Student & Alumni Spotlight

When Logan Nikolai was 13, he pulled on a welding helmet for the first time. The bead he laid that day on a metal door at the Kids Kart Club shop in Neenah wasn’t perfect, but it was enough to spark something lasting. Inspired by his grandfather, he had spent years helping build go‑karts, fixing

Caedence Porrey always knew she wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree. She just wasn’t sure where to start. “When I first started looking at schools, I realized how expensive it can get,” she says. “Then I learned that I could take all my general education courses at Fox Valley Technical College and transfer them to

You won’t find Jeffrey Wiley sitting behind a desk. “I always have to be doing something,” Jeffrey says. “I can’t sit still. If I’m not working with my hands, I start to get anxious.” His current project is his farmhouse in Berlin, Wisconsin, which he’s remodeling (next up: flooring) and figuring out along the way.

Before Kyle Radmer started as a full-time student at Fox Valley Technical College, he was already working to calm the nerves that come with starting something new. The summer before his first semester at FVTC, he enrolled in two courses; not to get ahead, but to adjust to college life. It was not the first

Margarita Velasco grew up in Fond du Lac and chose to build her life and career there. After starting in finance, Margarita returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a police officer. At FVTC, she earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice and immediately entered the FVTC Law Enforcement Recruit Academy, sponsored by

Career Program: Criminal JusticeOriginally From: North Fond du LacCurrent Residence: North Fond du LacYear Started at FVTC: Spring 2025 Why did you choose this career program? I was unhappy in my previous career and decided to make a change. Coming from a family of public servants, mostly firefighters, I felt the need to serve and after discussions with my family policing

On Friday, December 12, Fox Valley Technical College hosted its Winter 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton. Chris Dexter, a graduate of the part-time Associate Degree Nursing program, delivered the student commencement address. Kate Konen, Culinary Solutions Chef at Jones Dairy Farm delivered the community commencement address. Kate made FVTC

When Brynn Drexler walks into the toddler room at Fox Valley Technical College’s Parent Child Center, a dozen tiny faces light up. As an Assistant Teacher, she spends her days with one-year-olds eager to learn, play and grow. “I love watching them grow every single day,” she says. “Seeing them pick up something new—it’s amazing

When Chef Kate Konen moves to the podium to deliver her commencement address at FVTC’s 2025 Winter Commencement, she’ll likely feel a sense of déjà vu. Ten years ago, Kate stood at the same microphone. Back then, she was speaking as a student commencement speaker, addressing her fellow graduates. Kate has had a fulfilling career