Blackhawk Technical College held two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, celebrating more than 250 graduates at the Dream Center at Central Christian Church in Beloit.
“Today, we take time out, to pause, reflect and acknowledge everything you have done that has brought you to this day,” Dr. Tracy Pierner, Blackhawk’s President, said.”Over the past few years, you adapted, you persevered, and you worked hard. Put simply–you did it! Well done.”
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.
The 9 a.m. event featured three speakers: Rebecca Barnett, Student Speaker; Melissa Dix, Faculty of the Year; and Brandon Giles, Distinguished Alumni Speaker. Barnett and Giles also shared remarks during the second ceremony.
Barnett spoke about her choice to be vulnerable and face uncertainty as she attended Blackhawk.
“One of the most pivotal steps in my journey was moving away from Tennessee and everything I knew in December of 2021. It was a moment of uncertainty, but it also gave me a chance to redefine my life. Before I moved, I visited with my Aunt Robin, who gave me advice that has long stayed with me: ‘It’s okay to be scared. But don’t worry about starting a new chapter; it’s okay to write a whole new volume,’” said Barnett, who is graduating with two associate degrees - one in Substance Use Disorder Counseling and the other in Human Services.
Dix said, “One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others is a curious mind and a willingness to keep asking questions.”
Brandon Giles, Director of Laboratory, Respiratory, Sleep, and EEG at Beloit Health System, is the recipient of Blackhawk’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He currently has his master’s degree from George Washington University and works for Beloit Health System.
“This is more than a graduation. This is a launching pad. A threshold. A celebration of resilience, vision, and the promise of what's next,” Giles said.”In 2013, I graduated from Blackhawk Technical College. That experience didn’t just give me knowledge—it gave me confidence. It gave me a foundation. Blackhawk was the place where I began to believe that I could go further.”
The event also included five Rock University High School students who earned their associate degrees through Blackhawk’s dual enrollment program. Ray Gilley, Ivory Christianson, Jaxon Matthess, Lillian Wallace and Max Latka will graduate from high school in June.
“I hope you are as proud of your accomplishment as we are of yours. Today we welcome you into our family of alumni of Blackhawk Technical College and celebrate you. Tomorrow starts a new challenge–a challenge to keep pushing yourself–and keep developing,” Dr. Pierner told graduates at the conclusion of each ceremony.
About the speakers
Rebecca Barnett, Student Speaker
Rebecca Barnett, who is graduating with degrees in Substance Use Disorder Counseling and Human Services, has served as the Blackhawk Ambassador to the Wisconsin Technical College System and president of the Student Government Association. She also has served as the Student Representative to Blackhawk’s District Board, works as a Peer Advisor, and has been the treasurer of Blackhawk’s Multi-Cultural Alliance and Phi Theta Kappa chapters.
When asked about her drive to take on so much, Rebecca reflects on her mental health struggles that have altered her perspective. Every opportunity she encounters is a privilege, she said.
Rebecca graduated from Union County High School in Maynardville, Tennessee, and moved with her children to Wisconsin in 2021 to be closer to her father and stepmother. After her own graduation, Rebecca plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to pursue a degree in Community Engagement and Education. She hopes to one day work in higher education and work to advocate for special needs families and transgender youth.
Melissa Dix, 2025 Faculty of the Year
Since 2019, Melissa Dix has led the Web Software Developer program at Blackhawk Technical College, bringing curiosity and collaboration to the classroom. She helps students become strong programmers who can also communicate their ideas clearly.
“Many people can write code,” she said. “But true impact comes from being able to communicate the ‘why’ behind the work.”
Melissa is passionate about making technology more inclusive and helping students build confidence.
“Technology can have a powerful impact when paired with creativity and good intention,” she said.
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2021, completing a degree she began in 1993. Before joining Blackhawk, she worked in programming, marketing, and digital media roles at Beloit College.
Originally from Rockford, Illinois, she lives in Beloit with her husband and four children.
Brandon Giles, Distinguished Alumni of the Year
Brandon Giles, Director of Laboratory, Respiratory, Sleep, and EEG at Beloit Health System, is the recipient of Blackhawk’s Distinguished Alumni Award, which honors an outstanding Blackhawk graduate who has demonstrated the value of a technical college education through career accomplishments, community service, continued personal and educational growth, and support of the technical college system.
After earning an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technician from Blackhawk in 2013, Brandon began his career at Beloit Health System as a Bench Technician. He was promoted to Laboratory Information System (LIS) Coordinator in 2015, and in 2022, he advanced to Director of Laboratory, Respiratory, Sleep, and EEG, overseeing the lab and three other departments. A lifelong Beloit resident, Brandon was born in the very hospital where he now works.
After the class work was done, Brandon did his clinical work at Beloit Health System before graduating in May 2013. Since then, he has kept learning. In 2018, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Weber State through an online program. Then in 2021, he completed a master’s degree program through George Washington University.
Commencement speakers: Tracy Pierner, President; Cheyenne Spade, National Anthem Singer; Avery Bohm, WTCS State Ambassador; Rebecca Barnett, Student Speaker; Melissa Dix, Faculty of the Year; and Brandon Giles, Distinguished Alumni of the Year.
Commencement Ceremony #1
Commencement Ceremony #2