From the moment Marrissa stepped foot on the UW-Stout Polytechnic campus, she discovered an environment where she could learn at her own pace, feel supported and explore new possibilities. The university’s approachable campus size and welcoming atmosphere allowed her to pursue her degree with confidence, while its polytechnic approach introduced her to new ways of thinking about her future. “I was able to commute to campus and the smaller campus helped keep my anxiety low,” Marrissa says. “It also gave me a unique perspective on my degree program, exceeding my expectations.”
Marrissa’s experience reflects the power of a UW-Stout Polytechnic education to open unexpected doors. She began her journey pursuing a degree in Business Administration with plans to work in management and eventually start her own business. But through hands-on coursework, her path shifted.
After taking her first engineering technology and risk management courses, Marrissa discovered a new passion. She deepened that interest by serving as an assistant instructor for the summer STEAM camp, where she helped introduce young students to hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. “My focus completely changed,” she explains. “I found that my interest in safety and woodworking was growing into something I wanted to pursue as a career.”
At Stout, Marrissa found the support systems needed to navigate that transition. As a military veteran, she relied on educational benefits and financial aid to pursue her degree, while also benefiting from robust student support services that provided academic guidance and resources that strengthened her success and confidence throughout her journey.
Marrissa’s experience highlights UW-Stout Polytechnic’s commitment to applied learning and real-world engagement. In a design for industry course, she partnered with a local kindergarten class to design and build a custom wooden toy. Using ash wood sourced locally and incorporating 3D-printed elements, she created a tow truck tailored to her young client’s vision. Delivering the finished product became one of her most meaningful moments at Stout. “That project was the most stressful and fulfilling thing I’ve done,” she says.
Her learning extended into the business world as well. In a professional selling course, Marrissa collaborated with classmates to present a sales pitch to regional executives, professionals who regularly evaluate real proposals. This experience not only strengthened her communication and presentation skills but also provided valuable networking opportunities and insight into industry expectations.
Marrissa’s dedication to excellence is evident in her academic achievements. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and earned perfect scores on both of her capstone projects, an accomplishment her professors describe as rare. From a comprehensive strategic analysis to a polished sales presentation, she demonstrated the depth of knowledge and professionalism UW-Stout Polytechnic students bring into the workforce.
Marrissa's journey was shaped by robust student support services and a vibrant campus community that exemplify the value of Stout investing in the holistic student experience. As a commuting student, she was drawn to UW-Stout Polytechnic's welcoming and accessible environment, where meaningful connections with faculty, peers and campus resources fostered a strong sense of belonging. This supportive community encouraged her to explore new interests, develop leadership and teamwork skills and uncover a passion she had not initially envisioned.
Through these experiences, Marrissa gained the confidence, purpose and real-world skills that prepared her for success in an evolving career path and empowered her to reach her full potential. “UW-Stout Polytechnic gave me the real-world skills and confidence I needed to succeed,” Marrissa says. “I’m incredibly proud to be part of this community.”
Marrissa's story illustrates the transformative impact of philanthropic support on the student experience. Through the generosity of donors to the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association and support of the #StoutProud Fund, students gain access to the resources, opportunities and support systems that make a life-changing education possible. Your investment removes barriers to a polytechnic education, strengthens individualized student support, fuels academic innovation and success, creates dynamic living and learning spaces and sustains a vibrant campus life.
For Marrissa, that support helped create an environment where she could explore new interests, shift her path with confidence and fully engage in meaningful, real-world learning. It ensured she had access not only to financial assistance but also to the guidance, encouragement and opportunities that allowed her to thrive academically and personally.
Support from donors goes beyond funding; it opens doors. It empowers students to take risks, discover new passions and build the skills and confidence needed to succeed, while equipping faculty and staff with the resources to innovate, teach and support students at the highest level. Because of this generosity, more students like Marrissa can turn uncertainty into purpose and graduate prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.
Your gift to UW-Stout Polytechnic provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community by removing financial barriers to a UW-Stout Polytechnic 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.
