“UW‑Stout has helped me discover what I love, what I’m capable of and the kind of engineer and person I want to become,” says Molly, a dual major in mechanical engineering and plastics engineering.
When Molly began exploring colleges, she knew she wanted a place where she could learn by doing. UW-Stout immediately stood out. Its applied polytechnic approach, the welcoming feel of a small town and the sense of community she felt on her first visit all pointed her in the right direction.
She arrived planning to study mechanical engineering, but Stout’s interdisciplinary learning environment quickly opened the door to something even bigger.
During her first year, she discovered plastics engineering and realized how much she loved the intersection of materials, manufacturing and problem solving. Adding plastics as a second major became one of the best decisions she ever made.
“Learning in the labs, working on the equipment, troubleshooting real processes and experimenting with different materials has clarified my career path,” she says. “That’s how I discovered my passion for injection molding and medical manufacturing.”
That discovery shaped her future. Today, Molly is working toward becoming a process engineer in medical injection molding, a field where precision, innovation and outcomes come together. Her dreams are bold and they are within reach because of the support she has received along the way.
Building on her academic success, Molly also worked as an undergraduate research assistant studying the degradability of Polyactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic. The applied research experience strengthened her technical skills, deepened her interest in sustainability and gave her confidence that she could make a meaningful impact on the greater world.
Philanthropy has been woven into every chapter of Molly’s story. It eased financial barriers, it allowed her to stay fully engaged in her academics, research and extracurriculars. It gave her the confidence to step into professional spaces with expertise and it opened doors she never expected.
Outside the classroom, Molly found joy in the vibrant campus that feels like home. Through campus activities, volunteering in the greater Menomonie community and competing on the tennis and basketball teams, she built connections that made her feel part of the #StoutProud community and fueled her desire to give back to the place that has given her so much.
When Molly talks about UW-Stout, she lights up. She speaks about the people, the applied learning, the supportive environment, the modern labs and spaces that promote discovery and the vibrant campus life that helped her build belonging and confidence.
“I am grateful for the many amazing experiences I’ve had through UW-Stout,” Molly says. “From the opportunities in the labs to the courts, experiences I never imagined before coming to UW-Stout.”
For Molly, UW‑Stout is more than a university. It’s a #StoutProud community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors who believe in her potential. Their support has opened doors, removed barriers and gave her experiences that shaped her into the engineer and person she is becoming.
Your gift to UW-Stout creates opportunities for students like Molly by removing barriers to a polytechnic education, providing robust individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning environments and enriching a vibrant campus life – all that encompasses a UW-Stout, polytechnic education.
Philanthropy provides the flexible resources needed to ensure UW‑Stout continues to advance, preparing students to make an impact in industry, in their communities and in the world.
Your gift to support UW-Stout provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community 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.
