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 and Human Sciences, and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and 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.’