Your Support Changes Lives

When Olha Vlodarchyk arrived in the United States, she carried with her not only the weight of a war-torn homeland but also the hope of building a better future for herself and her children. 

Olha’s journey began in 2023 with English language courses. Now, she plans to graduate from the Medical Assistant program in 2026 and eventually become a registered nurse. Olha has faced immense challenges—from navigating a new language and culture to balancing motherhood, work, and education. “The biggest challenge was studying medicine in English as a non-native speaker,” she says. Her perseverance paid off when she was named Student of the Year, a moment she describes as deeply emotional and affirming.

For Olha, receiving a scholarship was more than financial assistance, it was a message of hope. “You’re not just helping students financially,” she says to donors. “You’re giving people hope. You gave me a second chance at life.”

Olha envisions a future where she works in a clinic or medical office, combining patient care with administrative responsibilities. More importantly, she wants to set an example for her children—that even when life is upended, it’s possible to rebuild with courage and kindness.

“Nicolet College became the place where my new life began,” Olha says. “If you’re a staff member, instructor, or donor at Nicolet, please know this: you are changing lives. You changed mine.”

For Adam Carlson, learning has always been hands-on. Whether he’s maintaining vehicles as the fleet coordinator at a local camp or studying in Nicolet College’s Automotive Service Technician program, Adam is driven by curiosity and a deep desire to serve others. “Part of why I wanted to come here is to just gain more expertise and the official ways to do things, instead of just trying to figure it out myself,” Adam said. 

Adam enrolled at Nicolet College in fall 2024 and completed the Automotive Service Technician technical diploma at the end of 2025. He plans to continue his studies to earn another credential next year. 

Receiving scholarships from the Nicolet College Foundation has been a meaningful part of Adam’s journey. “Receiving scholarships means so much more than the financial benefit,” he said. “It means being able to know that I'm cared about, and that I'm worthy of being invested in. It's about our community and being part of it.”

Adam’s story is a testament to what happens when donors believe in students. Your support allows students like him to gain skills, serve their communities, and inspire others to do the same. “Your contributions are here and now,” Adam said. “But, also the ripple effect for years to come. Who knows what the ripple effect would be.”

Dwayne Marshall Muniz’s journey to Nicolet College is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation. Raised in Oklahoma in a home marked by addiction, Marshall’s early years were turbulent, with time in mental health facilities and finally in prison for 17 years. Even in prison, Marshall found something he longed for: a sense of family.

“I got out, and I came to a world that I didn’t know,” says Marshall. Marshall found companionship in a woman. Struggling through addiction together, they slept under bridges. “One day I woke up and at first, I thought she was just cold, so I covered her up and went back to sleep. And I woke back up and she was probably dead the whole time.” This tragedy broke him. “I was underneath rock bottom,” says Marshall, “and I should’ve been dead.” Eventually, after many attempts to end his life, Marshall gave up on giving up and began rebuilding his life. He found support in Narcotics Anonymous. “I would relapse, but they always brought me back with love.”

A new chapter began when he moved to Wisconsin with his now-wife. Marshall enrolled at Nicolet College and earned his High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), a goal he attempted multiple times in prison without success. Marshall continued to pursue a technical degree in welding, despite being legally blind in his left eye from an overdose-related stroke. His determination is paying off. He is now a two-time Dean’s List honoree and the recipient of three Nicolet College Foundation scholarships. “I don’t really know how to take it because I don’t understand it,” he said with emotion. “But it’s great.” 

Marshall received a Gas Metal Arc Welding certificating and a Welding/Maintenance & Fabrication degree in Spring 2025. He now has a full-time welding position, purchased a home, and is building a future for his wife and three stepsons that is filled with stability, pride, and purpose. “Everything is moving up in the world now,” says Marshall. “If it wasn’t for Nicolet, I wouldn’t be here.”

Dwayne Marshall Muniz is, and always will be, a valued member of the Nicolet College Foundation family.

Claire first enrolled at Nicolet College when she was 18, but soon realized she wasn’t ready for college life. She stepped away to work and gain life experience. A decade later, with new goals and fresh determination, she returned to Nicolet College with a clear vision for her future. “I was a little nervous about going back to school. I just needed a change in pace, and I wanted to do something different with my life,” she reflected. 

Claire is enrolled in the University Transfer program at Nicolet College and plans to double major in psychology and business administration at UW–Madison. “I want to open my own practice in the Northwoods because I think that there’s a big need for it. I just want to give back to the community that has given me so much.”

Claire credits the Nicolet College Foundation with making her return to college not only possible, but meaningful. “Cost is such a huge factor when you’re going back to school,” she said. “I am extremely grateful. It feels like an honor, like people care about you, and it makes a big difference.”

For Claire, returning to school is about gaining confidence, lifelong learning, and proving to herself that she could do it. “I feel more well-rounded, and I feel more educated on topics.” She added, “There’s a lot of support there, and they really want to help you succeed.” Your support sends a powerful message of encouragement. You help students like Claire take the leap and return to school, even when it’s difficult.