For Colby, UW-Stout Polytechnic offered exactly what he was looking for; a close-knit community where he felt welcomed, applied learning experiences, and the opportunity to stay connected to home while preparing for his future.
Drawn to Stout's polytechnic approach, small class sizes and strong reputation among students, alumni and local employers, Colby found a campus where he could build both meaningful relationships and career-ready skills.
Colby is pursuing a degree in business administration with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation while exploring a long-term dream of one day opening a business with his brother centered around their shared love for the outdoors and cycling.
"UW-Stout Polytechnic has helped me define what I'm passionate about and given me the confidence to pursue it," Colby says. "The experiences I've had at Stout have helped me see what's possible for my future."
One of those experiences began as a class assignment when Colby was paired with a successful entrepreneur who became his mentor. Through meaningful conversations and firsthand exposure to the challenges and rewards of business ownership, he gained practical insights that brought classroom concepts to life and strengthened his entrepreneurial aspirations. The experience exemplifies the applied, relationship-driven learning opportunities that define the UW-Stout Polytechnic experience.
Beyond the classroom, Colby has embraced opportunities to lead and serve. As a resident advisor, he helps foster a welcoming and supportive community, and through his involvement in student organizations and a mission trip, he has further developed his leadership abilities, mentored fellow students and built connections with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
"Some of the experiences I'm most proud of are the relationships I've built through the #StoutProud community with classmates, professors, community members, and friends," Colby says. “Those connections have helped me grow personally and professionally."
Like many students, Colby carefully considered the cost of earning a college degree. The support he has received through donor-funded initiatives helped make a UW-Stout Polytechnic education accessible and allowed him to fully engage in campus life, leadership opportunities and applied learning experiences that have defined his college journey.
"I honestly don't know where I would be today without the support I've received at UW-Stout Polytechnic," Colby says. "That support has removed barriers to earning my degree, connected me with mentors, brought my education to life through applied experiences, surrounded me with people who support my success, helped me find a sense of belonging and inspired me to grow as a leader."
Colby's story reflects the lasting impact of philanthropy at UW-Stout Polytechnic. Donor support helps remove barriers to a UW-Stout Polytechnic education, strengthens individualized student support, expands academic innovation and success, enhances dynamic living and learning environments and fosters a welcoming campus community where students can thrive. Together, these investments create an educational experience that empowers students to discover their passions, develop as leaders and graduate prepared to make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.
"Because others invested in me, I've been able to invest in people around me," Colby says. "I've seen firsthand how one person's support can create opportunities that change someone's path. That's something I hope to do for others."
Your gift to UW-Stout Polytechnic provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community by removing financial barriers to a UW-Stout Polytechnic education, providing robust and individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning spaces while ensuring a vibrant campus community – the full Stout Experience. Through your philanthropic support you provide the necessary flexible funds to ensure Stout thrives and continues to make positive impact on industry, in our communities and on society. Make your gift today.
