Congratulations CVTC Graduates!
Student StoriesCelebrating our Graduates
For Thomas Sabelko, learning has always meant figuring things out through hands-on experience. Homeschooled in Eau Claire, he grew up exploring beyond textbooks, which made Chippewa Valley Technical College's Automation Engineering Technology program a natural fit. His decision to attend CVTC was also shaped by family—both parents attended the college, and his dad, a graduate who works at Cascades Tissue Group, now serves on the program's advisory board. With multiple relatives having worked at Cascades, Sabelko is proud to continue the family legacy when he starts his new job there in January after graduating in December. For Sabelko, CVTC's hands-on learning, affordability, and strong career outcomes made the choice easy. "Automation is for people who never want to stop learning," he said. "I'm excited and ready to get started."
–Thomas, Automation Engineering Technology
Student StoriesCelebrating our Graduates
When 36-year-old Krista Harel walks across the stage at CVTC's December 11 graduation, she won't just receive her High School Equivalency Diploma, she'll celebrate a hard-won belief in herself. Harel earned her HSED this summer while serving time in the Chippewa County Jail, one of 10 students in area jails to do so through a partnership between Literacy Chippewa Valley and Chippewa Valley Technical College. Growing up in Chippewa Falls, Harel struggled in school, left at 18 when she became pregnant, and spent years battling mental health challenges, substance use, and instability. Jail became a turning point. She attended HSED classes where supportive instructors and classmates helped her regain confidence. "They made me believe I could," she said. Now released, Harel is maintaining sobriety, exploring further education with help from a CVTC Foundation scholarship, and preparing to graduate, knowing her late mother would be proud.
–Krista, High School Equivalency Diploma
Student StoriesCelebrating our Graduates
After heartache, perseverance and a previous teaching career, Sean Mormino will receive a nursing degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College during commencement on Thursday, Dec. 11. During his first three semesters, he lost several close family members, and between his third and fourth semesters, he underwent brain surgery for a venous malformation. Just seven weeks later, he returned to finish his final semester. "Every semester, there was grief," he said. "If I can do it, anyone can." Originally from the Cleveland area, Mormino earned a biology degree and worked in environmental education before deciding nursing was his true path, inspired especially by his mother, a longtime nurse. CVTC's hands-on learning, small cohorts, and affordability drew him to the River Falls campus, where he immediately felt called to labor and delivery. He credits his partner, classmates, and instructors for helping him succeed. As he graduates, he's focused on a future in women's health and possibly teaching the next generation of nurses.
–Sean, Nursing
Student StoriesCelebrating our Graduates
Nicole Bateson will graduate from Chippewa Valley Technical College this month as a registered nurse — an achievement shaped by a challenging year. The 34-year-old from Chippewa Falls has been the primary support for a family member struggling with mental health. Still, she was determined to finish her nursing degree in River Falls, balancing classes, clinicals and long commutes. Bateson said CVTC instructors offered support and flexibility when possible while still maintaining high academic standards. She's grateful for both the compassion and the expectations. During clinicals, she often heard that CVTC students arrive confident and prepared. She also appreciated the encouragement within her cohort. As Bateson crosses the stage at commencement, she does so with pride, resilience, and confidence in the career she's ready to begin.
–Nicole, Nursing
You’re Looking at a College Grad!
As a CVTC graduate, you are among a community of alumni that is over 30,000 strong. Stay connected after graduation by attending events, sharing your story, becoming a mentor, or simply receiving our alumni newsletter.
And So the Adventure Begins
It has been an absolute honor to be your educators and staff during your time at CVTC. We look forward to your success and future endeavors. You made the right choice when starting here, and we can only hope this has opened doors to many more excellent choices in the future.
In good health and education!
The CVTC Team