IMPACT MAGAZINE
Fall 2026
Built on Their Own Terms
Learn How Five WCTC Alums Forged Their Paths to Business Ownership
Sweet by Design
How Two Degrees Led a WCTC Alumna to Run a Thriving Bakery
Finding the Tools for Success
The Dream of Business Ownership Came True Faster Than He Expected
Meeting Market Demand
How a WCTC Alum Adapted and Built a Digital Agency
Protecting Business Networks with Precision
Military Adaptability Defines This WCTC Alum's Approach to Cybersecurity
From Corporate Career to Vintage Shop Owner
She Invested in Herself and is Reaping the Rewards
A Message from the WCTC President
In higher education, sometimes we get so focused on what students should be learning, that we lose perspective on the amazing things that our students will do upon graduation. I am reminded of this almost every day throughout Wisconsin when I meet WCTC alumni. In addition to driving our economy in the traditional ways, our graduates are also phenomenally successful as business owners and entrepreneurs.
One of the reasons for the success of our alumni in business and entrepreneurship is because many of them, while WCTC students, are heavily involved in operating one of our internal business functions, like our restaurant or salon. These internal businesses are responsible for generating their own revenue and covering their expenses. This is not an accident, as we know there is no substitute for the “real world.” At WCTC, we believe the world of work that our graduates will experience must exist within the walls of the College every day.
This is not fiction; it is an intentional approach to delivering the best workforce for southeast Wisconsin and our commitment to community and economic prosperity.
Thank you for your support of WCTC.
- Richard Barnhouse, Ph.D.
VIDEOS
Check out our Impact playlist on YouTube to find all our great stories in one place!
Find More WCTC Impact
Check out past WCTC Impact issues and view or download the magazine in PDF form.
Get this issue of WCTC Impact in PDF form!
WCTC Impact is published twice a year for the communities of Waukesha County Technical College.
This publication is designed to showcase stories of how our graduates, students, instructors, and community and business partners strive to make a difference in the world around them, and how WCTC has propelled them to succeed. WCTC Impact highlights the latest happenings, chnges and improvements at the College, and it shines a light on student and alumni achievement.
PRESIDENT - Richard Barnhouse, Ph.D.
CHIEF EXTERNAL RELATIONS
& MARKETING OFFICER - Andy Palen
DIRECTOR, COLLEGE MARKETING - Liz Paulsen
EDITOR/WRITER - Shelly Nelson
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER - Amanda Urish
WRITER - Kenneth Harris
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER - Jordan Johnson
CONTRIBUTORS - Zoe Moraites
Natasha Krasotin