For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 24, 2026
Graduation planned for May 16
Fennimore -The Spring 2026 Commencement at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College will be held Saturday, May 16. There will be four ceremonies throughout the day, honoring graduates from all college programs. Ceremonies will be held at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Each ceremony will be live streamed on the college’s Facebook page.
This spring, 407 students are eligible to graduate, with 328 indicating they will be participating in their specific ceremony.
Speakers for each ceremony:
8 a.m.
Emcee | Heidi Bauer – Associate Degree – Nursing
Hometown: Arena, Wisconsin
What drew you to Southwest Tech and your program? I was drawn to Southwest Tech for its close-knit environment and strong focus on hands-on education. As a non-traditional student and mother, finding a program that was supportive was especially important to me. I chose the nursing program because I have always been passionate about caring for others and wanted a career where I can make a meaningful impact.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? I enjoyed the small class sizes, which created a more personal and engaging learning environment. The support from the instructors helped with my success. I appreciated the multiple class options, which made balancing school life and family life more manageable. The small-town feel fostered a strong sense of community, where everyone supports each other and wanting equal success.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I plan to work at Unity Point Health-Meriter in Madison, where I am excited to continue learning and growing as a new nurse.
Alumni Speaker | TBD
Student Speaker | Shayla Jaynes – Direct Entry Midwife
Hometown: Exton, Pennsylvania
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? The midwifery program had clear structure to its curriculum, and expectations for completion. Also, SWTC has resources that I knew would support me in accomplishing my goal.
In addition, I am originally from the Midwest so, it was nice to return.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? Because my program is mostly distance, I enjoyed the live Zoom classes and the opportunity to come on campus once each semester to see classmates, faculty, and staff, in person. From my advisor to the ladies that work in the cafeteria, everyone was equally excited and very warm in welcoming us to campus.
What will be your message to the graduates? Take what you have learned from SWTC and build on it. Learning doesn’t stop here!
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to work as a homebirth midwife alongside a more tenured midwife. And I plan to slow down. I have been operating at a very high level for the past two years, between taking classes and my preceptorship.
10 a.m.
Emcee | Anna Bonilla – Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Fennimore, Wisconsin
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? I was drawn to Southwest Tech because of the positive experiences I had with the instructors and the high-quality education I received in my previous degree program. I have always wanted to be a teacher, although it took me some time to fully realize this aspiration. I also enjoy working with young children, which made me confident that the Early Childhood Education program would be a great fit for me.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? I truly enjoyed my experience at the Child Care Center, as it provided a valuable opportunity to apply the skills I learned in the program. Working with the children was very rewarding, especially under the teachers’ guidance. I also appreciate the personal attention the instructors offer, which is made possible by the small class sizes.
What are your plans after graduation? I have already arranged to transfer my ECE credits to Grand Canyon University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Currently, I am working as a substitute teacher in the Fennimore School District, and I hope to become a full-time teacher there once I graduate from GCU.
Alumni Speaker | Carrie Sutter
Hometown: Cassville, Wisconsin
Program and year of graduation: Accounting – 1999
Current position and name of employer: Correctional Management Services Director | Wisconsin Department of Corrections
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? Affordable education in a shorter time and courses focused on targeted skills, rather than courses not applicable to the workforce in accounting.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? Small/personal groups of students and instructors with professional work experience directly related to the accounting field.
What will be your message to the graduates? The main focus will be on the success of the program and being proud of the students’ accomplishments thus far, the journey of resilience and determination they have just completed successfully, likely while working or caring for families.
The graduates possess practical skills directly related to the workforce in the accounting world and must now focus on goals of applying those skills, building on personal development. The graduates can start anywhere, not necessarily at the top of a company or organization. I’ll discuss adapting to an ever-changing environment in the technological landscape but also in dealing with people of all different backgrounds in the workforce, emphasis on continuous learning, staying true to your core values, and determination to grow as leaders in society. I’ll touch on challenges I’ve overcome throughout my career related to the stigma of a four-year degree vs an associate’s degree, as well.
Student Speakers
Lissette Alvarado – Graphic and Web Design
Kat – Business Management
Lissette Alvarado
Hometown: Richland Center, Wisconsin
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? What drew me to Southwest Tech was the opportunity to start over and build a better future for myself. After everything I went through, like moving to a new country and facing challenges with education and language, I was looking for a place where I could grow, feel supported, and find direction.
When I learned about Southwest Tech, I felt like it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. I chose my program because I’ve always had a passion for creativity and connecting with people through design. I wanted to develop those skills and turn them into something meaningful for my future.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? What I enjoyed the most about my time at Southwest Tech was the sense of community and support. Before coming here, I didn’t always feel like I belonged, but at Southwest Tech, I found people who believed in me and encouraged me to grow. I also enjoyed how much I grew as a person. I stepped out of my comfort zone, built confidence in myself, and learned to take opportunities even when I was afraid.
What will be your message to the graduates? My message to the graduates will be to never give up and to take every opportunity that comes your way. Life won’t always be easy, and there will be moments where you feel lost or unsure, but those moments don’t define your future. What matters is that you keep going. I want to remind everyone that even small opportunities can change your life. If I hadn’t taken certain chances, I wouldn’t be here today. No matter where you come from or what challenges you’ve faced, your story matters, and this is only the beginning.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I plan to continue growing both personally and professionally. I want to continue my education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree, so I can keep learning and expanding my opportunities for the future. In the long term, I want to build a future where I can continue learning, inspiring others, and making my family proud.
Kat
Program: Business Management
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? The first time a friend mentioned Southwest Tech to me, my baby was still very little, and I honestly did not feel ready. It felt like too much at that moment in my life. Later on, that same person mentioned it again, and something in me changed. My daughter was about two years old, and I decided to give it a try.
My first day on campus was amazing. I met kind and welcoming people, and they gave me a tour of the daycare. My daughter and I loved it at first sight. That moment meant everything to me as a mom. It gave me peace and hope. After I went home, I received a follow-up call, and during those days, I truly felt supported. That is when I made the decision to come back to school.
I met with my advisor, completed my placement tests, and Business Management came up as one of my results. It felt right. I had previously studied International Business in Peru, but never finished, and I saw this as my opportunity to complete something I started. Even though I was scared and unsure how I would balance everything as a mom supporting my family, I felt encouraged by the support of my friends and family and by Southwest Tech.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? Southwest Tech became my second home. What I love most is that the main purpose here is truly to help students grow and find better opportunities. My instructors have been incredibly caring, supportive, and understanding. They don’t just teach, they uplift you, motivate you, and help relieve stress when things feel overwhelming.
I also had the opportunity to work on campus, and the people around me have been amazing. They are kind, supportive, and always ready to say something encouraging, especially on the days when I feel overwhelmed. That environment made a huge difference in my journey.
This campus is not just about education, it is about people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
What will be your message to the graduates? My message is that life can be very unpredictable. There will be moments when you feel tired, overwhelmed, or unsure of yourself. Each of us carries our own backpack of challenges, and sometimes it can feel heavy.
But, even in the darkest moments, there is always light ahead. Keep going, even when it feels hard. Trust yourself and trust your journey. Growth does not come easy, but it is always worth it.
Today is proof that we are stronger than we think. No matter where life takes you next, remember that you are capable, resilient, and ready for what comes next.
What are your plans after graduation? I want to continue my education and pursue my bachelor’s degree. This is not the end of my journey; it is just the beginning. I want to keep pushing myself, setting new goals, and growing in every way I can because to me, the sky is not even the limit.
Most importantly, I want to show my daughter that with determination, courage, and hard work, anything is possible.
Noon
Emcee | Ryan Kueter – Criminal Justice Law Enforcement II
Hometown: Platteville, Wisconsin
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? I was very interested in becoming a police officer. I heard that SWTC offered a strong criminal justice program that included the 720-hour Law Enforcement Academy as a part of the degree program. I am a huge fan of that. Having an academy certification along with a degree is a major benefit and amazing opportunity.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? I have greatly enjoyed my entire experience at SWTC throughout my time in police academy and the criminal justice program. I have met a lot of amazing people. The program ensures that recruits are highly trained, and the instructors are all extremely knowledgeable and dedicated people. I feel that my training and experience here has given me all the tools I need to begin my career with confidence.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I will begin my field training process as a full-time police officer with the Platteville Police Department. I was hired by Platteville in March, and I am very excited to begin my law enforcement career there.
Alumni Speaker | Justin McLimans
Hometown: Fennimore, Wisconsin
Program and year of graduation: Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement – 2006
Current position and name of employer: Sergeant | City of Lancaster Police Department
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? I was working as a correctional officer for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. I liked my job, but I was searching for a way to positively impact more people. I felt the Criminal Justice Program offered what I was looking for to work towards a career in law enforcement.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? I enjoyed instructors with experience in the field that could relate to the topics they were teaching. Classes were interactive where I gained knowledge, I was able to use in my field of work.
What will be your message to the graduates? My message will focus on what they have achieved while using this as a springboard for what comes next. I will encourage using the knowledge and skills they learned at SWTC to pursue success, embrace challenges, and keep moving forward because the path to success isn’t a straight climb up the mountain.
Student Speaker | Marissa Needham – Electrical Power Distribution
Hometown: Plain, Wisconsin
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? I really chose this program at Southwest Tech because it seemed like an amazing career to go into. I knew it was out of the normal, but I know that I work hard for what I want in life and this seemed like the program that I wanted after talking with lots of people about it.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? What I enjoyed most about my time at Southwest Tech was all the new opportunities that I was able to have. Also, all the amazing people who I have met in my program, in housing and staff at main campus.
What will be your message to the graduates? My message to graduates is to try new things and take the opportunities given to you. Don’t second guess things and be confident in yourself. Know that you are right were you need to be and don’t think that you don’t belong.
2 p.m.
Emcee | TBD
Alumni Speaker | Laura Maier
Hometown: Stitzer, Wisconsin
Program and year of graduation: Dairy Herd Management – 2003 | Agri-Business/Science Technology – 2005 | Accounting – 2020
Current position and name of employer: Feed Accountant at Premier Cooperative | Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? I chose to attend Southwest Wisconsin Technical College as it was right down the road from where I grew up. Growing up in a small town, I knew a large college wasn’t for me. Jeff Dornink was the Dairy Herd Management Instructor and welcomed me into his classroom as a shy senior in high school.
After graduating in 2003, I enrolled in the Agri-Business/Science Technology program with Paul Cutting and Kevin Raisbeck as instructors. After completing my associate degree in 2005, I entered the workforce. After a couple of employment opportunities, I decided to enroll in the Online Accounting Program in 2017. My desire to learn more and want more for myself was the motivation to seek an additional degree. I have two children at home and need the flexibility to study and complete studies at home vs in the classroom.
The staff, location, activities, opportunities, cost, and the feel of community and family are all reasons I chose to attend Southwest Tech.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? I enjoyed being around my classmates and learning from each other. We were able to go on field trips exploring more of agriculture besides what Southwest Wisconsin has to offer. The more I became involved the more I was able to meet people and make connections that have continued into my adult life. The staff genuinely do care about your success and will help you however they can. When I didn’t understand something, I was welcome to ask questions without fear of embarrassment. I walked away from Southwest Tech prepared to take the next chapter in my life and knew I had the tools and knowledge to be successful in whichever path came next.
What will be your message to the graduates? Prepare to be uncomfortable, prepare to make changes, prepare for your life to not look like what you thought and prepared for. Being able to handle being uncomfortable will take you more places and bring you personal fulfillment and success.
Student Speaker | Neil Venheuizen – Animal Science
Hometown: Waupun, Wisconsin
What drew you to Southwest Tech and to your program? I had heard good things about SWTC’s Animal Science program. The school is affordable. In my opinion, most college educations today are not worth the monetary investment, but SWTC is affordable and provides a great return on the money and time you put in.
It was a bit of an adventure to me, because I only knew one person at the school before I went. The southwest part of the state is an area I love for its’ people, geography, and agriculture. I also knew that I would have good housing with a family friend, which made the decision easier.
What did you enjoy about your time at Southwest Tech? Professional Agricultural Students was the extracurricular activity I enjoyed most. My involvement there led to many opportunities I never thought I’d have, as well as much growth. I appreciate the teachers and my peers. It’s a pleasure to spend time with them. Intramurals are another thing I enjoyed participating in.
What will be your message to the graduates? My message is to become the encourager. We are adults now, successful ones as we are graduating college, and with that comes responsibility. So many people throughout our lives have encouraged us, through heard and unheard words, seen and unseen actions, and thoughts. Be grateful for those encouragers, and now go become one, lifting up those around you.
What are your plans after graduation? My plans are to enter to enter the workforce in the dairy industry.
Additional information, and ceremonies, organized by program: swtc.edu/graduation.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2025. 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. |