Blackhawk Technical College held two commencement ceremonies on May 16, celebrating more than 370 graduates at the Dream Center at Central Christian Church in Beloit.
“Graduates, when you walk across that stage, take this moment in. You have worked hard. You’ve faced every challenge thrown your way, and you have persevered,” Blackhawk President Tracy Pierner, Ph.D., said. ”Congratulations!”
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.
Both events featured three speakers: Marcus Evans, Student of the Year; Mitch Ziolkowski, Faculty of the Year; and Joshua Pickering, Distinguished Alumni Speaker.
Evans, who is graduating with an associate degree in Hospitality Management, spoke about cherishing every chapter of life.
“The chapters that shaped us here—the people, the struggles, the achievements, and the memories—deserve to be cherished,’” Evans said. “Life rarely moves in straight lines. Instead, it unfolds chapter by chapter—some exciting, some uncertain, some joyful, and some difficult. Every single one shapes who we become.”
Ziolkowski shared a message about doing everything in life “more better.”
“Whatever you do next, whatever title you have, do it well and then do it more better,” he said. “People who focus on doing the present really well tend to be more successful personally and professionally than those looking to jump and climb.”
Pickering, chef and managing partner of Genisa Wine Bar and Jack & Jenny’s restaurants in Janesville, is the recipient of Blackhawk’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
“My encouragement for you as you begin this new chapter is not to rest behind that piece of paper. Take nothing for granted. Rather, continue to work hard. Continue to show up. Continue to learn. Continue to be coachable. Continue to put yourself out there,” Pickering said. “Your education does not end here. So, be different. Be unique.”
The event also included 10 Rock University High School students who earned their associate degrees through Blackhawk’s dual enrollment program: Nathan Baierl, Alexander Castellanos, Elinore Hammerstad, Nolan Krohn, Jacqueline Marquis, Natalia Mauer, Marelly Romero-Martinez, Amelia Sheridan, Jasmyn Vera and Ava Wawroski. There were also two RUHS students who earned technical diplomas: Trinity Fisher and Madelynn Wallace. These students will graduate from high school in June.
“I hope you are as proud of your accomplishment as we are of you. Today, we welcome you into our Blackhawk alumni family. Tomorrow starts a new challenge – a challenge to keep pushing yourself, keep growing, and your career will blossom,” Pierner told graduates at the conclusion of each ceremony.
About the speakers
Marcus Evans, WTCS State Ambassador and Student of the Year
Marcus Evans is Blackhawk Technical College's new Student Ambassador for the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). As part of this leadership program, he represents Blackhawk at the state level, participates in events over the next year, and joins a network of ambassadors dedicated to advocacy for technical education.
Evans, a Hospitality Management program student from Freeport, Illinois, became a Business Professionals of America (BPA) member during the 2023-2024 school year. He became BPA president in 2024-2025 and currently continues this role as well as being a state-level leader as president of the BPA Wisconsin organization for 2025-2026.
Evans has a newborn daughter, who he says is his greatest blessing. His many activities include working as a substitute teacher, line cook and youth basketball coach.
Evans already has a Culinary Arts degree and is graduating with another degree in Hospitality Management. He plans to return again to take education courses.
Mitch Ziolkowski, 2026 Faculty of the Year
Blackhawk Technical College's Faculty of the Year award goes to Criminal Justice Instructor Mitch Ziolkowski, known to students as Mr. Z.
Ziolkowski, who grew up in Wisconsin Rapids, is the lead faculty member for the Criminal Justice Studies program and the advisor for the Criminal Justice Association student group.
He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice theory from University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a criminal justice emphasis and a minor in psychology from Winona State University. He also graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Academy at Western Technical College in Sparta.
He joined the Viroqua Police Department in 2006. In 2011, Ziolkowski took a position at the Verona Police Department. He began working part-time at Blackhawk in 2017 and became full-time in 2018. In 2021, he joined the Evansville Police Department as a part-time officer.
Ziolkowski and his family live in Evansville. The family enjoys camping, kayaking, fishing and hunting.
Joshua Pickering, Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
Joshua Pickering is the recipient of Blackhawk Technical College’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes a graduate who exemplifies the value of a technical college education through leadership, creativity, community involvement, professional commitment, and a reflection of the broader community.
Pickering graduated from Blackhawk Technical College’s Culinary Arts program in 2010 and has built an accomplished career in the restaurant industry. His journey has taken him through Madison, Lake Geneva and Chicago, including time at the Michelin-starred Spiaggia where, as a cook, he helped cater the prestigious James Beard Awards. Now back in his hometown of Janesville, Pickering is the chef and managing partner of Genisa Wine Bar and Jack & Jenny’s restaurants.
Pickering is active with Forward Janesville and the downtown business association. He also serves on Blackhawk’s Culinary and Hospitality Management advisory committees. Outside of the restaurants, he enjoys running marathons and triathlons as well as rooting for the Cubs with his wife and four small children.
Commencement speakers included: Tracy Pierner, President; LaFonda Richardson, Wisconsin Student Government Association President; Cassie Hartje, National Anthem Singer; Marcus Evans, WTCS State Ambassador and Student of the Year; Mitch Ziolkowski, Faculty of the Year; and Joshua Pickering’10, Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.