WITC News and Events

Graduate survey results show success

Each year, WITC surveys graduates to find out how well their degree or diploma prepared them for their career. The results reveal an impressive track record of academic excellence and valuable career perspective.

WITC barber/cosmetology students sweep statewide competition

WITC barber/cosmetology students captured first, second and third place from the Wisconsin state SkillsUSA conference in April in Wisconsin Dells.

WITC-New Richmond students place first in national competition

The Windy City was filled with WITC winners in late-April when four New Richmond students joined with students from other WITC campuses to attend the BPA (Business Professionals of America) National Leadership Conference in Chicago. 

Childcare centers benefit from WITC student donation

Several Ashland area childcare agencies can let their kids be a little more creative this spring. Students from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Ashland’s early childhood education program donated large totes filled with a variety of art supplies – everything an artistic tot could want from chalk to crayons, construction paper to glue.

WITC students to volunteer in Guatemala

In one of the poorest districts in Guatemala, there is a small school of about 70 elementary, middle and high school students. Of the 15 computers the school owns, only 10 are operable, but five technical college students are hoping to make a difference. As part of WITC’s first international service learning project, five informational technology-network specialist students and two staff members will travel to Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, where they will repair and configure the school’s computers, configure donated laptops and teach computer and software skills to the students and staff.

WITC-Ashland BPA students compete nationally

Three students from the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Ashland chapter of Business Professionals of America recently competed at the national conference held in Chicago April 25-29.

WITC receives Great Lakes grant to prepare academically disadvantaged students for college

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is one of five technical colleges in the state that will provide more assistance to help students succeed in postsecondary education through a grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation (Great Lakes). These grants will provide academic support in reading, writing and math to new college students.

VITA vital to area taxpayers

For the 2011 tax year, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) student and alumni tax preparers at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College prepared more than 130 tax returns for people in the area at no cost and returned in excess of $185,000 in refunds. The service provides an option for those who cannot afford a paid tax preparer and/or don’t feel comfortable preparing their own return.

Northwest Wisconsin educators launch NorthWERD group

Northwest Wisconsin educators convened recently to launch a new consortium of regional educators called Northwest Wisconsin Educators for Regional Development or NorthWERD. Nine institutions in northwest Wisconsin formed NorthWERD to respond to the needs of regional developers and students, as well as identify regional economic trends and opportunities for graduates as they choose a career path. Educators marked their commitment to support regional economic development in a signing event at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College.

Northwest Wisconsin educators form NorthWERD group to support economic development

Eight institutions in northwestern Wisconsin joined to form a regional consortium of educational partners called Northwest Wisconsin Educators for Regional Development or NorthWERD. NorthWERD partners celebrated the group’s formation in a signing event at the Lac Courte Oreilles Community College in Hayward.

WITC-Ashland business students earn spots at national conference

Top students from WITC will be attending the Business Professionals of America (BPA) 2012 National Leadership Conference in Chicago.

WITC students bring health to campus

Medical assistant and nursing students from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-New Richmond campus demonstrated their knowledge at a Health Fair.

Senator Harsdorf recognizes Career and Technical Education Month

Wisconsin State Senator Sheila Harsdorf recently visited the New Richmond campus of Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College to award the college a legislative citation recognizing February 2012 as Career and Technical Education Month.

Senator Jauch proclaims February Career and Technical Education Month

Calling Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College a "remarkably important institution in our community ... for the role it plays in the vitality and quality of our life," Senator Robert Jauch recently signed a proclamation commemorating February as Career and Technical Education Month.

WITC offers free Career Seminars

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is offering free Career Seminars on the first Tuesday of the month at WITC-Ashland, the second Tuesday of the month at WITC-Superior, the third Tuesday of the month at WITC-New Richmond, and at WITC-Rice Lake on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Time for the seminars at all locations is from 4 - 6 p.m.

WITC graduates making financial gains in Wisconsin

The growth in earnings by Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College graduates has increased 50 percent since their graduation from WITC in 2006. According to the college’s recently completed Five-Year Longitudinal Follow-Up Study, the average yearly salary for graduates increased from nearly $29,000 to more than $43,000. The change in the Consumer Price Index was 10.9 percent for the same period.

The Technical College that Empowers Education through Life

At WITC, learning is our passion and it shows. "BusinessReviewUSA" recently profiled the college and discovered how WITC's commitment to learning makes it a top-notch technical college.

Love Lights donations grow

The 21st annual Love Lights was a glowing success. Sponsored by the WITC-Ashland Alumni Association, Love Lights helps to raise scholarship funds for Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College students. The event honored close to 400 individuals and raised more than $2,280, an increase of more than $300 compared to last year.

Friends reach scholarship fundraising goal, set sights higher

Adam Lavasseur was one of those special people who always went out of his way to help others. When he perished in a car accident last August, WITC-Ashland lost not only a tutor and mentor, but a friend as well. Lavasseur, 27, was about to begin his second and final year at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s Ashland Campus in the accounting program. The memory of his generous spirit will live on thanks to a group of students and staff who initiated the Adam Lavasseur Memorial Scholarship.

WITC students donate to veterans

Though labeled “Tootie Fruities,” these boxes are filled to their box tops with donations from students and staff at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College especially for homeless veterans staying in a 40-man dormitory in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Unknowingly, the donation coincided with the 70^th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, when local flags flew at half-staff to recognize past and present veterans.

A final act of love

With a background in wood working, WITC woods technics student Will Janssen had discussed with a funeral director friend the idea of starting a business constructing caskets. Little did Will know that the first casket he would build would be for his grandfather.

Instructor honored for teaching diversity

The staff at WITC-Rice Lake honored sociology teacher Kathy Doe with the college's 2011 Diversity Award. The award celebrates individuals or groups who demonstrate practices so that everyone feels respected, valued and safe at WITC.

Futuremaker video competition begins fourth year

Grab a video camera and get your creativity on! The Futuremakers Video Competition is back for a fourth year.  The competition is just for students and is free to enter. Students get to compete for cash prizes of $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000. Simply visit www.wearefuturemakers.com and check out the easy instructions for the contest.

WITC-Rice Lake students receive Wisconsin Women in Government Scholarships

The Board of Directors of Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) announced the selection of WITC-Rice Lake students Angela Loughan and Lisa Egbert as WWIG Undergraduate Scholars, each receiving a scholarship in the amount of $3000.  The scholarship program was created to inspire young women to pursue careers in public service, public administration and government relations. Applications were open to students at all Wisconsin two- and four-year colleges and six scholarships were awarded statewide.

WITC-Rice Lake commemorates new Health Education Center

A ribbon cutting was held Thursday, Sept. 8, at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s Rice Lake campus to commemorate the opening of the new Health Education Center. The addition includes room for the new dental assistant program, remodeled information technology classrooms, faculty offices and utility upgrades.

New faces and spaces at WITC-New Richmond

A lot of new comes to WITC-New Richmond this fall as the campus welcomes new faces in response to growth and attrition. The campus also welcomes a new program and “new” space, with the addition of the Human Services Associate two-year degree, and the college’s expansion into space at the city’s former middle school, now called New Richmond Community Commons.

WITC-Ashland earns Lake Superior Stewardship Award

WITC-Ashland was one of a number of area individuals and groups are among the nine American recipients of the Lake Superior Binational Forum's eighth annual Lake Superior Binational Program Environmental Stewardship Awards. The WITC-Ashland campus Rain Gardens impressed judges with a low-cost but effective solution to stormwater runoff. The WITC-Ashland campus is committed to considering and installing sustainable initiatives in all college operations whenever possible.   

Technical Colleges receive $200,000 from Accelerating Opportunity

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is one of the 16 Wisconsin Technical Colleges that have been awarded a $200,000 grant from several national foundations seeking to transform the way underprepared individuals get access to adult education.  The grant is part of the Accelerating Opportunity, a Breaking Through Initiative project to redesign adult basic education and postsecondary programs to integrate basic skills with practical, occupational training required in today’s job market.

Technical college education leads to great jobs

For Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, 91 percent of its 2010 graduates are employed and 75 percent are employed in a career that is related to their education.  Graduates from 2010 are earning an average yearly salary of $30,198 and the majority of graduates are working in Wisconsin with nearly three-fourths employed in WITC’s 11-county district.

Wisconsin's Technical Colleges enter into transfer agreement with Ottawa University

A new transfer agreement provides yet another option for graduates of Wisconsin's 16 technical colleges. Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) graduates can now transfer all successfully completed associate degree credits to Ottawa University and apply them toward bachelor's degree requirements.

WITC receives $2,500 scholarship gift from TPCCSI

The Twin Ports Chapter Construction Specification Institute (TPCCSI) has presented Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Superior with a $2,500 gift toward their organization’s scholarship endowment. The TPCCSI scholarship endowment will support four annual scholarship awards to students enrolled in WITC’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) and Technical Studies programs.

WITC invites public to help with Centennial Celebration preparations

In preparation for its Centennial Celebration, WITC-Superior is creating a photographic timeline of its right history. The WITC-Superior Learning Resource Center team is converting photos from the past 100 years to a digital format. A flicker account has been created so that the community can view the photos and help identify the students in them.

Kovach named Distinguished Alumni

For Dan Kovach of Washburn, education is a never ending process. That’s just one of the reasons the graduate of Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College was selected as the 2011 WITC-Ashland Distinguished Alumni.

Stars big and bright at WITC

A portable planetarium recently gave Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Early Childhood Education students a look at the night sky during the day and indoors.

WITC students take top national awards

Yet again, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College students make it clear they are a force to reckon with when it comes to business competition. A group of six students from WITC-New Richmond recently competed in the national 2011 Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

New edition of WITC's award-winning Career Impact magazine available

Check out the latest edition of WITC's Career Impact magazine

WITC to offer administrative professional associate degree online

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College now offers a two-year administrative professional associate degree that will be completely online for the 2011 fall semester.

WITC-New Richmond Futuremaker claims top spot in video competition

Dustin Wolvert's Futurefest video was selected to represent WITC in the statewide Futurefest video competition. His video was also chosen to represent the college last year.

Schelinder earns national marketing award

For just about every occupation under the sun there exists a means to honor those in that particular field. For film, there are the Academy Awards, television professionals have the Emmys; academic pioneers earn Nobel Prizes; and for two-year college communication professionals, there are the Paragons.

WITC-students attend Nurses Day at Capitol

Protesters and police around the Wisconsin Capitol posed no deterrent to the WITC student nurses who attended Nurses Day at the Capitol. Recently 32 third and fourth semester Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College nursing students and their advisors climbed the steps of the Wisconsin capitol amidst the throng of protesters. But their purpose differed: these nursing students were in Madison on health-related business.

WITC-Ashland business students earn spots at national conference

Top students from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College will be attending the Business Professionals of America (BPA) 2011 National Leadership Conference, “Stand Out From the Crowd,” in Washington, DC, May 4-8 2011.

WITC-New Richmond business students compete statewide

The Business Professionals of America – New Richmond Chapter recently traveled to Rice Lake to compete against other Wisconsin Technical Colleges in leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills.

WITC-Rice Lake winners at BPA state conference

WITC-Rice Lake was host to the annual Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership conference in February that was attended by 109 students from 13 Wisconsin technical colleges. The theme was “Stand out from the Crowd” and the Rice Lake students certainly did. WITC-Rice Lake was well represented by 19 students and received a substantial number of awards in the more than 45 competitions.

Career and technical education critical to future job creation

With some of the fastest growing occupations requiring an associate's degree or technical diploma, technical colleges are posed to help Wisconsin on the road to economic recovery.

Barber-Cosmetology competition had students going head to head  ̶  literally

Local Barber-Cosmetology students got the chance to take part in the inaugural “Manikin 101 Competition” on Monday, February 28, at WITC-Superior. This event tested the skills of students who are pursuing a Barber-Cosmetology degree from area colleges.

WITC-Superior, Walgreen's partner to help Harbor House Crisis Shelters

A “Women’s Spa & Wellness Day” fundraiser recently held at Barker’s Island in Superior raised a total of approximately $3,800 to benefit Harbor House Crisis Shelters. During the event, WITC-Superior Associate Degree Nursing students performed blood pressure checks and blood glucose monitoring for those in attendance, free of charge.

WITC holds nursing pinning ceremony

 Recently 16 Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-New Richmond nursing students and their six instructors planned and attended their pinning ceremony. The pinning ceremony for a nurse is the equivalent to the commencement ceremony for other students.

WITC ranked 6th best two-year college in the nation 

The halls of Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s four campuses are again filling with students for the start of fall semester and a study by Washington Monthly has proven they have made the right choice. The publication ranks WITC sixth among two-year colleges nationwide.

With high passing rates, WITC grads ready to work 

The results of recent national certification exams prove without a doubt that Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College graduates are prepared for successful careers in the health care field. Graduates of WITC's nursing and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs recently sat for national boards and exams, and an overwhelming majority passed.

Starting the year green 

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College continues to respond to the rapidly growing interest in renewable energy and sustainability – both in operations and in programming. At both the campus and the college level, WITC is employing a variety of methods to improve sustainability and reduce costs. And the college continues to investigate and expand programming, while enhancing current programs.

Articulation agreement reached for new program 

Credits from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s new Human Services Associate program will now be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in social work through an exclusive partnership with The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn.

Hauser named Director, Institutional Effectiveness

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College has recently named Ellen Hauser as its Director of Institutional Effectiveness. Hauser formerly served as the Executive Dean for WITC. She began her new job on July 1. The position serves all of WITC’s campuses and reports to the Vice President, Administrative Services at the Administrative Office in Shell Lake. Hauser will have responsibility for accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission and will help direct the college’s continuous improvement and planning efforts. 

WITC President nominated for MEP Lifetime Achievement Award

WITC President Bob Meyer was recently nominated for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes outstanding advocates of U.S. manufacturing who have demonstrated an overwhelming commitment to the business growth and transformation of U.S.-based manufacturing through their continued support of U.S. Manufacturing.

WITC receives top marks in graduate follow-up survey

Each year, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College surveys graduates to find out how well their degree or diploma prepared them for their career. The results reveal an impressive record of academic excellence and valuable career perspective. The trend continues as WITC has recently released the results from its 2008-2009 Graduate Follow-up Survey.

WITC receives $2,500 scholarship gift

The Twin Ports Chapter Construction Specification Institute (TPCCSI) has presented Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Superior with a $2,500 gift toward their organization’s scholarship endowment.  The TPCCSI scholarship endowment will support four annual scholarship awards to students enrolled in WITC’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) and Technical Studies programs.

WITC students compete at BPA Nationals

When it comes to competing at state and national competitions, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College students make it clear they are a force to reckon with. A group of eight students from WITC-New Richmond recently competed in the national 2010 Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

WITC-New Richmond breaks ground on construction project

With shovels in hand, groundbreaking began on a $2.6 million dollar construction project at WITC-New Richmond. Derrick Construction is in charge of the project, which is expected to be completed toward the end of the calendar year. The 8,000 square foot addition to the back of the main building will become the home to several programs.

WITC welding students claim top spots at annual Welding Competition

Fifty-five area welding students put their skills to the test for the second annual International WITC Welding Competition held May 5 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College's Superior campus. Students from WITC-Superior and WITC-New Richmond competed against representatives from Lake Superior College and Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

WITC introduces 2010 Student Ambassadors

More than 20 years ago, the Wisconsin Technical College System started the Student Ambassador program, a unique initiative that recognizes outstanding student achievement. WITC’s newest ambassadors, Tucker DeWolf, WITC-Ashland; Steve Volkert, WITC-New Richmond; Harvey Lunsman, WITC-Rice Lake; and Kelly Isaacson, WITC-Superior; have distinguished themselves through community involvement, leadership qualities and a commitment to higher education.

Prytz to receive Exemplary Service Award

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Barber/Cosmetology instructor Patty Prytz has recently been selected by the University of Wisconsin-Stout School of Education faculty and staff to receive the 2009-2010 Career and Technical Education Training Exemplary Service Award. This award recognizes exemplary service provided to UW-Stout by cooperating teachers who have shared their professional expertise by providing experiences and guidance for its students.

WITC students bound for Germany

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is sending six students to Frankfurt, Germany, from May 26 to June 9 in reciprocation for the students who visited WITC from Germany last fall. Three students from the New Richmond campus include Nathan Spike, Loren Goldstein and Claudia Berggren. And three students from WITC-Ashland are Shauna Ruud, Kerri Bergquist and Christina Oksiuta. Accompanying the students are Lenore Knock, dean of students, and instructor Julie Schaefer, both at WITC-New Richmond.

Dustin Wolvert wins WITC Futuremaker video contest

Wisconsin Indianhead Congratulations to Dustin Wolvert, Futuremaker from WITC-New Richmond. Wolvert's Futurefest video was selected to represent WITC in the statewide Futurefest video competition on March 24. The video "Nobody to Somebody" described his dream of a career in criminal justice. The panel of judges cited Wolvert's "creative approach" and thought the video was "fun and entertaining" as well as a good overview to the possibilities available at the college.

WITC Foundation collects more than $1,700 for Haiti relief effort

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s Foundation recently collected $1,731.40 in donations from staff and students to assist the relief efforts in Haiti.

New Programs, Certificates added

WITC has added several new programs and certificates to its long list of offerings. From programs like Energy Effi­ciency Technician to our Biofuels Process Technician cer­tificate, WITC continues to provide cutting-edge training.

WITC gets high marks from CCSSE report

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s results from the 2009 Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) indicate that an overwhelming majority of WITC students feel that personal connections they experience at the college are critical to their academic success.

WITC honored for excellence by LERN

The Learning Resources Network (LERN), an international association in lifelong learning, has recently honored Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College for excellence in marketing.

Olsen named 2010 Champion in Women's Health

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Associate Degree – Nursing instructor Jeanette Olsen has recently been named the 2010 Champion in Women’s Health award recipient for her work with women in the area of Rural Women’s Health.

Report: Wisconsin's technical colleges vital in state's economy

Wisconsin’s technical colleges will play a vital role in ensuring that employers have the skilled workers they will need in the coming years, according to a new national report. Demand in Wisconsin for highly skilled technical and trade workers will spike as baby boomers retire and the number of high school graduates declines, trends obscured by the current recession

New tractor provides learning insight

Textbooks and computers aren’t the only teaching tools at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College; a new tool of choice is a computerized tractor. This fall, the college purchased, with the help of WITC Advisory Committee Member Roger Link of Link Implement in Ridgeland, Wis., a new model McCormick XTX 165 tractor. Its computerized controls help students learn to troubleshoot and test and recalibrate tractors as part of their updated curriculum.

New Renewable Electricity certificate

A new Renewable Electricity certificate started in January at the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Ashland campus.  The certificate provides an individual with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, install and maintain solar (photovoltaic) and wind renewable electrical energy systems.

WITC, UWRF collaborate on getting children back into nature

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College – New Richmond’s Early Childhood Education programs recently collaborated to host “That Moment of Wonder: Exploring Nature Inside Out and Outside In.”

WITC-Ladysmith receives $25,000 for job training

Wisconsin State Senator Russ Decker was on hand at WITC-Ladysmith branch on Monday, October 19, to mark the awarding of a $25,000 grant for job retraining programs in Rusk County. Northwest Wisconsin Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (NWCEP) will be project partners in the training of dislocated workers in the county.

Thermal Imaging Camera donated to WITC

A thermal imaging camera was donated to Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College by Independent Insurance Agents of Northwest Wisconsin. The TIC will be used in fire training that WITC offers district wide to community fire departments throughout Northwestern Wisconsin.

WITC-Superior named first 'Count Me Green' organization

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Superior is the first certified “Count Me Green” organization in Douglas County. This certification is proof that WITC has engaged in creating an environmentally sustainable campus.

Articulation Agreement Between UWS and the WTCS will Benefit Students in Early Childhood Education

A transfer articulation agreement initiated by Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Superior has resulted in the official signing of a transfer articulation agreement between UW-Superior and the Wisconsin Technical College System. 

Conroy wins C.L. Greiber Award of Merit

Dan Conroy, operations manager for the Nexen Group, a Minnesota-based manufacturing company with a facility in Webster, Wis., has recently been awarded the C.L. Greiber Award of Merit.

Never too old to learn

At a time when there are dire reports of the number of high school students dropping out of school, 80-year-old Alice Smith decided it was time to pursue her General Educational Development (GED).

Area business mentors assist WITC-Hayward students

Statistics show that 50 percent of all two-year college students and 25 percent of all four-year college students fail or drop out during the first year of school. To help combat this issue, this year WITC-Hayward is matching several adult students with area business leaders to assist them through the rigors of working, raising a family and re-entering academic life.

Scholarship provides educational opportunity for high-demand trade

Despite hard economic times in some trades, the machine tool industry is projected to grow in the region, offering high-paying jobs to skilled workers.  The problem?  There simply aren’t enough qualified individuals to fill the positions.

Gov. Doyle announces effort to grow Northwest Wisconsin

Governor Jim Doyle recently announced at WITC-New Richmond three state awards to boost the economy of Northwestern Wisconsin and grow local jobs.

Extreme Tool & Engineering, Inc. donates equipment to WITC

At a time when the need for skilled machinists is high, one Wakefield company has stepped in to help train potential employees to enter the workforce prepared. Extreme Tool & Engineering, Inc. has donated a Charmilles D20 Electrical Discharge Machine to the machine tool operation program at WITC.

ReBAR helps business remain strong

Expertise, equipment, facilities, and training will now be easier for regional businesses to locate and use through the Regional Business Assistance Resource (ReBAR) directory.

Virtual Realities: WITC's simulation programs provide the next best thing to actual experience

WITC's simulation programs provide opportunities to sharpen skills in [almost] real life settings.

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