Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
2022 – Tom Colbert
1986 CIS Programmer/Analysis Graduate
Tom Colbert is currently Kwik Trip’s IT director. He was chosen because of his community leadership and his commitment to Western—these features make him the perfect representative. He is a proud Western alum and is an effective advocate for technical education and the great value that Western provides to the community and region. He routinely encourages staff to visit Western’s campus, get involved in advisory boards, and provide internship opportunities for Western graduates.
Colbert is a 1986 graduate of Western’s CIS Programmer/Analysis program. He has spent nearly three decades at Kwik Trip, starting out as a developer. Since becoming IT director, Colbert has been a leader helping shape Kwik Trip as an industry leader in providing exceptional customer service. In 2017, he was recognized as the Convenience Store News Technology Leader of the Year. This award recognizes businesses or individuals that have extraordinary vision and innovation in technology solutions.
Western’s Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes dedicated service to the community or nation, leadership, personal growth, professional achievement, and contributions to the Western district.
Previous Recipients
- 2021 - Eric Chrisinger
- 2020 - Chad Wehrs
- 2019 - Mao Kong
- 2018 - Bernadine “Bernie” Hornby
- 2017 - Robert Abraham
- 2016 - Diane (Forde) Raaum
- 2015 - Kyle Bakkum
- 2014 - Jeff Wieser and Brian Wieser
- 2013 - Mary Jo Klos
- 2012 - Rose and Lester "Mike" Levendoski
- 2011 - Joel Guberud
- 2010 - Harold Coppernoll
- 2009 - Lisa Thill
- 2008 - Richard Westpfahl
- 2007 - Debra Lash
- 2005 - Richard Walz
- 2003 - Terry Rydberg and Keith Steenlage
- 2002 - Mike Sexauer and Kathy Foust
- 2001 - Jeff Komay and Cinda Vingers
- 2000 - Don Jobe and Lynn Smyrk
- 1999 - Kevin Kobishop and Karen Long
- 1998 - Karl "Butch" Halverson
- 1997 - Jim Timm
- 1996 - Dick Fox
If you would like more information about the past recipients please contact the Alumni Association at alumni@westerntc.edu or 608-789-6083.