Smith 

Blake Titus 

Dan Wollin 

New – Leadership 

positions available on 

the Alumni Board. 

Board members address important 

issues such as membership, 

alumni awards, alumni scholarships 

and fundraising. 

Get involved. 

Join online at 

www.nwtc.edu/alumni 


FOUNDATION 

NEWS 

Are you the missing piece? 

Help us solve the puzzle. For many students education is only 

possible with support from generous donors like you. 

Give the gift of education. 

For Joseph Campbell, Green Bay, receiving a scholarship meant the 

difference between going to school full time – and visiting the nearest 

temp agency. 

“There was a point I was really scared that I wasn’t going to make ends 

meet just by receiving financial aid,” Campbell said. “So when that 

scholarship letter came in the mail, it wasn’t even an issue of how much 

it was. It really came down to ‘I have some more help. Maybe this will 

work out for me.’” 

Joseph Campbell 

Computer Support Specialist Student 

Phi Theta Kappa 

International Honor Society Member 

Thank you for helping our students achieve 

their dreams! We can’t do it without you. 

1 

I wish to support NWTC students 

by giving to: 

NWTC Fund: 

Your donation will be directed to 

where it is needed most. 

Scholarships: 

Help deserving students fulfill their 

educational dreams. 

You can name the scholarship and 

determine scholarship criteria. Minimum 

$500 contribution. 



Tear off and return 

Payment Options 

2 Make check payable to: NWTC Foundation. 

Use the enclosed envelope to return your completed 

form and donation. 

Online giving by credit card: 

Go to www.nwtc.edu/foundation 

Name:_____________________________________________ 

Address: __________________________________________ 

City: ______________________________________________ 

State: ____________________________ Zip: ____________ 

Email: _____________________________________________ 

Phone: ____________________________________________ 

For more information on giving opportunities: 

Contact Crystal Harrison at (920) 498-5541 

or crystal.harrison@nwtc.edu

Faces 

of the 

Future 

When you give to the 

Foundation, you touch so 

many lives. Take a look 

at just some of the NWTC 

students who have a 

brighter future because 

of donors like you. 

Get inspired 

Go to www.nwtc.edu/foundation for a special student/donor video. 

Create a lasting NWTC legacy! Consider the NWTC Educational Foundation in your will 

to benefit future generations of students. Give the gift of education. www.nwtc.edu/foundation 


P O BOX 19042 • 2740 WEST MASON STREET 

GREEN BAY, WI 54307-9042 

NON-PROFIT 

ORGANIZATION 

U.S. 

POSTAGE PAID 

Permit No. 162 

GREEN BAY, WI 

A Day or NWTC 

APRIL 25, 2012 

Our graduates. | Your workforce. 

Give the gift of education! 

“I am where I am today 

because of generous 

scholarship donors.” 

Ying LaCourt, NWTC alumna 

Owner/operator, 

Helping Hands Caregivers 

View Ying’s story at www.nwtc.edu/foundation 

Invest in tomorrow’s workforce! Your gift to the NWTC Fund will help meet immediate student needs. 

Special thanks to our major contributors: 

For more information on giving opportunities: 

Contact Crystal Harrison at (920) 498-5541 or 

crystal.harrison@nwtc.edu 

Donate online at www.nwtc.edu/foundation

Friends Spring 2012 - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

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