Ben Rehme, journeyman tool and die maker at AriensCo in Brillion has been named the recipient of the Fox Valley Technical College 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award.

Ben earned an associate degree in Industrial Welding in 2012.

“In high school, I liked technical education classes but I didn’t necessarily like the format of school and didn’t know if I wanted to complete a certificate, technical diploma or full degree,” Ben recounts. “But once I was in the program at FVTC, my views on school changed and I fell in love with learning.”

After working in the welding field for a number of years, Ben returned to FVTC as a tool and die apprentice in the Machine Tool program. He credits both degrees with helping him tremendously as an employee of AriensCo.

“I started with the company after high school and I know I have a lot of opportunities in the future to grow professionally with the company,” Ben explains. “My diverse background and multiple degrees have helped me become a valuable asset for the company and allowed me to work with a large variety of people and divisions throughout Ariens in a leadership role.”

Ben was nominated by Steve Meyer, manager of STEM Education and Development on behalf of himself plus Jim Kitchen, department chair of Machine Tool Technology and Dave Fisher, instructor of Metal Fabrication and Welding.

In the nomination, Steve pointed out he’s known Ben for almost 20 years and was his high school Engineering teacher and club mentor.

“Ben represents everything we want in one of our graduates,” Steve says. “Ben is a tremendous young man with high character and he does a lot for his community. Ben loves FVTC and always advocates for our college.”

Not one to stop learning, Ben found himself back at FVTC in 2018 where he’s been taking firefighting classes while volunteering with the Brillion Fire Department. And it’s possible the college has not heard the last from Ben. If the opportunity ever presents itself, Ben would like to return as an instructor.

“I think this is pretty cool since around 10 years ago, I didn’t know if I was even going to go to college for more than my welding certificate,” Ben points out. “Taking classes at FVTC is fun and I enjoy learning about all sorts of different things. Hopefully, someday it will come full circle and I can work at FVTC also.”