Spotlight on Success

The Rudolf Family
A Family Tradition Campaign

L to R: Lexi, Dan and Trisha Rudolf

With a strong belief in the quality of education at UW-Washington County, Dan Rudolf acknowledges that “UW-WC was a phenomenal investment in my future.” From his start at UW-WC (1984-1986), he went on to complete both a bachelor’s
and master’s degree and succeed in the business world. Today, he serves as Regional Operations Manager for First Supply (a plumbing and HVAC wholesale distributor serving the Midwest).

“The smaller class sizes and a more personal approach to a college education” are two factors Dan appreciated at UW-WC. “The education I received at UW-WC was as good as or better than UW-Milwaukee (UW-M), because of these reasons, he said. “It also set the foundation for my love of business.”

 A graduate of West Bend High School, Dan lived at home and worked full-time while attending college. “I had to pay for all my schooling and UW-WC allowed me to live at home and save the added costs of living in a dorm.” He still remembers having lunch with his friends in the cafeteria –“great food and student priced.”  He transferred to UW-M, where he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Marketing, as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

According to Dan, “You just can’t go wrong with an education at UW-WC. It is an excellent school,” he said.  Dan’s two daughters have apparently listened to their father as both have also chosen to get their start at UW-WC. Daughter Trisha, attended UW-WC from 2007 -2009, completing her first two years of college studies. Currently a student at UW-M, she is on track to graduate this December with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In addition to being a full-time student, she is also employed at Connect Cell in Grafton as a sales associate. Trisha echoes her father’s sentiment in that she was “able to save money while taking the required general education courses during her freshman and sophomore years.”  She also admits that “I wasn’t ready to move away from my family - so UW-WC was the perfect school.” 

In her first year at UW-WC, youngest daughter, Lexi plans to major in Nursing. Although she is unsure of her transfer plans, her goal is to become a NICU nurse. Also employed at Connect Cell in Jackson as a sales associate, Lexi appreciates attending a campus close to home. She is able to save money and still receive a “great education.”  Like her older sister, being close to family was an important factor in her decision.

The Rudolf family includes three other siblings: Katelyn (21), Macki (16) and Christian (9). Their mother, Cheryl, is Director of Children’s Ministry at St John’s Lutheran Church in West Bend. Dan is also active at St. John’s, having held many positions including past president of the Leadership Board. He is currently involved in the campus master plan addition and capital campaign at the parish.

Learn about our other families featured:
Wilke Family
Butschlick Family
Martin Family
Abulughod Family
Scott Gross & Candace Brace Families
Straub Family
Deiss Family
Donley Family
Dobson Family
Wiskirchen Family
Nienow Family