Chippewa Valley Times

On May 4, 1,037 graduates from Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, UW-Stout, received their degrees during three commencement ceremonies held at Johnson Fieldhouse. The events featured speeches from notable alumni and student speakers who provided inspirational messages to the new graduates.

Dallas Pankowski, a 1960 bachelor’s and 1961 master’s graduate, along with his wife Edye, received honorary doctorate degrees. Pankowski encouraged graduates to adhere to high ethical standards and continue learning. “Practice the Greek ideal ‘a sound mind and a sound body.’ Practice the highest ethical standards, work hard, continue to learn, play hard,” he said.

Shelly Ibach, a 1981 graduate and CEO of Sleep Number Corp., advised graduates to find their "red thread," which she described as an innate gift that guides one through good times and adversity. “It takes perseverance, resilience and courage to navigate all the trials and tribulations and find your path forward,” Ibach stated.

Emily Berge, Eau Claire City Council president and a UW-Stout alumna with two degrees from the institution, spoke at the Graduate Studies ceremony. She emphasized the importance of self-care for resilient leadership. “To be resilient is to engage in activities that make you smile... because I promise you that life will turn you upside down at times but resilience will ground you,” she said.

The ceremonies were segmented by college: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management (CSTEMM) at 9:30 a.m., College of Arts and Human Sciences (CAHS) at 1:30 p.m., and Graduate Studies at 5 p.m.

Student speakers included Kat Schlauderaff from CSTEMM who highlighted the determination required to complete their studies. Genevieve Czaplewski from CAHS reflected on personal growth beyond academic achievements. Sarah Jasa from Graduate Studies reminded her peers of UW-Stout's values—honor, industry, skill, and learning—and encouraged them to embrace adversity as a catalyst for growth.

Chancellor Katherine Frank congratulated the graduates on their achievements while emphasizing their potential impact on society. Provost Glendalí Rodríguez presided over the ceremonies which featured performances by various university music groups.

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