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#StoutProud: Kate Westaby ('12)

jasperb — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:42:43 +0000

#StoutProud: Kate Westaby ('12)jasperb August 10, 2026

Kate Westaby is helping reshape how Wisconsin supports young parents by combining research, community voices and partnerships to create solutions that last.

Brenna Jasper

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Kate Westaby (’12) is transforming research into action across Wisconsin and beyond. Through partnerships with the Medical College of Wisconsin, UW-Madison, the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Urban Institute, she is helping develop a statewide toolkit that will give school districts across Wisconsin practical resources to better support young families. Her work has also secured more than $900,00 in grant funding, strengthened collaborations among education, health care and community organizations and elevated community voices to create solutions with lasting impact.

As founder of the Young Parent Collective and a senior research associate at the Urban Institute, Westaby believes research should do more than identify challenges. By combining rigorous evaluation with lived experience, she is helping organizations make better decisions, build stronger partnerships and expand opportunities for families across the state.

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Growing up in Stanley, Wisconsin, Westaby became a mother while still in high school. Although she always planned to attend college, she remembers seeing statistics that suggested very few young mothers would earn a college degree. Rather than serving as motivation, the numbers felt discouraging and predictive of her future. "I didn't know if I could do it," she said. "It felt like people were telling me what my future would be."

She enrolled in 91��Ƭ Polytechnic's master's program in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. While there, faculty encouraged her to add a concentration in Evaluation Research. Westaby wasn't sure she would need it, but she trusted their advice, a decision that would change the trajectory of her career.

Through that concentration, the applied research methods, program evaluation skills and hands-on experiences she gained became the foundation for the work she leads today. "The toolbox that Stout gave me means that I can be versatile in which tools I deploy and how I use them to build impact, build relationships and engage people," she said.

Westaby also credits faculty mentor Kiki Gorbatenko for helping shape her journey. Long after graduation, Gorbatenko continued encouraging her professional growth, even writing a recommendation letter that helped Westaby pursue doctoral studies.

Kate Westaby and Kiki Gorbatenko at Kate's Master's graduation. / Submitted photo

After graduation, Westaby spent seven years working in evaluation before earning her doctorate. As she considered where to focus her research, she returned to her own experiences and realized they represented an opportunity to create meaningful change for others.

Today, that work has grown into statewide and national collaborations that connect researchers, schools, health care organizations and community partners to improve educational access, strengthen family supports and expand opportunities for young parents. Through the Young Parent Collective, she helps develop practical resources, facilitate community-driven research and create leadership opportunities that allow young parents to contribute as researchers, consultants and advocates.

Rather than studying communities from the outside, Westaby builds research alongside the people most affected by the issues. Their experiences shape the questions, guide the findings and inform recommendations that organizations can put into practice.

That approach has produced measurable results. Westaby has helped secure grant funding to expand community partnerships, is leading the development of a statewide toolkit that will help school districts across Wisconsin better support young parents and has contributed to national research that informs how education and community organizations serve families. By bringing those closest to the challenges into the research process, she's ensuring the resulting solutions are practical, sustainable and rooted in real experiences.

"The most rewarding part is seeing people recognize their own strengths," she said. "When people are invited into the work and know their experiences matter, it changes how they see themselves and what they believe is possible."

For Westaby, creating change starts with listening. Her advice to current students and fellow alumni is simple: "Listen to your community."

It's a lesson she learned through experience, strengthened at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic and continues to carry into every partnership she builds. By combining research with empathy, collaboration and applied learning, Westaby is helping communities create solutions that make a lasting difference.

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#StoutProud: Kate Westaby ('12)

Kate Westaby is helping reshape how Wisconsin supports young parents by combining research, community voices and partnerships to create solutions that last.

#StoutProud: Noah Zastrow ('21)

Noah Zastrow uses engineering and creativity to solve workforce challenges, support young athletes and bring innovative drone shows to Wisconsin communities.

#StoutProud: Nikki Smith ('10)

With 100,000+ orders, three stores and 35+ employees, Nikki Smith ’10 built a jewelry brand that creates opportunities and inspires confidence nationwide.

Kate Westaby is helping reshape how Wisconsin supports young parents by combining research, community voices and partnerships to create solutions that last. Kate Westaby

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#StoutProud: Noah Zastrow ('21)

jasperb — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:20:15 +0000

#StoutProud: Noah Zastrow ('21)jasperb August 10, 2026

Noah Zastrow uses engineering and creativity to solve workforce challenges, support young athletes and bring innovative drone shows to Wisconsin communities.

Brenna Jasper

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Most people never think about the engineering behind the food they eat or the technology behind a memorable community celebration. Noah Zastrow ('21) has built a career around both. As a project manager at Loos Machine & Automation, Zastrow leads engineering projects that help manufacturers automate production, improve workplace safety and solve workforce challenges. Outside of engineering, he coaches aspiring pole vaulters, works in aerial videography and founded SkyFlux Drone Shows, which brings large-scale aerial performances to communities across Wisconsin. The synchronized drone shows offer a reusable, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fireworks while creating more inclusive celebrations for people who can't enjoy loud pyrotechnic displays.

Whether he's designing automated production systems, choreographing more than 100 drones into the night sky or coaching young athletes, Zastrow is driven by finding creative ways to improve people's lives. Growing up in Spencer, Wisconsin, attending 91��Ƭ felt like a natural choice. His father had attended the university, he wanted to study mechanical engineering and the Blue Devils gave him the opportunity to continue competing in track and field.

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Among the experiences that prepared him most were machining and fabrication courses, where students learned by building rather than simply studying concepts. His senior capstone project challenged his team to design and construct a wind tunnel that connected to an existing testing system for evaluating airfoils. Outside the classroom, some of Noah's most meaningful experiences came as a member of the Blue Devils track and field team, where he competed in pole vault and long jump while forming friendships that have lasted well beyond graduation.

His passion for pole vaulting continued after college. Together with his father, Zastrow founded the Wisconsin Pole Vault Club shortly after graduating from 91��Ƭ Polytechnic. What began as a place for him to continue training quickly became a resource for young athletes throughout central Wisconsin who lacked access to pole vault coaching and facilities.

Today, the club serves 50 to 60 athletes each year, from middle school students to collegiate competitors. For Zastrow, the greatest reward comes from watching athletes grow over time. "We had one athlete who started with us in seventh grade and ended up winning the state championship as a senior," he said. "It's really rewarding to see that whole journey from beginning to end."

After earning his mechanical engineering degree, Zastrow joined Loos Machine & Automation, where he had previously interned. In just a few years, he advanced from mechanical design engineer to project engineer before recently being promoted to project manager. His work centers on designing automation systems for food manufacturers across the country, helping companies produce food more efficiently while improving working conditions for employees.

One recent project helped a manufacturer address ongoing workforce shortages in repetitive production roles. Rather than replacing workers, the automated system allowed employees to move into other positions while robotics took over repetitive tasks that often lead to fatigue and workplace injuries. The customer is expected to double its production capacity while also reducing downtime through built-in redundancy across multiple production lines.

"We're helping companies produce more while also making jobs better for the people working there," Zastrow said.

Seeing those facilities firsthand has given him a new perspective on engineering. "When you're there at a plant and you see all the food coming off the machines you've helped design, it really puts it into perspective how many people you're helping feed," he said.

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Outside of work, Zastrow found another way to blend creativity and technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zastrow earned his FAA drone license and began filming aerial real estate photography and video. That interest eventually expanded into wedding filmmaking, commercial media production through Vanguard Media House and, most recently, SkyFlux Drone Shows.

Launched earlier this year, SkyFlux Drone Shows is among only a handful of companies in Wisconsin producing synchronized drone light shows. Each performance requires up to 50 hours of planning and animation, combining engineering, aviation, computer programming and visual storytelling into a single experience.

For Zastrow, drone shows are about making celebrations and experiences available to more people. At one Fourth of July celebration, families approached him to say they could finally attend a community Independence Day event because the quieter drone show was more accessible for a veteran living with PTSD and a child with autism. The shows also eliminate the smoke, debris and waste associated with traditional fireworks.

"I think eventually you'll have more people who can enjoy these events," he said. "You arrive, put on the show and leave. You couldn't even tell we were there."

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For Zastrow, the drone shows bring together many of the interests and skills he's developed throughout his career. "The drone shows are almost a culmination of everything," he said. "They combine the creative side with the technical engineering side. It all comes together."

He's already looking ahead to the next challenge, designing and building his own drones using 3D printing and his engineering expertise. That same hands-on mindset is what he encourages current students to embrace.

"Take as many hands-on classes as you can," he said. "That's what really sets 91��Ƭ apart."

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#StoutProud: Kate Westaby ('12)

Kate Westaby is helping reshape how Wisconsin supports young parents by combining research, community voices and partnerships to create solutions that last.

#StoutProud: Noah Zastrow ('21)

Noah Zastrow uses engineering and creativity to solve workforce challenges, support young athletes and bring innovative drone shows to Wisconsin communities.

#StoutProud: Nikki Smith ('10)

With 100,000+ orders, three stores and 35+ employees, Nikki Smith ’10 built a jewelry brand that creates opportunities and inspires confidence nationwide.

Noah Zastrow uses engineering and creativity to solve workforce challenges, support young athletes and bring innovative drone shows to Wisconsin communities. Noah Zastrow 1

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#StoutProud: Nikki Smith ('10)

jasperb — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:16:37 +0000

#StoutProud: Nikki Smith ('10)jasperb July 29, 2026

With 100,000+ orders, three stores and 35+ employees, Nikki Smith ’10 built a jewelry brand that creates opportunities and inspires confidence nationwide.

Brenna Jasper

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As founder and owner of Nikki Smith Designs, Nikki Smith ('10) has built more than a successful jewelry brand. Through thoughtful entrepreneurship, she has partnered with retailers nationwide and built a company that helps people feel confident while proving that creativity and business strategy can go hand in hand. With more than 100,000 online orders, three thriving retail stores and a growing team of more than 35 employees, what began as handmade jewelry crafted for herself has grown into a nationally recognized business that reaches customers across the country.

For Smith, success has never been about chasing trends alone. It's about creating quality products, building a strong team and making intentional decisions that allow her business to grow sustainably. "I think I'm most proud that I actually did it," she said. "If you're passionate about something, figure out how to make it profitable and then do it."

After graduating from Prior Lake High School in Minnesota, she initially headed to Florida for college, drawn by the opportunity to experience college somewhere warm. After her freshman year, however, she realized something was missing.

"I've always loved retail," Smith said. "I worked in retail stores, but it really wasn't a major there. I really wanted to major in retail or merchandising."

Back home for the summer, she toured 91��Ƭ Polytechnic and quickly found the major she had been looking for alongside a university where hands-on learning and industry connections were central to the student experience. She transferred into the Retail Merchandising and Buying Management program, adding minors in Supply Chain Management and Business Administration.

"Stout was really the most perfect place. I feel like I got such a good education and was given so many different pathways that I could take," she said.

Outside the classroom, she served as a leader in the Stout Retail Association, cheered for the Blue Devils and completed the program's required 500 hours of retail experience while working at both Younkers and Victoria's Secret. Those experiences helped reinforce what she was learning in class while exposing her to the realities of the retail industry.

Just as valuable were the experiential learning opportunities that took her beyond campus. Through faculty mentorship and the Stout Retail Association, Smith attended industry events including fashion markets in Las Vegas and Miami, experiences that introduced her to major retailers and gave her a firsthand look at the business she hoped to join.

Those connections ultimately led to an internship with JCPenney in California, followed by acceptance into the company's highly competitive business training program in Dallas.

Submitted photo

Over the next several years, Smith advanced through roles in merchandise planning, allocation, buying and e-commerce. She learned how retailers forecast demand, manage inventory, analyze sales data and build relationships with wholesale vendors. Those experiences, while pivotal then, would eventually become the framework for her own company.

While working at JCPenney's corporate headquarters, Smith began making jewelry simply because she loved accessories and wanted affordable pieces that would last. Soon, coworkers began asking if they could buy her creations. Rather than immediately leaving her corporate career, Smith approached entrepreneurship strategically. She built wholesale relationships, developed an e-commerce website and steadily grew a customer base while continuing to work full-time. Only after carefully tracking the financial side of the business did she decide the timing was right.

"I really waited on entrepreneurship until it financially made sense," she said. "I had the wholesale clients, I had the retail clients and I had the website built."

That thoughtful approach has defined the growth of Nikki Smith Designs over the past decade. What started as one person handcrafting jewelry evolved into a business with three retail locations across the Dallas area, a growing wholesale operation and a robust online presence. As demand increased, Smith transitioned from making every piece herself to leading a team and partnering with manufacturers, allowing the business to scale while maintaining the quality standards that set it apart.

Submitted photo

Today, the company employs more than 35 people and has fulfilled more than 100,000 online orders while continuing to expand its reach through retail partnerships across the country. "I've realized manufacturing has allowed us to grow so much more," she said. "Now we can fulfill larger orders, create more opportunities and reach more customers."

Like many entrepreneurs, Smith's greatest challenge came unexpectedly. She opened her first retail store in March 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses across the country to close their doors. Instead of abandoning her vision, she pivoted.

The business shifted to e-commerce while preparing for long-term growth, a decision that continues to pay dividends today. Smith is now investing heavily in enhancing the company's online shopping experience, adding personalized engraving, expanding its custom charm offerings and creating digital experiences that mirror what customers enjoy in her stores.

She also remains committed to the values that inspired her to start the business in the first place: creating affordable, durable jewelry people can wear every day with confidence.

For Smith, however, the most meaningful measure of success isn't the number of stores she operates or the volume of orders she's shipped, it's the people. From the employees whose careers have grown alongside the company to the customers who celebrate life's milestones wearing her designs, Smith finds the greatest fulfillment in creating something that positively impacts others.

"I love that I get to share that feeling with so many people," she said.

The applied education, industry experience and entrepreneurial confidence she gained at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic continue to influence every decision she makes. Everything she learned in corporate retail — from merchandising and buying to analytics and supply chain management — now helps drive a business of her own. For Smith, her leap of faith has created opportunities far beyond what she imagined for herself, her employees and the thousands of customers who choose her designs every day.

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#StoutProud: Kate Westaby ('12)

Kate Westaby is helping reshape how Wisconsin supports young parents by combining research, community voices and partnerships to create solutions that last.

#StoutProud: Noah Zastrow ('21)

Noah Zastrow uses engineering and creativity to solve workforce challenges, support young athletes and bring innovative drone shows to Wisconsin communities.

#StoutProud: Nikki Smith ('10)

With 100,000+ orders, three stores and 35+ employees, Nikki Smith ’10 built a jewelry brand that creates opportunities and inspires confidence nationwide.

With 100,000+ orders, three stores and 35+ employees, Nikki Smith ’10 built a jewelry brand that creates opportunities and inspires confidence nationwide. Nikki Smith 2

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#StoutProud: John ('00, '10) & Linda ('93) Loff-Peterson

jasperb — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:35:31 +0000

#StoutProud: John ('00, '10) & Linda ('93) Loff-Petersonjasperb July 29, 2026

Through decades of safety leadership, John and Linda Loff-Peterson have helped organizations prevent injuries, protect workers and strengthen safety cultures.

Brenna Jasper

John and Linda Loff-Peterson. / Submitted photo

Every day, thousands of workers rely on safety professionals to identify hazards, strengthen systems and create safe workplaces that allow people to return home safely. John (’00, ’10) and Linda Loff-Peterson’s (’93) work has shaped safety practices across critical industries, including energy, utilities, construction, mining and engineering. Through decades of leadership, the Loff-Petersons have helped organizations prevent tragedies, develop stronger safety programs and create environments where employees feel empowered to speak up.

While their careers have taken different paths, they share 91��Ƭ Polytechnic as a common foundation. John's bachelor's degree in applied mathematics and master's degree in risk control gave him the analytical skills to interpret data and uncover trends, while Linda's degree in psychology provided an understanding of human behavior and the factors that influence workplace safety. “We came to the same point in safety, but we have such different backgrounds,” John said. “We complement each other.”

During their time at Stout, both discovered the value of applied learning and the importance of relationships with faculty and mentors. One of those moments came when Eino Maki encouraged John to pursue an opportunity that would shape his career. John was walking down the street with a fellow student when Maki pulled up in his car, rolled down the window and called out to them.

The Loff-Peterson family. / Submitted photo

“He yells at us, ‘We have an internship. We have a co-op with IBM. You guys go up to my office and apply right now,’” John recalled. John applied, was accepted just days later and soon packed his bags for a co-op with IBM in San Jose, California.

John also credits mentors in the risk control program with helping shape his approach to safety. Through the program, John went to Florida with Brian Beamer and fellow student Alberto Garcia to study carbon monoxide exposure from recreational boats through a project connected to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

At the time, it was common for people to tie two large recreational boats together, creating a floating gathering space where they could socialize and spend the night. But the setup also created a dangerous situation where exhaust from one boat could enter the sleeping areas of another, exposing people to carbon monoxide while they slept. Some boaters had died because of these exposures.

Working with those real-life scenarios helped John feel prepared when it came time to enter the workforce. “It wasn’t just sitting in a classroom,” John said. “It was real-world experience that made you feel more comfortable with what you were going to do out there.”

A mock water rescue at the Flambeau Hydroelectric Station, coordinated by Linda. / Submitted photo

After graduating, Linda began a 28-year career with Xcel Energy after starting as an intern. Over the course of her career, she held a variety of safety leadership roles supporting corporate safety, plants, nuclear operations, transmission and distribution safety and compliance.

Her work required her to understand the unique risks employees faced in highly technical environments and develop systems that protected workers while allowing critical operations to continue safely.

One of Linda’s most impactful accomplishments at Xcel Energy was developing and strengthening confined space entry procedures for workers entering transformers. These spaces, while essential to maintaining critical energy infrastructure, can present serious hazards, including oxygen deficiencies, toxic gases and limited access for emergency response. The process was labor-intensive and difficult: Linda had to help build a comprehensive safety approach that included identifying hazards, establishing entry procedures, ensuring proper atmospheric monitoring and preparing rescue plans before workers ever entered these spaces.

“The consequences are real and potentially could be death,” Linda said. “Just because something is hard doesn’t mean you don’t have to do it.”

For Linda, the goal was always to make sure employees had the tools, training and protections they needed to complete difficult work safely. After retiring from Xcel Energy she moved into a safety role at Dairyland Power Company where she supports their “Safety First” culture. Throughout her career, Linda's efforts helped create a stronger safety culture where risks were recognized, addressed and managed before they could become life-threatening incidents.

John Loff-Peterson (second from left) receiving recognition for completing a 2-year term as International Academy of Mine Safety & Health board chair. / Submitted photo

After graduating, John worked for a workers’ compensation insurance carrier before joining Market & Johnson where he supported industrial construction safety projects, including work connected to 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s Memorial Student Center renovation. His career later took him into underground utility work and mining before he joined Barr Engineering. Today, he serves as vice president and health and safety manager, supporting approximately 1,200 employees across more than 20 offices. The company manages thousands of projects each year involving everything from environmental work and wildlife studies to construction, mining and hazardous materials. His role requires him to understand the risks employees face in vastly different environments and help teams develop solutions before problems occur.

One accomplishment John is most proud of is helping strengthen a culture where employees feel comfortable raising concerns and asking questions before small issues become bigger problems. "I strongly feel the psychological safety has grown," John said. Today, employees routinely reach out about potential hazards, whether they are working on steep slopes, managing heat exposure or identifying risks on a job site.

John's impact also reaches beyond the thousands of employees supported by Barr Engineering. Through leadership roles with national and regional safety organizations, he has helped shape the profession itself. As past chair of the International Academy of Mine Safety & Health, he has helped oversee development of the Certified Mine Safety Professional credential, while his work with the Minnesota Mine Safety Association, Western Wisconsin Safety Council and Western Wisconsin Sand Safety Peer Group has connected safety professionals, expanded training opportunities and shared best practices across the mining, construction and industrial sectors.

"You can only impact so many people within your own organization," John said. "When you get involved in professional organizations, you have the opportunity to impact an entire profession."

For both John and Linda, safety is about more than regulations or procedures. It is about the people those systems protect. “Ultimately, it’s about helping people,” John said. “When somebody gets hurt, it’s not just a number.”

Linda in front of the building that would ultimately become their ice cream shop in Rock Falls. / Submitted photo

Their commitment to people extends beyond their professional careers. In 2019, the Loff-Petersons restored a historic building in Rock Falls and transformed it into an ice cream shop that they owned and operated through 2024. What began as an effort to save a deteriorating building became a community gathering place, provided jobs for local students and helped revitalize the area.

The shop’s connection to Stout continued through a mural painted by former classmate and 91��Ƭ faculty member Ann Oberding. “It was really community revitalization,” John said. “It was for the community and for the kids to have jobs.”

For John and Linda, being #StoutProud comes back to the education, relationships and mindset they gained at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic.

"It taught me how to think," John said. "How to investigate, how to research, how to not just take something at face value." That mindset continues to guide their work as they challenge organizations to think differently about safety, protect workers and build stronger workplace cultures.

The Loff-Petersons, pictured with Ann Oberding, outside of the ice cream mural. / Submitted photo

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#StoutProud: Kate Westaby ('12)

Kate Westaby is helping reshape how Wisconsin supports young parents by combining research, community voices and partnerships to create solutions that last.

#StoutProud: Noah Zastrow ('21)

Noah Zastrow uses engineering and creativity to solve workforce challenges, support young athletes and bring innovative drone shows to Wisconsin communities.

#StoutProud: Nikki Smith ('10)

With 100,000+ orders, three stores and 35+ employees, Nikki Smith ’10 built a jewelry brand that creates opportunities and inspires confidence nationwide.

Through decades of safety leadership, John and Linda Loff-Peterson have helped organizations prevent injuries, protect workers and strengthen safety cultures. John and Linda Loff-Peterson

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Hero Caption: The Loff-Peterson's ice cream shop in Rock Falls, Wisconsin.

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#StoutProud: Bob Fuller ('67, '68)

jasperb — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:15:02 +0000

#StoutProud: Bob Fuller ('67, '68)jasperb July 15, 2026

Bob Fuller ('67, '68) turns creativity into hands-on learning, inspiring thousands of children through interactive museum exhibits each year.

Brenna Jasper

Bob Fuller, Roger Kees and Bob Klimpke standing on the stage they built at the Eau Claire Children's Museum. / Submitted photo

Every year, thousands of children learn through exhibits built not by a toy company or museum design firm, but by 91��Ƭ Polytechnic alumnus Bob Fuller ('67, '68) and a community of fellow Stout graduates. Known affectionately as "Bob the Builder," for more than a decade he has transformed everyday materials into interactive exhibits, furniture and immersive learning spaces at the Children's Museum of Eau Claire, creating hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, creativity and problem-solving. His volunteer work recently earned him a Jefferson Award for community service.

While the projects may look playful, the thinking behind them reflects a lifetime spent combining creativity, design and technical problem-solving, skills first developed at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic.

"I've always told people that if you want to field test something, put it in the Children's Museum," Fuller said. "Kids can find more ways to explore, learn and make blunders than anyone. That's part of the fun and challenge. You try to think ahead far enough to minimize problems before they happen."

Long before digital design software simplified the creative process, Fuller learned his craft through hands-on experience. As a graphic arts student, he served as editor and photo editor of The Tower yearbook while working alongside classmates in university publications. Together, students designed layouts, processed film, set type using linotype machines and produced publications one step at a time. Those late nights in the print shop were balanced with evenings spent playing folk music, sharing ideas and building friendships that would last a lifetime.

After earning bachelor's and master's degrees from 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, Fuller spent over three decades at the UW-Eau Claire, beginning as television coordinator before moving into graphics, exhibit design, photography and eventually serving as director of the Media Development Center. Along the way, he helped create exhibits, educational displays and visual learning experiences across campus, building a career around making information engaging and accessible.

Submitted photo

Pictured above is the group that has gathered for nearly 50 years.
Front L-R: Rich Dirks, Sandra Dirks, Connie Kees, Bob Fuller, Nora Stute Fuller, Carolyn Dunning, Martha Birch Knott, Earl Knott, Nancy Carlson, Gayle Carlson
Back L-R: Larry Haisting, Chris Haisting, Roger Kees, Bob Klimpke, Norma Anderson Klimpke, Jim Dunning, Cindy Zellers, Bob Zellers

Some of Fuller's most meaningful work is still created alongside the classmates he met while at Stout. Every summer for more than 50 years, Fuller and a group of fellow alumni have reunited, turning decades of friendship into projects that benefit their communities. Whether constructing a porch for a friend's home, rebuilding a deck or collaborating on projects for the Children's Museum, the group combines decades of experience in design, woodworking and craftsmanship. Many of the museum's most recognizable benches began during one of those annual gatherings, with ideas sparked by donated skis, discarded cribs, old church pews, encyclopedias, golf balls, reclaimed locker room wood and countless trips to other museums and thrift stores looking for inspiration.

A child plays with the large-scale Lite Brite. / Submitted photo

The result is a museum filled with one-of-a-kind creations. Children can climb aboard the back end of a custom-built fire truck complete with working lights and sounds, create at handcrafted makers tables, explore the Bricks Learning Lab, play with a large-scale Lite Brite, sit on benches made from golf balls, books or bowling equipment and interact with exhibits designed to make learning feel like play.

Today, Fuller works alongside fellow 91��Ƭ alumnus Mike Lee ('04, '11, '18), chief executive officer of the Children's Museum of Eau Claire, to create new exhibits and interactive spaces. Lee believes Fuller's work extends far beyond the exhibits themselves. "A lot of what we do, and Bob has been a big part of it, is teaching teamwork, communication and creativity," he said. "Kids discover that books can become a bench or everyday materials can become something completely different. They're exploring design and engineering without even realizing they're learning."

Their most recent collaboration is the museum's interactive donor recognition wall, a project that took nearly nine months to design. Rather than creating a traditional display of names, the pair developed an installation that encourages visitors to engage with it while sparking conversations about generosity, philanthropy and the people who make the museum possible.

Bob with fellow alumnus Mike Lee at the Eau Claire Children's Museum.

Lee sees Fuller's impact every day. "Bob's work continues to inspire and educate," Lee said. "With our newest donor wall, it wasn't enough to just display names. We wanted families to engage with it, ask questions about why those names are there and start conversations about volunteering and giving back."

Fuller’s work extends beyond the Children's Museum. Fuller has also partnered with the Chippewa Valley Museum, Feed My People Food Bank, the Eau Claire Curling Club and numerous community organizations, applying the same mindset that has guided his work for decades: use your skills to create something that benefits others.

For Fuller, that's exactly the point. "The longer it lasts, the more fun it is," he said.

Donor recognition wall at the Eau Claire Children's Museum.

Looking back, Fuller credits retirement with giving him the opportunity to continue making an impact in new ways while enjoying the collaborative nature of the process with life-long friends. His advice to fellow alumni is simple: don't underestimate the value of your experience. "There's so much available out there that you can contribute to," he said. "When you find it, just go with it. People are very appreciative, and it just makes retirement a pleasure."

For Fuller, the real reward comes from watching children discover something new, seeing families connect through hands-on experiences and knowing that the skills he first developed at Wisconsin's Polytechnic University continue to inspire curiosity, creativity and problem-solving for the next generation.

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#StoutProud: Kate Westaby ('12)

Kate Westaby is helping reshape how Wisconsin supports young parents by combining research, community voices and partnerships to create solutions that last.

#StoutProud: Noah Zastrow ('21)

Noah Zastrow uses engineering and creativity to solve workforce challenges, support young athletes and bring innovative drone shows to Wisconsin communities.

#StoutProud: Nikki Smith ('10)

With 100,000+ orders, three stores and 35+ employees, Nikki Smith ’10 built a jewelry brand that creates opportunities and inspires confidence nationwide.

Bob Fuller ('67, '68) turns creativity into hands-on learning, inspiring thousands of children through interactive museum exhibits each year. Bob Fuller

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Hero Caption: Bob Fuller pictured next to the interactive firetruck he helped build at the Eau Claire Children's Museum with help from 91��Ƭ Polytechnic friends.

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#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)

jasperb — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:52:42 +0000

#StoutProud: Cindy Pawlcyn ('77)jasperb July 10, 2026

James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach.

Brenna Jasper

Cindy Pawlcyn / Submitted photo

Before "farm-to-table" became a movement, before shareable small plates appeared on menus across the country and before Napa Valley became as well known for its food as its wine, Cindy Pawlcyn '77 was already helping shape the future of American dining. Over a career spanning more than four decades, the James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and cookbook author has helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. Her impact extends far beyond the iconic Mustards Grill, the Napa Valley restaurant she opened at 28 years old and continues to lead today. It lives on in the chefs and hospitality professionals she has developed and the generations of guests who have made her restaurants part of their family traditions.

For Pawlcyn, however, success has never been measured by awards or accolades. "I've made people happy," she said. "I've made customers happy. I've made purveyors happy. I've made my staff happy. I've given them the wherewithal to have their houses, have their lives and have their children. That's what I'm most proud of."

Cindy leading a 1975 Haute Cuisine dinner. / 91��Ƭ Polytechnic

That people-first philosophy has guided her career from the very beginning. Growing up in Minneapolis, Pawlcyn knew she wanted to become a chef long before it was common for women to pursue careers in professional kitchens. While attending 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, she immersed herself in hands-on learning, leading one of the university's renowned Haute Cuisine dinners while building the practical business knowledge that would later prove just as valuable as her culinary skills. Although accounting and hospitality law weren't her favorite classes, they became essential when it came time to understand financial statements, navigate legal issues and confidently run a business.

Cindy with chefs in Belize. / Submitted photo

After graduating, Pawlcyn studied cooking in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu and La Varenne before joining the Chicago-based restaurant company Lettuce Entertain You, where she learned how strong operational systems create space for creativity. There she met her future business partners who eventually invited her to California, setting in motion a career that would help transform Napa Valley into one of the country's premier culinary destinations.

Opening Mustards Grill at just 28 years old was the realization of a goal that Pawlcyn had been working towards for years. Mustards Grill featured its own garden when it opened in 1983, reflecting a commitment to seasonal, locally grown ingredients years before farm-to-table entered the culinary mainstream. At Fog City Diner in San Francisco, Pawlcyn introduced shareable small plates long before the concept became common in American restaurants. Rather than chasing what was popular, she built restaurants around the experiences she enjoyed herself.

"I always tried to base my restaurants on what I loved," she said. “As a chef, I love trying food!”

Cindy at Mustard's 40th anniversary celebration in 2023. / Submitted photo

Having worked for chefs who led through intimidation, Pawlcyn intentionally built kitchens where respect, collaboration and leading by example came first. She made a point of investing in her employees as people, taking an interest in their families and creating an environment where they wanted to stay. In an industry known for high turnover, some have worked alongside her for more than 35 years, while others spent decades in her restaurants before pursuing careers in other professions.

Her philosophy extends beyond the kitchen staff to the farmers, fishermen and suppliers who help make every meal possible. Pawlcyn has always viewed partnerships with farmers, fishermen and suppliers as essential to the restaurant's success. Many of those relationships have lasted decades. Those relationships have also helped Mustards Grill weather more than four decades of change, from economic downturns and shifting consumer tastes to wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through every challenge, Pawlcyn has remained committed to listening, adapting and never becoming complacent.

"The most important thing you can do is stay on the balls of your feet," she said. "Not get so confident that you know everything."

Cindy, her granddaughter and her husband. / Submitted photo

Now, families who first visited Mustards Grill decades ago are bringing their own children and grandchildren through its doors, creating new memories around the same tables. Pawlcyn herself recalls watching her granddaughter devour a plate of Mustards Grill's barbecue ribs, sauce covering her face as she eagerly reached for another bite. Pawlcyn was reminded of why she opened the restaurant in the first place: great food brings people together and creates memories that outlast the meal. For Pawlcyn, that was always the goal. "I want customers to be happy. I want them to be full. I want them to come back again," she said.

Looking back, Pawlcyn credits 91��Ƭ Polytechnic with providing not only the technical skills needed to succeed in hospitality but the practical foundation to adapt throughout her career and continue learning long after graduation.

Cindy and her family. / Submitted photo

When asked what makes her StoutProud, her answer reflects the same mindset that has shaped her life's work. "It gave me the backbone that I needed," she said. "I got as much out of my education as I could."

From pioneering culinary concepts that influenced restaurants across the country to mentoring hospitality professionals and creating places where people gather for generations, Pawlcyn's legacy isn't defined by a restaurant or award but by the lasting impact she's had on an industry built around bringing people together. It's a philosophy that has influenced an industry and reflects the practical, people-first foundation she built at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic.

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James Beard Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn '77 helped redefine American dining through innovation, leadership and a people-first approach. Cindy Pawlcyn

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#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)

jasperb — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:13:34 +0000

#StoutProud: Michael Hilliger ('22)jasperb July 6, 2026

Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide.

Brenna Jasper

Michael Hilliger '22 / Submitted photo

Millions of viewers have seen the work Michael Hilliger ’22 has helped bring to life across film, streaming and gaming. Early in his career, he contributed animation to Amazon Prime Video’s "The Boys," an experience that quickly opened doors to larger responsibilities. Not long after, he stepped into a lead animator role on Apple TV+’s "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!", where he helped guide production on fast-moving episode schedules, supported remote teams working under tight deadlines and ensured fellow animators had the tools and clarity they needed to succeed.

His career has continued to expand across the entertainment industry, with work tied to projects for Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video and Wizards of the Coast, including Magic: The Gathering. He has also contributed to productions connected to major franchises such as Spider-Man, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Final Fantasy VII, building a portfolio that spans some of the most recognizable names in modern animation and entertainment.

Hilliger pictured with a billboard for The Boys. / Submitted photo

Animation has been Hilliger’s passion for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, he always knew he wanted to pursue a career in art. “I was really inspired by Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, and I just grew up always wanting to make cartoons,” he said. “On my first day of kindergarten, I came with drawings in hand to show my teacher.”

Although he initially considered attending a private art school, 91��Ƭ Polytechnic offered a more accessible path into animation. At 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, Hilliger studied under professors Michael Heagle, Kim Loken and Jerry Hui, who each influenced different parts of his development. Heagle met students where they were in their skill level, Loken challenged students to think and operate like professionals and Hui emphasized mastering the fundamentals that carry through every stage of production.

Hilliger pictured at “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act” animated movie premiere in Hollywood along with Lead Animator Kevin Temmer. / Submitted photo

The structure of the animation program also reflected the collaborative nature of the industry. Team-based projects taught Hilliger how to communicate clearly, manage deadlines and adapt to shifting production needs while also learning how different creative roles depend on one another to bring a story to life. Those experiences became especially relevant when he accepted an opportunity to work on "The Boys" while still completing his final semester. While working on "The Boys", Hilliger stood out not only for his technical work but also for his willingness to support teammates. He helped other animators troubleshoot complex production software, an approach that caught the attention of project leaders.

After graduating, Hilliger continued building his experience through an internship with Minneapolis animation studio MAKE, where he assisted with several projects, including "House on the Outlands," "Dead Moon Walking" and "Sunny Side Down." When the same studio he had worked with on "The Boys" later began production on "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!", they invited him back, this time stepping into a lead animator position after previously entering the industry in an entry-level role.

Promotional art for Hilliger's senior film, the animated short "Marcus the Teenager's Never-Ending Quest for Popularity." / Submitted photo

Leading a fully remote animation team during a period when studios were still redefining production workflows reinforced the importance of communication, clarity and adaptability alongside artistic skill. In that role, Hilliger’s impact extended beyond animation itself, helping teams stay aligned, supported and on schedule in an environment where miscommunication could easily derail production. Today, Hilliger continues working across major entertainment projects while developing his own creative work for future release. His 91��Ƭ Polytechnic senior film now serves as the pilot for a project he is expanding into future episodes and plans to crowdfund. He also recently contributed animation work to a newly announced series of shorts for Adult Swim Smalls, "Soup Frogs".

For students hoping to follow a similar path in the entertainment industry, Hilliger emphasizes one lesson above all else: relationships matter. “I’ve never gotten a job by submitting my résumé,” he said. “It’s always been talking to someone over coffee, staying in touch and them remembering I exist.”

That emphasis on relationships is something he traces directly back to his time at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic. Looking back, the most lasting impact of 91��Ƭ Polytechnic came not only from technical training but from the people who shaped his growth along the way. “At the end of the day,” he said, “you only really need two or three good professors. Those relationships change everything.”

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Michael Hilliger ’22 is making his mark on the entertainment industry, leading animation teams and contributing to projects seen by millions worldwide. Michael Hilliger Yo Gabba Gabbaland

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#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)

jasperb — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:27:25 +0000

#StoutProud: Wade Lambrigtsen ('00), Lin Boland ('25), Megan McDowell ('25) and Lily ('27)jasperb July 1, 2026

91��Ƭ Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations.

Brenna Jasper

Wade Lambrigtsen '00

As communities across the country prepare to mark America's 250th anniversary, many are taking a closer look at how history, industry and culture shape the places they call home. In Menomonie, 91��Ƭ Polytechnic alumni Megan McDowell '25 and Lin Boland '25 and current student Lily '27 are helping tell those stories through Murals in Menomonie, a community art initiative led by 91��Ƭ Polytechnic alumnus and 2024 Luminary Alumni Award winner Wade Lambrigtsen '00. Together, they are using public art to celebrate local history, strengthen community pride and create spaces that invite people to connect.

Lambrigtsen, owner of Vintage Sign Shop, believes public art does more than beautify a space. "It's about community pride,” he said. “These murals tell the story of Menomonie and celebrate the people, industries and events that shaped our community. We have such a rich history and bringing it to life through art is something everyone can experience. It also brings people downtown to explore, support local businesses and see our community in a new way."

Megan McDowell '25

In addition to Murals in Menomonie, McDowell, Boland and Lily are artists who participated in the 2024 Graffiti and Street Art course at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, taught by Lambrigtsen and professor Cynthia Bland. Their class collaborated on a campus mural that introduced the students to the importance, significance and impact of public art.

McDowell, an animation graduate now working as a freelance illustrator and animator, says that experience expanded how she understands storytelling beyond digital media. She returned to participate in Murals in Menomonie to continue developing her mural work and collaborating with other artists. “I hope the murals make people stop, smile and feel connected to where they are,” she said. “It’s about taking stories that live in a place and making them visible in everyday life.” Today, she continues using visual storytelling to help audiences see the world in new ways.

Lily '27

As a future art educator and apprentice with Vintage Sign Shop, Lily hopes to make creativity accessible to every student while using public art to strengthen connections between people and place. She returned to contribute to new mural work that invites public engagement and highlights local identity, and was on the team that painted the mural on the 91��Ƭ Polytechnic administration building. “Art should be something everyone can access,” she said. “Murals give people a way to see themselves in the story of their community.” She plans to bring that philosophy into the classroom, creating spaces where students and communities alike feel seen and connected.

Lin Boland '25

Boland, a former Vintage Sign Shop apprentice, credits the 2024 mural project with providing hands-on experience in collaborative public art that continues to shape her classroom today. As an elementary art teacher in Altoona, she introduces young learners to creativity, confidence and self-expression while showing them their ideas can make an impact. “I want my students to see that their ideas matter and can exist beyond the classroom,” she said. “When they see their work in a shared space, they understand they are part of something larger.”

For Lambrigtsen, seeing his former students return as fellow artists reflects the lasting impact of 91��Ƭ Polytechnic's applied learning and the relationships built through public art. "Seeing former students come back as artists is incredible," Lambrigtsen said. "We have 10 former students participating this year, and watching their confidence grow has been one of the most rewarding parts. Some are now creating murals in their own communities. Seeing them take what they learned at Stout and use it to make an impact makes me incredibly proud."

While the murals have transformed public spaces in Menomonie, their impact extends far beyond the city. For the artists involved, the project provided the opportunity and experience to continue creating public art, inspiring others and strengthening communities wherever their careers take them.

Additional returning artists participating in Murals in Menomonie who studied under Lambrigtsen at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic include: Aaron Hoyt, Lloyd Schlomer, Gao ‘Pretti’ Zhong Thao, Angelina Yang

Former Vintage Sign Shop apprentices participating in the project include: Camile Lemm, Alexandra Lubahn, Wren Path

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91��Ƭ Polytechnic alumni and students are using public art to celebrate local stories, strengthen community connections and inspire future generations. Wade Lambrigtsen

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#StoutProud: Britta Rotering ('03, '09, '15, '25)

jasperb — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:06:06 +0000

#StoutProud: Britta Rotering ('03, '09, '15, '25)jasperb June 10, 2026

Britta Rotering has expanded educational opportunities that connect students to hands-on learning and clear pathways to college and careers.

Brenna Jasper

Britta Rotering / Submitted photo

Four-time 91��Ƭ Polytechnic graduate Britta Rotering is helping reshape how students prepare for their futures. As supervisor of career and technical education (CTE) for the School District of La Crosse, she oversees career pathways, dual-credit opportunities, youth apprenticeships that connect students with paid workplace experiences and the district's four academies, including La Crosse Polytechnic School. Under her leadership, the district has expanded career pathways, grown industry partnerships and created new opportunities for students to become future-ready.

Her passion for career and technical education began early. "As a middle school student, I took my first CTE course and fell madly in love," Rotering said. "That was where everything clicked."

By high school, she knew she wanted a career that combined teaching, service and career-focused learning. When a teacher told her about 91��Ƭ Polytechnic's family and consumer science education program, she scheduled a campus visit. "Even though it was pouring rain during my campus tour, I knew I had found home," she recalled.

Britta (right) during her time while deployed. / Submitted photo

Rotering attended 91��Ƭ Polytechnic while serving in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, balancing military commitments with her studies. She went on to earn four degrees from the university: a bachelor's degree in family and consumer science education, a master's degree in education, an Educational Specialist degree in career and technical education and a Doctor of Education in career and technical education leadership.

One of the most memorable chapters of her educational journey came during her deployment, where she continued coursework toward her master's degree. "Stout did everything they could to work with me," she said. "I had VCR tapes mailed to me and I hand-wrote papers in a notebook. I completed coursework whenever I had downtime. That connection to learning helped me stay focused and gave me something to work toward."

Britta was awarded an award of merit at the 2026 Region III CTE Conference. / Submitted photo

After 16 years as a teacher, Rotering moved into administration, where she could expand opportunities for students on a larger scale. Today, she oversees a wide range of initiatives designed to help students explore careers, earn college credit and gain real-world experience before graduation.

One of her proudest accomplishments has been expanding opportunities across all 16 career pathways in the district. Those pathways include stacked coursework, dual-credit options, work-based learning experiences, career and technical student organizations and industry-recognized credentials. Rotering also serves as coordinator for the La Crosse Youth Apprenticeship Consortium, which placed more than 100 students in paid apprenticeship experiences last year. "I get to build strong career pathways for students, families and community members," Rotering said. "The goal is to help students become future-ready."

Her work has also transformed opportunities in areas that previously had little or no presence in the district. When Rotering arrived in La Crosse, the district had no agriscience program and students interested in agriculture had limited or no in-district pathways. By creating a staffed program with three educators, supporting FFA chapters and adding a greenhouse, Rotering built an agriscience program from the ground up, expanding it into multiple student opportunities where students can earn leadership experience and gain hands-on skills in a facility that mirrors real-world environments.

Rotering also supports La Crosse Polytechnic School, a project-based learning environment where students explore interdisciplinary challenges and discover new passions. In her role overseeing career and technical education, she works in partnership with the school’s principal to align programming with the broader polytechnic philosophy that shaped her own education at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic.

Britta (center) at her 91��Ƭ Polytechnic doctoral degree graduation. / Submitted photo

Throughout her career, Rotering has carried Stout's polytechnic philosophy with her. She credits faculty members such as Diane Klemme, Urs Haltinner and Deanna Schultz for shaping her approach to leadership and lifelong learning. "I can't think of one professional accomplishment that wouldn't have been possible without 91��Ƭ Polytechnic," she said. "Stout prepared me, supported me and encouraged me through every stage of my career."

Whether she is developing new career pathways, mentoring educators or helping students discover their future, Rotering carries the lessons of 91��Ƭ Polytechnic with her every day.

"Stout is home," she said. "It's the place that helped me become who I am."

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Britta Rotering has expanded educational opportunities that connect students to hands-on learning and clear pathways to to college and careers. Britta Rotering

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#StoutProud: Chuck Appeldoorn ('78)

jasperb — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:13:17 +0000

#StoutProud: Chuck Appeldoorn ('78)jasperb June 3, 2026

Chuck Appeldoorn’s professional journey spans cable recovery, hospitality and brewing, all centered on building opportunity and community growth.

Chuck and Marilyn Appeldoorn / Submitted photo

Chuck Appeldoorn has spent decades building businesses that create opportunity, bring people together and leave a lasting mark on the communities around them. His entrepreneurial journey has spanned industries ranging from cable operations to hospitality, recreation and tourism. At the height of owning a cable recovery business, Appeldoorn managed a nationwide operation that recovered more than one million cable boxes annually and supported a network of 600 to 800 independent contractors. In northern Minnesota, his family’s growing portfolio of resorts, golf properties and recreation businesses has helped drive tourism, create jobs and transform aging properties into destinations where families gather, celebrate milestones and return year after year. Through every venture, Appeldoorn has remained focused on creating experiences, opportunities and long-term community impact.

Submitted photo

Growing up in Northfield, Minnesota, Appeldoorn’s parents owned a hardware store and he saw firsthand the realities of operating a small business. In high school, he wasn’t especially focused on academics, and after graduating he set out on a cross-country trip in a Volkswagen bus during the Vietnam era, unsure of what direction his life would take. A stop in southwest Wisconsin introduced him to a vocational program in retail sales, and that experience gave him a starting point.

Chuck became deeply invested in his education, discovering an interest in business. That path led him to the UW–Stout Polytechnic, where he found an environment that emphasized applied learning and real-world application. He built lasting friendships, connected with faculty who made learning engaging and developed a mindset grounded in taking initiative. “That’s really where the story shifted for me. I came to 91��Ƭ because they accepted my associate degree, and I didn’t have a clear direction at the time. I just knew I needed to keep moving forward, and Stout gave me that next step.”

After graduating, Appeldoorn explored a variety of ventures. He sold products, ran routes, and tested different ideas before identifying an opportunity in the early cable industry. Companies struggled to recover disconnected equipment, and Appeldoorn developed a practical, disciplined system to do it more effectively. He mapped territories, streamlined processes, and focused on consistency, approaching the work with a level of organization that set him apart.

His performance led to expanded responsibilities, additional markets, and eventually a network of independent contractors operating under his model. The business scaled rapidly, reaching cities across the country and securing national contracts. At its peak, Appeldoorn managed 600 to 800 contractors and oversaw operations that recovered over a million pieces of equipment annually. Along the way, he created flexible income opportunities for others, reinforcing a philosophy he still believes in: when you help others succeed, growth follows.

Aerial view of Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort on Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota. / Submitted photo

In 2004, Appeldoorn purchased a former fishing resort on Mille Lacs Lake that had fallen into disrepair. Over time, the resort grew into Appeldoorn’s Sunset Bay Resort, expanding to include cabins, event spaces and amenities designed for weddings, reunions and multi-generational gatherings.

“When we bought the resort, the vision was always to turn it into a place where families could come together,” he said. “Seeing weddings, reunions and families coming back year after year is probably the most rewarding part of it.”

Chuck also owns Northwood Hills Golf. / Submitted photo

That same philosophy carried into additional investments in recreation properties, including golf courses and RV developments designed to support family travel and tourism in the region. Fiddlestix RV Park and Mini Golf was made into a large-scale RV destination, with space intentionally designed to encourage connection and long stays.

More recently, Appeldoorn’s portfolio has expanded into the beverage industry. “We’re involved in some breweries too,” he said. “That’s just starting, more on the investment side. It’s another example of how things evolve when you stay open to opportunity and relationships.”

Appeldoorn’s work supports seasonal employment in a rural region, strengthens local tourism and contributes to a broader ecosystem of family-oriented destinations around Lake Mille Lacs. His leadership style reflects a mix of adaptability and persistence, shaped by decades of building, adjusting and continuing forward.

Chuck along with fellow Stout alumni in New Orleans. / Submitted photo

Appeldoorn credits 91��Ƭ Polytechnic with giving him both direction and lifelong relationships that continue to influence his life and work. Looking back, Appeldoorn does not measure success by a single venture or milestone, but by the full scope of experiences and opportunities created along the way.

“If you use the game of baseball as life, show all your hits, strikeouts, home runs and errors,” he said. “Just don’t show you didn’t play the game.”

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