JANESVILLE, Wis. — Blackhawk Technical College held two commencement ceremonies on May 16, celebrating more than 370 graduates at the Dream Center at Central Christian Church in Beloit.
“Graduates, when you walk across that stage, take this moment in. You have worked hard. You’ve faced every challenge thrown your way, and you have persevered,” Blackhawk President Tracy Pierner, Ph.D., said. ”Congratulations!”
The first ceremony, held at 9 a.m., recognized students graduating from programs within the college’s Business division and the Manufacturing, Automation, Technology and Transportation division. The second ceremony, held at 11:30 a.m., honored students from programs within the Health Science and Public Safety divisions.
Both events featured three speakers: Marcus Evans, Student of the Year; Mitch Ziolkowski, Faculty of the Year; and Joshua Pickering, Distinguished Alumni Speaker.
Evans, who is graduating with an associate degree in Hospitality Management, spoke about cherishing every chapter of life.
“The chapters that shaped us here—the people, the struggles, the achievements, and the memories—deserve to be cherished,’” Evans said. “Life rarely moves in straight lines. Instead, it unfolds chapter by chapter—some exciting, some uncertain, some joyful, and some difficult. Every single one shapes who we become.”
Ziolkowski shared a message about doing everything in life “more better.”
“Whatever you do next, whatever title you have, do it well and then do it more better,” he said. “People who focus on doing the present really well tend to be more successful personally and professionally than those looking to jump and climb.”
Pickering, chef and managing partner of Genisa Wine Bar and Jack & Jenny’s restaurants in Janesville, is the recipient of Blackhawk’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
“My encouragement for you as you begin this new chapter is not to rest behind that piece of paper. Take nothing for granted. Rather, continue to work hard. Continue to show up. Continue to learn. Continue to be coachable. Continue to put yourself out there,” Pickering said. “Your education does not end here. So, be different. Be unique.”
The event also included 10 Rock University High School students who earned their associate degrees through Blackhawk’s dual enrollment program: Nathan Baierl, Alexander Castellanos, Elinore Hammerstad, Nolan Krohn, Jacqueline Marquis, Natalia Mauer, Marelly Romero-Martinez, Amelia Sheridan, Jasmyn Vera and Ava Wawroski. There were also two RUHS students who earned technical diplomas: Trinity Fisher and Madelynn Wallace. These students will graduate from high school in June.
“I hope you are as proud of your accomplishment as we are of you. Today, we welcome you into our Blackhawk alumni family. Tomorrow starts a new challenge – a challenge to keep pushing yourself, keep growing, and your career will blossom,” Pierner told graduates at the conclusion of each ceremony.
About Blackhawk Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College, one of 16 colleges under the Wisconsin Technical College System, serves students and employers in Rock and Green counties with campuses in Janesville and Monroe, Wisconsin. The College has more than 6,000 credit and noncredit students enrolled in more than 70 programs. Based in Janesville, Wisconsin, it has provided education and training to area students and employers since 1912. Find out more at blackhawk.edu.
