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 2025 Inspiring Graduate Studies Graduates

Inspiring Graduate: Meghana Maske, M.S. Food Science and Technology

‘I was seeking a place that would challenge me to innovate.’

Inspiring Graduate: Luke Zuiker, M.S. School Counseling

‘I’m proud of the authentic conversations we got to have in and out of school.’

Inspiring Graduate: Mridini Upadhyay, M.S. Food Science and Technology

‘At UW-Stout, I discovered that meaningful change happens when curiosity is paired with the right guidance.’

Inspiring Graduate: Brandon Dick, M.S. Manufacturing Engineering

‘The biggest thing that stood out to me at Stout is how much the professors care.’

Inspiring Graduate: Dipesh Sharma, M.S. Operations and Supply Management

‘Some professors touched my heart and taught me a lot about life.’

Spring 2025 Inspiring CSTEMM Graduates

Inspiring Graduate: Elaina Marxen, B.S. Packaging

‘Packaging engineering is one of those jobs that affect everyday life that people do not realize.’

Inspiring Graduate: Ellie Becker, B.S. Construction Management

‘I want to be a public figure that others in the construction industry can look up to.’

Inspiring Graduate: Nolan Harke, B.S. Supply Chain Management

‘I hope to make an impact by being a valuable team member who will lead by example and will make others around them better.’

Inspiring Graduate: Rosey Silvano, B.S. Business Administration

‘I hope to show people that success comes from believing in yourself and doing what you can to succeed.’

Inspiring Graduates: Jack and Adam Brisson, B.S. Packaging

‘Our classes really allow us to be creative and think outside the box.’

Spring 2025 Inspiring CAHS Graduates

Inspiring Graduate: Khendra Thompson, B.F.A. Interior Design

‘Stout emphasizes applied learning and encouraged us to pursue industry experiences.’

Inspiring Graduate: Jewel Fredrickson, B.F.A. Industrial & Product Design

‘The number one goal I have is to design products that make a positive impact on people’s lives.’

Inspiring Graduate: Bria Moore, B.S. Psychology

‘I hope to use my knowledge gained to pursue social change for those whose voices are silenced.’

Inspiring Graduate: Shannon Peskie, B.F.A. Interior Design

‘UW-Stout has given me all the technical and soft skills needed to be successful.’