For Dr. Eun Joo Lee, the power of UW-Stout’s polytechnic advantage has always been clear.
“UW-Stout nurtures learners into confident professionals, with skills and experiences that position our students to thrive professionally,” says Lee, who is a professor and graduate program director for the food science and technology program. Lee is also the Evelyn Van Donk Steenbock Endowed Chair.
“My field is inherently hands-on and solving problems," says Lee. “From the moment I learned about UW-Stout, I was especially impressed by how intentionally the university prioritizes student success and industry relevant education. I immediately saw how deeply the polytechnic mission is lived here.”
Faculty-driven innovation is at the heart of UW-Stout. Dr. Lee’s mentorship and teaching stretches beyond the classroom and laboratories. Students learn to ask scientific questions, solve complex problems, communicate findings, navigate challenges and build the confidence and knowledge essential for careers in research, product development and food quality assurance.
“Experiential learning isn’t optional at Stout - it’s who we are,” Lee says. “Our students learn best by doing, and this campus is designed to support exactly that.”
Her students echo this sentiment. Many who walk into her lab for the first time unsure of their abilities leave as confident, capable scientists.
“One of my favorite moments was watching students use equipment made possible through philanthropic support to conduct advanced food analysis for the first time,” Lee recalls. “Their confidence grew immediately. Several went on to present their research nationally, secure internships, scholarships and fulltime positions because they could demonstrate real technical experience.”
Dr. Eun Joo Lee’s story is a powerful example of what happens when dedicated faculty members engage students in a university built around academic innovation and success, dynamic living and learning spaces, robust individualized student support and driven to remove barriers to a polytechnic education and sustain a vibrant campus life designed for growth of our students, faculty and staff.
Philanthropic support of the StoutProud Fund through the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association strengthens the heart of UW-Stout’s polytechnic mission. Philanthropy empowers faculty like Dr. Lee to continue inspiring the next generation of leaders: students who will carry their skills, confidence and purpose far beyond campus.
Your gift to support UW-Stout provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community, like Annika 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.
