The University of Wisconsin-Stout and its Learning and Information Technology department received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Certificate of Appreciation on March 17. The award was presented by United States Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Nelson, Wisconsin ESGR Area 6 Chair Mike Hallquist, and ESGR volunteer Martha Stratton.
The recognition highlights UW-Stout’s commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The university’s policies are designed to help supervisors assist service members in balancing their work and military responsibilities, according to the university.
Nelson said, “I’d like to thank Tom, Sue, the Chancellor, and everyone at UW-Stout for the incredible support they’ve shown me throughout my Air Force Reserve career. I nominated Tom for the Patriot Award because he consistently demonstrates understanding, flexibility, and encouragement for my military obligations, ensuring I never feel conflicted between my responsibilities here and my service to our country.”
Deputy Chief Information Officer Tom Janicki received the Patriot Award during the ceremony. Janicki said, “Our policies and culture empower supervisors to support Guard and Reserve members effectively, making service and work responsibilities easier to balance.” Chancellor Katherine Frank also attended the event. In a statement from its Statement of Support from the Guard and Reserve, UW-Stout affirms its pledge: “We recognize the Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our Nation and the well-being of our communities… We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.”
UW-Stout has been recognized as a Military Friendly School for sixteen consecutive years. It was named a 2025 Best for Vets College by Military Times for its commitment to serving veterans and their families. Chancellor Frank said, “At UW-Stout, we are proud to support veteran and active service students and employees across the university. Recognition from organizations like ESGR and others is important confirmation that we are succeeding as a university in support of our students, faculty, and staff. The fact that an employee nominated their supervisor for this recognition makes the award even more special, and we are ‘Stout Proud’ of the example set by Tom Janicki and LIT.”
The University of Wisconsin-Stout features modern labs, studios, industry-linked spaces according to its official website. It is recognized as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University for blending theory with practical application according to its official website. As part of the University of Wisconsin System according to its official website, it focuses on preparing students for careers through hands-on learning experiences according to its official website. The university provides laptop computers through its eStout program according to its official websiteand builds partnerships with businesses for internships, research opportunities, and career development according to its official website.
According to UW-Stout’s most recent First Destination Report released earlier this month, all veteran graduates were employed within six months after graduation.
