friends of NWTC
FROM THE PRESIDENT ’ S DESK
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AT NWTC
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The Friends of NWTC magazine is published twice a year by the NWTC College Advancement Office .
MARKETING , RECRUITMENT , AND
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Erica Plaza
FOUNDATION DIRECTOR Crystal Harrison
EDITOR Garrett Dietz
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jessica Engebregtsen
Dear Friends :
It sometimes seems that as a society , we are so divided in opinions and beliefs that moving forward together feels like an unattainable goal . The great news is that every day at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College I see hope and dreams become reality . Every person who crosses the threshold at NWTC brings with them the passion to succeed and the dream of a brighter future . In doing so , they bring hope to their families and our area businesses . We have much to celebrate . We believe that everyone has worth and deserves access to the resources and education necessary to succeed in gaining a family-sustaining career regardless of color , gender , or identity . NWTC continues to build on the momentum of its diversity , equity , and inclusion ( DEI ) initiatives by ensuring that each student has an academic and service plan tailored to their needs and life experiences .
NWTC believes all students can succeed and is committed to continue building inclusive campus environments focused on ensuring that success . Over the last year , we have continued to offer new programs for emerging in-demand careers , opened locations to bring our services and expertise to the people and communities that need them , and provided more support initiatives centered on student success . In addition to creating more access , we have also focused on using federal relief funds to remove financial barriers to education by increasing emergency aid , scholarship , and grant funds .
Continued dedication to fostering student success and advanced workforce training has led to several national recognitions . Recently , the College was one of twenty-seven institutions in the nation to be named a 2021 Maritime Center of Excellence by the U . S . Department of Transportation . This is recognition of our longstanding efforts to expand – in partnership with regional shipbuilders – the skilled shipbuilding / supply-chain manufacturing base in Northeast Wisconsin .
I believe our College has something to offer everyone who sets foot on a campus , and I am excited to see the positive impacts of our many student success initiatives .
In this issue of Friends , you will find stories from some of our distinguished alumni , dedicated staff , and innovative business partners . You will also learn more about NWTC ’ s ongoing DEI efforts , including our College ’ s commitments relative to social justice . We share these stories in celebration of all the work we have done and look forward to all that is left to do . Thank you for your continued support and encouragement , which makes these successes possible .
Soar higher , Eagles !
Dr . H . Jeffrey Rafn President , NWTC
2 FRIENDS OF NWTC FALL 2021