< PreviousWestern is proud to claim Debra Lash ’90 as a graduate—so proud they selected her as the 2007 DisƟnguished Alumni. However, that’s neither the end nor the beginning of her story. Lash is a small business owner for over twenty- five years; she has been on the Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. (DMI) board for 13 years and has served as both president and execuƟve director. She currently serves on the La Crosse Chamber Board of Directors and has been on Western’s markeƟng advisory commiƩee for 30 years. Lash is a staunch believer in a vital downtown and a thriving small business climate—every healthy community, village, town, and city should have one. La Crosse does, or did, right up unƟl the pandemic; however, there is planning underway for a strong recovery. But it wasn’t always this way. La Crosse’s downtown development is a story of belief backed by vision, hard work, long hours, and a relentless push for collaboraƟon. Lash grew up in the area, having aƩended many schools in the region: Holmen, DeSoto, Viroqua, Cashton, and back to Viroqua for her high school graduaƟon. Her high school job was at the Viroqua Hardee’s, which proved to be a great launching point. Lash moved to La Crosse and transferred to the Hardee’s there. The management was wholesome, and her coworkers felt like family and took care of each other. She also tried door-to-door high-end vacuum sales. As a young, single parent making ends meet by working at Hardee’s and selling expensive vacuum cleaners, she decided she needed to go back to school. Western made the most sense. One of the owner-partners from La Crosse Management Systems (LMS) knew Lash from Hardee’s and told her to call them when she graduated, so she did. Founded in 1980, LMS was an industry leader of business management soŌware and hardware 10 at a Ɵme when businesses and industries of all types were integraƟng computers and soŌware. The LMS owners were so impressed with Lash that they created a posiƟon for her: Dispatcher. Lash took service calls and got good at helping people with their soŌware issues over the phone; the more calls she took, the more she learned. They promoted her to sales—she took the place of five salespeople, literally! Her years at LMS thoroughly taught her how a thriving business works on the front end and behind the scenes. She worked way too hard, made a lot of money for both her and LMS, and got seriously ill with an ovarian tumor. Lash’s illness was another wake-up call. Lash informed her employers, “I’m going to work hard for me.” So she quit, and got to work. Equipped with a Western markeƟng degree, Lash searched for a downtown business to buy. The only contender was the Wedding Tree. Far from an expert at weddings and never having worked retail, she decided to purchase the business and give it a go. Serious problems with the business revealed themselves aŌer the negoƟaƟon period. The advice she received from her banker, accountant, and aƩorney was devastaƟng—file bankruptcy, and walk away. Lash leŌ her previous job on a confident high note—this unsolicited advice was not an opƟon. She weighed her opƟons and took out another loan. At the age of 26, she referred to this as blind faith and opƟmism. The Wedding Tree was downtown in the Def Ear locaƟon on 4th Street. The owner of the building was John Desmond, owner of a naƟonal company called Desmond’s Formal Wear. Lash was able to get a deal on rent by promising not to sell tuxedos. As the new owner, Lash called Make it big; they will come11 every customer to ask what they liked and what they didn’t about their Wedding Tree experience. She deduced that she should rent tuxedos, too, for an all-encompassing approach. She couldn’t rent or sell menswear at this locaƟon, so she took out another loan to buy out her lease and moved to the 418 Main Street building. Lash rented it from late 1998 and purchased it in 2004. The newly acquired building was the impetus for all future growth. This building would become an essenƟal part of the brand known as Our Building of Love. This old and beauƟful structure begged to be loved, respected, and cared for, but also used to its fullest, glorious potenƟal. Everything was invested back in the building and the employees. The second floor houses all things bridal; the first floor is for men’s formal wear rental and sales, prom, bridesmaids, mothers, and pageants. There is generous room for in-house alteraƟons, steaming, and pressing services, as well as customer storage on the lower level. Today, the Wedding Tree is mulƟple floors, more than 17,000 square feet, boasts 25 dressing rooms and 2,500 dresses. In 2014, the third floor YMCA basketball court was renovated and converted into a breathtaking event space; in other words, a perfect place to get married. The event space is another branch of the business called the Court Above Main. The Wedding Tree is now a full-service bridal bouƟque in a one-of-a-kind historic and beauƟful seƫng. Lash’s vision of a Building of Love is complete. Lash’s philosophy regarding local business as the lifeblood of a community inspired her to purchase the La Crosse Wedding Expo. She added the annually published magazine as a manageable way to showcase other small businesses. During the pandemic, Lash provided free adverƟsing opportuniƟes. The dark days of COVID inspired Lash to compile modified wedding packages to accommodate restricƟons for the Court Above Main. She also offered customizable Micro Wedding packages; simply choose from various value-added opƟons for a flat fee. Another popular choice was geƫng married in a small, inƟmate seƫng and scheduling a party or recepƟon and vow renewal for a later date. In addiƟon to invesƟng in the building, Lash invests in her employees, offering wedding planning cerƟficaƟon and business training of all types. Whether she is there or not, Lash knows the business is in good hands. ConducƟng business for over two decades prompted Lash to update her service moƩo, “The customer is not always right,” which is refreshingly honest and a nod to how much she trusts her employees. A giŌ for sales and a talent for public relaƟons, Lash credits Western for her business acumen. The quality instrucƟon by people who had careers in the field and the respect they had for their students leŌ a lifelong impression on Lash. She states that she learned and honed her people skills in a sales class. But actually, she has an innate sense with people—she’s observant, empatheƟc, relatable, and exudes a trustworthy aura. She knows the best thing to say in any situaƟon; it’s her giŌ. She is a fierce advocate for women with a keen sense of right and wrong. We would be lucky to have her on our side. Debra Lash is a true giŌ to Western alumni and our greater community. Lash is sƟll deciding what she is going to do next. Watch this space. “Small businesses hold a community together.” —Deb Lash12 Alumni News Western Technical College’s Alumni AssociaƟon bestowed this year’s DisƟnguished Alumni Award to Eric Chrisinger , President and CEO of Co-op Credit Union in Black River Falls. Chrisinger is a 1980 graduate of Western’s MarkeƟng program. He began his career at Co-op Credit Union as a branch manager in 1981, becoming execuƟve vice president in 1988, and finally President and CEO in 2008. During that Ɵme, Chrisinger led many local organizaƟons; he is a former board member for the Black River Falls Area FoundaƟon and a Rotary Club member. He has also assisted with several community iniƟaƟves through Co-op Credit Union. Chrisinger has a solid connecƟon to the College and its FoundaƟon. He previously served on the Western FoundaƟon Board of Directors and has been instrumental in securing financial support for future Western students. He remains a strong advocate for two-year educaƟon, oŌen praising the essenƟal foundaƟonal skills that prepared him for success in life. “The Alumni AssociaƟon and Alumni Board are pleased to have Eric represent Western through this award,” said Stephanie Knutson, alumni relaƟons coordinator at Western. “He is an excepƟonal example of a strong leader both professionally and in his community. As a proud Western alum, he is very passionate about the value that Western provides to the region.” Western’s DisƟnguished Alumni Award recognizes dedicated service to the community or naƟon, leadership, personal growth and achievement, professional achievement, and contribuƟons to the Western district. Distinguished Alumni Alumni News Golf outing—save the date Wow! We had close to record-breaking parƟcipaƟon at our Annual Scholarship Golf OuƟng on May 26. We are grateful for everyone’s support of this event, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. The proceeds from this event go directly to our student scholarship fund. Your contribuƟons to this event make it possible for students to complete their educaƟon and put their learned skills to use in our communiƟes. A special thank you also goes out to the Golf CommiƩee: Mary Jo Stokes, Pat Cavadini, Vlad Tsoy, Kathy Brudos, and Lynn Lenz, as well as the FoundaƟon team: Mike Swenson, Jacqueline Schreiner, and Jaime ForƟer for all your help pulling this event together. PlaƟnum Sponsor: Kwik Trip/ Kwik Career Gold Sponsor: Baird Silver Sponsors: HSR Associates Market & Johnson Bronze Sponsor: TUMMA Thank you to our primary event sponsors this year! Without your generosity, we wouldn’t award as many scholarships as we do. Save the Save the date!date! Save the date! The 2022 Scholarship Golf OuƟng is on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Don’t miss this opportunity to support our student scholarship program while golfing on Cedar Creek Country Club’s beauƟful course. If you are interested in parƟcipaƟng or sponsoring this event, please visit westerntc.edu/golf or email WesternAlumni@westerntc.edu Scholarships change student lives!13 Alumni News With great appreciation The Alumni AssociaƟon Board and the Career Services department are partnering again to provide another virtual Get that Job event. Our virtual Get that Job event in February was well aƩended—we had such posiƟve feedback regarding the format that we are offering another session this fall. Part One: September 21, 2021, at noon via Zoom Part Two: September 28, 2021, at noon via Zoom This series focuses on resume best pracƟces, online profiles, interviewing Ɵps and tricks, and insight from local organizaƟons about what they look for in qualified candidates. Find out how to set yourself apart. If you are interested in aƩending, please email alumni@westerntc.edu. Get that job! Western launched its first-ever Employer Spotlight event. These events are a way to provide connecƟons between Western students and local employers in a relaxed lunch- and-learn format. Employers give a 30-minute presentaƟon and then hold a 15-minute quesƟon and answer session. Wieser Brothers presented to our Building ConstrucƟon and Cabinetmaking program students. They gave an overview of the business, advancement opportuniƟes, and current job openings within the organizaƟon. They provided insight on what makes a candidate standout in the interviewing process as well as what specific skills they are looking for. This career networking and informaƟon event was successful, and we look forward to connecƟng Western students with many other area organizaƟons and industries. Our goal is to host at least five Employer Spotlight events this fall and conƟnue throughout the year. For more informaƟon, please contact our Career Services Department : careerservices@westerntc.edu Employer Sp tlight: On behalf of the Alumni AssociaƟon Board, we extend a hearƞelt thank you to Mary Jo Stokes ’86, ’73, ’71, for her years of service as an alumni board member and dedicated supporter of Western. Mary Jo has served on the Alumni AssociaƟon Board for the last three years, and we are grateful for her hard work. We will miss Mary Jo at our regular meeƟngs, but we are glad that she will conƟnue to serve on our golf commiƩee. Thanks for everything, Mary Jo! Congratulations to all Spring and Summer Graduates! We are thrilled to welcome you to the Alumni AssociaƟon! Although not a tradiƟonal commencement ceremony, it was a memorable one! We encourage all alumni to keep in touch; we love to hear what you are up to aŌer graduaƟon. You can make any contact informaƟon updates here: hƩps://www.westerntc.edu/form/ update-and-share-your-news or email updates to the following address: WesternAlumni@westerntc.edu14 Alumni News What was your role at Western? I was a markeƟng and fashion instructor during my Ɵme at Western. I started teaching when I was 28 and conƟnued to do so for 30 years. I was also the DECA advisor for Western—our students competed on a local and naƟonal scale and did very well. What have you been enjoying most about reƟrement? I am very much enjoying sleeping in and spending Ɵme with my husband and our dog. It’s been lovely to do what we want to do exactly when we want to do it. That was oŌen not possible with both of us working and traveling for work frequently. Have you been involved at Western since reƟrement? Yes! I spent a few years serving on an Advisory CommiƩee, which was very rewarding. I conƟnue to help students prepare for DECA compeƟƟons. I love staying involved where I can. What did you like best about Western? I was incredibly fortunate to work under outstanding leadership during my Ɵme at Western. We felt very supported by leadership throughout the college. We had autonomy which allowed us to make changes and improvements to our programs; this created a fun and inclusive atmosphere. What are you most proud of during your Ɵme at Western? I am most proud of taking the MarkeƟng program through DECA and making it a powerhouse! We were a force to be reckoned with, and other schools tried to emulate what we were doing because of our success. We always had state DECA officers involved in compeƟƟon planning. It was rewarding to see how the students developed aŌer each compeƟƟon. The compeƟƟons built their confidence and helped them with their educaƟon and career goals. They also did even beƩer in the classroom as a result of their involvement in DECA. It was a graƟfying experience for the students and me. Tell us about your most memorable experience at Western To me, the most striking thing is the camaraderie shared with other instructors in the Business Division. We got along so well, celebrated everyone’s successes, and supported each other. I also have the privilege of keeping in touch with some of my students with whom I am sƟll friends. I have very fond memories of my Ɵme at Western and loved teaching! We track down reƟrees to get an update on life aŌer Western. Where Are They Now ?? Barb Ebner Alumni Association Board opening! As a Western Alum, have you thought about how you can get involved at Western? We have the perfect opportunity. Our Alumni AssociaƟon Board currently has two openings. If you are interested, please complete the online applicaƟon: www.westerntc.edu/alumni-board-app The applicaƟon deadline is September 1, 2021 Congratulations on your retirement! CongratulaƟons to Assistant Chief Rob Abraham ’92 on 30 years with the La Crosse Police Department. Assistant Chief Abraham is a Western graduate and the 2017 DisƟnguished Alumni Award recipient. Wishing you all the best in your reƟrement.15 Classnotes 1970 Michael Wall, Welding, CelebraƟng 50 years in business as founder and owner of Coulee Signs and Welding, Inc. 1974 Ivan Short, Agriculture, Sadly, I lost my wife, Julika, August 5, 2019 aŌer 57 1/2 years of marriage. Harvey Wood, MarkeƟng, Has owned Wood Sales and Service in Black River Falls for 40 years and uses his Western educaƟon daily! 1975 Mary Meene, Dental Assistant, ReƟred in 2020 aŌer 33 years as a nuclear medicine technologist at Gundersen Health. Evelyn Miller, AccounƟng, During my working career I spent 22 years as a tax accountant and managed shipping centers. AŌer I reƟred in 1997, I volunteered to prepare taxes with AARP FoundaƟon Aide Services. 1976 Mathias Servais, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Tech, I reƟred in 2018 aŌer working 42 years as a heavy equipment tech for St. Joseph Equipment. 1977 Donald Stoeckly, Auto Body, Recently reƟred but currently serve as President of Don’s Towing & Repair, Inc., which I’ve owned for over 30 years starƟng in 1978. Dorothy (Linrud) Stoffregen, Nursing, ReƟred in 2019 aŌer spending 42 years working as an RN in the operaƟng room at Gundersen Health System. 1980 Susan Voves, Health InformaƟon Tech, ReƟred in 2020 aŌer working 40 years as a Health Unit Coordinator at Gundersen Health System. 1981 Michael Peterson, Food MarkeƟng, Supermarket Management MarkeƟng, Has worked as a licensed real estate broker for 31 years. Katherine Solum, AccounƟng, I have spent the last 40 years using my accounƟng degree in my career. I recently reƟred aŌer serving 15 years as Vice President at WNB Financial formerly Winona NaƟonal Bank. Richard Strigel, Electroencephalographic Tech, I have been working as an EEG Technician since graduaƟng in that same program in 1981. 1982 Ted McKeeth, Mechanical Design Tech, I have spent 36 years at Lockheed MarƟn, most of those years as a project manager. 1983 Steven Peth, Bio-Medical Electronics, In 2021, I received my bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Phoenix. 1986 Nancy (BallieƩ) Onstad, Nursing, I have worked in nursing for 40 years, 20 of these years as an RN. First at Miller Hospital in St. Paul, MN and aŌer at Black River Memorial in Black River Falls. Mark Viner, Visual CommunicaƟons, My degree in Visual CommunicaƟons provided a solid foundaƟon for obtaining my bachelor’s, masters and PhD. In 2020, I celebrated obtaining tenure as Associate Professor of EducaƟonal Technology at Eastern New Mexico University. 1987 Sarah Servais, Medical AdministraƟve Spec, In November 2020, I became a first-Ɵme grandparent! Joseph Smet, RefrigeraƟon Servicing, In April 2021, I was promoted from a Training Consultant to a Gas OperaƟons Supervisor at WEC in Appleton, Wisconsin. 1989 Kevin Millard, Visual CommunicaƟons and CIS Network Specialist, I used my Visual CommunicaƟons and Network Specialist degree for the past 33 years at WXOW TV. Blaine Wuensch, CIS Programmer/Analyst, I have worked for over 30 years in IT at Wisconsin Physician Service. 1990 Debra (McLees) Lash-Stangel, MarkeƟng-Retailing, Owner of The Wedding Tree since April of 1996. Jeanne (Erickson) Tippery, Nursing, ReƟred in May of 2019 aŌer 30 years at Gundersen Lutheran as an RN. 1991 Paul Schmitz, Machine Tooling Technics, In 2021, RBI EnƟƟes moved headquarters to the Carlisle Building in Sparta. RBI enƟƟes include; fabricaƟon, assisted living and construcƟon. RBI has been serving their machining community for over 25 years. Lori Trim, AccounƟng, I have one grandson and 3 granddaughters all under 7 years of age. Refer a Student to Western Do you know someone looking to pursue their educaƟon who would be a great fit at Western? We’d love your help idenƟfying the next generaƟon of Cavaliers. Refer a student by clicking “Request Info” at www.westerntc.edu Indicate you’re filling out the form for someone else by checking the box at the top of the form. AŌer submiƫng the form, one of our admissions coaches will reach out to the student.16 1993 LyneƩe (Hansen) Schmitz, Early Childhood EducaƟon, In 2021, RBI enƟƟes moved headquarters to the Carlisle Building in Sparta. RBI enƟƟes include; fabricaƟon, assisted living and construcƟon. RBI has been serving their machining community for over 25 years. 1994 Howard Wilson, Electromechanical Tech, AŌer obtaining a four-year degree in agriculture and working in that field, I returned to Western. My 1994 degree helped me work as a electromechanical tech for more than 20 years prior to reƟrement in 2015. 1995 Darlene (Bischel) Seaman, Nursing, I have been in nursing for 25 years. I have a Master’s Degree in Nursing. I am the RN Care Manager at the Tomah VA Medical Center. My associate degree in nursing from Western, was a fabulous launch pad for my career. Andrea (Langreck) VanDyken, Medical AdministraƟve Spec, I have used my medical administraƟve specialist degree I obtained at Western in my career for a total of 20 years. Ronald Moilien, Welding, ’82 Farm OperaƟons, Since graduaƟon from Western I have spent 25 years in the welding field. 1996 Debra (Snyder) Shove, AccounƟng, My husband and I rebuilt our home in 2021 aŌer a fire. 1997 Sheryl Rupprecht, Interior Design, In 2020, I reƟred aŌer 25 years of owning and operaƟng Hidden Valley Design, Inc. I am thrilled to announce that my daughter, Nikki Benzing, purchased the window treatment business and is conƟnuing to serve the community. 1998 MaƩhew Nundahl, Police Science Tech, ’95 Criminal JusƟce-Law Enforcement Academy, In December of 2017 I received my Bachelors of Arts and a minor in Training and Development from Winona State University. 1999 Christopher Steindorf, Welding, I have worked in the welding field since graduaƟng from Western. I have been promoted a couple Ɵmes. For the previous 5 years I have worked as Senior EsƟmator at Mid-City Steel, Inc. 2000 Kent Wendorf, Farm, Business & ProducƟon Management, I have been a self-employed farmer owner since 1990 in Viroqua and recently started working part Ɵme at Nelson Agri-Center. 2001 Ryan Mueller, PrinƟng & Publishing, We bought a house in 2021 in the Denver area. My wife and I have 2 sons age 3 and 9 months. 2002 Sarah (Mueller) Mathison, Health InformaƟon Tech, I have used the Health InformaƟon Tech educaƟon in my 20 years working in HIM and as a trauma registrar at Gundersen Health System. BriƩnie (Eckman) McMahon, Graphic Design, I recently celebrated 10 years as owner of Imagine Designz located in Eau Galle, Wisconsin 2003 Allan Marx, Farm, Business & ProducƟon Management, I have used my farm business & producƟon management educaƟon in my 40 years as a self-employed farmer. 2004 Tiffany Morrell, Nursing, I had my first child on February 17, 2020. 2007 CharloƩe (Oehler) Stange, Nursing, ’06 PracƟcal Nursing, ’02 Central Service Technician, ’01 Surgical Technologies, I received my bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2014. I work at Tomah VA as a nurse clinical manager. 2008 Kelley (Mitzner) Schallert, Clinical Lab Tech, AŌer graduaƟon, I obtained my master’s degree in Clinical Lab Science in 2020. 2010 Jessica Plaunt, Mechanical Design Tech, In 2020, I received my master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and currently employed by General Dynamics Electric Boat as Senior Quality Engineer. 2012 ScoƩMartell, Respiratory Therapist, ’08 Machine Tool OperaƟon, ’07 Welding, I married Jessica PasƟck August 21, 2020. Esther Meiners, Disability Support Spec, ’85 MarkeƟng- Fashion Merchandising, ’77 Nursing Assistant, I have 10 grandchildren - 8 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. Kolby Walker, Landscape HorƟculture, I have owned Walker Lawn Care & Landscaping in La Farge, WI for over 20 years. Classnotes Looking to change careers or find a new opportunity? Employers are posƟng hundreds of jobs daily on Handshake, Western’s online career plaƞorm. All Western alumni can create a Handshake account at joinhandshake.com. Need help creaƟng your account or updaƟng your resume? Contact Career Services at 608-785-9440 or careerservices@westerntc.edu. 24/7 online access to over 3.5 million job listings 17 Remember When... This is the 1981 welding class. Do you recognize anyone? We would love to hear from you. Do you have a photo to share? Contact the Alumni Office at 608-789-6083 or alumni@westerntc.edu Classnotes Are you or someone you know planning to aƩend Western? Check out the Western FoundaƟon scholarships: westerntc.edu/scholarships Many are available! 2016 Jessie Thornsen, Electromechanical Tech, ’15 Electronic Systems InstallaƟon & Maintenance-IEM, ’10 Electrical Systems InstallaƟon & Maintenance, I graduated in December 2020 from University of Wisconsin Stout in Project Management. I worked as a Electromechanical Tech since graduaƟng from Western in 2016. Stephanie (Westerman) Zuelke, Medical AdministraƟve Professional, ’15 Medical Assistant, ’09 AdministraƟve Assistant, I have triplets age 7 and a daughter, Rayla, age 8 months. 2013 Jeff McCullick, Electronic Systems InstallaƟon & Maintenance - IEM, The educaƟon I received from Western in electrical systems, helped me further my career which allowed me to achieve a lifelong goal of becoming a private licensed pilot. Paige (Berger) Welch, Business Management, I had a baby girl named Oakley in January of 2021. 2014 Gordan Murphy, Machine Tool OperaƟon, I am the first engineering student to transfer from Western to Viterbo as of Spring 2021. David School, Bio-Medical Electronics, I have three children with one on the way. Andrew Zuelke, Criminal JusƟce-Law Enforcement, ’09 AccounƟng, I have triplets age 7 and a daughter, Rayla, age 8 months. 18 In Memoriam Ernest J. Berg 2/25/2021 1976 CETA CombinaƟon Welding Michael L. Bruha 1/4/2021 1997 CIS Programmer/Analyst Orlin L. Clark 6/22/2021 1965 Electronics William K. (Lloyd) Clements 3/6/2021 1975 Data Processing Eugene C. Danielson 4/25/2021 1979 Data Processing Michael J. Dascher 3/26/2021 1975 RefrigeraƟon Servicing Donald R. Felde 2/3/2021 1991 Finance, 1971 Auto Body John P. Frederick 4/4/2021 1997 Air CondiƟoning, HeaƟng, & RefrigeraƟon Tech Layton R. Halverson 1/3/2021 1972 Chemicals & FerƟlizers Kelly M. Hass 3/24/2021 2013 IT Computer Support Specialist MarƟn E. Heineck 6/15/2021 2014 Electronic Systems InstallaƟon & Maintenance - IEM Gary Johansen 3/18/2021 1997 CIS Microcomputer Specialist Mary E. Jones 1/8/2021 1987 Nursing Cheryl L. (Rodenberg) Keivel 1/17/2021 1999 AccounƟng Jeanne M. Kneifl2/28/2021 1967 Medical Assistant Lilah J. (Neumann) Kuecker 1/27/2021 1974 CerƟfied Nurse Assistant - CerƟficate Ronald R. Levendoski 6/19/2021 1960 Mechanical Design Technology, 1958 Machine Shop Tool & Die Margaret M. (Topel) Manecke 6/23/2021 1992 Nursing ChrisƟna M. McCracken 2/17/2021 1993 AdministraƟve Assistant Steven C. McDonald 4/18/2021 1966 Electronics Daniel R. Mossholder 1/7/2021 2013 Supervisory Management Mark L. Nichols 4/15/2021 1988 Finance, 1988 AccounƟng James Oestreich 3/15/2021 1966 Auto Mechanics Michaealene M. Reedy 2/1/2021 1980 PracƟcal Nursing Karla J. Ronke 4/20/2021 1993 Nursing Jason H. Ruud 1/11/2021 2011 AccounƟng Randy J. Sagen 3/29/2021 1977 Mechanical Design Technology Ronald J. Smethurst 5/11/2021 1974 Air CondiƟoning, HeaƟng, & RefrigeraƟon Tech Jeffrey L. Starkey 3/1/2021 1972 Retail Management, 1972 MarkeƟng - Retailing Rachel K. Tatu 6/21/2021 2014 Nursing Assistant - CerƟficate, CerƟfied Nurse Assistant - CerƟficate Doris I. (Jerome) Thorson 1/3/2021 1983 Foods - InsƟtuƟonal Gary Tiedt 6/14/2021 1982 Food ProducƟon Specialist M. Joyce (Thompson) Weise 1/26/2021 1977 Nursing - Technical Lu L. Yang 3/12/2021 1982 AccounƟng Western Staff Richard D. Ammerman 5/29/2021 Lenna D. Campbell 1/31/2021 Phyllis Jacobson 1/22/2021 John M. Landro 1/22/2021 William G. Welch 1/4/2021 Ed Winga Earlier this summer, Dr. Edward Winga passed away aŌer a brief illness. Dr. Winga was a great friend of Western Technical College. He was instrumental in starƟng the Respiratory Therapy program and served for many years on the Western Technical College FoundaƟon Board of Directors. Countless students benefiƩed from his generous support of scholarships and his excellent teaching. He will be deeply missed by so many.Name ___________________________________________________________________________ First M.I. Last Name at GraduaƟon (if different) _____________________________________________________ Program ______________________________________________________________ Yr. ______ Address __________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________ State__________ Zip _____________ Cell __________________________________ Landline _________________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________________________ Employer _________________________________________________________________________ Job Ɵtle __________________________________________________________________________ Spouse ___________________________________________________________________________ Spouse is a Western Alum o Spouse program/graduaƟon year ____________________________ AddiƟonal news for college publicaƟon:________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Keep us up to date with changes in contact informaƟon and tell us what you’ve been doing since graduaƟon. New job, baby, marriage, or honor? We’ll print it in an upcoming ediƟon of Connect . Include your email address and the classnote will be sent to you before publishing. Mail to: Alumni Office, 400 7th Street North, La Crosse, WI 54601 or complete online at: westerntc.edu/stay-connected We want to hear from you! A publication for alumni & friends of Western Technical College WESTERNCONNECT Western Alumni AssociaƟon Western Technical College Coleman Center Room 130 304 6th Street North, La Crosse, WI 54601 alumni@westerntc.edu 608-789-6083 westerntc.edu/alumni Next >