Chippewa Valley Times

As snowflakes fell outside, 510 graduates participated in the commencement ceremony at UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, on December 14. The event took place in Johnson Fieldhouse and featured two alumni guest speakers along with three graduates from the Class of 2024.

Emily Fanucci, an engineering manager at Advanced Molding Technologies, spoke at the undergraduate ceremony. Laura Knudsen, an outpatient clinical dietitian and diabetes care specialist with Mayo Clinic Health System, addressed the Graduate Studies ceremony.

Fanucci emphasized the importance of soft skills such as communication and teamwork. "By showing up as my true self, listening to understand, and getting to know my team members on a personal level, I demonstrate my commitment to them," she said. She encouraged graduates to trust themselves and their ideas: "The more you trust yourself and your ideas, the more you’ll discover the power of your own voice."

Knudsen highlighted creating connections for strengthening collaborations and employability. "UW-Stout’s focus on hands-on learning helped me to make connections in the community," she noted. She urged graduates to use their resources to excel in their careers: "Thrive in your field. Be a difference maker."

Student speakers Ethan Myers and Hannah Timm encouraged peers to embrace their unique stories without regrets. Timm stated, “We’ve learned, adapted and seen the world through new perspectives.” Myers shared his experience of embracing individuality through magic: “Magic is now a defining part of who I am.”

Both Timm and Myers received the Samuel E. Wood Medallion for contributions in student activities and leadership.

Graduate speaker Kalsow reflected on overcoming fear of success through inspiration from Stephanie Lane Sutton's poem "New Beginnings." Kalsow asked peers about their future paths: “Venture forth into new beginnings. Your next path starts as you embrace success.”

The ceremonies celebrated achievements while emphasizing communication, connection, and authenticity as key components for trusted leadership.