Fox Valley Technical College has named Microsoft MVP and Information Technology graduate Jes Borland its 2018 Alumni of the Year recipient.

Borland is a 2008 graduate of the college’s Software Developer program. Currently she serves as a field engineer for Microsoft after earning the company’s prestigious international MVP award. In this role, she provides support, training, and education to Microsoft’s premier customers.

Borland travels the globe while working from home, an arrangement that gives her the best of both worlds in terms of rewards and flexibility. She attests that such a level of career independence and impact is because of FVTC.

“Fox Valley Tech is a great fit financially, and its hands-on programming classes in Information Technology (IT) prepared me for a terrific career,” Borland says. Her career path caught the eyes of many in the local industry, including Doug Waterman, dean of the college’s IT division.

“Jes is a shining example of the success our students can attain in IT,” notes Waterman. "In addition to her technical skills, she gives numerous lectures to companies, demonstrating a well-rounded set of skills that she learned at Fox Valley Tech.”

Waterman stated that only about 4,000 people worldwide earn a Microsoft MVP award each year. The accomplishment, along with Borland’s passion toward helping others learn about technology, were instrumental factors in her earning the alumni award.

When asked about what the outstanding alumni of the year award means to her, Borland humbly said with tears, “I wouldn’t be where I am at without Fox Valley Technical College. The critical thinking skills and working together on teams complemented my knowledge of technology, enabling me to work confidently and efficiently.”

The FVTC Outstanding Alumni of the Year award annually recognizes a deserving alumnus who has completed an FVTC associate degree, technical diploma, or apprentice program. The recipient is selected for his or her value of technical education through:

• Career advancement 
• Community service 
• Continued personal and educational growth 
• Support of the Wisconsin Technical College System
• Success within his or her career field

Read more about Jes’ career pathway >>