Distinguished Alumni award 2002
2002 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Kathleen Foust
1968 Dental Assisting
WWTC, Program Head, Dental Assisting
Kathy originally began her career as an assistant for a local dentist, then was hired as a teaching assistant at WWTC in 1969. Her enjoyment in working with students led her to want to become a full-fledged teacher at the school. Her abilities were soon recognized and she was indeed hired as an instructor, and while working full-time and raising a family, earned her bachelors in 1979. Not an easy task, but she was determined to accomplish her goal. She became a highly respected instructor for she was caring and innovative in her teaching style, motivating her students to do their best, and was always looking for ways to update the program and keep current with new technologies. In 1998 she sought her Master's, again still working full-time, all the while still raising her children (two of whom are WWTC graduates) and being an asset to her college and community beyond the classroom through her participation on many, many internal committees and community volunteer work. One of her instructors in her Master's program told her she couldn't complete the program in one year, saying that he had never had a student do so. Not only did Kathy complete the program in one year, but she did it with a 4.0 GPA! In 2001, she became program head of Dental Assisting upon the retirement of Chris Ferguson. In addition to all of her professional successes, Kathy is well-known throughout the community and our school for her beautiful singing voice. She is also a very good sport...as evidenced by her cheerful participation in some of the more infamous Breakfast Classique performances.
Michael Sexauer
Badger Corrugating, Inc., President
When Mike's son, Jeff (who represents the fourth generation of Sexauers to graduate from WWTC) recently joined Badger, it hallmarked the fifth generation of Sexauers in the family business. Mike is a decorated military veteran, having received the Navy Star of Valor and the Purple Heart during the Vietnam War. The courage and discipline shown by Mike in service to his country are traits that have served him well in the business world. When his father retired in 1985, he assumed the leadership role as company president and today, Badger Corrugating is one of the most successful and longest-running family-owned businesses in the entire tri-state area. Badger's customer base now extends throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. During his tenure as President, the company has grown from 45 employees in 1985 to 130 today, many of whom are WWTC graduates. Mike and his wife, Kathryn, are also successful land developers in La Crosse and its surrounding areas, where they are known for their quality construction and design, professional integrity, and personal involvement in the community. Mike is quick to offer his support to civic organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Lions Club, the Boy Scouts, and his church. He is also the president of WWTC's Foundation Board of Directors and a generous contributor in many ways, all to the benefit of WWTC. As with Badger, his quiet leadership, astute judgment, and business acumen have been a driving force in the growth of the Foundation and he is appreciated and well liked by those who are fortunate to know him.
