Hundreds of new Titan grads celebrate midyear commencement

Trevor Bentz of Beaver Dam, who graduates cum laude with a degree in mathematics education, said he worked as a teaching assistant in high school and returned in a student teaching position with the same teacher. Bentz has been interviewed by the principal at Beaver Dam High School and hopes to work for the school where he graduated in 2020.

UWO soccer player Caylee Fry of Reedsburg, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in K-12 physical education, finished student teaching Friday in her hometown near Wisconsin Dells. Fry said she'llmiss her friends and professors. Fry had a large contingent on hand, including parents and grandparents, to see her walk across the stage.

Molly Walter of Oshkosh and Benjamin Tinsenof Oak Creek, were talking over their future plansas they waited to line up in the procession. Walter earned a degree in early childhood and special education; Tinsenin secondary education in English. "I think it will hit me after I walk across the stage," Tinsensaid, noting as a 2020 high school graduate, that this is his first "real" Commencement. Walter, who has been working with 3-4 year oldsand Kindergartners in Appleton, transferred to UWO from another school and heard "really good things" about the UWO education program.

Leah Fassbender of Kewaskum, who earned a degree in human services leadership, was looking for a fully online program-which she found at UWO. Her first visit to campus entailed walking across the stage Saturday to accept her degree. "I'm really excited," she said. Fassbender started at MPTC to earn as associate degree before transferring to UWO, knowing her credits would transfer. Fassbender, who works as an admissions counselor at Concordia University, is continuing her education and hopes to earn a master's degree in counseling. "I love helping people and listening to their stories," she said.

Faith Koepp of Grafton, who earned a bachelor of business administrationdegree, completed mosther degree online. Currently working as an administrator for a property management company, Koepp is interested in exploring a future career in human resources and employee rights. A large group of family and friends plan to head to a local restaurant to celebrate.

Proudly wearing a special Trio stole, Mackenzie Aldrich of Mosinee, graduates with a degree in finance. Originally majoring in medical imaging, Aldrich found her stride in the College of Business. She has applied for a couple of positions as a credit analyst, following an internship with insurance company Church Mutual, near her hometown. "I'm definitely going to miss being down here (in the FoxValley and with her UWO friends)," she said.

A nursing scholarship helped Amanda Burkart of Round Lake, Illinois, decide on UWO and its College of Nursing. Burkart said she'llmiss her friends and her time at UWO as she transitions to a labor and delivery position at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. Burkart was inspired to pursue nursing as her grandmother worked as a nurse for 35 years.

Appleton resident James Her is earning a bachelor of sciencein nursing degree after starting with an associate degree from a technical college. Hersaid he knew he wanted to work in health care. He worked as a certified nursing assistant and decided to continue his education at UWO. Ultimately, hehopes to earn a doctor of nursingpractice degree.

Christopher Ahrens, said he plans to move to Oregon to work at the Nike world headquarters, following his graduation with a master of business administrationdegree. Currently managing the Oshkosh Nike store, Ahrens said he was inspired to work in management by his parents, who both hold leadership positions in their careers. Ahrens said the College of Business has an "excellent program" and he called out professorDale Feinauer as assistingin his academic journey.

Madison Szewczuk, a student from Twin Lakes, said Oshkosh was far, but not too far, from home. Earning a multimedia journalism degree, Szewczuk said she ultimately wouldlike to find a position managing social media for a sports team. She plans to move to Madison as she begins her search.