“My passion for UW‑Stout began before I was even accepted,” said Ana, a recent graduate with a degree in fashion and retail and minors in business administration, sustainability and digital marketing.
“My high school fashion teacher told me about Stout’s program and her own remarkable experiences with UW‑Stout. She is the reason I chose UW‑Stout; I would not have had the amazing Stout experience without her guidance,” Ana said.
For Ana, the UW‑Stout experience was defined by applied learning, strong faculty mentorship and opportunities to connect classroom knowledge with real‑world applications.
Faculty support became especially meaningful when Ana’s career goals shifted during an internship. “If Stout didn’t require internships, I might have gone into a job that wasn’t right for me,” she said. “When my goals changed, every professor helped me tailor my coursework to align with my new path. They have been nothing but supportive.”
Some of Ana’s most transformational experiences came through involvement in campus programs and clubs. “I really enjoyed my time as a Stout Student Ambassador. My confidence and professionalism grew tremendously through networking with alumni, partners and other students,” she said.
Ana’s campus involvement and service to the #StoutProud community continued when she was elected Academic Affairs Director for the Stout Student Association, an opportunity that allowed her to serve and advocate for her peers.
Ana’s story reflects the heart of UW‑Stout; the university’s polytechnic mission is not only present in the classroom but woven through every experience. Through internships, experiential learning projects, student groups and activities, dedicated faculty mentorship, industry connections and leadership opportunities – students gain the skills and confidence that set them apart in their careers.
“The polytechnic advantage is evident across campus. We aren’t just learning theory; we’re applying it, gaining business and industry experience and developing into confident professionals and engaged citizens,” Ana said.
Your philanthropic investment through the UW‑Stout Foundation and Alumni Association creates opportunities for students like Ana by removing barriers to a polytechnic education, providing individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, strengthening living and learning spaces and enriching a vibrant campus life — everything that defines a UW‑Stout polytechnic experience.
“UW‑Stout prepared me not just to start a career, but to thrive in it,” Ana said. “The experiences I had and the support from faculty, alumni and donors, have shaped who I am today and the future I’m ready to build.”
Your gift to UW-Stout provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community by removing financial barriers to a Stout education, providing robust and individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning spaces while ensuring a vibrant campus community – the full Stout Experience. Through your philanthropic support you provide the necessary flexible funds to ensure Stout thrives and continues to make positive impact on industry, in our communities and on society. Make your gift today.
