WTCS: Names “State Ambassadors”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 20, 2017
A web version of this release is available here

Students Named Tech College Ambassadors
16 will serve as tech college champions

Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) named 16 technical college students “State Ambassadors” at a ceremony in Madison on Wednesday evening. The students will champion opportunities in technical education at events and in publications throughout the coming year.

“Having the opportunity to recognize these students, and to watch them celebrate with their families and college leaders, is a highlight of my year,” said WTCS President Dr. Morna K. Foy. “The determination and promise of these students is inspiring.”

Baird, an employee-owned, international financial services firm headquartered in Milwaukee, has sponsored the WTCS State Ambassador program since its inception more than two decades ago.

“We’re proud of Wisconsin’s technical colleges and recognize what they do for the state’s economy,” said Keith Kolb, a managing director and director of Public Finance at Baird. “Tech college talent is highly valued across economic sectors and we’re committed to supporting these students and the opportunities provided by our technical colleges,” Kolb said.

The ambassadors’ backgrounds include traditional students attending college immediately following high school graduation, as well as those returning for additional education mid-career. One of the program’s objectives is to develop greater public awareness and appreciation for the role and value of technical education for individuals, employers and the state’s economy.

This 2017 WTCS State Ambassadors are:

Blackhawk Technical College: Bethanie Dodd, Nursing
Chippewa Valley Technical College: McKenzie Kruse, Radiography
Fox Valley Technical College: Shannon Schultz, Forensic Science
Gateway Technical College: Ryan Bognar, Marketing
Lakeshore Technical College: Wesley Pautz, Fire Medic
Madison College: Dominique Diamante, Liberal Arts
Mid-State Technical College: Brandon Roberson, Business Management / Accounting
Milwaukee Area Technical College: Christopher Kerby, Registered Nursing
Moraine Park Technical College: Christine Gil, Human Resources
Nicolet College: Zachariah Farris, Early Childhood Education
Northcentral Technical College: Dara Okon, Nursing
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College: Betsy Burmeister, Supply Chain Management
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College: Jaren Knight, Accounting
Waukesha County Technical College: Moriah Hill, Interior Design/Architect
Western Technical College: Amanda Coughlin, IT Computer Support Specialist
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College: Andrew Pluteau, Information Technology

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ABOUT WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM Download Logo
The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) offers more than 400 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas and certificates. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized business solutions and technical assistance to Wisconsin employers. More than 300,000 individuals access the technical colleges each year.

ABOUT BAIRD Download Logo
Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in 1919, Baird has more than 3,400 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird has more than $169billion in client assets. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked No. 4 on FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2017 – its 14th consecutive year on the list. Baird is the marketing name of Baird Financial Group. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird’s investment banking and private equity operations.