For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: May 13, 2026

Weaver accelerates college journey

Fennimore -

For Ben Weaver, taking college classes during high school turned out to be one of the best decisions he could have made. The 19-year-old Darlington native will graduate Saturday from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Associate of Arts University Transfer program after spending just one year on campus. Thanks to approximately 30 college credits earned through Southwest Tech while still in high school, Weaver was able to fast-track his education and save both time and money. “It saves you time and money,” Weaver said. “It’s saving me a year.”

Weaver graduated from Darlington High School in 2025 and chose to continue at Southwest Tech full time after already becoming familiar with the college through dual-credit coursework. “I got so many credits done, I figured I’d just finish my gen eds here and transfer to Platteville,” Weaver said. “That way I could save money.”

This fall, Weaver plans to transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to study accounting and finance. He expects to complete his bachelor’s degree in just two additional years and hopes to continue a career in banking.

Currently working at a bank, Weaver said his interest in finance was influenced in part by his mother, who works as an accountant for the City of Platteville.

Weaver said Southwest Tech’s flexibility and supportive environment helped make the transition from high school to college easier. “I liked the advisors here,” he said. “They really care about you and help you. The instructors are also really helpful, and you’re a person to them.”

He described the university transfer program as an ideal bridge between high school and a four-year university experience. “It gave me kind of a transitional year where I was able to get used to college,” said Weaver.

As graduation approaches, Weaver encourages other high school students to take advantage of dual-credit opportunities if they can. “It can seem intimidating, but once you get used to it, it’s the best thing in the world,” he said. “Especially if you’re in high school and don’t have to pay for the classes.”