Inspiring Graduate: Jack and Adam Brisson (’25)
- Hometown: Blaine, Minnesota
- Degree: B.S. Packaging
As twin brothers, roommates, and now UW-Stout graduates, Jack and Adam Brisson are a package deal. It’s fitting, then, that they found their niche on campus in UW-Stout’s packaging program.
The natives of Blaine, Minnesota – whose parents, Scott and Jennifer, are also alumni – originally enrolled at UW-Stout with the intention of pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering. Ultimately, however, they switched paths after realizing that packaging was a better fit, Jack said.
“I credit my advisors, as well as my friends who were in the packaging program, with persuading me to make a change,” Adam added. “Once I started taking the packaging courses, I found them to be more interesting and hands-on – ultimately a better fit for me. After sticking with the course work and work experiences, there is nothing I would rather be doing for a career.”
The Brisson brothers were among 1,174 UW-Stout graduates who took part in the university’s spring commencement ceremonies on May 10.
Jack and Adam found they meshed well in the packing program and quickly made connections with both peers and faculty members. “I am close with everyone in my packaging classes as well as my packaging professors,” Jack said. “I also enjoyed all the different labs that we did. I think our classes really allow us to be creative and think outside the box on different projects as you would in the industry.”
Both the Packaging Materials Lab and the Distribution Lab provided students with opportunities to conduct tests and use the software that will be part of their careers, Jack added.
Adam said the best parts of his UW-Stout experience were the people in the packaging program. “I do not know what I would do on a bigger, faster-paced campus,” he said. “It is great getting to see the same people every day. The professors know everyone by name and know what they’re about.”
The Brissons were both involved in the Stout Packaging Association, a campus organization that gave them an opportunity to hear from and meet industry representatives each week. “This helped me decide what I wanted to do with my degree as well as helped me land internships and a job,” Jack said.
The packaging program also gave the brothers chances to interact with alumni in the field. “We have so many opportunities to try out different paths through internships and co-ops before graduation,” Adam said. “With options such as food science, medical device, corrugated design and sales, you can find what you want to specialize in.”
Meanwhile, Jack has been hired as a structural designer at Great Northern Corporation in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where he will be designing corrugated packaging and product displays.
“I strive to be a respected designer in the field of corrugated design and at some point, try and give back to students here at UW-Stout,” Jack said. “I also want to spread the word of packaging and UW-Stout to help grow our packaging program as well as grow the packaging industry.”
In the future, Adam also hopes to give back to his alma mater while employing the skills he learned there. “I hope to work to help develop and package products that can not only improve the quality of life but potentially save lives,” he said.
