Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences

Commencement is a time of celebration, reflection and anticipation. A tradition bringing UW-Stout students, families, friends, faculty, staff and supporters together.

It's a time for students to celebrate the accomplishment of earning their college degree. A time to reflect on their successes, struggles and steps on the journey that brought them to this moment. And the great anticipation of what's to come – a career, a higher degree or an embrace of the unknown.

Each semester, we ask a handful of inspiring graduates to share their Stout experiences, what brought them here and what's next. Catch up with our graduates in their Q&As, and join us in celebrating their graduation from UW-Stout.

Fall 2022 Inspiring Graduate School Graduates

Inspiring Graduate Kate Johnson, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

'My education at Stout provided me the support and guidance I needed to trust in my own abilities.'

Inspiring Graduate Terri Stan, M.F.A. Design

'My experience at Stout, both as an undergraduate and graduate, has changed me to become a better designer.'

Inspiring Graduate YJ Doe, M.S. Technical and Professional Communication

'These learning experiences surely helped me to incorporate my upgraded skills in the classroom for my students.'

Inspiring Graduate Casey Holmes, M.S. Applied Psychology

'Projects in my courses involved conducting research and evaluations with real world clients.'

Inspiring Graduate Kristen Ziegler, M.S. Career and Technical Education

'I was able to obtain dual credit from the courses I took at Stout to count toward my professional development.'

Fall 2022 Inspiring Undergraduates

From Syria to the commencement stage, brothers will graduate together on Dec. 17

Abdul and Karam Mounir inspire with their story of ‘how the human spirit can overcome tumultuous challenges’

Inspiring Graduate Willa Rodencal, B.S. Retail and Merchandising Management

'The polytechnic environment is one that we are taught in from day one.'

Inspiring Graduate Jade Krol, B.S. Special Education

'UW-Stout has given me so many opportunities to connect with other educators.'

Inspiring Graduate Ari Ben-Ami, B.F.A. Graphic Design and Interactive Media

'Collaborative efforts lead to the creation of the most innovative solutions.'

Inspiring Graduate Grace Jones: B.S. Engineering Technology

'The hands-on labs and instruction were key to my achievement.'

Inspiring Graduate Devin Dumke, B.S. Computer and Electrical Engineering

'The experiential learning has given me the technical skills and soft skills I need to succeed.'

Inspiring Graduate Sarah Webber, B.S. Packaging

'My Stout experience was about becoming a valuable member of society, learning about how to make an impact and understanding the world around me.'

Inspiring Graduate Abdulaziz Basharaheel, B.S. Engineering Technology

'My university experience has made me a more experienced and open-minded person.'

Inspiring Graduate Rachel Croft, B.S. Professional Communication and Emerging Media

'The hands-on projects and community and client partnerships prepared me to work in the field.'

Inspiring Graduate Ben Larson, B.S. Supply Chain Management

'The polytechnic experience aided my learning more than anything.'