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 from Graduate Studies, the College of Arts & Human Sciences, and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management 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.

Spring 2024 Inspiring Graduate Studies Graduates

Inspiring Graduate: Areeba Ali, M.S. Food Science & Technology

‘UW-Stout has provided me with a nurturing environment where I have been able to grow academically, professionally and personally.’

Inspiring Graduate: Brianna Capra, M.F.A. Design

‘It is wonderful to share what I know with the next generation of artists.’

Inspiring Graduate: Muhammad 'Sammy' Samim, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

‘In challenges and triumphs, I have discovered the light within myself – the light of knowledge.’

Inspiring Graduate: Killy Kitzmann, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

‘It helped me discover the kind of person that I want to be and to continue pushing myself to be better.’

Spring 2024 Inspiring CTEMM Graduates

Inspiring Graduate: Gervase Thompson, B.S. Applied Science & B.S. Mechanical Engineering

‘My education here at UW-Stout has prepared me well to venture out into the world.’

Inspiring Graduate: Kat Schlauderaff, B.S. Digital Marketing Technology

‘I truly was able to spread my wings and learn about who I am.’

Inspiring Graduate: David Tesar, B.S. Computer Science

‘I was able to take on challenges and accept leadership, and the involvement and commitment changed me for the better.’

Inspiring Graduate: Emma Flemke, B.S. Food Science & Technology

‘Stout has given me the tools and hands-on experience through labs and working as a research assistant to help me prepare to work in my field.’

Inspiring Graduate: Conrad Klem, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

‘My education at Stout was very eye opening and gave me a deeper understanding of what engineering is and made sure I was prepared to enter the workforce.’

Spring 2024 Inspiring CAHS Graduates

Inspiring Graduate: Lauren Arenz, B.S. Early Childhood Education

‘My experiences at UW-Stout have made a monumental difference helping me to better understand my future aspirations in life.’

Inspiring Graduate: Genevieve Czaplewski, B.S. Applied Social Science

‘I looked for a place where I could simultaneously feel at home and be challenged academically, socially and athletically. Stout ticked all those boxes.’

Inspiring Graduate: Ashley Otten, B.S. Marketing & Business Education

‘My education here at UW-Stout has prepared me well to venture out into the world.’

Inspiring Graduate: Riley Henk, B.F.A. Interior Design

‘Every assignment, every mistake and every opportunity I was provided helped me to grow as an individual.’

Inspiring Graduate: Dawson Zibton, B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation

‘I am confident when I say, Stout has helped me to become the best possible version of myself.’

Inspiring Graduate: Anja Huesby, B.S. Psychology

‘My worldview, character and ambition have grown in ways I could not have predicted.’