There were a lot of aspects about UW-Stout Polytechnic that drew Megan to campus.
"I have always been someone who learns better by doing and through examples," said Megan. "The hands-on, experiential learning approach at Stout was exactly what I needed."
Megan found more than an innovative, applied education at Stout. She found a community that encouraged her to say yes to new experiences, leadership opportunities and personal discovery. Surrounded by supportive faculty, engaged peers and a vibrant campus culture, she built the confidence, connections and sense of belonging that have shaped both her personal and professional growth.
As a construction management major, Megan has embraced the polytechnic advantage at every turn. Some of her most defining experiences have come outside the classroom. Through involvement in several professional associations and organizations, Megan is applying classroom concepts to industry-focused projects and competitions, boosting her confidence and leadership skills. These experiences have connected her with mentors and employers and reinforced her commitment to creating inclusive pathways for future professionals in the construction industry.
"These experiences have allowed me to learn more about the industry than just in the classroom," Megan said. "I've had networking opportunities and hands-on experiences that I wouldn't have gotten at other universities."
That preparation has already helped shape her future. Through career conferences and industry connections, Megan has completed three internships, including two with a regional construction company. The third that took her to Nebraska, where she worked on a large-scale outage project as part of a construction safety team. The experience inspired her to add a Construction Safety/Risk Control minor to her degree.
"I have learned how to make sure job sites are productive while also being safe," she said. "My education at Stout has positively shaped me into the industry professional I am today."
Her commitment to learning through experience earned her recognition as the 2026 Co-op Education & Internship Student of the Year, a reflection of how experiential learning opportunities help students transform classroom knowledge into meaningful career preparation.
Megan's growth has also been supported by the many communities she has found across campus. As a saxophone player, she quickly became involved in concert and jazz bands, the Jazz Project and the Tower Saxophone Quartet.
"I love that students with different backgrounds are able to come together to create joyful music and perform for the Stout and greater community," said Megan.
Outside of music, she found connections through the campus faith community, while her campus employment as a lab assistant in the Research and Development Lab and an Academic Resource Coordinator in North Hall allowed her to build professional skills, serve fellow students and deepen her sense of belonging.
These experiences have reinforced that student success extends far beyond academics. Whether through leadership roles, employment and mentoring opportunities or student organizations, Stout provides the support and connections that help students thrive personally and professionally.
One of Megan's most meaningful experiences came through a short-term faculty-led study abroad program in England. As Megan’s first international trip, the experience broadened her perspective and introduced her to a different culture.
"The faculty-led program was the perfect amount of time to be immersed in a new culture while still staying on my timeline to graduate and complete multiple internships," she said.
UW-Stout Polytechnic provides a variety of study abroad programs that are flexible and make global learning accessible while expanding classroom learning into the world beyond campus. Experiences like these help students develop adaptability, curiosity and global perspective; highly valued by employers and communities alike.
When asked about her favorite memory at Stout, Megan doesn't point to a single accomplishment. Instead, she points to a mindset. "I am very proud of my commitment to saying yes."
That willingness has taken her farther than she ever expected. She has traveled to England and several states for professional competitions and conferences, grew as a student leader and developed skills that will serve her throughout her professional and personal life.
"From playing with several different musical groups to traveling around the country and world, I have been extremely proud of how many resources and opportunities I have gotten here at Stout."
Opportunities like these are made possible through philanthropic gifts to the StoutProud fund. The fund allows UW-Stout Polytechnic to remove barriers to a polytechnic education, provides robust individualized student support, advances academic innovation and success, creates dynamic learning and living environments and fosters a vibrant campus community where students can say yes to new opportunities, achieve their goals and prepare for successful careers.
Donor support empowers students to make the most of their UW-Stout Polytechnic experience and prepare for meaningful success after graduation. Megan's story is a powerful example of what happens when students are supported by a university committed to student success. Because of the generosity of donors, more students will have the opportunity to do the same.
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.
