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Alumni Spotlight

At an early age, Joe Yakesh realized that he wanted to work in construction.  WITC helped make that dream a reality.

As a teenager, Joe Yakesh worked part-time for his cousin's construction company during the summers and on weekends. It was more than a way to make extra money - the experiences helped convince him to pursue a career in the trade. After graduating from WITC's Wood Technics program in 2005 at age 20, Yakesh launched Bloomer, Wis., - based Quality Construction & Remodeling LLC. He recently shared some insights into his passion for his work and the growth of his company.

Why did you choose WITC?

I think what separates WITC from other colleges is it's attention to detail. It's a very well-rounded school, and the courses are carefully laid out. Each has a purpose and relates to the other courses. The staff and instructors take the time to get to know you.  Instructors were happy to sit down with students after class if they had questions.

For more, see the Alumni Spotlight in Career Impact.

Terry Kramolis is dedicated to her job with Ashland County - but then, she would have to be to cover its many facets.

In health care, you need a good foundation. We had wonderful instructors at WITC, and they made you work hard. It lit a fire and showed me that was possible.  I thought:  If I can do this, I can do everything. It was a solid basis for nursing.

Why did you choose WITC?

I always wanted to be a nurse, so I went back after I was married and had children.  It was local, and it had a good reputation - in particular, the nursing program had a stellar reputation.

For more, see the Alumni Spotlight in Career Impact.

WITC graduate Maren Almstedt is sparking diversity in the classroom, and has big plans for her future welding career.

Maren Almstedt has found a niche in a realm - welding - that has long been considered a nontraditional career field for women.  But the 2005 graduate of WITC-Superior's Welding Program isn't bothered by labels. In fact, she's quite happy with both her degrees and her new role as a teaching assistant (TA) for her former instructor. And this is only the start.

How was your experience at WITC?

My experience was excellent! I've got life skills for a career. My instructor, John Palmer, was an outstanding teacher who instilled in us a strong sense of work ethic on the job. I would definitely recommend WITC to aspiring technical students.

For more, see the Alumni Spotlight in Career Impact.

Foundation for friendship: Six graduates keep friendship that started 30 years ago

The year was 1977: Jimmy Carter was President, the Apple II personal computer went on sale, Elvis Presley died, and five young women just out of high school enrolled in the Secretarial Science Program (now called Administrative Assistant) at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake. It never occurred to them that 30 years later, they would still be friends.

Jeanne Klukas, Carol Nygren, Becky Brust, Sue Hammond and Kelly Brown enjoyed their time at WITC. They studied together, joined clubs and went to campus dances. It was during their second year that Barb Malom joined the WITC staff. Just out of college, Malom was not much older and a friendship was formed outside of the classroom.

After graduation, Hammond, Klukas, Nygren and Brust found jobs in Minnesota. Malom and Brown remained in Rice Lake. Malom continued teaching, and Brown got a job at WITC right after graduation.

The following years were filled with careers, weddings, children, divorces and all that life brings. Yet the six friends were determined to stay in touch, even though they were spread from northern Wisconsin to southern Minnesota. They now manage to e-mail each other about once a month and arrange to meet for dinner twice a year.

"We’re all small-town Wisconsin girls at heart," Hammond says. When they get together "it seems we just pick it right back up where we left off."

Brown is now an Academic Affairs assistant at WITC. Malom continues teaching there as an administrative assistant instructor. Although she has seen many students come and go, she still has a special fondness for her first group of students.

Brust, Klukas, Hammond, Nygren and Brown "were and always will be my friends," Malom says. "How does an instructor get that lucky?"

The group of women met for their 30th reunion this past October in Rice Lake. The weekend was filled with memories, old pictures, touring their old haunts and many laughs around a bonfire at night before returning to their respective lives.

"It has been great having friends who have ‘grown up’ with you during your adult life," Hammond says.

WITC gave them their foundation for careers in the business world, as well as the start of their lifelong friendships.

–Deborah Anderson is a marketing and public relations associate at WITC-Rice Lake.

For more, see the Alumni Spotlight in Career Impact.

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