At UW-Stout, philanthropy creates opportunities that transform students’ futures. Donor generosity removes barriers to education, strengthens individualized student support and advances academic innovation — ensuring innovative educators in our labs and classrooms, empowering students to lead, innovate and thrive long after graduation.
For professor Debbie Stanislawski, program director of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs spanning undergraduate through doctoral degrees, that impact is visible every day through the growth of her students and the opportunities made possible through philanthropic support. Those opportunities are especially visible through various outreach and student involvement programs across campus.
“Donor funding has strengthened my work in profound ways,” Stanislawski said. “Flexible philanthropic funds allow faculty and staff to continuously grow to address evolving student needs, update resources and ensure our applied learning is relevant to industry and community which transform our students’ experiences.”
Philanthropic support has made it possible for many CTE students to serve as academic ambassadors, a defining part of their Stout experience. In this leadership role, students collaborate closely with faculty, attend professional conferences and participate in mentorship and classroom immersion experiences. These opportunities help students build instructional confidence, expand their professional networks and connect their academic experiences with meaningful career pathways.
The ambassadors also work with local high schools to engage the next generation of students in what it means to be an educator and the importance of the work. They also showcase what it means to be a Stout Blue Devil and the uniqueness of the Stout polytechnic education. Their role helps to build a strong pipeline of future educators.
Such experiences often come full circle. Many of Stanislawski’s former students go on to serve as advisors for organizations such as Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), mentoring the next generation of students through competitions, leadership development and career exploration. Others serve as technical college faculty and administrators, shaping programs and initiatives that influence students and staff alike.
Stanislawski’s experience reflects a broader story across UW-Stout, where faculty-driven innovation, modern learning environments and a vibrant campus community weave together to support student success.
“I was inspired to become an instructor at UW-Stout because of the opportunity to support future marketing and business education teachers on their professional pathway,” Stanislawski said. “But what I love most — and what makes UW-Stout so special — is the comprehensive and fierce commitment my colleagues and the university have to all students.”
Beyond student success, philanthropy supports faculty-led innovation, cutting-edge research experiences, interdisciplinary curriculum development and experiential learning opportunities on campus and across the region.
Your philanthropic investment through the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association ensures every member of the Stout community has access to holistic support, enriched learning spaces and innovative academic experiences that define a polytechnic education, preparing graduates to make an immediate impact in their workplaces and communities.
“The polytechnic mission and #StoutProud community’s support bridge the gap between theory and practice,” Stanislawski said. “Watching the students’ growth in confidence and professionalism is profound.”
“A little extra support can open doors that might otherwise stay closed,” Stanislawski said.
Philanthropy opens doors and leads to opportunities for UW-Stout students today and for countless learners and colleagues they will inspire throughout their careers.
Your gift to support UW-Stout provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community, like Annika 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.
