Four inspiring graduate students share their experiences in Q&As
Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of nearly 130 Graduate Studies students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Dec. 20 ceremony, four were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud.
The graduates shared their university experiences, setbacks and successes in UW-Stout’s Inspiring Graduate Q&A series:
Hanahh Eggum , M.S. training and talent development, Wautoma and Menomonie
Zaid Abdullah, M.S. operations and supply management, Baghdad, Iraq, and Chippewa Falls
Ava Allroggen, M.S. clinical mental health counseling, Crystal, Minnesota
Karolyn Waldman, M.S. career and technical education, Prentice
Inspiring Graduate: Hanahh Eggum, M.S. Training & Talent Development
Eggum transferred to UW-Stout during her undergraduate years because it offered the only retail merchandising and management major in Wisconsin, which aligned with her career goals at the time. What she did not anticipate was how deeply UW-Stout would shape her personal and professional development, both while a student and after graduation.
Eggum earned her bachelor’s degree in 2019 and returned to UW-Stout to earn her master’s in training and talent development. She is now the orientation coordinator and project manager for the Dean of Students Office.
“This degree has allowed me to deepen my passion for student development, leadership, and creating meaningful and impactful learning experiences. I want to help create the same kind of welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment for future students that I was fortunate enough to experience myself,” she said.
With the Dean of Students Office, Eggum coordinates orientation programming and family events, trains and oversees student staff, and supports large-scale transition initiatives for new students and their families. She manages projects that strengthen communication, improve operational processes and enhance student experiences.
“At the heart of these responsibilities is my commitment to building community and ensuring that every new student who arrives at UW-Stout feels seen, supported and confident as they begin their journey,” she said.
Inspiring Graduate: Zaid Abdullah, M.S. Operations & Supply Management
As a procurement engineer at Automation Displays, Inc., in Eau Claire, Abdullah aims to continue growing in strategic supply chain management, operational excellence and process improvement roles and is committed to leveraging his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification to lead initiatives that eliminate waste, optimize operations and deliver measurable value to organizations.
“My goal is to bridge the gap between engineering and management, ensuring that processes are not only technically sound but also strategically aligned with business objectives. Ultimately, I want to contribute to building resilient, innovative and sustainable organizations that deliver value to their customers and communities,” he said.
Abdullah was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. At age 17, he qualified to work as an interpreter for the U.S. Army and Multinational Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2011, facilitating communication between U.S. military forces and Iraqi citizens. He also was a construction contractor, rebuilding barracks at the U.S. Embassy.
He moved to the United States in 2019 and became a U.S. citizen in May 2025. He was drawn to UW-Stout because of its reputation as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a strong emphasis on applied learning, hands-on experiences and industry-focused education.
“The polytechnic approach aligns perfectly with my career goals. UW-Stout blends classroom theory with hands-on, real-world application. The faculty, facilities, and collaborative environment have prepared me to make a meaningful impact with my master’s in operations and supply management,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Technology in Baghdad. He aspires to serve the community as an emergency medical responder, contributing to public safety and emergency preparedness.
Inspiring Graduate: Ava Allroggen, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
With the intention of becoming a therapist, Allroggen earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota-Morris in 2023. She studied psychology and human services, as well as philosophy. “I found that those ancient thinkers were counselors in their own right,” she said. “When I had my graduate interview with UW-Stout, I was blown away by the authenticity and passion for the field that I saw in the clinical mental health counseling faculty. I knew there was something different about this program and that I had to be a part of it.”
While working toward her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, Allrogen also studied abroad in Portugal, where she gained insight on substance use treatment and drug policy; was graduate assistant for the Student Counseling Center’s Wellness PROs (Peers Reaching Out), a peer health education program; and was named a 2025 Outstanding Student Leader of the Year for her outstanding leadership, involvement and service on campus.
“My goal is to become fully licensed, keep learning, and establish roots in the community. We are all searching for the good life. I intend to help people find it,” said Allroggen, who is interviewing for prelicensed counselor positions across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin.
During her graduate career at UW-Stout, Allroggen interned for both the UW-River Falls counseling center and Vance Creek Experiential Therapy, an equine therapy barn in Clayton.
“I learned so much from my supervisors and coworkers, but the people who taught me most were the clients,” she said. “Both sites completely rocked my understanding of therapy for the better, and I’m a better counselor as a result.”
Inspiring Graduate: Karolyn Waldman, M.S. Career & Technical Education
After earning her marketing and business education degree from UW-Stout in May 2019, Waldman wanted to further her education and returned to her alma mater for a master’s in career and technical education.
Waldman is a marketing and business teacher at Wausau West High School and serves as DECA & SBE (school-based enterprise) advisor, supporting students as they grow in their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills and more.
“I love teaching at the high school level because my students are discovering their passions and beginning to choose classes that will lead them down a career path. Any time I am able to assist a student in that journey feels successful,” she said.
Waldman said UW-Stout was her “obvious choice” to pursue a master’s degree because of the experience she had as an undergraduate. “I was lucky enough to even have some of the same professors that I knew from previous classes,” she said. “They go above and beyond. I am continuously impressed by how much they care about each and every one of their students.”
Earning a master’s degree was a challenge while working full-time, and Waldman said she’s proud of her achievement. “I was always extremely intimidated by the idea of a thesis, and therefore always ruled out the idea of a master’s degree,” she said. “I’m grateful for the additional education, the professors that supported me along the way and my time at UW-Stout.”
UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.
